Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[PSA: Halo 4 'Castle Map Pack' available now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/psa-halo-4-castle-map-pack-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/psa-halo-4-castle-map-pack-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/psa-halo-4-castle-map-pack-available-now/#comments
Halo 4's final piece of DLC included in the War Games Map Pass, the Castle Map Pack, is available now on the Xbox Marketplace. For those without the pass, the map pack is $10.

The pack adds three multiplayer maps (Daybreak, Outcast and Perdition), with Outcast featuring "frequent Mantis vs. Wraith battles." The maps were designed for objectives and vehicles.

Gallery: Halo 4 (Castle Map Pack)

JoystiqPSA: Halo 4 'Castle Map Pack' available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industriescertain-affinitydlchalo-4microsoftxboxMon, 08 Apr 2013 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4's second run of McFarlane toys includes exclusive DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/halo-4s-second-run-of-mcfarlane-toys-include-exclusive-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/halo-4s-second-run-of-mcfarlane-toys-include-exclusive-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/halo-4s-second-run-of-mcfarlane-toys-include-exclusive-dlc/#comments Halo 4 toy unlocks 'exclusive content'McFarlane Toys' second run of Halo 4 action figures will include special vouchers for exclusive DLC in 343 Industries' game. Master Chief, Elite Ranger, Storm Jackal and two different Spartan figures will be offered - plus a deluxe nine-inch tall Didact figure, planned for the fall.

In a blog post over on the McFarlane Toys site, nothing is revealed regarding the exact nature of the DLC, just that more information on the specifics are promised for later. The first run of Halo 4 figures from McFarlane didn't include any complementary DLC.

JoystiqHalo 4's second run of McFarlane toys includes exclusive DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesdidacthalo-4microsoftmicrosoft-studiosxboxTue, 02 Apr 2013 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 as a love story: The personal origins of Cortana's breakdown]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/halo-4-as-a-love-story-the-personal-origins-of-cortanas-breakd/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/halo-4-as-a-love-story-the-personal-origins-of-cortanas-breakd/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/halo-4-as-a-love-story-the-personal-origins-of-cortanas-breakd/#comments Halo 4 as a love story The personal origins of Cortana's breakdownThe Halo universe's sentient artificial intelligence programs - smart AIs - have a limited lifespan. After seven years, they begin to break down, acting irrationally and eventually thinking themselves to death. This process is known as Rampancy and closely resembles humanity's own end-of-life conditions such as dementia. In Halo 4, the rampancy of Master Chief's personal AI, Cortana, serves as a central element of the story, putting the Chief in a desperate bid to save the life of his longtime companion.

Speaking during a Halo 4 postmortem at GDC, 343 Industries franchise creative director, Josh Holmes, revealed that telling such an emotional story within the confines of a first-person shooter was no easy task. "At the beginning of our campaign in Halo 4, Cortana is 8 years old, and she's struggling to keep hold of her mental faculties," said Holmes, "and the Chief is faced for the first time with an obstacle that he may not be able to overcome." He's charged not only with saving the galaxy, but with saving his best friend. It was a radically different direction for a Halo game, and one that was difficult for the team. "There was a lot of skepticism from members of the team [about] whether this was something we should even take on."

"Early on, [senior writer Chris Schlerf] was having a crisis of confidence. He was literally tearing his hair out, because he didn't know how to tell this story," said Holmes. "There were times when he came to me, and he said, 'Maybe we shouldn't do it. Maybe we should just focus on the A story and put this story aside, because I don't see how we're going to be able to tell it.'" But for Holmes, telling the story of the relationship between Chief and Cortana was very important. It was "the human heart of Halo 4's campaign." And, as Holmes soon revealed, some of the inspiration for Cortana's breakdown came from a very personal place.

Gallery: Halo Reborn postmortem (GDC 2013)

Continue reading Halo 4 as a love story: The personal origins of Cortana's breakdown

JoystiqHalo 4 as a love story: The personal origins of Cortana's breakdown originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesgdc-2013halo-4microsoftmicrosoft-studiosxboxTue, 02 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Overheard@GDC: 'Thanks for your question.']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/overheard-gdc-thanks-for-your-question/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/overheard-gdc-thanks-for-your-question/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/overheard-gdc-thanks-for-your-question/#comments OverheardGDC 'Thanks for your question'Speaking at a Halo 4 GDC panel (there were a lot of them), 343 Industries franchise creative director Josh Holmes spent some time discussing the game's story, specifically that of the relationship between Master Chief and Cortana. We asked a question during the Q&A period - the only question, really. Head past the break to find out what it was, and how Holmes responded, but be warned that it involves a major spoiler.

Continue reading Overheard@GDC: 'Thanks for your question.'

JoystiqOverheard@GDC: 'Thanks for your question.' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2013halo-4microsoftxboxMon, 01 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[What went wrong with Halo 4's Prometheans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/what-went-wrong-with-halo-4s-prometheans/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/what-went-wrong-with-halo-4s-prometheans/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/what-went-wrong-with-halo-4s-prometheans/#comments What went wrong with Halo 4's baddies"We had a number of concerns about the Forerunners that we thought went not completely according to plan and could be improved upon," 343 Industries design director Scott Warner told the audience at his GDC 2013 panel, "The Design of New Enemies for Halo 4," which discussed the design philosophies behind the game's new breed of bad guys.

First and foremost, communication issues between the design and artwork departments exacerbated problems early in the studio's existence - growing pains associated with starting a new company. "We were a brand new team at 343," Warner said. "You have to consider the challenge that we had was starting from zero people and going to about 340 before we shipped."

