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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Halo 4 pre-order bonuses include Deadeye helmet, Web armor skins]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/halo-4-pre-order-bonuses-include-deadeye-helmet-web-armor-skins/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/halo-4-pre-order-bonuses-include-deadeye-helmet-web-armor-skins/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/halo-4-pre-order-bonuses-include-deadeye-helmet-web-armor-skins/#comments ImageIf Master Chief were a superhero in the Marvel universe, he'd probably be called Space-Man and his armor would have seen dozens of disparate artistic interpretations over the years, from 1940s Americana to bloodthirsty zombie. He could have even looked like a melted candy cane, just as he does in one of the Halo 4 pre-order bonus skins revealed for EB Games, Play and Amazon today.

EB Games (Canada) has camo-style battle rifle and festive armor suit skins, Amazon gets the "Web" armor skin and Play puts Master Chief in the "Deadeye" helmet skin. GameStop also lists a pre-order bonus, the "Forest" armor skin, but hasn't yet provided an image.

JoystiqHalo 4 pre-order bonuses include Deadeye helmet, Web armor skins originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonushalo-4microsoftpre-orderskinsxboxFri, 25 May 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gorgeous Halo 4 concept shots found on Xbox Live Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/gorgeous-halo-4-concept-shots-found-on-xbox-live-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/gorgeous-halo-4-concept-shots-found-on-xbox-live-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/gorgeous-halo-4-concept-shots-found-on-xbox-live-marketplace/#comments ImageHalo 4 isn't all Master Chief and his revamped blue buddy. It's also got giant, uninhabited spaces with incredible views, as seen in the two Xbox Live Marketplace "Premium Themes" that Little English Halo Blog snagged.

The vista above - full of upside down buildings hanging precariously over a mountain range and marked with a UNSC shuttlecraft of some form - seems to be a Forerunner world of some form, but we can't be sure. As for the second screen, it looks like an engine room, but then we're not exactly future engineers.

JoystiqGorgeous Halo 4 concept shots found on Xbox Live Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesconcept-arthalo-4microsoftmicrosoft-studiosxboxxbox-live-marketplaceFri, 25 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4's 'Infinity' multiplayer to introduce Spartan Ops, War Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/halo-4s-infinity-multiplayer-to-introduce-spartan-ops-war-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/halo-4s-infinity-multiplayer-to-introduce-spartan-ops-war-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/halo-4s-infinity-multiplayer-to-introduce-spartan-ops-war-ga/#comments ImageAs the November 6 launch of Halo 4 approaches, Microsoft is doling out more information about its multiplayer modes, collectively known as "Infinity Multiplayer" (surprise!). The game will introduce a brand new mode called Spartan Ops, which tells the story of the UNSC Infinity, the massive ship that serves as Halo 4's multiplayer hub (pictured). Spartan Ops will serve as an episodic continuation of Halo 4's campaign, with weekly cinematic episodes that "center on the UNSC Infinity leaders and crew, and a new team of Spartans - Majestic Squad." Each episode will include new missions, allowing one to four players to "explore the corners of Requiem in these objective-based missions, and help uncover the secrets of the mysterious Forerunner world."

Halo 4's competitive multiplayer will be known as War Games and, as previously detailed, will offer plenty of character progression and customization, such as armor specializations that enable "combat enhancements" tailored to specific play styles.

Both War Games and Spartan Ops are included with the standard edition of Halo 4, though those willing to pony up the dough for the $99 special edition will also receive 9 maps (to be doled out across three map packs after launch) and early access to six armor specializations.

Continue reading Halo 4's 'Infinity' multiplayer to introduce Spartan Ops, War Games

JoystiqHalo 4's 'Infinity' multiplayer to introduce Spartan Ops, War Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industrieshalo-4microsoftmicrosoft-studiosxboxxbox-liveWed, 16 May 2012 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 Limited Edition includes multiplayer map DLC, videos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/halo-4-limited-edition-includes-multiplayer-map-dlc-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/halo-4-limited-edition-includes-multiplayer-map-dlc-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/halo-4-limited-edition-includes-multiplayer-map-dlc-videos/#comments ImageMicrosoft revealed Halo 4's Limited Edition today, and there's not a cat helmet to be found. Instead, the $100 package gets you a fancy box, a "UNSC Infinity Briefing Packet," and a host of in-game bonuses, expanding the multiplayer experience.

The LE includes the "War Games Map Pack," a voucher for "three future competitive multiplayer map packs, each including three locations, available for download post-launch on Xbox Live." It also includes early access to six multiplayer Specializations, which will only be released at launch in this package; they'll be "released over time" to the general audience.

Other digital bonuses include an exclusive armor and weapon skin, an in-game emblem, and an Avatar prop. The LE also includes an "extended 90-minute version" of the Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn video series, extra featurettes, and making-of videos.

Continue reading Halo 4 Limited Edition includes multiplayer map DLC, videos

JoystiqHalo 4 Limited Edition includes multiplayer map DLC, videos originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halo-4limited-editionmicrosoftxboxWed, 16 May 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Two new Halo 4 enemies give away their position on McFarlane toy box]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/two-new-halo-4-enemies-give-away-their-position-on-mcfarlane-toy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/two-new-halo-4-enemies-give-away-their-position-on-mcfarlane-toy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/two-new-halo-4-enemies-give-away-their-position-on-mcfarlane-toy/#comments ImageTwo new enemies for Halo 4 have been outed on the back of a Series 1 McFarlane toy package, dubbed the "Crawler" and "Watcher," a photo from All Games Beta shows. The box includes images of each new enemy: The Crawler looks like a hellhound stuck its head in a vat of boiling yellow glow-stick liquid, while the Watcher appears to be a moth-mounted, flying beetle creature.

343 Industries better throw a leash on these Halo 4 image leaks before All Games Beta renames itself to "Official Halo 4 Pictures For Everyone Always, Enjoy."

JoystiqTwo new Halo 4 enemies give away their position on McFarlane toy box originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industriescrawlerenemieshalo-4imagesleakmicrosoftwatcherxboxMon, 14 May 2012 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Titan Books publishing Awakening: The Art of Halo 4 in November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/titan-books-publishing-awakening-the-art-of-halo-4-in-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/titan-books-publishing-awakening-the-art-of-halo-4-in-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/titan-books-publishing-awakening-the-art-of-halo-4-in-november/#comments If you prefer your books to be light on those word things, you might want to join us in our favorite pastime - perusing books with lots of pictures in them. Titan Books will produce such a collection of images centered around Halo 4, called Awakening: The Art of Halo 4.

