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 Waypoint hits iOS, Android and Windows Phone on Dec 10, ATLAS 'GPS' is $4.99]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/halo-waypoint-hits-ios-android-and-windows-phone-on-dec-10-atl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/halo-waypoint-hits-ios-android-and-windows-phone-on-dec-10-atl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/halo-waypoint-hits-ios-android-and-windows-phone-on-dec-10-atl/#comments Microsoft wants to make sure that you're thinking Xbox even when you're far away from your Xbox. First, the My Xbox Live and Xbox Companion apps debuted on the iOS App Store and Windows Phone Marketplace, respectively. And now we've got Halo Waypoint for iOS, Android and, of course, Windows Phone 7. And while Waypoint will pack the expected Halo: Reach stats, service record, and challenges, the ATLAS "companion experience" is a little more unique.

As we reported in October, ATLAS is short for Assisted Tactical Assault System and it's a "near-real-time player data and tactical guidance" supplement for your Halo: Reach multiplayer matches. What does that mean? Detailed maps of the game's multiplayer levels, including boring stuff like spawn and health pack locations, and the cool stuff like "near-real-time locations for weapons and vehicles." That means GPS-like pinpointing of your location while you play the game. You can find more data direct from Xbox at the Source link below.

There is one catch, however: While Waypoint will be free for all three platforms on December 10, ATLAS will run iOS and Android users $4.99 while Windows Phone 7 users get something to gloat about, with the app's $0 asking price.

JoystiqHalo Waypoint hits iOS, Android and Windows Phone on Dec 10, ATLAS 'GPS' is $4.99 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidHalo-Reachhalo-waypointiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilewindows-phonewindows-phone-7xboxThu, 08 Dec 2011 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Waypoint adding 'Atlas,' a multiplayer GPS tracker]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/halo-waypoint-adding-atlas-a-multiplayer-gps-tracker/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/halo-waypoint-adding-atlas-a-multiplayer-gps-tracker/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/halo-waypoint-adding-atlas-a-multiplayer-gps-tracker/#comments
If the Kinect reveal for Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary wasn't enough, 343 Industries also targeted fans with some new Halo Waypoint functionality at this weekend's Comic Con. The downloadable app is getting real-time GPS tracking of multiplayer games via a new service called "Atlas." Yes, seriously -- while you're playing a multiplayer game of Halo: Reach, you can use Waypoint's GPS feature via Windows Phone 7 or the web (and other "mobiles," we're told) to watch troop movements from above.

The updated version of Waypoint also adds the ability to send challenges to friends, similar to the weekly ones set originally via Bungie and now via 343 Industries within Reach multiplayer. 343 reps explained that you'll earn in-game credits for completing these challenges based on the difficulty of said tasks, but didn't dive too deeply into how it will all work exactly.

We'll find out soon enough, as the update to Waypoint launches alongside Halo Anniversary on November 15.

Update: We've added two Waypoint vids from Microsoft showcasing the update, one above and one after the break.

Continue reading Halo Waypoint adding 'Atlas,' a multiplayer GPS tracker

JoystiqHalo Waypoint adding 'Atlas,' a multiplayer GPS tracker originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbrady-gameshalo-combat-evolved-anniversaryhalo-reachhalo-waypointmicrosoftmobilenyccnycc-2011waypointwindows-phone-7wp7xboxMon, 17 Oct 2011 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Wars stat tracking gets a reprieve from 343 Industries]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/halo-wars-stat-tracking-gets-a-reprieve-from-343-industries/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/halo-wars-stat-tracking-gets-a-reprieve-from-343-industries/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/halo-wars-stat-tracking-gets-a-reprieve-from-343-industries/#comments Good news for Halo Wars fans -- the planned shutdown of stat tracking for the game has been canceled by 343 Industries, who have decided not to kill the game's community just yet. Originally, Microsoft planned to shut down the feature on the Halo Waypoint website on December 15, but the outcry from the community (which we found completely reasonable) means they've "decided that the current plan of action was not in line with how we have always intended to support Halo games and the Halo franchise in general."