In a similar vein, the "absence of high level vision" on the various creatures' gameplay mechanics caused 343 to spend time developing ideas that would eventually prove fruitless: "It would have been easier for us to understand if we'd had more definition around these characters early on, as far as who they were." An early prototype build was shown as an example, in which two Promethean Knights balled themselves up like Samus and attacked Master Chief.

Continue reading What went wrong with Halo 4's Prometheans

JoystiqWhat went wrong with Halo 4's Prometheans originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-IndustriesGDC-2013halo-4microsoftScott-WarnerxboxFri, 29 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Halo 4, Gears of War Judgment DLC available for free today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/new-halo-4-gears-of-war-judgment-dlc-available-for-free-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/new-halo-4-gears-of-war-judgment-dlc-available-for-free-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/new-halo-4-gears-of-war-judgment-dlc-available-for-free-today/#comments New Halo 4, Gears of War Judgment DLC available for free todayIf you feel like shooting aliens on your Xbox today, you are very likely to be able to do so in a new venue. Both Halo 4 and Gears of War Judgment have new DLC, available at no extra cost.

Having passed certification early, Microsoft has released the Halo 4 "Forge Island" map well in advance of its expected April 11 date. On their own, these aren't the most exciting locations - three big, flat islands - but they're intended to be the base for Forge Mode customization.

Gallery: Halo 4 (Forge Island)

Gears of War Judgment's Execution multiplayer is also available today, along with the map Haven, "courtesy of Maxim and Epic Games." Weird. Microsoft warns that you have to download this DLC directly from the title menu or from the Dashboard. "The dialogue box prompting you to download the pack in the matchmaking menu is not functioning properly and will be fixed as soon as possible."

Gallery: Gears of War: Judgment (Haven)

Continue reading New Halo 4, Gears of War Judgment DLC available for free today

JoystiqNew Halo 4, Gears of War Judgment DLC available for free today originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcexecutionforgeforge-islandgears-of-war-judgmenthalo-4microsoftxboxFri, 29 Mar 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Forward Unto Dawn and staying true to Halo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/forward-unto-dawn-and-staying-true-to-halo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/forward-unto-dawn-and-staying-true-to-halo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/forward-unto-dawn-and-staying-true-to-halo/#comments Forward Unto Dawn and staying true to HaloYou might think that the biggest challenge in creating Halo 4's Forward Unto Dawn series was translating one of gaming's most beloved franchises into a live-action film that was not only true to the source material, but also worth watching. You'd be right, of course, but for fans the biggest challenge was in making sure Master Chief sounded right.

During the Forward Unto Dawn postmortem at GDC, 343 Industries franchise development director Frank O'Connor noted that the casting of Master Chief was "a source of much consternation" for series fans. "We did a couple of tests using the actor who plays Master Chief in the game, and he's an older guy," said O'Connor.

The ending of Forward Unto Dawn reveals that the superhuman Spartan soldiers are just as young as the film's UNSC cadets, so giving Master Chief the gravelly voice we all know and love would be out of place. "He can't sound like he's 50," said O'Connor, "and so we had to find a young actor whose voice sounded like his voice might eventually grow into the Chief's."

Continue reading Forward Unto Dawn and staying true to Halo

JoystiqForward Unto Dawn and staying true to Halo originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesforward-unto-dawngdc-2013halo-4microsoftmicrosoft-studiosxboxWed, 27 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 getting new Forge Island map for free on April 11]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/halo-4-getting-new-forge-island-map-for-free-on-april-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/halo-4-getting-new-forge-island-map-for-free-on-april-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/halo-4-getting-new-forge-island-map-for-free-on-april-11/#comments New Halo 4 map343 Industries has announced at PAX East this weekend that Halo 4 is getting a new Forge map, with plenty of blank, open canvas for Halo level makers to paint their creativity on. As you can see in the quick video on IGN's page, "Forge Island" actually has three different islands of varying size, all completely flat and round, to give map makers lots of room to build whatever they want.

The map will also come with some new Forge pieces, which the developers have already used to build a copy of Hang 'Em High. 343 specifically asked at the panel if a fan would be kind enough to remake Blood Gulch on the biggest island, so that's possible too. The new map and related tools are all being released for free on April 11, just a few days after the Castle Map Pack arrives on April 8.

JoystiqHalo 4 getting new Forge Island map for free on April 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blood-gulchcastle-map-packdevelopersforgeforge-islandfreehalohalo-4hang-em-highmapmicrosoftplayersreleasexboxSun, 24 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 lowers drawbridge for Castle Map Pack on April 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/halo-4-lowers-drawbridge-for-castle-map-pack-on-april-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/halo-4-lowers-drawbridge-for-castle-map-pack-on-april-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/halo-4-lowers-drawbridge-for-castle-map-pack-on-april-8/#comments
Halo 4 is getting yet another batch of DLC next month. Entitled the Castle Map Pack, the content adds three new multiplayer maps: Daybreak, Outcast and Perdition. The new maps are designed around objective gametypes and vehicle use, with Outcast in particular promising "frequent Mantis vs. Wraith battles."

The DLC will be available for $10 staring April 8. A new 6-on-6 playlist catering to the DLC will launch on the same day. The Castle Map Pack also marks the third and final pack included with the War Games Map Pass.

