Microsoft wanting to continue exploring the Halo Universe is a dead given, with fans of the series are keen on finding out what else the series will do next. According to Microsoft's Frank O'Conner, we've only begun to find that out.

Speaking to a panel at this year's Comic Con, O'Conner explaid that Microsoft will "explore not exploit" the Halo universe in future products ranging from games and novels to toys. "Halo universe is really, really big now," O'Conner told Eurogamer in an interview held after the panel closed. "Literally the Halo games have only covered one year; a couple of months within a year in fact."

He continued, "We have a really detailed story bible, we do really have it all planned out. There are so many areas of the universe to explore, the real challenge is picking which is the most exciting area for people. Is it UNSC Marines fighting alongside Spartans against the Covenant? Or is it what happens next after Master Chief's appearance in Halo 3?"

A good bit of care must be given to exploring the right parts of the story in order to keep the fanbase interested. "That's what you see with the range of McFarlane toys - people want their amour permutation. Give them things they really want and make sure they're high quality is the formula."

Bungie is expected to announce their latest offerings in the series very soon, with other projects including Ensemble's Halo Wars and Tobias Bucknell's Halo: The Cole Protocol novel on the release horizon.