Microsoft is celebrating Xbox's 25th anniversary with the official confirmation of Wolfenstein 3, a new project from id Software, fresh Fable gameplay, and a major Halo update. The announcements were revealed during Xbox FanFest in Seattle on November 12, 2026, alongside the arrival of 25 original Xbox games on PC and anniversary rewards across several franchises.
According to Xbox's official announcement, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed that Wolfenstein 3 is officially in production at MachineGames, bringing back Brian Bloom as B.J. Blazkowicz and Debra Wilson as Grace Walker. The studio shared an early script teaser and motion capture photographs, confirming that development is underway. However, no gameplay footage, release window, or supported platforms have been announced. The project marks the long awaited continuation of the mainline franchise following Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus in 2017.
Meanwhile, Bethesda confirmed that id Software is developing another game under the direction of Hugo Martin, although its identity remains undisclosed. The studio also announced Slaughter Mode for DOOM: The Dark Ages, arriving November 16. The new mode introduces escalating waves of randomized enemies, bosses, and arenas, with accumulating rewards. It will be available at no additional cost to owners of the Revelations DLC, Premium Edition, or Premium Upgrade.
Playground Games also presented new Fable gameplay, showcasing magical combat against cursed creatures and additional details about the upcoming RPG's story. Fable is scheduled to launch on February 23, 2027. Meanwhile, Halo: Campaign Evolved will receive a free Firefight update, introducing the classic 4 player cooperative survival mode with new maps and weapons. The update is planned for winter, with additional information expected during Halo Fest on December 12 and 13.
Another significant announcement concerns PC gaming and preservation. Microsoft has expanded Xbox backward compatibility on PC with 21 additional titles, bringing the total to 25 original Xbox games. The collection includes Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, Star Wars Battlefront II, and TimeSplitters 2. Select titles also receive achievement support for the first time. The feature requires Windows 11, with availability depending on region and game ownership.
Microsoft is also distributing anniversary cosmetics across Forza Horizon 6, Gears of War: E Day, Halo, Minecraft, and other titles. A new Xbox Playback feature allows players to review their gaming history, including total playtime, favorite games, and personal milestones.
Xbox's 25th anniversary brings an encouraging combination of new projects and classic game preservation. The confirmation of Wolfenstein 3 and id Software's next title demonstrates Microsoft's continued investment in established gaming franchises, while expanded backward compatibility is particularly important for PC players. Making older games accessible on modern hardware is a meaningful step toward preserving gaming history, although broader operating system compatibility and fewer platform restrictions would make the initiative even stronger. Ultimately, Xbox's success should depend on delivering quality games, respecting existing libraries, and giving players greater freedom to enjoy their purchases across different hardware.
Which Xbox anniversary announcement excites you most: Wolfenstein 3, id Software's next game, Fable, Halo Firefight, or bringing more classic Xbox games to PC?