Gallery: Halo 4 (Castle Map Pack)

Continue reading Halo 4 lowers drawbridge for Castle Map Pack on April 8

JoystiqHalo 4 lowers drawbridge for Castle Map Pack on April 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industriescertain-affinitydlchalo-4microsoftrelease-datexboxxbox-liveMon, 11 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn DVD/Blu-ray bundle coming to Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/halo-4-forward-unto-dawn-dvd-blu-ray-bundle-coming-to-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/halo-4-forward-unto-dawn-dvd-blu-ray-bundle-coming-to-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/halo-4-forward-unto-dawn-dvd-blu-ray-bundle-coming-to-europe/#comments Halo 4 Forward Unto Dawn DVDBluray bundle coming to EuropeA region two Blu-ray / DVD combo of the Halo 4 miniseries Forward Unto Dawn has been spotted on Amazon UK. If you missed it the first time around, Forward Unto Dawn is a prequel of sorts to Halo 4, telling the story of a Covenant invasion of a UNSC training facility. In addition to Blu-ray and DVD copies of the film, the deluxe edition will also feature several extras, including a poster, art cards and over 100 minutes of bonus content.

The Forward Unto Dawn Deluxe Edition is slated for a May 27 release in Europe. Amazon UK currently has it listed for 18.70 ($27.80). We've contacted Microsoft to find out if the set will also be released in North America.

JoystiqHalo 4: Forward Unto Dawn DVD/Blu-ray bundle coming to Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesforward-unto-dawnhalo-4microsoftukxboxMon, 11 Mar 2013 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo games tumble in opening day of Xbox Live's Ultimate sale [update: and more]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/halo-games-tumble-in-opening-day-of-xbox-lives-ultimate-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/halo-games-tumble-in-opening-day-of-xbox-lives-ultimate-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/halo-games-tumble-in-opening-day-of-xbox-lives-ultimate-sale/#comments Microsoft's week-long Ultimate Game Sale for Games on Demand content makes its opening pitch today, and first up to the plate is Master Chief of the Halo Space Marines. We'll let you be the judge of whether or not the green giant knocks it out of the park with today's offers.

Three games slide down from $29.99 to $9.99 in the form of Halo 3, Halo: Reach, and real-time strategy black sheep Halo Wars. It's not quite as big a discount for the Chief's most recent adventure; Halo 4 shifts its price to $39.99 for a 33 percent discount.

Update: A number of other games are also on sale, including Grid, Call of Juarez, BioShock, and Tomb Raider: Legend. It's not wholly clear, but the wording suggests these particular games are staying discounted through to the end of the Ultimate Game Sale on March 5.
  • Dirt 2 - $4.99
  • Grid - $4.99
  • Dark Messiah of Might and Magic: Elements - $2.99
  • Rayman Raving Rabbids - $2.99
  • Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X - $4.99
  • Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas - $4.99
  • Kane and Lynch: Dead Men - $4.99
  • Call of Juarez - $4.99
  • Tomb Raider: Legend - $4.99
  • Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter - $4.99
  • Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 - $4.99
  • Virtua Fighter 5 - $4.99
  • BioShock - $4.99
  • El Shaddai - $2.99
  • The Darkness - $4.99

JoystiqHalo games tumble in opening day of Xbox Live's Ultimate sale [update: and more] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungiegames-on-demandhalo-3halo-4halo-reachhalo-warsmicrosoftxboxxbox-liveTue, 26 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live cloud services down]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/xbox-live-cloud-services-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/xbox-live-cloud-services-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/xbox-live-cloud-services-down/#comments There may be a few clouds hanging over your Xbox Live experience today. Microsoft reports that users are experiencing troubles accessing cloud saves and other remotely stored information on Windows 7 and Xbox 360. We've also received reports of trouble with the Halo 4 servers.

The (crackpot) theory going around the Joystiq think tank is that Sony's testing PS4 cloud services and taking up all the bandwidth in the imaginary "cloud." Xbox Live isn't working right, because Kaz Hirai is streaming some Cool Boarders 2 to QA.

JoystiqXbox Live cloud services down originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudhalo-4microsoftpcxboxxbox-liveFri, 22 Feb 2013 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Learn how to rush rockets in Halo 4's Landfall map]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/learn-how-to-rush-rockets-in-halo-4s-landfall-map/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/learn-how-to-rush-rockets-in-halo-4s-landfall-map/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/learn-how-to-rush-rockets-in-halo-4s-landfall-map/#comments
Here's a video for the Landfall map in Halo 4, with is part of the upcoming Majestic Map Pack. The rockets are in the back. What else do you need to know?

JoystiqLearn how to rush rockets in Halo 4's Landfall map originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industrieshalo-4microsoftmicrosoft-studiosxboxThu, 21 Feb 2013 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4's 'Majestic' map pack arrives Feb. 25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/halo-4s-majestic-map-pack-arrives-feb-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/halo-4s-majestic-map-pack-arrives-feb-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/halo-4s-majestic-map-pack-arrives-feb-25/#comments
Halo 4 is laying down the red carpet to provide its Majestic DLC with a royal entrance when it arrives next week on February 25. Like Crimson before it, Majestic brings three new maps to 343 Industries' shooter, each one a small-scale affair. There's the metropolitan wreckage of Landfall, the arena-like Monolith, and the rooftop mayhem of Skyline.

Majestic comes with two new playlists too, one a free-for-all for eight players and the other a 4v4 team-based line-up. Also, the new free-for-all Infinity Rumble game type is a timed-exclusive for owners of the DLC. Infinity Rumble is all about earning and using personal ordinance, this doled out for killing stylishly and special medals.

The DLC is priced at 800 MSP, and is free to those with the War Games pass. The third map pack DLC, Castle, is coming sometime in April. Given the accuracy so far of this leaked ad from last year, our gut is telling us it's coming April 1. But our gut is also very hungry.

