It’s been a pretty depressing year for Halo collectors, as McFarlane has released virtually zero new Halo figures this year, new Halo Mega Bloks sets have been frustratingly difficult to find, the Sideshow Collectibles Master Chief Premium Format Figure has been delayed over and over, and even Funko hasn’t revealed any new Funko Halo POP! Vinyl figures. But at Microsoft’s “Next XBox Reveal” Press Conference for the XBox One today, Microsoft announced something that is hugely encouraging and will doubtless have a colossal impact on future Halo offerings: the upcoming “Halo The Television Series” Live-Action TV Show, produced by 343 Industries and legendary director Stephen Spielberg!

Let’s face it: the 2012-2013 McFarlane Toys’ Halo lineup of action figures and collectibles has sort of been a flop. The Halo Universe figure line was cancelled, the Halo Micro Ops line of miniature vehicles and playsets was essentially dead on arrival, the Halo 4 toy line has been on hold since last winter, and stores have even been ordering Halo Mega Bloks sets gingerly. It has not been a good year to be a Halo collector.

But today, Microsoft assured the future viability of Halo as a franchise and merchandise juggernaut with the announcement of a live-action Halo TV series, created in partnership with 343 industries and the great Steven Spielberg! The series is coming to XBox One as “a premium television series”. No further details were released about the series or precisely what “premium television series” means, but make no mistake–the announcement of a live-action Halo Television Series–by Steven Spielberg no less–is a big freaking deal.

There are no additional specifics announced at this time as to when “Halo The Television Series” will premiere or what the content of the show will be about, but you can ‘Like’ Halo Toy News on Facebook if you’d like details sent directly to your Facebook Newsfeed as and when they become available.