Halo 4 ushers in the return of mankind’s greatest hero, the Master Chief, in a newly envisioned, epic sci-fi adventure.

Set nearly five years after the events of Halo 3, Halo 4 follows the Master Chief and his faithful artificial intelligence (AI) companion Cortana as they venture into a mysterious new world and discover an overpowering ancient evil that threatens to annihilate mankind. With humanity’s fate hanging in the balance, the Master Chief and Cortana are thrust into a desperate mission against overwhelming odds to save mankind from the threat of imminent extinction.

Around the globe, more than 10,000 retail locations in more than 40 countries will open their stores at 12:01 a.m. to welcome throngs of fans who have been eagerly waiting more than five years for the next blockbuster installment of the iconic franchise that has sold over 46 million copies worldwide and generated more than $3 billion in sales. At launch, festivities in major cities around the world, from Seattle to London to Berlin, will inspire millions of fans to unite and celebrate the highly anticipated return of “Halo’s” iconic hero and the beginning of an epic new “Halo” saga.

"The launch of ‘Halo 4’ is a prominent entertainment event and we’re thrilled to be partnering with Microsoft to host midnight celebrations across the country,” said Tony Bartel, GameStop President. “Our community is anxiously awaiting the return of Master Chief and there’s no doubt in my mind that ‘Halo 4’ will be one of the biggest games of the year.”

More than 30 marquee global launch events are planned in major cities worldwide, including Seattle, Paris, Berlin, London, Toronto, Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Dubai and Sydney.

In the U.S., midnight madness events will take place at retail locations across the country including the University Village Microsoft Store in Seattle, where fans will be among the first to play “Halo 4” before it goes on sale at midnight, win coveted “Halo”-themed prizes, meet the creators of “Halo 4” from 343 Industries, take photos with the Master Chief and more.

In Europe, more than 700 midnight openings are planned, including a spectacular stunt the night of Nov. 5 between the O2 Stadium and Tower Bridge on the Thames in London. In Germany, fans will receive hands-on time with “Halo 4” and view a screening of the complete “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” series in Hamburg, Berlin and Frankfurt. Meanwhile, in Paris, “Halo 4” will be showcased during the Paris Games Week, the biggest gaming fair in France, which is set to draw more than 200,000 visitors this year.

Elsewhere, more than 200 EB Games stores in Australia will be open for midnight madness, with flagship events in major capital cities Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. EB Games in Auckland, New Zealand will also host the biggest Midnight Madness event Kiwis have ever seen. “Halo” fans in Canada will be transported aboard the decks of the UNSC Infinity to enlist for combat training and heroic appearances at Yonge & Dundas Square in the heart of downtown Toronto.