Gallery: Halo 4 (Majestic Map Pack)

JoystiqHalo 4's 'Majestic' map pack arrives Feb. 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesDLChalo-4microsoftXBLMxboxxbox-liveTue, 19 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Librarian, meet Dr. Halsey in Halo 4 Spartan Ops ep. 9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/librarian-meet-dr-halsey-in-halo-4-spartan-ops-ep-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/librarian-meet-dr-halsey-in-halo-4-spartan-ops-ep-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/librarian-meet-dr-halsey-in-halo-4-spartan-ops-ep-9/#comments
If you've been entrenched in the story of Halo 4's Spartan Ops mode, prepare yourself for this latest episode. Dr. Halsey meets the Dydak's wife, the Librarian, and learns her role in humanity's fate is bigger than she imagined.

JoystiqLibrarian, meet Dr. Halsey in Halo 4 Spartan Ops ep. 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industrieshalo-4microsoftmicrosoft-studiosxboxTue, 12 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 Spartan Ops ep. 9 trailer is a librarian rodeo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/halo-4-spartan-ops-ep-9-trailer-is-a-librarian-rodeo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/halo-4-spartan-ops-ep-9-trailer-is-a-librarian-rodeo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/halo-4-spartan-ops-ep-9-trailer-is-a-librarian-rodeo/#comments
You don't often hear the words 'librarian' and 'rodeo' close to each other, but this trailer for the ninth episode of Halo 4's Spartan Ops, out February 11, pulls it off, leaving us with the pleasing image of riders shushing each other as they desperately try to stay saddled.

Gallery: Halo 4 (Spartan Ops Episode 9)

JoystiqHalo 4 Spartan Ops ep. 9 trailer is a librarian rodeo originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industrieshalo-4microsoftspartan-opsxboxThu, 07 Feb 2013 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Hit List Q&A: Frank O'Connor, 343 franchise development director]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/hit-list-qanda-frank-oconnor-343-franchise-development-director/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/hit-list-qanda-frank-oconnor-343-franchise-development-director/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/hit-list-qanda-frank-oconnor-343-franchise-development-director/#comments In the "Hit List" from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, the video game industry's top talents describe their current gaming addictions, their most anticipated releases and more. This week: 343's Franchise Development Director Frank O'Connor.

Hit List Q&A Frank O' Connor
Frank O'Connor has worked in and around the gaming industry for about twenty years, starting in the gaming press in the UK, where he edited and wrote for several magazines before making the move to the States. After several years working on games publications here, he took an opportunity to work at Bungie studios as a community manager, working on consumer relations, marketing efforts and game fiction.

When Bungie spun out of Microsoft during Halo Reach, he decided to stay with the Halo franchise and has been there since the inception of 343 Industries. He's lived through every single console and computer game transition, and he is just as excited about the impending one as he was when Pong gave way to the Atari 2600.

At Frank's forthcoming 2013 D.I.C.E. Summit session with Microsoft Game Studios/343 Industries' Executive Producer Kiki Wolfkill, Frank will co-present on "Changing the Universe - Three for Three." This session will explore the trials, tribulations, and opportunities in building and rebuilding a cultural phenomenon, expanding a beloved universe into live action and transmedia storytelling, all while creating a AAA-game studio from scratch.

Continue reading Hit List Q&A: Frank O'Connor, 343 franchise development director

JoystiqHit List Q&A: Frank O'Connor, 343 franchise development director originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343343-industriesaiasdice-2013frank-o-connorhalo-4microsoftmicrosoft-studiosxboxThu, 07 Feb 2013 12:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Conan knocks himself out in Halo 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/conan-knocks-himself-out-in-halo-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/conan-knocks-himself-out-in-halo-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/conan-knocks-himself-out-in-halo-4/#comments
This latest edition of Clueless Gamer, in which Conan O'Brien says he "kinda hates games," is slow to get going as the host struggles with the plot. But it's worth the watch just to see him react to Cortana, and in particular the characters voiced by himself and Andy Richter.

JoystiqConan knocks himself out in Halo 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesclueless-gamerconanconan-obrienhalo-4microsoftxboxThu, 07 Feb 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 Spartan Ops ep. 8 trailer exposes the dangerous life of scientists]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/halo-4-spartan-ops-ep-8-trailer-exposes-the-dangerous-life-of-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/halo-4-spartan-ops-ep-8-trailer-exposes-the-dangerous-life-of-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/halo-4-spartan-ops-ep-8-trailer-exposes-the-dangerous-life-of-s/#comments
If video games have taught us anything, it's that the life of a scientist is always in jeopardy. Their labs are invaded, their projects go awry and, as illustrated in the latest Spartan Ops trailer, aliens try to murder them. It's no wonder STEM education is so important - our scientists keep dying.

Gallery: Halo 4 (Spartan Ops: Episode 8)

JoystiqHalo 4 Spartan Ops ep. 8 trailer exposes the dangerous life of scientists originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesdlchalo-4microsoftmicrosoft-studiosspartan-opsxboxWed, 30 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dr. Halsey lays the smack down in this Halo 4 Spartan Ops episode 7 trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/dr-halsey-lays-the-smack-down-in-this-halo-4-spartan-ops-episod/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/dr-halsey-lays-the-smack-down-in-this-halo-4-spartan-ops-episod/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/dr-halsey-lays-the-smack-down-in-this-halo-4-spartan-ops-episod/#comments
If Halo 4's Spartan Ops has proved anything, it's that Dr. Halsey is not to be trifled with - and as the trailer for episode 7 above proves, she's not above smacking a fool.