So rest assured, Halo Wars players, your stats are safe. The community itself will still be switching from game-specific forums to the Waypoint forums, but stats will still be available on HaloWars.com for the foreseeable future. And though Title Update 5 of the game will still be installed (to fix some unrelated Theater issues) your stats won't change, so go right ahead getting your Halo RTS on.

JoystiqHalo Wars stat tracking gets a reprieve from 343 Industries originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesHalo-Warshalo-waypointmicrosoftrtsstatstitle-update-5xboxWed, 08 Dec 2010 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft closing Halo Wars website, folding into Waypoint community]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/microsoft-closing-halo-wars-website-folding-into-waypoint-commu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/microsoft-closing-halo-wars-website-folding-into-waypoint-commu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/microsoft-closing-halo-wars-website-folding-into-waypoint-commu/#comments Avid Halo Wars players, whose attention hasn't been swayed by 2010's exhaustive list of strategy blockbusters, were greeted with some unwelcome news this past weekend: The game's stat tracking home, as well as its official forums, will be shut down on December 15. The loyal community is being persuaded to move its conversation over to the Halo Waypoint forums. On the same day as the closure, an update will launch for Halo Wars, forever severing it from the soon-to-be-discontinued website.

The update will also remedy a few Theater mode issues that were keeping players from viewing cutscenes, but, according to 343's content producer, "it won't include many of the fixes that we all wanted it to include." As you can imagine, the responses on said post are well-measured, even-headed and entirely polite. There's just this air of understanding permeating the entire discussion that's ... well, it's really inspiring.

JoystiqMicrosoft closing Halo Wars website, folding into Waypoint community originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ensemble-StudiosforumshaloHalo-Warshalo-waypointmicrosoftpcupdatexboxMon, 22 Nov 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Apt. 117, a new animated series for Halo Waypoint, tries to alienate Halo fans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/apt-117-a-new-animated-series-for-halo-waypoint-tries-to-alie/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/apt-117-a-new-animated-series-for-halo-waypoint-tries-to-alie/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/apt-117-a-new-animated-series-for-halo-waypoint-tries-to-alie/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We're no Bussinessologists or whatever, but we're pretty sure the best way to keep your fans coming back for more is to portray them as hideous, ill-mannered freaks who bathe with their Xbox 360 headset on. It just makes sense, right? It's the only way we can explain Apt. 117, a real thing that's apparently coming to Halo Waypoint "soon."

Developed by Powerhouse Animation Studios in collaboration with 343 Industries, the animated series follows "a boring average guy who lives with a Halo-obsessed idiot." Head past the break for the announcement trailer.

Continue reading Apt. 117, a new animated series for Halo Waypoint, tries to alienate Halo fans

JoystiqApt. 117, a new animated series for Halo Waypoint, tries to alienate Halo fans originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesapt-117haloHalo-Reachhalo-waypointmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosxboxThu, 07 Oct 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Waypoint refreshed for Reach release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/halo-waypoint-refreshed-for-reach-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/halo-waypoint-refreshed-for-reach-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/halo-waypoint-refreshed-for-reach-release/#commentsFiled under: , ,

343 Industries has updated Xbox Live's Halo Waypoint so it'll be all nice and Reach-ready upon your triumphant return from the store with Bungie's latest in hand late night tonight. Head past the break for a video detailing the new features, look and exclusive content.

Continue reading Halo Waypoint refreshed for Reach release

JoystiqHalo Waypoint refreshed for Reach release originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-IndustriesBungieHaloHalo-ReachHalo-WaypointmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosxboxXbox-LiveMon, 13 Sep 2010 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Halo Waypoint on Windows Phone 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/video-halo-waypoint-on-windows-phone-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/video-halo-waypoint-on-windows-phone-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/video-halo-waypoint-on-windows-phone-7/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Microsoft's Channel 9 has posted a quick preview - more of a commercial really - of the Halo Waypoint app on Windows Phone 7. Based on Silverlight, the app offers a streamlined version of the console experience, tying into Xbox Live and allowing users to check out articles, video and more. See it in action after the break.

