Microsoft joins forces with Spielberg for live ‘Halo’ TV series as it unveils Xbox One

Microsoft has announced that it will be partnering with film legend Steven Spielberg to create a live TV series for Xbox based on the popular game Halo.

“Halo has always been more than a game,” said Bonnie Ross from 343 Industries when she announced the show at the Xbox One launch, which is expected to reshape the connectivity of the living room entirely.

Spielberg, who will be the executive producer of the new series, added that the Halo universe is “an amazing opportunity to be at that intersection where technology and myth-making meet to produce something truly groundbreaking.”

Microsoft’s Xbox One console aims to integrate TV, internet and gaming – bringing a new level of connectivity to households, including live TV, video on-demand, the ability to make video calls and trigger live TV and online films by voice command.

It was also announced that a deal has been reached with NFL to integrate gaming features with sports coverage, including a Fantasy Football app that will allow viewers to create their own fantasy teams while watching the game live.

Microsoft’s chief executive Yves Guillemot told the BBC that he is excited by the opportunities offered by the console’s improved specifications.

“We believe it will reinvigorate the industry,” he said. “There’s a huge step up in graphics and there’s a big step up in terms of memory as well.

“It will take time to take full advantage of the machines because we’ll have to learn how to best optimise the technology – but even from the beginning you will see a huge difference between a game on the two different generations.”