Continue reading Dr. Halsey lays the smack down in this Halo 4 Spartan Ops episode 7 trailer

JoystiqDr. Halsey lays the smack down in this Halo 4 Spartan Ops episode 7 trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesdr-halseyhalo-4microsoftspartan-opsxboxFri, 25 Jan 2013 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4's Spartan Ops episodes due Jan. 21 and 28, Feb. 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/halo-4s-spartan-ops-episodes-due-jan-21-and-28-feb-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/halo-4s-spartan-ops-episodes-due-jan-21-and-28-feb-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/halo-4s-spartan-ops-episodes-due-jan-21-and-28-feb-4/#comments 343 Industries outlined the first three weeks and episodes of Spartan Ops' return to Halo 4, starting as scheduled on January 21 with Episode 6. The next two episodes of the co-op campaign are coming on January 28 and February 4. After that, two more as-yet-undated episodes will conclude the first season, the likely word of pertinence being 'first.'

343 Industries is also releasing matchmaking updates alongside the Spartan Ops episodes. Joining episode 6 on January 21 is a new 'Forge Test' playlist which rotates around some of the smaller Forge maps like Relay. Pioneer and Pathfinder specializations are also being unlocked then. Accompanying the following episode on January 28 is a Grifball playlist, along with Engineer and Stalker specialization unlocks. February 4 brings the Team Doubles playlist, with maps limited to two teams of two, as well as Rogue and Tracker specializations.

JoystiqHalo 4's Spartan Ops episodes due Jan. 21 and 28, Feb. 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industrieshalo-4microsoftspartan-opsxboxThu, 10 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Halo 4 trick jumping video is everywhere at once]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/06/this-halo-4-trick-jumping-video-is-everywhere-at-once/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/06/this-halo-4-trick-jumping-video-is-everywhere-at-once/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/06/this-halo-4-trick-jumping-video-is-everywhere-at-once/#comments
Most think of Halo 4 purely as a shooter, but this "trick jumping" video might turn your world upside down. The video comes from Jumprs.org forums user ReiKo, who recently recorded a number of baffling ways to traverse the game's environments and land on previously-unreachable spots.

"I just wanted to create a video that showcased some cool jumps in a video that I hope everyone can at least enjoy as 'something to watch,'" the video's creator wrote. "If you enjoy it, I will be very humbled." We're pretty sure some of the jumps here are what we'd call humbling.

JoystiqThis Halo 4 trick jumping video is everywhere at once originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Jan 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-runninghalo-4microsoftparkourtrick-jumpingvideoxboxSun, 06 Jan 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Top 10 of 2012: Halo 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/joystiq-top-10-of-2012-halo-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/joystiq-top-10-of-2012-halo-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/joystiq-top-10-of-2012-halo-4/#comments Halo 4 wasn't supposed to happen. Halo 3 was meant to conclude the story of John 117, the man we all know as Master Chief, and Halo: Reach put a bow on the franchise, leaving us to sit back and wait for whatever grand universe Bungie would reveal next.

But that's not how things shook out. Instead, Bungie left Microsoft entirely, and Halo was left in the care of 343 Industries, a studio created exclusively to shepherd the franchise going forward. Who would have guessed that the untested team would create not only one of the best games of 2012, but one of the best games in the entire Halo series?

Continue reading Joystiq Top 10 of 2012: Halo 4

JoystiqJoystiq Top 10 of 2012: Halo 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industriesbest-of-2012game-of-the-year-2012goty-2012halo-4joystiq-best-of-2012microsoftxboxWed, 02 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Halo 4 Crimson Map Pack is ready for deployment [Updates]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/psa-halo-4-crimson-map-pack-is-ready-for-deployment/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/psa-halo-4-crimson-map-pack-is-ready-for-deployment/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/psa-halo-4-crimson-map-pack-is-ready-for-deployment/#comments PSA Halo 4 Crimson Map Pack is ready for deployment At ease, solider, because the Crimson Map Pack for Halo 4 is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. The War Games Map Pass (2000 MSP) grants automatic access to it and two other upcoming map packs, otherwise you have to stump up 800 space marine bucks. Those with the Map Pass can access the pack through the Halo 4 in-game store, and it's expected to come there today.

The Crimson pack includes Wreckage, Covenant, and Shatter maps, along with a playlist featuring the trio exclusively. Today also sees Extraction come to Halo 4, a new multiplayer mode which is all about defending and attacking beacons planted by players on the map.

Update: Via two tweets, developer 343 Industries apologized for Map Pass and Limited Edition holders being unable as yet to download the map pack. The tweets read: "We are aware of the issue in which Map Pass and LE owners are not being recognized to download the Crimson Map Pack at no additional cost. We are working on the situation now and will provide an update as soon as we have one. We apologize for the inconvenience."

Update 2: Microsoft's Xbox 360 Service Status page acknowledges the problem facing Season Pass holders, writing, "Season pass holders are you unable to access your Crimson Map Pack download on Halo 4? We're working hard to get you into action in the new lands! Thanks for being patient. We'll post another update in 30 minutes." That was at 7:30 a.m. PT.

[Thanks, Eric]

JoystiqPSA: Halo 4 Crimson Map Pack is ready for deployment [Updates] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriescrimson-map-packDLChalo-4microsoftxboxMon, 10 Dec 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 and Hitman: Absolution on sale on Amazon today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/09/halo-4-and-hitman-absolution-on-sale-on-amazon-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/09/halo-4-and-hitman-absolution-on-sale-on-amazon-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/09/halo-4-and-hitman-absolution-on-sale-on-amazon-today/#comments Halo 4 is on sale for $39.99 on Amazon today, and comes with $10 in Amazon Instant Video credit. What was that you said? You have more money to spend? Well you're in luck, because a PC download of Hitman: Absolution is on sale for $29.99 on Amazon as well, with Xbox 360 and PS3 versions at $39.99.