Continue reading Video: Halo Waypoint on Windows Phone 7

JoystiqVideo: Halo Waypoint on Windows Phone 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halohalo-waypointmicrosoftwindows-phone-7xboxxbox-liveTue, 17 Aug 2010 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[New season of This Spartan Life coming to Halo Waypoint]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/new-season-of-this-spartan-life-coming-to-halo-waypoint/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/new-season-of-this-spartan-life-coming-to-halo-waypoint/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/new-season-of-this-spartan-life-coming-to-halo-waypoint/#commentsFiled under: , ,

343 Industries is teaming up with This Spartan Life to offer the latest season of episodes via Halo Waypoint. For the unaware, This Spartan Life is a self-described "talk show in game space," a discussion that takes place in-game which is recorded and then uploaded onto the internet in 30-minute episodes called modules. The show has tackled all kinds of topics in its nearly five year run -- things like net neutrality -- and was even featured on NPR.

Past the break, you can watch the trailer announcing the collaboration and see what the This Spartan Life guys have lined up for upcoming episodes. The new season has already kicked off and you can see the first episode on Halo Waypoint right now.

Continue reading New season of This Spartan Life coming to Halo Waypoint

JoystiqNew season of This Spartan Life coming to Halo Waypoint originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industrieshalohalo--3halo-3-odsthalo-reachhalo-waypointmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiosthis-spartan-lifexboxThu, 15 Jul 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Waypoint's Halo Reach content schedule, Avatar award teased]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/waypoints-halo-reach-content-schedule-avatar-award-teased/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/waypoints-halo-reach-content-schedule-avatar-award-teased/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/waypoints-halo-reach-content-schedule-avatar-award-teased/#comments The Halo: Reach marketing machine is working overtime this week, as Halo Waypoint will release new content everyday until the Beta launches on May 3. If that isn't a big enough tease for you, the schedule of content the team at Waypoint sent to us still has a few "To be announced" placeholders. It's bad enough Halo fans need to wait, but waiting for the content provided to help diminish the wait for the Beta is just cruel, guys. Here's the Halo Waypoint schedule of content for the days leading to the Halo: Reach Beta.

In a recent Reach ViDoc, an Avatar award is briefly mentioned by designer Luke Smith as the only thing beta testers will start with when they begin their testing duties on May 3. Halo Waypoint will also see a title update sometime before the beta launches. While it's unconfirmed if the two are related, Team Waypoint recently tweeted more "details" would be released regarding an image of a "Halo: Reach Beta Tester" Avatar hoodie recently uncovered by NeoGAF; it's looking likely that this is the gear you could be getting for playing the Halo: Reach beta. The content schedule for Halo Waypoint can be found after the break.

Continue reading Waypoint's Halo Reach content schedule, Avatar award teased

JoystiqWaypoint's Halo Reach content schedule, Avatar award teased originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatar-awardsbetabungiebungie-studioshalohalo-reachhalo-reach-betahalo-waypointMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosXbox-360Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: The Return, Part 2 coming to Waypoint - exclusive trailer here]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/halo-the-return-part-2-coming-to-waypoint-exclusive-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/halo-the-return-part-2-coming-to-waypoint-exclusive-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/halo-the-return-part-2-coming-to-waypoint-exclusive-trailer/#comments While you may never get that Halo movie your parents promised you, Halo Waypoint is doing its best to bring you all sorts of Halo goodies that are, at the very least, movie-like. First, the Halo Legends anime series, then Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian, and now Halo: The Return, a four-part motion comic series based on the short story of the same name in last year's Halo Evolutions book. The first episode debuted last Saturday but will remain free to watch, only through Waypoint. We've got the trailer for this Saturday's Part 2 above, so be sure to make a note in your Master Chief-themed day planner.

JoystiqHalo: The Return, Part 2 coming to Waypoint - exclusive trailer here originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriescomicsHaloHalo-EvolutionsHalo-The-ReturnHalo-WaypointMicrosoftmotion-comicsXbox-360Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rooster Teeth Grifball series headed to Halo Waypoint]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/rooster-teeth-grifball-series-headed-to-halo-waypoint/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/rooster-teeth-grifball-series-headed-to-halo-waypoint/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/rooster-teeth-grifball-series-headed-to-halo-waypoint/#comments Microsoft has sent out the latest Halo Waypoint update, detailing the content that we can expect to see in the near future. The update goes over the recent Halo: Reach info that has hit the interwebs, namely the ViDoc and the box art. It notes that this and future Reach info will be posted on the Transmissions section of the official Halo site on Xbox.com. There's also a Valentine's Day screenshot gallery on Waypoint, with help from one Hawty McBloggy.

