The recently released Amazon anthology series, Secret Level, inspired by Netflix’s Love, Death and Robots and co-created by Tim Miller, showcases animated adaptations of various video game franchises. While the anthology features a diverse range of games, from classic titles like Pac-Man to contemporary hits like Honor of Kings and Crossfire, and even Sony’s ill-fated shooter Concord, a glaring omission was a substantial presence from Microsoft, despite owning a treasure trove of iconic gaming IPs. This absence becomes even more perplexing considering a revealed missed opportunity: a proposed crossover episode featuring two of gaming’s most iconic figures, Master Chief from Halo and the Doom Slayer from Doom.
The potential for this crossover, according to Secret Level‘s creators Tim Miller and Dave Wilson, was immense. Wilson, fueled by childhood passion and a close relationship with the creative director at id Software, crafted a compelling proposal for the episode. The vision was not simply to rehash existing narratives, but to explore uncharted territory, offering a unique narrative experience not found in the games themselves. This concept of crossover episodes, venturing beyond established game lore, resonated deeply with both Miller and Wilson, and they saw the pairing of Master Chief and Doom Slayer as a perfect embodiment of this idea. However, despite their enthusiasm and meticulously crafted pitch, Microsoft ultimately declined the proposal.
The reasons behind Microsoft’s decision remain shrouded in corporate ambiguity, likely falling under the umbrella of "brand safety," a common rationale for protecting intellectual property. This protective stance, while understandable, appears remarkably short-sighted in this particular instance. Both Halo and Doom are established, mature franchises with dedicated fan bases, and a crossover episode could have provided significant mutual benefits. Doom has a new installment, The Dark Ages, slated for a 2025 release, offering a prime opportunity for synergistic marketing. Halo, on the other hand, is in dire need of a resurgence after a series of setbacks.
The Halo franchise has experienced a turbulent period in recent years. Halo Infinite, the latest installment, faced a year-long delay and launched to a lukewarm reception. While multiplayer aspects have seen improvements, the game has largely faded from the spotlight. Furthermore, Halo has been conspicuously absent from Microsoft’s presentations of upcoming game releases, leaving the future of Master Chief uncertain. Adding to the franchise’s woes, the live-action Halo series, riddled with inaccuracies and criticized by fans, was recently cancelled after just two seasons. This confluence of factors makes the missed opportunity of a Secret Level crossover even more frustrating. The potential for revitalizing the Halo brand through a dynamic pairing with the Doom Slayer was significant and could have reignited fan enthusiasm.
The rationale for Microsoft’s rejection of the crossover concept remains unclear. While concerns about brand safety might be a factor, the mature nature of both franchises and the potential for a well-executed narrative seem to outweigh such risks. The crossover presented a low-risk, high-reward scenario. The popularity of both characters guarantees a built-in audience, and the unique nature of a crossover event would generate significant buzz and media attention. Furthermore, the animated format of Secret Level minimizes the potential for tonal clashes or inconsistencies that sometimes plague live-action adaptations. The stylistic freedom offered by animation allows for a wide range of creative possibilities, potentially exploring new facets of both characters and their respective universes.
The decision to decline the crossover proposal seems particularly puzzling in light of Microsoft’s recent acquisition of Bethesda, the parent company of id Software, the developers of Doom. This acquisition consolidated ownership of both franchises under a single corporate umbrella, seemingly paving the way for greater synergy and collaborative opportunities. A Secret Level episode featuring the two iconic characters would have been a perfect showcase of this newfound corporate synergy, highlighting the combined strength of Microsoft’s gaming portfolio. The proposed crossover, far from jeopardizing brand integrity, could have invigorated both franchises, introducing them to new audiences and reigniting the passion of long-time fans.
The success of Secret Level further underscores the missed opportunity. The anthology’s positive reception demonstrates the potential of animated adaptations to expand the reach and appeal of video game franchises. A Master Chief/Doom Slayer crossover episode, with its inherent appeal and built-in audience, could have been a standout installment, driving even greater interest in the series and the featured franchises. Given the positive reception of Secret Level, it remains hopeful that Microsoft might reconsider its stance for future installments. The potential for exploring new narratives, engaging new audiences, and revitalizing established franchises through such crossovers is too significant to ignore. The clamor from fans for such a crossover is palpable, and the creative groundwork laid by Miller and Wilson serves as a compelling blueprint for a project that could be a resounding success for both the Secret Level series and the Halo and Doom franchises.