Halo 4's Crimson Map Pack arrives December 10. For those without a calendar, that's tomorrow, which makes today's sale rather convenient.

Gallery: Halo 4 (Crimson Map Pack)

JoystiqHalo 4 and Hitman: Absolution on sale on Amazon today originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industriesamazoncertain-affinityHalohalo-4hitman-absolutionIO-Interactivemicrosoftpcplaystationps3salesSquare-EnixxboxSun, 09 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4's Spartan Ops returns Jan. 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/halo-4s-spartan-ops-returns-jan-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/halo-4s-spartan-ops-returns-jan-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/halo-4s-spartan-ops-returns-jan-21/#comments Halo 4 midnight launches at 4,400 GameStops across the USHalo 4's episodic co-op campaign Spartan Ops returns January 21. The series goes on hiatus next week to make way for Mountain Dew and Doritos presents Halo 4 Infinity Challenge. January will bring the final five episodes of the season. Place your bets now if there'll be a second season. Spoiler: There will.

JoystiqHalo 4's Spartan Ops returns Jan. 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Dec 2012 22:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industrieshalo-4microsoftspartan-opsxboxFri, 07 Dec 2012 22:46:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: Black Ops 2 sold 7.5 million in US during November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/npd-black-ops-2-sold-7-5-million-in-us-during-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/npd-black-ops-2-sold-7-5-million-in-us-during-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/npd-black-ops-2-sold-7-5-million-in-us-during-november/#comments Analyst Black Ops 2 sales a 'cause for concern,' downgrades ActivisionZooming in on yesterday's NPD data for November, it turns out Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 sold 7.5 million copies in the United States. The retail tracking service also told Gamespot that second-place entry Halo 4 sold 3.2 million units, while runner-up Assassin's Creed 3 moved 2.9 million copies.

NPD's data tracked Black Ops 2 sales from launch on November 13 until November 24. The game would go on, according to Activision, to reach sales of $1 billion four days later.

JoystiqNPD: Black Ops 2 sold 7.5 million in US during November originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-3call-of-duty-black-ops-2halo-4microsoftnintendoNPDpcplaystationps3saleswii-uxboxFri, 07 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo franchise up to 50M sold worldwide, next entry in the works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/halo-franchise-up-to-50m-sold-worldwide-next-entry-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/halo-franchise-up-to-50m-sold-worldwide-next-entry-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/halo-franchise-up-to-50m-sold-worldwide-next-entry-in-the-works/#comments Halo franchise up to 50M sold worldwide, next entry in the worksIn the last month or so the Halo franchise shot past the 50 million mark for games sold worldwide, the figure being 46 million going into the launch of Halo 4 by 343 Industries. Microsoft revealed the new milestone to us via a recent press release.

The new figure would suggest sales of around 4 million for Master Chief's latest adventure, but it's those pesky other Halo games that are complicating the issue. We do know the Xbox 360 shooter made $220 million on its first day at retail - not bad when you consider the multi-platform Black Ops 2 did $500 million in the same time, with more expensive special editions.

343's Development Director, Frank O'Connor, revealed this week that the next major Halo game was already in the works before Halo 4 launched. Speaking to CVG, O'Connor said, "I can't say more than that, but work on the game started actually before we launched Halo 4 and continues apace as we cycle staff through the team's vacation breaks. We're excited about the next game."

JoystiqHalo franchise up to 50M sold worldwide, next entry in the works originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Dec 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesfrank-o-connorhalohalo-4microsoftxboxFri, 07 Dec 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 Spartan Ops goes on hiatus next week, 'Infinity Challenge' begins]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/halo-4-spartan-ops-goes-on-hiatus-next-week-infinity-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/halo-4-spartan-ops-goes-on-hiatus-next-week-infinity-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/halo-4-spartan-ops-goes-on-hiatus-next-week-infinity-challenge/#comments Halo 4 Spartan Ops goes on hiatus next week, 'Infinity Challenge' beginsHalo 4's episodic co-op campaign Spartan Ops will go on hiatus next week, concluding in January with the final five episodes of season one. Microsoft is also teaming up with Virgin gaming on the "Halo 4 Infinity Challenge," which has a V8-powered 2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor (pictured), along with an appearance in a future Halo game, as its grand prize.

Those interested in participating in the Mountain Dew and Doritos presents, in association with Seven Eleven and Harvey's RV World, Halo 4 Infinity Challenge can register at www.halo4infinitychallenge.com. The tournament begins December 17 and will track War Games and Spartan Ops leaderboards, with over 2,800 prizes available. The qualifier phase will run until January 10.

After the qualifier section, players will be tiered into three groups, with the final phase taking place the week of January 12. Leaderboards will be reset at this time to award the top performers in each tier. No word yet if the new Ford F-150 handles like a Warthog.

