The recent launch ofSecret Levelon Prime Video has been quite a success, with the project’s first season featuring fifteen standalone short stories based on a variety of some of the most iconic gaming franchises. Fans have lauded the show for the unique perspectives it offers on such popular IPs, with the likes ofWarhammer 40,000,Dungeons and Dragons, Helldivers, and evenPAC-MANfeaturing their own dedicated episodes.
While many of theseSecret Levelepisodes have been well-received, viewers are already starting to hear about some of the concepts for episodes that never saw the light of day, with one in particular causing quite a stir. Reportedly, Microsoft refused to green-light aSecret Levelepisode that would have seenDOOM’s Doom Guy andHalo’s Master Chief team up for a common cause. Some fans are already suggesting that this could have been one of the most defining stories told withinSecret Level, and the clear desire for a Doom Guy and Master Chief crossover is a concept that Microsoft should not let slip through its fingers again.
A Genuine Doom Guy and Master Chief Crossover Would Give a Huge Boost to Microsoft
Secret Levelhas already proven its ability to dutifully create short stories that honor and feed into the best elements of a wide range of video game franchises, with it being no wonder thatSecret Levelhas already been approved for a second season. The format of the show and its focus on individual short stories gives it a near-endless amount of content inspired by major franchises and beyond, with some show-runners already stating their desire to create aHalf-Life-inspiredepisode as just one example of this.
While fans are already passionately discussing what theywould like to see next fromSecret Level, some frustration has already been levied at Microsoft thanks to the company’s reported refusal to collaborate withSecret Levelover a story between Master Chief and Doom Guy. Both of these figures stand as some of the most iconic and recognizable gaming characters of all time, with their sci-fi stories, superhuman strength and durability, and iconic green armor being just a few examples of the parallels that both characters share.
An obvious premise for this story could seeDoom Guy join Master Chief in facing the Covenant or Flood, or adversely show the Chief tentatively fighting alongside Doom Guy against the endless demons of Hell. Many fans have voiced feeling robbed of an all-time gaming crossover thanks to Microsoft’s refusal of theSecret Levelconcept, only furthering the sentiment that Microsoft does not utilize its beloved IPs nearly as much as it should in the modern landscape.
The Future of Doom and Halo Could Benefit Greatly From a Crossover
Microsoft’s turn-down of this crossover seems all the more confusing due to the current state of bothHaloandDoom, with343 Industries recently re-branding as Halo Studiosto mark a huge step into a new era for the longstanding franchise.Doomis in similar need of a bold new statement thanks to the upcoming launch of the Medieval-styledDoom: The Dark Agesin 2025, and a well-timed, high-octane story featuring both franchises' larger-than-life main characters could have been the perfect way to mark these milestones.
There is a palpable desire for this kind of crossover, and Microsoft would be remiss to not give fans the Master Chief and Doom Guy story that fans want in the near future. It seems unlikely that this could be done through the medium of gaming beyond cosmetic crossover content in any upcomingDoomandHaloprojects, keepingSecret Levelas the perfect way to tell this kind of story. When considering how successful so manyPlayStation-led stories were in the first season ofSecret Level, hopefully Microsoft can now see the value in an all-outDoomandHalostory for the ages within the Prime Video show’s anticipated second season.
