Halo’s digital presence is well established. The franchise helped lead the growth of multiplayer gaming and is a key factor in Microsoft’s Xbox One continued success. But the physical representation of Master Chief and the Spartans is catching up to their on-screen inspirations, thanks to a new deal with toy making giant Mattel.
343 Industries, Microsoft’s internal Halo development team, announced the partnership today, including a new series of Halo action figures. The partnership builds on an existing deal that had Mattel create a licensed set of Halo-branded Mega Bloks and a couple BoomCo dart guns based on Halo’s in-game armory.
“The success we’ve seen with the Halo MEGA Bloks franchise over the years laid the foundation for this partnership,” said head of 343 Industries Bonnie Ross in a statement. “We’re excited to work with Mattel to bring innovative, quality and, most of all, fun products to old and new Halo fans alike.”
The master licensing agreement allows Mattel, perhaps best known for its Barbie dolls, and the Halo creators to work closely together in developing a range of new toys. Starting this fall, the Mega Bloks lineup will be expanding to include models based on the latest Halo games, and Mattel will take over production of highly accurate 6-inch and 12-inch action figure models from previous 343 partner McFarlane Toys.
Mattel will also add Halo-branded products to its Tyco radio-controlled vehicle lineup and will expand its BoomCo lineup with more weapons from the Halo armory. That means you can get the iconic Energy Sword and UNSC MA5 Blaster to complete your Halo-inspired costumes.
Toys and other physical merchandise like clothing makes up a huge $1.5 billion chunk of 343’s $5 billion Halo franchise. Toys from the new partnership will be available this fall, but fans can check out the lineup in person at the New York Toy Fair this weekend or online over on the Xbox Wire.