The failed TV adaptation of Halo hasn’t deterred Microsoft from pursuing more video game-inspired content. According to Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, fans can expect a growing slate of future adaptations drawn from its vast portfolio of games.
Spencer shared his insights with Variety ahead of the theatrical release of A Minecraft Movie, the highly anticipated big-screen adaptation of the beloved sandbox game starring Jack Black. The film represents another major step in Microsoft’s push into film and television, following the critical and commercial success of Fallout on Prime Video—so successful, in fact, that Season 2 is already in development.
While Halo's TV run ended after two poorly received seasons, Spencer emphasized that the experience was instructive. Microsoft has taken those lessons to heart and is now more confident than ever in its ability to bring gaming worlds to life beyond the screen.
“We’re learning and growing through this process, which is giving us more confidence that we should do more,” Spencer said. “We learned from doing Halo. We learned from doing Fallout. So all of these build on themselves. And obviously we’ll have a couple that miss. But what I’d say to the Xbox community that likes this work is, ‘You’re going to see more, because we’re gaining confidence and we’re learning through this.’”
The spotlight now turns to what could be next. Back in 2022, Netflix announced plans for both a live-action Gears of War film and an animated series. Since then, updates have been scarce—though actor Dave Bautista has publicly campaigned to play Marcus Fenix, reigniting fan interest.
Upcoming Video Game Movies and TV Shows: 2025 and Beyond
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With Fallout proving that post-apocalyptic worlds can thrive on screen, could Prime Video be eyeing another epic fantasy adaptation? A The Elder Scrolls or Skyrim series might be a natural fit—though Amazon may feel its fantasy bases are already covered with The Rings of Power and The Wheel of Time.
Sony’s surprise hit Gran Turismo showed that even racing games can find cinematic success. That raises the possibility of a Forza Horizon movie under Microsoft’s banner. The studio owns Activision Blizzard, opening the door for long-rumored projects like a Call of Duty film or a fresh take on Warcraft.
In his book Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment, journalist Jason Schreier revealed that Activision Blizzard had previously developed Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo series for Netflix—projects that ultimately stalled. With Microsoft at the helm, there’s renewed hope these could be revived.
On the family-friendly front, Microsoft now controls Crash Bandicoot—a character ripe for an animated movie or series, especially in the wake of Super Mario Bros. and Sonic’s big-screen success. Meanwhile, Fable, set for a major reboot in 2026, could also be primed for a companion adaptation.
And what about Halo? Given its importance to Xbox, a return—this time as a high-budget film—could be on the table.
Microsoft’s competitors are already deep in the game. Sony has scored with Uncharted, HBO’s The Last of Us, and Twisted Metal, with Helldivers 2, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Ghost of Tsushima adaptations in motion. The God of War series is confirmed for two seasons.
Nintendo, meanwhile, holds the crown for the most successful video game film to date: The Super Mario Bros. Movie. A sequel is in development, along with a live-action Legend of Zelda adaptation.
As Microsoft continues to learn and evolve, one thing is clear: the era of Xbox-inspired cinema and television is just beginning.
