Microsoft Shooting Down a Secret Level Episode Involving Master Chief and Doom Slayer Is a Massive “Missed Opportunity”

SUMMARY

• Microsoft rejected a proposed Halo and Doom crossover episode for Amazon Prime Video's Secret Level.
• Creators Miller and Wilson aimed to unite Master Chief and Doom Slayer in a groundbreaking, short-form narrative.
• Fans hope Xbox reconsiders for "Secret Level" Season 2, following the show's positive reception among gamers.

The idea of a crossover between gaming titans Master Chief from Halo and Doom Slayer from Doom seems a bit impossible. But we almost got a glimpse of it in Amazon Prime’s Secret Level, a new animated anthology series that adapts popular video game franchises.

Space Marines in the Warhammer: 40,000 episode of Secret Level | Image Credit: Amazon Prime Video

Showrunners Tim Miller and Dave Wilson revealed they pitched a collaborative episode to Xbox, but their proposal was ultimately rejected by Microsoft. In a surprise to no one, fans aren’t too happy. But come on, it would’ve been one of the most epic gaming collaborations ever! Maybe we’ll get another chance with Season 2.

Secret Level could’ve had one of gaming’s biggest crossovers

A still from the Concord episode of Secret Level | Image Credit: Amazon Prime Video

Secret Level premiered on Amazon Prime Video on December 10, 2024, and has been a hit among gamers despite having its ups and downs. (Read our review here.) But as the series navigated legal and creative hurdles to secure game rights, some big franchises didn’t make the cut. Among them was a crossover idea that could have united two of the most iconic first-person shooter characters in gaming history.

Tim Miller and Dave Wilson were deeply invested in the concept. “We wanted to make something fans couldn’t see anywhere else,” Wilson told Collider. Both developers poured their passion into crafting an idea that would celebrate the legacy of Halo and Doom. Despite their efforts, Microsoft declined the pitch, delivering a flat-out “no.”

Missed opportunity, Imagine if Warhammer gains more popularity than Halo after this

saying no to the most metal crossover in the gaming history is insane 😭

This would of been excellent fan service and Microsoft just says no.

On social media, fans have called Microsoft’s rejection a “missed opportunity” for both the company and the community. “This would’ve been excellent fan service,” tweeted one user, echoing the sentiment of many who saw the potential cultural impact of such a collab. Another wrote, “Saying no to the most metal crossover in gaming history is insane.”

Microsoft needs to reconsider for Season 2

Keanu Reeves in the Armored Core episode of Secret Level. | Image Credit: Amazon Prime Video

From a business standpoint, Microsoft’s decision is puzzling. The Halo TV series, launched in 2022, was met with lukewarm reviews and was canceled after two seasons. By comparison, Secret Level has proven itself a hit, with its short, digestible episodes driving high completion rates on Amazon Prime.

Bringing Master Chief and Doom Slayer together for a one-off episode would’ve been the perfect mix for getting fans of both franchises excited. Especially considering there is a new Doom game coming out this year, amongst other big games.

As Secret Level gears up for its second season, fans are holding out hope that the idea of a Master Chief and Doom Slayer episode might be revisited. With both characters still revered in gaming culture and the show’s credibility well-established, Xbox might rethink its stance.

Wilson and Miller have indicated that they’re open to revisiting scrapped ideas, especially now that Halo doesn’t have its own active adaptation. With Secret Level renewed for a second season, the creators might revisit the concept. They believe the success of Season 1 could open more opportunities to bridge gaming and storytelling.

In the meantime, all 15 episodes of Secret Level Season 1 are available on Prime Video, let us know what you think/have thought so far in the comments!

Written by Daniel Royte

Articles Published: 657

Daniel is a gamer through and through with a passion for gaming in his veins. His current adventures have taken him into the world of Elden Ring, Wuthering Waves, and Genshin Impact, amongst others.