Continue reading Halo 4 Spartan Ops goes on hiatus next week, 'Infinity Challenge' begins

JoystiqHalo 4 Spartan Ops goes on hiatus next week, 'Infinity Challenge' begins originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halo-4hiatusmicrosoftspartan-opsvirginvirgin-gamingxboxThu, 06 Dec 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Making Halo 4 Spartan Ops with the group behind the Dead Island trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/making-halo-4-spartan-ops-with-the-group-behind-the-dead-island/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/making-halo-4-spartan-ops-with-the-group-behind-the-dead-island/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/making-halo-4-spartan-ops-with-the-group-behind-the-dead-island/#comments

The Halo 4 Spartan Ops episodes don't just magically appear; they're painstakingly crafted by Axis Animation, the same studio that created that memorable, heartbreaking trailer for Dead Island in 2011. Take a peek at the process in the above video.

JoystiqMaking Halo 4 Spartan Ops with the group behind the Dead Island trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Dec 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>axis-animationbehind-the-scenesdead-islandhalo-4making-ofmicrosoftspartan-opstrailerxboxTue, 04 Dec 2012 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Remaining Halo 4 multiplayer Specializations now available to some]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/01/psa-remaining-halo-4-multiplayer-specializations-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/01/psa-remaining-halo-4-multiplayer-specializations-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/01/psa-remaining-halo-4-multiplayer-specializations-now-available/#comments When Halo 4 launched way, way back on November 6, only those that purchased the game's Limited Edition were granted access to all eight multiplayer Specializations; normal players could only make use of two. As of today, however, a slightly greater number of people will be able to utilize the other six classes originally reserved for the cool kids.

Codes to download "Specialization Priority Alpha" are currently being emailed to anyone that participated in Halo 4's multiplayer prior to November 20, Kotaku reports. The DLC acts as a key that unlocks Engineer, Tracker, Rogue, Stalker, Patherfinder and Operator Specializations, all of which grant unique armor and abilities after Level 50.

For anyone that doesn't meet that criteria, well, you can always make your own unique armor out of cardboard and duct tape. Other players won't be able to see it, granted, but you'll know. And, in the end, isn't that the important thing?

JoystiqPSA: Remaining Halo 4 multiplayer Specializations now available to some originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-IndustriesDLChalo-4microsoftmicrosoft-studiosmultiplayerPSAspecializationsxboxSat, 01 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Ops 2 topples Halo 4 on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/black-ops-2-topples-halo-4-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/black-ops-2-topples-halo-4-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/black-ops-2-topples-halo-4-on-xbox-live/#comments Even after saving the entire galaxy (twice!), Master Chief just can't stay on top. After briefly dethroning Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 on Xbox Live during its launch week, Halo 4 is now the second most played game behind Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, according to Major Nelson. It's not too surprising, given the traditional Xbox Live dominance of Activision's annual shooter.

Perhaps more interesting is seeing Hitman: Absolution (appropriately) sneak into the top 20, assassinate Halo 3 and take over its spot at number 19. Meanwhile, Minecraft looms in third place, waiting to reclaim its former glory once again.

JoystiqBlack Ops 2 topples Halo 4 on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-black-ops-2halo-4live-top-tenmicrosoftxboxxbox-livexbox-live-top-tenThu, 29 Nov 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 Crimson Map Pack, Extraction mode arrive December 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/halo-4-crimson-map-pack-extraction-mode-arrive-december-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/halo-4-crimson-map-pack-extraction-mode-arrive-december-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/halo-4-crimson-map-pack-extraction-mode-arrive-december-10/#comments
It looks like this week's Halo 4 leak was true, at least where the Crimson Map Pack is concerned. The first Halo 4 map pack will indeed arrive on December 10, featuring three new maps. The maps include Wreckage, "a ravaged environment of crashed debris," Harvest, the planet where humanity first encountered the Covenant, and Shatter, a UNSC crystal-mining facility.

Those with the map pack will also have access to a playlist exclusively featuring the new maps. The Crimson Map Pack will be available for 800 MS Points ($10) or via the $25 War Games Map Pass, which grants access to all three of the game's planned map packs (the pass is also included with the limited edition of Halo 4).

Also slated for December 10 is a new multiplayer mode called Extraction. This mode tasks each team with "extracting assets from various sites around the map." This is done by planting and subsequently defending a beacon at specific locations. Successfully defending a beacon earns a team one point. The opposing team, meanwhile, can earn points by taking the extraction site for themselves.

Check out a trailer for the Crimson Map Pack above and peruse some new screens in the gallery below.

Gallery: Halo 4 (Crimson Map Pack)

Continue reading Halo 4 Crimson Map Pack, Extraction mode arrive December 10

JoystiqHalo 4 Crimson Map Pack, Extraction mode arrive December 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriescertain-affinitycrimson-map-packhalo-4microsoftxboxThu, 29 Nov 2012 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Spartan Ops: Episode 4 sans Halo 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/watch-spartan-ops-episode-4-sans-halo-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/watch-spartan-ops-episode-4-sans-halo-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/watch-spartan-ops-episode-4-sans-halo-4/#comments

The fourth episode of Halo 4's "Spartan Ops" series is available now through your copy of Master Chief's latest adventure. But, if you're only interested in the gorgeous cutscenes, then here you go. You can start watching from the beginning here.

JoystiqWatch Spartan Ops: Episode 4 sans Halo 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industrieshalo-4microsoftxboxTue, 27 Nov 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Halo 4 map pack details leaked on German 360 dashboard]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/report-halo-4-map-packs-dated-leaked-on-german-360-dashboard/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/report-halo-4-map-packs-dated-leaked-on-german-360-dashboard/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/report-halo-4-map-packs-dated-leaked-on-german-360-dashboard/#comments Report Halo 4 map packs dated leaked on German 360 dashboardDates for upcoming Halo 4 map packs reportedly leaked out via the German Xbox 360 dashboard. The Halo Council screen captured an advertisement listing the Crimson Map pack as launching on December 10, the Majestic pack on February 25, and the Castle pack on April 1.