It's a hardcover tome of concept art from 343 Industries highlighting "characters, weapons, vehicles, and environments" from this year's installment in Microsoft's popular franchise. "This collection will provide a detailed look at the art created specifically for Halo 4, with commentary by the creative team at 343 Industries," the announcement reads.

Awakening: The Art of Halo 4 will be available at your favorite Bookatorium in November, which conveniently happens to be when Halo 4 launches.

Gallery: Halo 4 (Concept Art)

JoystiqTitan Books publishing Awakening: The Art of Halo 4 in November originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesawakeningawakening-the-art-of-halo-4halo-4microsofttitan-booksxboxWed, 09 May 2012 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 heading 'Forward Unto Dawn' with new live-action web series [update: teaser image]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/halo-4-heading-forward-unto-dawn-with-new-live-action-web-seri/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/halo-4-heading-forward-unto-dawn-with-new-live-action-web-seri/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/halo-4-heading-forward-unto-dawn-with-new-live-action-web-seri/#comments ImageIt wouldn't be a Halo launch without a tremendous media campaign, and Halo 4 looks to be no different. The weeks leading up to the Master Chief's return this November will be filled with a new web series entitled "Forward Unto Dawn," according to Variety. Representing Microsoft's "largest investment" in live-action ever, the series will be shown on Machinima and Halo Waypoint.

Details around the series still lie dormant - perhaps buried in a Forerunner facility - with Microsoft aiming to shed more light on the project at the San Diego Comic-Con this July. Using our own pervasive powers of prognostication, we're going to predict that Spartans figure into the series somehow.

Update: Microsoft has passed along an image to promote the series and, sure enough, it looks like the Chief will be making an appearance. Check out the full image in the gallery below.

Gallery: Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn announcement

JoystiqHalo 4 heading 'Forward Unto Dawn' with new live-action web series [update: teaser image] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industrieshalohalo-4live-actionmarketingmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosxboxMon, 30 Apr 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New Halo 4 shots reintroduce Grunts, Elites, and ... guns?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/new-halo-4-shots-reintroduce-grunts-elites-and-guns/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/new-halo-4-shots-reintroduce-grunts-elites-and-guns/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/new-halo-4-shots-reintroduce-grunts-elites-and-guns/#comments ImageAre you sitting down? Are you fully braced? You should probably brace yourself for this shocking news: Halo 4 will have Grunts, Elites, and guns. Yes, it's true, Master Chief will once again be blasting through suicidal Grunts and proud Elites in his battle against ... well, we're not really sure.

But these latest shots, freshly leaked on AllGamesBeta, assure us that at least two of Halo's classic foes will be returning in Halo 4. We're holding out hope that the Flood manage to miss this round. Please, 343 Industries? Pretty please?

Regardless, the screen above also indicates it's been over three years since the Chief's last contact with his former UNSC buddies. That's quite a bit of sleep. Enough to call it hibernation, even! And now we're picturing space bears in hibernation. Thanks, Halo.

Gallery: Halo 4 (Concept Art)

JoystiqNew Halo 4 shots reintroduce Grunts, Elites, and ... guns? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industrieshalo-4leakmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosxboxFri, 20 Apr 2012 12:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4, starring Conan O'Brien and Andy Richter as professional crate movers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/halo-4-starring-conan-obrien-and-andy-richter-as-professional/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/halo-4-starring-conan-obrien-and-andy-richter-as-professional/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/halo-4-starring-conan-obrien-and-andy-richter-as-professional/#comments Image
Ahead of tonight's episode of Conan, Team Coco went ahead and posted the full nine-minute Halo 4 segment starring 343 Industries' Kiki Wolfkill and Frank O'Connor. Conan's got pitches for his low-key role as "dude who moves crates in space during war," as well as a variety of subtle costume ideas. See it all for yourself just above.

JoystiqHalo 4, starring Conan O'Brien and Andy Richter as professional crate movers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 22:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesconan-obrienfrank-oconnorhalo-4kiki-wolfkillmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosxboxTue, 17 Apr 2012 22:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 awakens Master Chief on November 6]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/halo-4-wakes-up-master-chief-on-november-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/halo-4-wakes-up-master-chief-on-november-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/halo-4-wakes-up-master-chief-on-november-6/#comments
Microsoft and 343 Industries announced this morning that Halo 4 will launch worldwide on Tuesday, November 6. The news comes one day after teasy tweets from Microsoft's Major Nelson indicated some form of collaboration between Microsoft and everyone's favorite freakishly tall late night host, Conan O'Brien, which sparked rumors of a potential launch date reveal.

Microsoft studios corporate VP Phil Spencer offered lofty goals alongside the launch date announce. "With Halo 4 leading the charge, we're confident 2012 will be the most successful year in Xbox history," Spencer said. He also pointed out that Halo 4 is just the beginning of Microsoft's renewed relationship with the Chief. "We are beginning a new saga with Halo 4 and embarking on a journey that will encompass the next decade of Halo games and experiences." Just no more cat helmets, Phil. That's all we ask.

Additionally, Halo 4 will appear in some form on tonight's episode of "Conan," which Microsoft described as nothing more than a "special segment."

Update: Red vs Blue created the charming short above to announce Halo 4's release date. Enjoy!

Continue reading Halo 4 awakens Master Chief on November 6

JoystiqHalo 4 awakens Master Chief on November 6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesconanconan-obrienhalo-4microsoftmicrosoft-studiosphil-spencerq4-2012red-vs-bluerelease-datexboxTue, 17 Apr 2012 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4's multiplayer introduces 'Regicide' mode, 'Forerunner vision']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/halo-4s-multiplayer-introduces-regicide-mode-forerunner-vis/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/halo-4s-multiplayer-introduces-regicide-mode-forerunner-vis/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/halo-4s-multiplayer-introduces-regicide-mode-forerunner-vis/#comments Halo 4's various competitive multiplayer modes will feature new ways to slaughter your friends, as well as refreshed versions of old classics, according to a video interview with lead multiplayer designer Brad Welch at Game Informer.

One of the new modes, Regicide, is a free-for-all deathmatch in which one player is the "King," and all other players must attempt to usurp his/her throne. Killing non-King players rewards points as per usual, although not as many as are gained by killing the King, who has a substantial bounty placed upon their heads. Said bounty increases with every successful kill the King accrues during the match, until their demise.

Welch also detailed Halo 4's ranking and unlockable abilities system: Players earn XP as they win, eventually leveling up and being rewarded with Spartan Points, which are in turn spent on new armor abilities. "Forerunner vision," which grants the ability to see through walls, as well as "hologram and active cammo" were named specifically, though we expect that's just the tip of the iceberg.

JoystiqHalo 4's multiplayer introduces 'Regicide' mode, 'Forerunner vision' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industriesforerunner-visionhalo-4microsoftmultiplayerregicidexboxMon, 16 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4's music composed by Neil Davidge [update: samples]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/halo-4s-music-composed-by-neil-davidge-and-matt-dunkley/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/halo-4s-music-composed-by-neil-davidge-and-matt-dunkley/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/halo-4s-music-composed-by-neil-davidge-and-matt-dunkley/#comments
With Bungie moving away from the Halo series, audio lead Marty O'Donnell is gone as well, meaning that Halo 4 will probably sound different. Edge revealed the identity of the new, non-O'Donnell music team today: composer Neil Davidge, formerly of Massive Attack, and orchestrator/conductor Matt Dunkley (The Dark Knight, Black Swan, Inception).

"Hopefully the Halo fans will see that we're being respectful," Dunkley told Edge, "but we've also taken it somewhere else, and maybe onto a higher plane. If you're always trying to reference back, you're not creating new things."

"It's a new journey, it's a new story, it's a new arc," said self-professed Halo fan Davidge, "and so I feel like my job is not to revolutionise or reinvent but to continue the evolution, and I have a slightly different voice to those guys."

Update: Check out a "ViDoc" about the new composers above. And listen to some samples after the break.

Continue reading Halo 4's music composed by Neil Davidge [update: samples]

JoystiqHalo 4's music composed by Neil Davidge [update: samples] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriescomposerhalo-4matt-dunkleymicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosmusicneil-davidgexboxWed, 11 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nielsen: Assassin's Creed 3, Halo 4 most anticipated console titles this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/nielsen-assassins-creed-3-halo-4-most-anticipated-console-tit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/nielsen-assassins-creed-3-halo-4-most-anticipated-console-tit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/nielsen-assassins-creed-3-halo-4-most-anticipated-console-tit/#comments ImageYou guys are so predictable, except when you're being unpredictable. This year gamers are most excited to play Halo 4 (which still doesn't have a release date) on Xbox 360, Assassin's Creed 3 on PS3 and Madden NFL 13 on Wii, Nielsen reports from a recent study.

What baffles us is how low BioShock: Infinite rates (9th on 360 and 8th on PS3) and how eager PS3 owners are to play Prototype 2 -- it ranks 7th for PS3 gamers and doesn't even hit the top 10 on Xbox 360. We won't even discuss what business Battleship thinks it has being in 3rd place for Wii gamers.

Nielsen aggregated the scores based on eight "key customer metrics," such as "awareness" and "purchase interest." We are now certainly "aware" that we can't guess the general consumer's mindset, when all we hear about is how they have no "interest" to "purchase" another game ever again, but mainstream, full-price titles crowd the most-anticipated list. Check out the complete list here.

JoystiqNielsen: Assassin's Creed 3, Halo 4 most anticipated console titles this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-3battleshipHalo-4madden-nfl-13microsoftNielsennintendoplaystationps3Seriously-BattleshipsurveywiixboxTue, 10 Apr 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Introducing Halo 4's Cortana]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/introducing-halo-4s-cortana/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/introducing-halo-4s-cortana/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/introducing-halo-4s-cortana/#comments ImageYou have to wonder why Master Chief - essentially a sexless cyborg - has a voluptuous female counterpart, but it's a bit late in the Halo franchise to be asking such questions. Instead, we simply accept that the Chief's virtual partner-in-heroism will once again return in this fall's Halo 4, and now we know what she looks like (care of the latest Game Informer cover reveal, as seen above).

Given the conclusion of Halo 3, we were kinda expecting the Chief's blue buddy to have a straitjacket wrapped around her projected avatar, but perhaps that and more will be explained when the game arrives later this year.

Oh, and for comparison's sake, we've dropped an image of Halo 3's Cortana just below the break. Her newer likeness is kinda ... less blue? A bit? That's all we got.

Continue reading Introducing Halo 4's Cortana

JoystiqIntroducing Halo 4's Cortana originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriescortanacovergame-informerhalo-4microsoftmicrosoft-studiosxboxThu, 05 Apr 2012 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 'Warhouse' multiplayer map concept art and info deployed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/halo-4-warhouse-multiplayer-map-concept-art-and-info-deployed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/halo-4-warhouse-multiplayer-map-concept-art-and-info-deployed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/halo-4-warhouse-multiplayer-map-concept-art-and-info-deployed/#comments Warhouse is a massive mining ship, one of the multiplayer maps available in Halo 4 when it ships later this year. On the outside, there is a beautiful space vista to distract you while a Spartan sneaks up behind you and bashes your billion-dollar helmet in with his Battle Rifle. Inside, there is a giant half-built mech to distract you while -- well, while the same thing happens.

Warhouse is a working title for this map, 343 says in the latest Halo Bulletin update. It's a smaller, symmetrical map designed for Slayer gametypes. "We wanted this playspace to be similar competition-wise to older symmetrical maps in previous Halos, so we sought influence from those, and also from the industrial close-quarters combat in more recent games," the 343 blog post reads.

There are a series of small pathways connecting various areas of Warhouse, allowing for what 343 hopes are many surprising encounters. You know, like that time that Spartan sneaked up behind you and -- well, you get the idea.

Gallery: Halo 4 (Warhouse concept art)

JoystiqHalo 4 'Warhouse' multiplayer map concept art and info deployed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industriesconcept-arthalohalo-4microsoftmicrosoft-studioswarhousexboxFri, 30 Mar 2012 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[There is no Halo 4 beta or Halo4beta site]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/there-is-no-halo-4-beta-or-halo4beta-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/there-is-no-halo-4-beta-or-halo4beta-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/there-is-no-halo-4-beta-or-halo4beta-site/#comments There are no plans for Halo 4 to receive a public beta, 343 Industries announced in a Q&A with franchise development director Frank O' Connor. He answered a slew of fan questions about Halo 4, revealing that it would be possible to play Grifball, that there would not be a color-blind mode (though considerations for that audience have been made in art decisions), and a few other tidbits. Check out the full factsheet here.

In related Halo 4 news, Microsoft recently won a legal battle against the bogus website Halo4beta.net, but as there won't be a Halo 4 beta we don't expect it to be put back into official use any time soon. Microsoft has also filed a complaint against Halo4beta.biz.

JoystiqThere is no Halo 4 beta or Halo4beta site originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-IndustriesbetafrankieHalohalo-4legalmicrosoftxboxSun, 11 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 bringing the Battle Rifle back, introducing unlockable abilities in progression system]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/halo-4-bringing-the-battle-rifle-back-introducing-unlockable-ab/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/halo-4-bringing-the-battle-rifle-back-introducing-unlockable-ab/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/halo-4-bringing-the-battle-rifle-back-introducing-unlockable-ab/#comments
Few fictional weapons can drum up their own cult following. The cadence and rat-tat-tat ruthlessness of Halo's Battle Rifle is unmistakable no matter which side of the barrel you're on. It's a death sentence in the right hands, punctuated by an ellipsis of bullets ... and painfully described in overwrought, armament love letters built on phrases like "ellipsis of bullets." As far as iconic Halo bits and pieces go, the Battle Rifle seems almost as inextricable as Master Chief.

And yet the cyborg with humanity at heart skipped enough games for Microsoft to make a big deal out of his return in Halo 4. The new (ish) franchise custodians at 343 Industries are in a tight spot, where they have to shape a message not only around what's new, but what's coming back. The Battle Rifle's return is an easy way to establish the latter, then, especially to those fans who couldn't wrap their heads around the weapon's disappearance in the first place.

Speaking to Joystiq in an interview last year, former Bungie game designer Jaime Griesemer saw the weapon as a piece of deadly nostalgia. "It's not just a weapon, it's the weapon," he said. "For a skilled player, they spend most of their time using that one weapon. If you never miss, it's the most effective tool in the toolbox. So for them, Halo 3 is the Battle Rifle. All their Halo emotion and experience is tied up in it. So it isn't surprising to me when people react that way."

How daunting must it be to work in a space where a video game gun can reach beloved status? It's no wonder Microsoft is being sensitive and cryptic about Halo 4, which introduces what could be the biggest, most widespread (and controversial) change to the multiplayer in years. According to 343, Halo 4 will add customizable loadouts and abilities that are unlocked through a progression system.

Gallery: Halo 4 (05/03/12)

Continue reading Halo 4 bringing the Battle Rifle back, introducing unlockable abilities in progression system

JoystiqHalo 4 bringing the Battle Rifle back, introducing unlockable abilities in progression system originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbattle-riflehalo-4jaime-griesemermaster-chiefmicrosoftxboxxbox-showcase-2012Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 to feature one heavy Master Chief]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/halo-4-to-feature-one-heavy-master-chief/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/halo-4-to-feature-one-heavy-master-chief/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/halo-4-to-feature-one-heavy-master-chief/#comments When we all saw the teaser for Halo 4, our first question was: "What is up with that armor?" Last time we checked, he didn't have a jetpack. Could Master Chief actually be Barry Steakfries?

Nope, it's all part of 343 Industries' plan to update the Master Chief's armor for Halo 4. A blog post on Halo Waypoint discusses the "800 pounds of tank and jet fighter" strapped to Chief's frame. "So we pulled that design into the armor and HUD. When you play Halo 4, it's important you understand that you're more than just a gun on the screen. To give you that feeling, we have represented that weight with player physics, without interrupting crosshair and shooting accuracy."

Despite Chief's bulk, 343 describes him in Halo 4 as "a nimble yet heavy superhero." His design will contrast against the bulky Spartan armor design seen in Bungie's last effort, Halo: Reach. "When we first looked at the Chief's armor, we studied what was done in Reach. We knew he needed to be understood as a nimble yet heavy superhero, and contrast that with Reach armor design that was more on the bulky side. Our goal is to hit that sweet spot where we represent what is fictionally true about the Chief while making sure you feel like you're a super-powerful human being when you're playing him."

In short, 343 is aiming to better convey his physical weight to the players -- and it sounds like his movement and characteristics will reflect that. Whether it'll come with a more complex, busier HUD remains to be seen.

JoystiqHalo 4 to feature one heavy Master Chief originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industrieshalo-4microsoftmicrosoft-studiosreclaimer-trilogyxboxThu, 16 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4's Master Chief steps boldly into the physical realm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/halo-4s-master-chief-steps-boldly-into-the-physical-realm/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/halo-4s-master-chief-steps-boldly-into-the-physical-realm/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/halo-4s-master-chief-steps-boldly-into-the-physical-realm/#comments We first got a look at Halo 4's Master Chief with this epic picture of him being born from an exploding robot womb, and the physical version made by McFarlane Toys stays true to that rendition, right down to the placement of the chink in his armor. If Microsoft approves this prototype, Halo 4 will mark a departure from previous armor designs, which have generally offered more coverage around Master Chief's vital organs, and more mobility around the neck and shoulders. Because that's what armor should do.

For example, the Halo 4 version offers a squishy black bullseye over Master Chief's heart, while in Halo 3 that area was covered in sturdy green armor. The bicep patches in the above design look large enough to carry your emblem of choice (unicorn), but not to stop advanced-technology bullets from piercing your skin as previous armor versions do. Also, he's fighting a galactic war, not practicing advanced yoga -- there is no reason for that much uncovered space on his hips.

Microsoft will decide if this prototype is close enough to in-game reality before it launches in the fall as part of McFarlane's Halo 4 lineup, which will include brand new weapons, characters and vehicles. This year McFarlane also plans to drop two new product lines based in the Halo universe: Micro Ops, which offers classic figures at 1:100 standard size, and Halo Avatars, 2.5-inch physical renditions of Xbox Live avatars.

JoystiqHalo 4's Master Chief steps boldly into the physical realm originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>figuresfigurineshalo-4master-chiefMcFarlanemcfarlane-toysmicrosoftNew-York-Toy-FairxboxMon, 13 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Archetype fan-film teaser introduces the first Spartan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/halo-archetype-fan-film-teaser-introduces-the-first-spartan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/halo-archetype-fan-film-teaser-introduces-the-first-spartan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/halo-archetype-fan-film-teaser-introduces-the-first-spartan/#comments
Usually, being the first to do something is a good thing. In the case of Halo: Archetype, a fan-film chronicling the first Spartan to don the MJOLNIR armor, it just means you're the guy who gets shot at most.

JoystiqHalo: Archetype fan-film teaser introduces the first Spartan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halo-4kinectmicrosoftpcxboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft files complaint over fake Halo 4 beta domain]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/microsoft-files-complaint-over-fake-halo-4-beta-domain/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/microsoft-files-complaint-over-fake-halo-4-beta-domain/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/microsoft-files-complaint-over-fake-halo-4-beta-domain/#comments Believe it or not, there are evil people on the Internet who use misinformation and deception to steal from the innocent and well-meaning. We know, we couldn't believe it either, but it's the truth, as recently demonstrated by an outbreak of fake Halo 4 beta test invites.

343 Industries' creative director David Ellis was quick to debunk the bogus site, but the URL used in the phishing scam (halo4beta dot net) is still out there, tempting fate with its Halo-oriented name and un-Microsoftness. Who knows what nefarious maleficence the domain could be used for if left in the wild, so Microsoft has filed a complaint with the National Arbitration Forum in order to have the domain name transferred to its ownership.

In situations like this, the company filing the complaint has to be able to prove that the domain in question was registered maliciously in order for the Forum to decide in its favor. Under the circumstances, we feel like global fraud will probably be malicious enough to sway things in Microsoft's favor.

JoystiqMicrosoft files complaint over fake Halo 4 beta domain originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industriesbeta-invitesdomainfakehalo-4halo-4-betalawlegalmicrosoftnational-arbitration-forumxboxSat, 28 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 beta invites are all fake (so far)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/halo-4-beta-invites-are-all-fake-so-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/halo-4-beta-invites-are-all-fake-so-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/halo-4-beta-invites-are-all-fake-so-far/#comments
Abe Vigoda's not dead, that bridge in Brooklyn isn't really for sale, and there isn't actually an Easter bunny or a tooth fairy. Oh, and that invite to the Halo 4 beta you just got? It's not real either, says 343 Industries' content editor David Ellis. That doesn't mean there won't be a beta, but there isn't one yet.

Santa Claus, though? Totally real.

JoystiqHalo 4 beta invites are all fake (so far) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbeta-invitesdavid-ellishalo-4halo-4-betahalo-4-beta-inviteshalo-betamicrosoftpsaxboxSat, 21 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Halo: Glasslands novel out today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/psa-halo-glasslands-novel-out-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/psa-halo-glasslands-novel-out-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/psa-halo-glasslands-novel-out-today/#commentsHalo: Glasslands, the novel first announced all the way back in 2009 (remember Dollhouse? No?), is now filling the shelves of your favorite book seller. The book promises to continue the story of Ghosts of Onyx, and will detail events that take place after Halo 3. The press release mentions plenty of plot details, though frankly, none of them match up to the torrid love affair suggested by the Glasslands cover.

Granted, there probably isn't an actual human-on-Covenant relationship in Glasslands, but that's what fan fiction is for, right?

JoystiqPSA: Halo: Glasslands novel out today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halo-4halo-glasslandsmicrosoftxboxTue, 25 Oct 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why Halo 4's Warthog can be seen but not driven in Forza 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/why-halo-4s-warthog-can-be-seen-but-not-driven-in-forza-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/why-halo-4s-warthog-can-be-seen-but-not-driven-in-forza-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/why-halo-4s-warthog-can-be-seen-but-not-driven-in-forza-4/#comments Looks like a puma It's nifty that Forza Motorsport 4 will allow players to examine the Halo 4 Warthog in "Auto Vista" mode, but we doubt we're alone in wondering why you can't actually drive it. According to developer Turn 10's Dan Greenwalt, implementing the UNSC's iconic ground transport is much more complex than it sounds.

Speaking to Eurogamer, Greenwalt explained that the technology used in the Warthog simply doesn't exist in any of Forza's other cars - notably its "crab walking" four wheel steering - meaning Turn 10 would have to build it from scratch. It's not that the Turn 10 team is incapable, Greenwalt noted that they have the specs, but it would be "a big investment" in order to support a single vehicle.

The final straw, apparently, is that there's no way to simulate the Warthog's tires. All of Forza's tire physics are based on real-world tires, meaning that each tire in the game should react to road conditions in a (very) realistic way. Said Greenwalt, "they didn't give us tires from nanotube technology from 2525."

JoystiqWhy Halo 4's Warthog can be seen but not driven in Forza 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>forza-4forza-motorsport-4halohalo-4kinectkinect-forzamicrosoftturn-10xboxFri, 23 Sep 2011 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 creative director Ryan Payton leaves Microsoft, opens Camouflaj [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/halo-4-creative-director-ryan-payton-leaves-microsoft-opens-cam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/halo-4-creative-director-ryan-payton-leaves-microsoft-opens-cam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/halo-4-creative-director-ryan-payton-leaves-microsoft-opens-cam/#comments Moving from Metal Gear Solid 4 to Halo 4, ex-EGM freelancer turned game producer Ryan Payton was building a resume of high profile sequels to rest his career on. But before he could help Master Chief finish the next fight, he announced that he was leaving 343 Industries and Microsoft to open his own studio, Camouflaj.

"Some people say I'm crazy, but I want to make a game that one billion people play at once, and it's something that hits them harder than a great book or film," Payton says of Camouflaj's future projects, of which there are currently two in development.

In 2008, Payton helped launched Metal Gear Solid 4 as assistant producer at Kojima Productions in Tokyo, but when his mother in the US was diagnosed with cancer he decided to move closer to home. After interviewing at "several" studios, he decided on Microsoft, where we now know he was working on Halo 4. Unfortunately, it seems that the Halo he wanted to build wasn't exactly what Microsoft had in mind. "The Halo I wanted to build was fundamentally different and I don't think I had built enough credibility to see such a crazy endeavor through," he told Kotaku in an interview.

