Microsoft has released a new cinematic story trailer for Halo: Campaign Evolved, but it's oddly labeled as having been captured on a PS5 Pro. The eye-catching footage is available below, and it clearly shows the game's PlayStation version from the start. Why would Microsoft do this? Sure, the PS5 Pro is the most powerful console hardware currently available, but it's not a great look for Xbox to showcase its flagship franchise running on Sony's machine. If Microsoft wanted to show the game at its best, why not capture it on a high-end PC?
Discussing the trailer on social media, The Verge's Tom Warren hinted that the clip "would have made more sense if it was originally supposed to be part of Sony's State of Play" — a suggestion that makes a lot of sense. The question then is why, if this was intended for a State of Play reveal, it never made the cut. Did Sony ditch the trailer after hearing that Xbox had reversed its decision on a PS5 port for Gears of War: E-Day? Or did Microsoft pull the trailer from Sony's show itself, knowing it wanted to emphasize Xbox game exclusivity in its own presentation? IGN has contacted Microsoft for comment and will update if we hear more.
Of course, Halo: Campaign Evolved is still coming to PS5, alongside PC and Xbox, when it launches on July 28. Microsoft has stated it will not pull the PS5 versions of any games previously confirmed for Sony's machine — which would be tricky anyway, since pre-orders are already available.
Speaking last night, Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty said that any further Xbox exclusives beyond Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution would be decided on a "case-by-case basis" and confirmed at the same time a game is given a public release date. However, Booty cautioned that multiplayer and live-service games will remain multiplatform, as will anything previously announced for PS5. And, of course, everything will still come to PC. How many games will actually become Xbox exclusives? It remains to be seen, though Microsoft confirmed more games for PS5 last night (State of Decay 3, Spyro: A Realm Reborn, and Senua) than the two it ruled out.
For all of Microsoft's announcements, be sure to catch up with everything revealed at the Xbox Showcase 2026, including our best look yet at Fable and more.