The real meat of the update, however, is that a new short series from Rooster Teeth -- the crew behind Red vs Blue -- will begin airing on Waypoint starting this weekend. The three part series, entitled "Grifball: Expansion," will air every Saturday starting February 20 and concluding on March 6. The series "tells the story of Team Slipspace and their confrontation with the newest addition to the International Grifball League of Earth." Check out a trailer for the series above.

JoystiqRooster Teeth Grifball series headed to Halo Waypoint originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesgrifballgrifball-expansionhalohalo-legendshalo-reachhalo-waypointrooster-teethFri, 19 Feb 2010 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Final episode of 'Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian' drops on Halo Waypoint tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/final-episode-of-midnight-in-the-heart-of-midlothian-drops-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/final-episode-of-midnight-in-the-heart-of-midlothian-drops-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/final-episode-of-midnight-in-the-heart-of-midlothian-drops-on/#comments Tomorrow, the final installment in Halo Waypoint's ongoing four-part motion comic, "Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian," will be available. The comic -- which is written by Frank O'Connor and animated by ONE -- centers around ODST Baird, last remaining human survivor on the UNSC ship Destroyer. Baird must stop the invading Covenant forces before they discover the location of Earth and all of its Burger Kings.

What? You didn't know the Covenant loves their chicken parmesan sandwiches?

JoystiqFinal episode of 'Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian' drops on Halo Waypoint tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungiefrank-o-connorhalohalo-waypointmidnight-in-the-heart-of-midlothianonewaypointFri, 05 Feb 2010 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo motion comic 'Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian' coming to Waypoint]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/halo-motion-comic-midnight-in-the-heart-of-midlothian-coming-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/halo-motion-comic-midnight-in-the-heart-of-midlothian-coming-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/halo-motion-comic-midnight-in-the-heart-of-midlothian-coming-t/#comments A notice on Halo Waypoint has announced that a four part motion comic series will be debuting on the service starting this Saturday, January 16. The motion comic, entitled "Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian," is based on the short story of the same name written by 343 Industries' own Frank O'Connor for the recently released Halo Evolutions story collection. A new episode will air every Saturday from January 16 through February 6. Check out the preview, handily embedded above.

[Via IncGamers]

JoystiqHalo motion comic 'Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian' coming to Waypoint originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesfrank-o-connorhalohalo-waypointmicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosWed, 13 Jan 2010 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Halo: Legends sneak peek hits Waypoint Jan. 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/final-halo-legends-sneak-peek-hits-waypoint-jan-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/final-halo-legends-sneak-peek-hits-waypoint-jan-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/final-halo-legends-sneak-peek-hits-waypoint-jan-2/#comments
Microsoft has dropped (though not from orbit) word that January 2, 2010 will see the 24-hour-only debut of Halo: Legends episode "Origins" on Xbox Live's Halo Waypoint. The episode, created by Japan's Studio 4°C, is basically a recap of events leading up to the Halo trilogy as we know it, including the Forerunners going toe-to-fleshy-thing with the Flood more than 100,000 years before the events of the first game. Hey, it is called "Origins."

Also announced today is a special three-part Red vs. Blue holiday feature that will be accessible via Waypoint between December 24 (that's tomorrow!) and December 26 (that's Saturday!). Halo: Legends arrives on DVD, Blu-ray Disc and digital download formats February 16 (a Tuesday!).

JoystiqFinal Halo: Legends sneak peek hits Waypoint Jan. 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungiehalohalo-legendshalo-waypointmicrosoft-game-studiosRed-vs-Bluerelease-datestudio-4-degreesxbox-liveWed, 23 Dec 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Second Halo Legends episode free, available today only]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/21/psa-second-halo-legends-episode-free-available-today-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/21/psa-second-halo-legends-episode-free-available-today-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/21/psa-second-halo-legends-episode-free-available-today-only/#comments If you enjoyed the Cowboy Bebop-meets-Master Chief action presented in the first episode of Halo Legends (seriously, that main character looked just like Spike Spiegel!), then you may want to check out the second episode of the Spartan-themed anime premiering today on Halo Waypoint. For 24 hours starting at 12:00AM PST (about eight hours ago), Xbox Live Silver and Gold members will be able to access "The Duel" through the "all-things-Halo" hub.

Microsoft also notes that this will be the last week for Xbox Live Silver members to explore Waypoint, and in turn, enjoy the weekly free episodes of Halo Legends. If you're wondering what time the show will be available for you and you don't live in North America, a full list of showtimes is available on Xbox.com.

JoystiqPSA: Second Halo Legends episode free, available today only originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesanimehalohalo-legendshalo-waypointMicrosoftpsathe-duelxblxblmXbox-360xbox-livexbox.comSat, 21 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: 343 Industries' Frank O'Connor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/interview-343-industries-frank-oconnor/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/interview-343-industries-frank-oconnor/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/interview-343-industries-frank-oconnor/#comments Now that Halo Waypoint has launched and the Halo Legends anime project will soon begin airing on Xbox consoles everywhere, we got the chance to discuss the current state of Halo with 343 Industries creative director, Frank O'Connor. After the break, you'll find discussion on Waypoint, Legends, Halo 3: ODST sales and whereabouts of Ryan Payton. We also talk about the whether or not there's just too much Halo out there, whether we'll see any Halo games for kids and we even squeeze in a question about Pimps at Sea.

Continue reading Interview: 343 Industries' Frank O'Connor

JoystiqInterview: 343 Industries' Frank O'Connor originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesfrank-o-connorhalohalo-3halo-3-odsthalo-legendshalo-waypointMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosspawnpoint-studiosXbox-360Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft details Halo Legends preview schedule]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/microsoft-details-halo-legends-preview-schedule/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/microsoft-details-halo-legends-preview-schedule/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/microsoft-details-halo-legends-preview-schedule/#comments
We knew that the first installment of the Halo Legends anime project was debuting November 7 on Halo Waypoint, but now Microsoft has revealed the dates for most of the remaining episodes. Beyond Waypoint simply airing each episode, Halo fans will also be treated to "making of" features for each episode. All told, you can expect something related to Legends every week from now until January 9, 2010 (and likely beyond, as there are still some episodes unrevealed). Grab your calendar and a nice permanent marker, then check out the schedule after the break.

Continue reading Microsoft details Halo Legends preview schedule

JoystiqMicrosoft details Halo Legends preview schedule originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industrieshalohalo-legendshalo-waypointThu, 05 Nov 2009 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[First Halo Waypoint programming revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/03/first-halo-waypoint-programming-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/03/first-halo-waypoint-programming-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/03/first-halo-waypoint-programming-revealed/#commentsEven if you're not in the Halo Waypoint preview, you can get an early look at what's going to be available when it launches for real on Thursday, November 5, thanks to a weekly schedule we received from 343 Industries. By Thursday's launch, you'll already be able to watch a "Spotlight on Louis Wu" and a "Halo in Five Minutes" presentation, as well as page through some Firefight screens from the community.

Other content up this week: "Welcome to Waypoint," which serves as an introduction and overview to the service, some Firefight strategy from Prima, and, on Saturday, a full episode of Halo Legends called "The Babysitter." See the full schedule after the break.