After seeing friend and Haunted Temple Studios creative lead Jake Kazdal laboring on his own project, Skulls of the Shogun, Payton decided it was time for a change. "I think time is the most valuable thing we have, and I've decided that I'm not going to waste one more day working on something that doesn't speak to my values."

Update: Microsoft has released a statement regarding Payton's departure, stating: "343 Industries has assembled an all-star cast of talent working on 'Halo 4' under the design leadership of Studio and 'Halo 4' Creative Director, Josh Holmes. We're excited to tell the next story in the 'Halo' universe with 'Halo 4' as the first game in the Reclaimer Trilogy. Ryan Payton, who left earlier this summer, served as Narrative Designer on 'Halo 4' for 15 months. Armando Troisi was hired as the 'Halo 4' Narrative Director in March, having formerly served as the Lead Cinematic Designer on 'Mass Effect 2.' Ryan has been a great friend and colleague during his tenure at 343 Industries and we appreciate his contributions to the team. We wish Ryan the best in his new game development venture."

JoystiqHalo 4 creative director Ryan Payton leaves Microsoft, opens Camouflaj [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343343-industriescamouflajhalo-4kojima-productionsmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosryan-paytonxboxTue, 06 Sep 2011 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson examines the Warthog in Forza 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/top-gears-jeremy-clarkson-examines-the-warthog-in-forza-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/top-gears-jeremy-clarkson-examines-the-warthog-in-forza-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/top-gears-jeremy-clarkson-examines-the-warthog-in-forza-4/#comments
As the irreverent host of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson is used to hanging out with a near-mythical character that's obscured behind a shiny helmet. Commenting on Master Chief's fictional ride is just another day on the job, really.

JoystiqTop Gear's Jeremy Clarkson examines the Warthog in Forza 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>forza-4forza-motorsport-4halohalo-4jeremy-clarksonkinect-forzamicrosofttop-gearwarthogxboxThu, 01 Sep 2011 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 videos give inside look at concept art and audio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/halo-4-videos-give-inside-look-at-concept-art-and-audio/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/halo-4-videos-give-inside-look-at-concept-art-and-audio/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/halo-4-videos-give-inside-look-at-concept-art-and-audio/#comments
Halo Waypoint has orbitally dropped a couple of videos from this weekend's Halo Fest at PAX. They feature sounds from a deadly potato gun and concept art from the upcoming Halo 4.

Continue reading Halo 4 videos give inside look at concept art and audio

JoystiqHalo 4 videos give inside look at concept art and audio originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industrieshalo-4halo-festmicrosoftxboxMon, 29 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 begins The Reclaimer Trilogy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/halo-4-begins-the-reclaimer-trilogy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/halo-4-begins-the-reclaimer-trilogy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/halo-4-begins-the-reclaimer-trilogy/#comments

The new Halo series will be named the Reclaimer Trilogy, developer 343 Industries revealed at the PAX Halo 4 panel. Halo 4 is a direct sequel to Halo 3, and the new trilogy will emphasize Master Chief as both a character and a force to be reckoned with. The iteration of Master Chief in this year's E3 teaser was not the final version, and 343 wants to sell "the fantasy that Master Chief is an 800-pound hero that is part tank, part jet fighter" with the Reclaimer Trilogy. Cortana will play a large role in Master Chief's storyline, in a "unique relationship that hasn't been addressed in other games," 343 said.

The Reclaimer Trilogy will balance classic Halo gameplay with innovations in weaponry and abilities to give long-time fans a sense of something new, 343 said. Creative director Josh Holmes described Halo 4's overall gameplay in simple, traditional terms: "Well, it plays like Halo."

JoystiqHalo 4 begins The Reclaimer Trilogy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Aug 2011 16:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industrieshalo-4microsoftThe-Reclaimer-TrilogyxboxSun, 28 Aug 2011 16:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Examine Halo 4's Warthog in Forza 4's 'Auto Vista' mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/halo-warthog-in-forza-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/halo-warthog-in-forza-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/halo-warthog-in-forza-4/#comments Ever wanted to know the deep lore behind and automotive specs inside Halo's most abundant form of military transportation? You can and you will, provided you pick up Turn 10's upcoming racer, Forza Motorsport 4. At last night's Halo Fest event, the studio announced that the new, Halo 4 model of the ubiquitous Warthog would be featured as an easter egg in the game's spectatorial "Auto Vista" mode.

This means that you'll be able to sail around the new iteration of the car (using either a controller or Kinect-based gestures), manipulating its every feature and learning more about its backstory thanks to some 343-penned narration. The best part? Those voiceovers are performed by Jen Taylor, the actor behind Halo's luminous guide, Cortana.

The worst part? The Warthog's only viewable in Auto Vista mode, and won't be driveable in actual races. We suppose that would be unfair, because, you know, chaingun.

JoystiqExamine Halo 4's Warthog in Forza 4's 'Auto Vista' mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industrieseaster-eggforza-4forza-motorsport-4halohalo-4halo-combat-evolved-anniversaryhalofest-2011kinect-forzamicrosoftturn-10xboxFri, 26 Aug 2011 11:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Spencer: Halo without Master Chief just isn't as 'centered' on what players want]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/spencer-halo-without-master-chief-just-isnt-as-centered-on-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/spencer-halo-without-master-chief-just-isnt-as-centered-on-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/spencer-halo-without-master-chief-just-isnt-as-centered-on-w/#comments We're not 100 percent sure what Microsoft Game Studios head Phil Spencer is trying to say in this quote from E3, but as far as we can tell, he's just happy that Halo 4 is returning the player to Master Chief's head. He says he wants to make sure that the new game "lives up to what I think gamers fell in love with," and for him, that means being the Chief again.

Spencer says Halo Reach "made more sense to you if you were a Halo fan. If you were new to Xbox 360, 360 is where you started playing on Xbox, you understood what Halo 3 was. ODST and Reach, maybe you weren't as centered." So, newcomers want -- and expect -- to play as the Chief, whereas fans of the franchise were fine with something new.

At any rate, Spencer's just trying to make it clear that Master Chief is coming back, in both the anniversary remake of Combat Evolved, and Halo 4 next year. Why couldn't you just say that, Phil?

JoystiqSpencer: Halo without Master Chief just isn't as 'centered' on what players want originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halohalo-4halo-odsthalo-reachmicrosoftpcphil-spencerxboxMon, 11 Jul 2011 22:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4 finishes the fight (again) in 2012 [Update: teaser trailer!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/halo-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/halo-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/halo-4/#comments At Microsoft's E3 2011 keynote today at the Galen Center, Halo 4 was officially announced -- surprise! Master Chief and Cortana are back (kicking off a new trilogy, apparently), the brief teaser trailer showed. 343 Industries is at the reigns with a Holiday 2012 launch date proposed.

Update: Hit the jump for the teaser!

Continue reading Halo 4 finishes the fight (again) in 2012 [Update: teaser trailer!]

JoystiqHalo 4 finishes the fight (again) in 2012 [Update: teaser trailer!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriese3-2011halohalo-4microsoftmicrosoft-game-studiosrelease-datexboxMon, 06 Jun 2011 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Halo 4, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary revealed early by Microsoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/rumor-halo-4-halo-combat-evolved-anniversary-revealed-early-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/rumor-halo-4-halo-combat-evolved-anniversary-revealed-early-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/rumor-halo-4-halo-combat-evolved-anniversary-revealed-early-b/#comments Halo 4? Halo: Combat Evolved ... Anniversary? Wait ... Halo 4?! Allegedly, these titles (and more) were revealed by Microsoft itself, hours ahead of its 10AM (PT) press conference, on the company's E3 community site. NowGamer supposedly spotted the posting, which has since been removed by Microsoft, but not before a mess of details were loosed. Among them: news that "Halo 4 is on the way."

A scene from the end of Halo 3 prefaces the news, which also teases "but that's not all." As we reported back in February, a Halo: Combat Evolved "remaster" is also apparently in the pipeline. The image says nothing beyond the game being "remastered for a new generation," and dubs it "Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary" -- just in time for the ten year anniversary of Halo 1's original launch in November of 2001. We've reached out to Microsoft for comment, but we imagine we won't hear anything back until Microsoft's official presser in a few hours.

JoystiqRumor: Halo 4, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary revealed early by Microsoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halo-4halo-combat-evolved-anniversaryleakmicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosxboxMon, 06 Jun 2011 10:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie considered a 'Halo 4' before proceeding with Reach]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/bungie-considered-a-halo-4-before-proceeding-with-reach/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/bungie-considered-a-halo-4-before-proceeding-with-reach/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/bungie-considered-a-halo-4-before-proceeding-with-reach/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Before Bungie started work on creating a game based on the planet-glassing excitement that is the fall of Reach, discussions at the studio momentarily went in the direction of a Master Chief resurrection tale -- a direct continuation of the Halo trilogy's story as "Halo 4." Bungie community man Brian Jarrard told the MTV Multiplayer blog as much in a recent interview, saying, "Even before the idea to build a game based around Reach came about, a lot of other concepts were explored, up to and including a proper 'Halo 4,' where Master Chief was going to wake up from cryo-sleep and we were going to tell that story."

So he is in cryo-sleep and not dead?! ... Ahem, please excuse us. Jarrard continues, adding that while Reach is a prequel to the first Halo title, it's not meant just for hardcore fans of the trilogy. "We don't want to open up a whole bunch of doors that we're not going to close. By the end of this, it's all going to come to a nice, neat finish, and if people want to then go play the Halo trilogy, I think they'll have a better understanding of what's going on, but it's not required at all." He also confirms that the Chief is nowhere to be found in Reach (though, canonically speaking, the Chief is on the planet during the game's timeline), which just about breaks our fragile space heart into a million pieces.

JoystiqBungie considered a 'Halo 4' before proceeding with Reach originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brian-JarrardBungieBungie-StudiosHalo-4Halo-ReachmicrosoftxboxMon, 28 Jun 2010 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA['Gearbox is NOT working on a Halo title for Microsoft']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/gearbox-is-not-working-on-a-new-halo-title-for-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/gearbox-is-not-working-on-a-new-halo-title-for-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/gearbox-is-not-working-on-a-new-halo-title-for-microsoft/#comments
Hey guys and gals, have you been keeping up with this Gearbox/Halo thing? Yesterday, we heard Gearbox president Randy Pitchford kind of stumble over himself in response to the rumored Halo game. Today, it's a different story, with the Halo Waypoint Twitter account declaring, "For the record, Gearbox is NOT working on a Halo title for Microsoft."

Before you start going crazy with cries of, "But, it's Twitter!" and "It's probably a fake!" realize that we've confirmed with Microsoft's Major Nelson that it is, in fact, a legitimate account. Is that the end of that, then?

Joystiq'Gearbox is NOT working on a Halo title for Microsoft' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gearboxgearbox-softwarehalohalo-4halo-waypointMicrosoftXbox-360Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Gearbox doesn't deny Halo involvement, speculation ensues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/28/gearbox-doesnt-not-admit-halo-involvement/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/28/gearbox-doesnt-not-admit-halo-involvement/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/28/gearbox-doesnt-not-admit-halo-involvement/#comments It's no secret: Gearbox and Bungie have been rumored to be in cahoots on a Halo project for some time now. Eurogamer is the latest to try and pry loose some info, speaking recently with Gearbox's Randy Pitchford on the matter. Pitchford seemed to have slipped up during the interview, not necessarily confirming the game's existence, but not really denying it either.

When asked, Pitchford apparently replied, "Haha! We're not going to talk about anything ..." It was then that a PR rep interjected, stating that Gearbox could not "talk about that." Talk about what? What's "that"? If this is your denial, Gearbox, we're not convinced.

We'd like to take this at face value, but then we wouldn't be very good at our job. So, we've contacted Gearbox to get word straight from the horse's mouth and will be sure to update you all if and when we hear anything.

JoystiqGearbox doesn't deny Halo involvement, speculation ensues originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiegearboxgearbox-softwarehalohalo-4MicrosoftXbox-360Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[We're applying to work at Microsoft's 'Halo Studio']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/were-applying-to-work-at-microsofts-halo-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/were-applying-to-work-at-microsofts-halo-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/were-applying-to-work-at-microsofts-halo-studio/#commentsFiled under: ,


Well, Joystiq had a good run. Into the ground, perhaps, but a run nonetheless, one characterized by reams of poorly composed text, startlingly accurate self-deprecation and the uncanny ability to be simultaneously biased for and against everything ever. And to think, all we had to do was sit around in our underwear and furiously mash the keyboard with our palms.

As we've proven to be quite adept at this activity, we've decided to redirect it towards the very similar career of creating video games. In fact, Microsoft's Careers site has just alerted us to the company's yearning for a "technical and highly talented program manager" in "Microsoft's new Halo Studio." We've played Halo quite a lot, actually, so we're sure our skills will be more than "instrumental in helping to lead the development of the engine that will power future experiences for the next generation of gaming platforms." Right, so Halo 4 for the NextBox 360. Easy.

Alright, so our "expertise with DirectX, Xbox SDK, leading content-creation packages, or other games-related technology, or a track-record in shipping technically challenging entertainment titles" might not be ... there ... and we might not describe ourselves as "highly-motivated self-starters," but ... uh. Maybe this isn't for us after all. We'll just throw together a few reams of poorly composed text about it instead.

[Via Gameguru. Thanks, Sameer]

JoystiqWe're applying to work at Microsoft's 'Halo Studio' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsHaloHalo-3Halo-4Halo-StudioMGSMicrosoft-Game-StudiosXbox-360Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's Halo team bolstered by Gearbox's Corrinne Yu]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/microsofts-halo-team-bolstered-by-gearboxs-corrinne-yu/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/microsofts-halo-team-bolstered-by-gearboxs-corrinne-yu/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/microsofts-halo-team-bolstered-by-gearboxs-corrinne-yu/#commentsFiled under: ,


The juicy "Gearbox is developing Halo 4 OMG" rumor continues to be at the top of fanboy debate lists, with Microsoft confirming to Kotaku that Corrinne Yu, director of technology at Gearbox and pictured in full Spartan armor, has been hired as principle engine architect (fancy!) for the Xbox manufacturer's internal Halo team. The official statement: "As the Halo franchise continues to flourish, Microsoft Game Studios is growing its internal team to develop future Halo projects."

And what could "future Halo projects" entail? Microsoft isn't blabbing, but suspicious men in trenchcoats posit that Yu will be working on the nebulous Peter Jackson project and putting her Unreal Engine 3 expertise to good use.

JoystiqMicrosoft's Halo team bolstered by Gearbox's Corrinne Yu originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Corrinne-YuGearboxHaloHalo-4halo-chroniclesMGSRumorXbox-360Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Variety: Gearbox approached about Halo Game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/variety-gearbox-approached-about-halo-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/variety-gearbox-approached-about-halo-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/variety-gearbox-approached-about-halo-game/#commentsFiled under: ,

Following up on yesterday's rumor out of OXM that Gearbox may be handling Halo 4, Variety's Ben Fritz reports that his source close to the dev confirms that it "has definitely had conversations with Microsoft about doing a new Halo game and is very excited at the prospect," but that "there was no deal in place." For those who might not remember, Gearbox has a history with the Halo franchise, having handled the PC version of the original game.

Fritz reckons it's "quite possible" Gearbox will helm a new Halo project ... it's just "not a certainty yet." If it happens, that would make at least four Halo-related titles in the works: Halo Wars; the Halo game that Bungie was supposed to reveal at E3; Peter Jackson's interactive take on the Halo universe; and whatever Gearbox may or may not be crafting. Given that OXM's rumor regarding Halo 4 as a launch title for 360's successor (if there even is one), we should expect to hear something official either way in, oh, the next year or two.

JoystiqVariety: Gearbox approached about Halo Game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gearboxgearbox-softwarehalohalo-4oxmrumorXbox-360Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[OXM: Halo 4 in development by Gearbox]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/oxm-halo-4-in-development-by-gearbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/oxm-halo-4-in-development-by-gearbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/oxm-halo-4-in-development-by-gearbox/#commentsFiled under: ,

Filed under juicy Halo rumor news, we have information coming from the pages of the latest issue of OXM that tells us that Halo 4 is currently in development, but NOT by Bungie Studios. According to OXM, Halo 4 is currently being developed by non other than Gearbox Software ( Halo PC anyone?) and is being worked on for release as a launch title on the next Xbox console. ZOMG! Funny thing about the rumor is that, earlier this year, Gearbox's head honcho Randy Pitchford mentioned that they were working on a super secret project that is "even bigger" than anything they've ever worked on before. Halo 4 definitely fits that bill.

JoystiqOXM: Halo 4 in development by Gearbox originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie-studiosgearboxgearbox-softwarehalohalo-3halo-4rumorTue, 26 Aug 2008 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[OXM rumor: Gearbox developing Halo 4 as launch title for next Xbox]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/oxm-rumor-gearbox-developing-halo-4-as-launch-title-for-next-xb/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/oxm-rumor-gearbox-developing-halo-4-as-launch-title-for-next-xb/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/oxm-rumor-gearbox-developing-halo-4-as-launch-title-for-next-xb/#commentsFiled under: ,


Remember back in February when Gearbox Software big boss Randy Pitchford teased his studio's next project as something "big"? Well, not just "big" but something that was "even bigger" than anything Gearbox is currently working on? Well, the kids at OXM sure remembered and they sent their spies deep undercover into Gearbox territory and came back with one heck of a rumor for their October issue: Gearbox is working on Halo 4 as a launch title for the next Xbox (NextBox?).

With Bungie admittedly uninterested in creating Halo games ad nauseum, and Gearbox one of the industry's top FPS developers, we've certainly heard crazier rumors. And there are few licenses that would get a studio chieftain to inadvertently slam his own games in development. Whatever the project is, Pitchford has said he'll be directing it himself, adding, "When you find out what this is, you'll likely agree that I can't oversell this one." Nope, you probably couldn't Randy. Overselling Halo is Microsoft's job anyway; you guys just make with the shooting of the aliens ... no, the other aliens.

[Thanks for the tip, Jordan!]

JoystiqOXM rumor: Gearbox developing Halo 4 as launch title for next Xbox originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GearboxGearbox-SoftwareHalo-4Randy-PitchfordRumorXbox-360Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:38:00 EST