Since the current installment in the long-running "Halo" franchise was released only last year, fans will have to wait a bit longer for a proper series sequel. Speculations suggest that Microsoft is thinking of releasing "Halo 6" in 2018, with an expanded story.

According to The Bitbag, while developer 343 Industries has not yet detailed what the upcoming sequel will be about, it may expound on the current "Halo 5" plot and may even feature background stories of the characters. Meanwhile, while a release date has not been offered yet, it is expected that the follow-up to "Halo 5" will not be seen until 2018 at the earliest.

Meanwhile, the upcoming "Halo 6" is not the end of the franchise since it is confirmed that the series will go on well beyond 2018. In an interview, game director Frank O'Connor said that as one of the big franchises of Microsoft, the staying power of the "Halo" series can be likened to other triple-A titles like "Star Wars," with additional sequels expanding the series into more than the originally planned "Reclaimer" trilogy.

One thing that keeps on popping up about the "Halo" franchise is if 343 Industries will decide to join the Play Anywhere program after all. Previous rumors have mentioned that the only titles to be made available for the new Microsoft program are the ones that were showcased at the recent E3 2016. Unfortunately, "Halo 6" was a no-show. From the different games highlighted at the event, the Play Anywhere program is reportedly confirmed only for a handful of games to date, including "Gears of War 4," "Halo Wars 2," "ReCore," and "Forza Horizon 3." A title being on the program means that the Xbox game will be compatible with Windows 10, so players can play seamlessly between the two platforms.