Gallery: Halo Waypoint

Continue reading First Halo Waypoint programming revealed

JoystiqFirst Halo Waypoint programming revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungiehalohalo-legendshalo-waypointmicrosoftXbox-360xbox-liveTue, 03 Nov 2009 09:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Waypoint live with Dashboard preview program, includes Avatar Awards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/halo-waypoint-live-with-dashboard-preview-program-includes-avat/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/halo-waypoint-live-with-dashboard-preview-program-includes-avat/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/halo-waypoint-live-with-dashboard-preview-program-includes-avat/#comments It's not quite Wonka's chocolate factory, but the Xbox 360 Dashboard update preview participants are getting a taste of some delectable bonuses regardless. Earlier today, those lucky folks were granted their promised early access to the Halo Waypoint beta. Lo and behold, 11 Avatar Awards arrived alongside the addition (five for each gender's Avatar, one for both), unlocking based on various Achievements from Halo 3: ODST, ranging from Recon helmets to ODST t-shirts. Microsoft has provided little in the way of details on the addition, so feel free to let us know if you see anything particularly strange or interesting.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqHalo Waypoint live with Dashboard preview program, includes Avatar Awards originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesachievementsavataravatar-awardsdashboard-update-fall-2009halohalo-3halo-3-odsthalo-waypointmicrosoftodstFri, 30 Oct 2009 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dashboard update preview to include Halo Waypoint]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/dashboard-update-preview-to-include-halo-waypoint/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/dashboard-update-preview-to-include-halo-waypoint/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/dashboard-update-preview-to-include-halo-waypoint/#comments Microsoft's Major Nelson has announced that Halo Waypoint -- the upcoming Xbox Live locus of all things Halo -- will be included in the 360 Dashboard update preview program. Those lucky enough to get into the preview should be notified this week, and Major Nelson tells Joystiq that Halo Waypoint should be rolling out on the preview sometime next week.

Microsoft recently revealed more details surrounding the service, most notably how the "career system," which will track in-game accomplishments from all the Halo games available on the Xbox 360. The destination's launch is scheduled for November 5, so preview participants should get a significant chunk of time with before it goes public. Don't worry if you don't make it into the preview, we'll be sure to share our hands-on impressions next week.

Gallery: Halo Waypoint


JoystiqDashboard update preview to include Halo Waypoint originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dashboard-updatedashboard-update-fall-2009halohalo-waypointxbox-livexbox-live-dashboard-updateWed, 21 Oct 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Waypoint detailed, captured on video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/halo-waypoint-detailed-captured-on-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/halo-waypoint-detailed-captured-on-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/halo-waypoint-detailed-captured-on-video/#comments
This way to the Waypoint gallery
With the Xbox 360 Fall Dashboard update preview kicking off today, Microsoft dropped some more details on Halo Waypoint, the Dashboard playpen for the Master Chief enthusiasts among you. The preview video - found after the break - walks you through some of the destination's functionality, notably the "career system" which will track "in-game accomplishments across multiple Halo games." Unsurprisingly, that career will be limited to the Xbox 360-released Halo games: Halo 3, Halo Wars, Halo 3: ODST, and "all Game Add-on content for those titles." Oh, you beat Halo 2 in under 30 minutes? We'll just have to take your word for it.

Halo Waypoint is being developed collaboratively by Microsoft's internal Halo studio, 343 Industries, and Certain Affinity, the Austin-based developer (with some former Bungie staffers) behind Age of Booty. Waypoint will be available November 5 for both Xbox Live Gold and Silver members; however, come November 26 those Silver members will have to pony up for Live if they want to keep their Waypoint access. That's a solid three weeks to determine if the exclusive Waypoint offerings - like the Nov. 7. preview of the "Halo Legends" anime anthology - are worth it. We imagine it will be for the hardcore Halo fan ... but we'd assume they've already got a Gold account.

Gallery: Halo Waypoint

Continue reading Halo Waypoint detailed, captured on video

JoystiqHalo Waypoint detailed, captured on video originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-IndustriesCertain-Affinitydashboard-updatedashboard-update-fall-2009fpsHaloHalo-3Halo-3-ODSTHalo-WarsHalo-WaypointMicrosoftXbox-360Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[ODST reaches 2.5 million sales; Haloverse expansions detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/odst-reaches-2-5-million-sales-haloverse-expansions-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/odst-reaches-2-5-million-sales-haloverse-expansions-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/odst-reaches-2-5-million-sales-haloverse-expansions-detailed/#comments After yesterday's full-fledged assault on mainstream gaming news coverage, we were refreshed to read this great USA Today report on the current state of the Halo franchise. Sure, it further promotes the tired opinion that Bungie's ever-popular shooter is set to overtake the Star Wars franchise in the cultural marketplace. However, it backs up that assertion with startling figures: According to the report, Halo 3: ODST has sold 2.5 million units in the past two weeks, bringing the total sales for the entire franchise up to a cool 27 million.