The War Games Map Pass is currently available for 2000 MSP and is set to grant access to the three packs, but developer 343 Industries hasn't announced their release dates. We've reached out to Microsoft for clarification on when the map packs are due to deploy.

Update: Microsoft responded to our request for clarification by reiterating the release months for the announced packs and that it had "nothing further to announce at this time." Microsoft stated Crimson is expected in December, Majestic in February and Castle in April.

[Image credit: The Halo Council]

JoystiqReport: Halo 4 map pack details leaked on German 360 dashboard originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industrieshalo-4microsoftxboxMon, 26 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon's Sunday Lightning Deals offering more Halo 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/25/amazons-sunday-lightning-deals-offering-more-halo-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/25/amazons-sunday-lightning-deals-offering-more-halo-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/25/amazons-sunday-lightning-deals-offering-more-halo-4/#comments Amazon's Sunday Lightning DealsFor those that missed out on yesterday's Halo 4 Lightning Deal, you have another shot at getting a $20 Amazon gift card and $10 in Instant Watch credit with the game today. Unfortunately, a few of the earlier deals for today have already been claimed, but if you rush to your computer with your credit card in hand, you might be able to score The World Ends With You ($14.99) and Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 ($19.99) before the deals run out.

Punch your way past the break to check out the full schedule of today's Lightning Deals, courtesy of Thrifty Nerd.

Continue reading Amazon's Sunday Lightning Deals offering more Halo 4

JoystiqAmazon's Sunday Lightning Deals offering more Halo 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industries3dsamazondshalo-4holiday-2012kinectKonamimicrosoftnintendopcpro-evolution-soccersalesSquare-Enixthe-world-ends-with-youwiixboxSun, 25 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4's Spartan Ops: Episode 4 out Monday, teaser out right now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/24/halo-4s-spartan-ops-episode-4-out-monday-teaser-out-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/24/halo-4s-spartan-ops-episode-4-out-monday-teaser-out-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/24/halo-4s-spartan-ops-episode-4-out-monday-teaser-out-right-now/#comments
The next episode of Halo 4's Spartan Ops campaign lands Monday morning at 2 a.m. Pacific, but you can watch the teaser trailer right now if that's what you're into. Episode 4, "Didact's Hand," appears to have a lot of holograms, more political intrigue and more moral relativist drama. Also, aliens.

JoystiqHalo 4's Spartan Ops: Episode 4 out Monday, teaser out right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Nov 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industriesepisode-4halo-4microsoftmicrosoft-studiosspartan-opsteaserxboxSat, 24 Nov 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's Amazon Lightning Deals include Halo 4 with $20 Amazon gift card]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/24/todays-amazon-lightning-deals-include-halo-4-with-20-amazon-gi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/24/todays-amazon-lightning-deals-include-halo-4-with-20-amazon-gi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/24/todays-amazon-lightning-deals-include-halo-4-with-20-amazon-gi/#comments Today's Amazon Lightning Deals include Halo 4Amazon has a handful of fresh Lightning Deals scheduled for today, including a deal that nets you Halo 4 along with a $20 Amazon gift card and $10 in Amazon Instant Watch credit. The earlier set of sales also features Prototype 2 and the Xbox 360 4 GB holiday bundle.

Check out today's sales schedule after the break, as compiled by Thrifty Nerd.

Continue reading Today's Amazon Lightning Deals include Halo 4 with $20 Amazon gift card

JoystiqToday's Amazon Lightning Deals include Halo 4 with $20 Amazon gift card originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonhalo-4kinectlightning-dealsmicrosoftxboxSat, 24 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4's first three Spartan Ops cutscenes in full]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/19/halo-4s-first-three-spartan-ops-cutscenes-in-full/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/19/halo-4s-first-three-spartan-ops-cutscenes-in-full/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/19/halo-4s-first-three-spartan-ops-cutscenes-in-full/#comments
If you've already enlisted with a copy of Halo 4, you can watch all these "Spartan Ops" shorts under the Infinity menu. If Halo isn't your thing, but checking out some luxe CGI is, here's the first three episodes in order.

Continue reading Halo 4's first three Spartan Ops cutscenes in full

JoystiqHalo 4's first three Spartan Ops cutscenes in full originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Nov 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industrieshalo-4microsoftxboxMon, 19 Nov 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is 4th biggest UK launch of all time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/19/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-is-4th-biggest-uk-launch-of-all-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/19/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-is-4th-biggest-uk-launch-of-all-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/19/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-is-4th-biggest-uk-launch-of-all-time/#comments Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 launched across the globe last week and, as sure as the Queen combines her corgis like Voltron into one giant corgi to ride around the palace, the game debuted in the top spot. We're not projecting the right gravitas here. The game didn't just premiere at the top spot in the UK, it starts out there as the fourth biggest game launch of all time, according to Chart-Track.

Halo 4 stepped down one notch into second, with FIFA 13 tapping its foot in third, awaiting the moment where it can move back up once the holiday blockbusters are over. Speaking of other franchises with ridiculously long tails on the UK charts, Just Dance 4 climbed up two spots from nine to seven. FIFA and Just Dance love that top ten dance floor, check out the other members of the soul train after the break.

Continue reading Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is 4th biggest UK launch of all time

JoystiqCall of Duty: Black Ops 2 is 4th biggest UK launch of all time originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaincall-of-duty-black-ops-2chart-trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-13halo-4microsoftnintendoplaystationps3ukwii-uxboxMon, 19 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST