Halo: Campaign Evolved launches with Xbox Game Pass amid cross-platform availability and upcoming Gears of War: E-Day open beta.
There’s a palpable mix of nostalgia and anticipation in the air this week as Halo: Campaign Evolved officially launches, now available to Xbox Game Pass subscribers on Xbox, PC, and in a surprising twist, PlayStation 5. Described by Pure Xbox as surreal, this marks a significant expansion in the availability of Halo, a franchise long associated with Xbox exclusivity. The launch also comes with an array of free Master Chief skins, catering to players keen on personalizing their Spartan in battle.
In related news, the early access open beta for Gears of War: E-Day is set to arrive on August 6, bolstering the Game Pass offerings. Detailed on the official Xbox Wire, the game introduces a new Horde Siege PvE mode, promising chaos and coordination with larger maps and more players. This addition serves as a significant enticement for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.
Meanwhile, Gamescom 2026 is just around the corner, with Xbox gearing up to showcase an impressive lineup as they celebrate 25 years. The festivities in Cologne, Germany will feature titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 and Fable, alongside 23 other upcoming releases. With 140 gaming stations planned, fans will have an extensive opportunity to experience what’s next for Xbox.
On the content front, Red Dead Online has pivoted its latest update to spotlight treasure hunting via the Collector Role. This month’s enhancements encourage players to delve into the game world in search of rare valuables, further enriching the gameplay experience across Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.
In the indie scene, Pure Xbox highlighted 15 new indie games to watch out for in August, including Kinseed, developed by former Fable devs, and Monsters Are Coming! on Game Pass. As always, these indie titles offer fresh narratives and innovative mechanics, drawing in players looking for something beyond mainstream releases.
Lastly, the technical artistry behind the original Xbox boot-up sequence has been revisited by Boundary Break. This retrospective analysis showcases the continuous fascination with gaming’s early graphical achievements, captivating fans with behind-the-scenes explorations.
This week’s offerings demonstrate Xbox’s commitment to broadening its platform reach, enhancing Game Pass experiences, and honoring its storied history. Whether through cross-platform launches or deep dives into gaming’s past, Xbox continues to cater to its diverse community.
