Secret Level Proposed a Halo and Doom Crossover to Microsoft, But It Was Declined

I can vividly recall the moment I first caught wind of Xbox’s plans for a Halo TV series. I’m not talking about the announcement from Paramount, but way back in 2013 when the buzz was that Steven Spielberg might direct it. Yeah, we’re talking a good decade ago.

This was back at the dawn of the Xbox One era, where the big pitch was “everything you love in one box.” Halo’s TV adaptation seemed like the next logical step in Microsoft’s quest to merge gaming with broader entertainment content.

Fast forward through years of, “It’s coming, we promise,” and Halo devotees finally had something to set their sights on with Master Chief’s small-screen debut—only to find the spirit of the franchise lost in translation. What viewers got instead was a show that not only overlooked the essence of the beloved game but also stumbled as a sci-fi offering.

When I learned the pivotal helmet was coming off, it felt like hearing the unsettling thud of Plasma Grenades somewhere far off. Canon elements were either overlooked or altered, culminating in an odd love interest scenario that was definitely not Cortana. You’d think nailing the distinct dynamics and atmosphere of Halo would be a no-brainer, which made the news that followed even more baffling.

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In a twist, Microsoft seemed uninterested, as revealed in an interview by Collider with Tim Miller and Dave Wilson, the creative minds behind the new animated series Secret Level. For those not in the know, Secret Level is an anthology featuring animated stories from fifteen different video games, emerging with titles like Pac-Man, Warhammer, and Sifu in the debut season. Yet, conspicuously absent were iconic favorites like Halo.

When pressed about pursuing particular games, Miller shared his frustrations, “People online say, ‘Why on earth Spelunky over Halo?’ But I wish they realized we did try talking to Halo,” he expressed. It seems the showrunners made an earnest attempt.

Wilson lent his voice, too, mentioning their close ties with folks at Microsoft. “Both Tim and I dreamed of creating something beyond what’s available in games, like crossovers. We dreamt up a Master Chief/Doom Slayer crossover, and I poured a weekend into pitching this heartfelt vision,” Wilson stated. Yet, the answer was simply, “Nah.”

Wait, Microsoft said what? Here were creators passionate about Halo and Doom, backed by an experienced studio like Blur Studios, and the pitch was turned down? Not making sense.

I mean, I get it. After the laborious effort to bring the Halo show to fruition only for it to stumble so dramatically, maybe there’s some hesitation. Yet, could it have ended up worse than the Paramount version?

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In light of Halo’s rocky release and job cuts at 343 Industries, it’s evident that Halo could use a win. Even if a Halo and Doom crossover garnered mixed reviews, it would arguably outshine Paramount’s attempt. Perhaps the concern was that letting another team succeed could strain Microsoft’s delicate ties with Paramount post-Halo’s fall from grace.

Could Microsoft afford to let another team savor success within the Halo universe? It’s a tricky situation; collaboration with Amazon on Fallout and Netflix’s plans for Gears of War showcases other fruitful prospects yet to be fully explored.

No one wants to sour ties with partners that could be crucial down the line. Despite the lukewarm reception of Master Chief’s recent escapade, it’s key to recognize Paramount’s ability to handle video game adaptations—take Sonic, for instance. Stick to what makes the source material tick, and you have a recipe for triumph. Gamers aren’t some enigma.

Had Microsoft greenlit the crossover, Paramount might have seen it as an acknowledgment of the shortcomings of their series. Admittedly, it’s a bizarre scenario, but companies have halted projects over more trivial grievances before. Remember that moment when Disney and Sony nearly canceled the wildly popular Spider-Man series?

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Ultimately, it boils down to what fans truly deserve: a stellar experience. Imagine the thrill of seeing the Doom Slayer and Master Chief battling the flood-defiled demons to rescue humanity. The script practically writes itself! Just picture Chief uttering, “I need a weapon,” only for Doomguy to hand over a BFG with a knowing look.

Post-battle, one returns to HQ while the other slips into cryo-sleep, quipping, “Wake me when you need me.” Penning this fan fiction brings into focus what could have been. Is it too late to rally Microsoft for a second season nod? At least on the bright side, Halo Infinite’s story isn’t too shabby.

What’s your take? Feel free to chime in here or on social media. I’ll be keeping an eye out for responses and loving every chance to dive into discussions. Like me, you might find yourself dreaming up epic scenarios with the kind of dialogue that hits all the right notes.