Additionally, USA Today further supports its thesis by compiling a list of the future franchise spin-offs, including -- *deep breath* -- Halo: Reach, the Halo: Blood Line comic series, Halo Legends, Halo Waypoint, the Halo: Evolutions novel (and another heretofore unnamed book trilogy), and more McFarlane toys. Some may accuse this franchise of succumbing to over-saturation -- we think it crossed that bridge around the time it got its own Mountain Dew.

JoystiqODST reaches 2.5 million sales; Haloverse expansions detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-IndustriesbungieBungie-StudiosFPShalohalo-3-odsthalo-legendshalo-reachhalo-waypointMicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosodstXbox-360Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Legends footage, Waypoint previewed on GTTV tonight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/halo-legends-footage-waypoint-previewed-on-gttv-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/halo-legends-footage-waypoint-previewed-on-gttv-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/halo-legends-footage-waypoint-previewed-on-gttv-tonight/#comments
Halo.Bungie.Org has revealed that tonight's episode of Spike TV's Gametrailers TV will host previews of several upcoming Halo projects. The show, which airs tonight at (check your local listings), will feature a preview of Halo 3: ODST. While that's not terribly exciting, given how close it is to release, the show will also be hosting footage from the first episode of the Halo Legends anime project. In addition, GTTV will be previewing Microsoft's upcoming Halo destination, Halo Waypoint.

If you love all things Halo, be sure to tune in. Alternately, you could always wait until the footage lands on the internet sometime tomorrow. Sleep, or Halo? We know, it's a tough question.

JoystiqHalo Legends footage, Waypoint previewed on GTTV tonight originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halohalo-3-odsthalo-legendshalo-waypointThu, 17 Sep 2009 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Make your way to Halo Waypoint on November 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/make-your-way-to-halo-waypoint-on-november-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/make-your-way-to-halo-waypoint-on-november-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/make-your-way-to-halo-waypoint-on-november-5/#comments
Wait, another Halo game? Nah -- if you've read our earlier report on it, you'll know that Halo Waypoint is actually a new section of Xbox Live dedicated entirely to Doritos Dash of Destruction the Halo universe. It was supposed to be coming this fall and, hey, it is ... on November 5, as this here official tweet confirms.

What awaits you at the Waypoint? The better question would be "what doesn't await you there?" Microsoft has promised that we can expect all manner of exclusive Halo content, including videos, trailers and podcasts, plus "a career system and player rankings tied to both in-game and out-of-game accomplishments related to Halo." It will also host updated looks at the forthcoming Halo Legends anime compilation. No Waypoint! Yes Waypoint.

[Thanks, EchoX860!]


JoystiqMake your way to Halo Waypoint on November 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiehalohalo-3halo-3-odsthalo-waypointMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosXbox-360xbox-liveThu, 10 Sep 2009 17:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Legends director introduced to franchise by his wife]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/halo-legends-directors-wife-introduced-him-to-the-franchise/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/halo-legends-directors-wife-introduced-him-to-the-franchise/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/halo-legends-directors-wife-introduced-him-to-the-franchise/#comments
If you totally fall in love with Halo Legends when the anime series drops on the Halo Waypoint next year, you'd do well to remember that you have Shinji Aramaki's wife to thank. The creative director told Famitsu that his spouse was the one who brought him into the world of Master Chief.

"I've always been a fan of video games, and my wife told me that Halo 3 is the best game on the 360," Aramaki said. "I just sort of got addicted after that. It's a very intricate world. It's hard to do such an epic story in movie form these days, but it's easy to get into it as a game."

1UP's got a bunch of other details on what you can expect from Halo Legends, from the interview, if you're so inclined.

JoystiqHalo Legends director introduced to franchise by his wife originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>famitsuhalohalo-legendshalo-waypointmicrosoftshinji-aramakiThu, 06 Aug 2009 19:45:00 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[Comic-Con 2009: Microsoft's Frankie talks Halo Waypoint ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/microsofts-frankie-talks-halo-waypoint/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/microsofts-frankie-talks-halo-waypoint/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/microsofts-frankie-talks-halo-waypoint/#comments
Pictured: enthusiasts living the Halo lifestyle

And by "talks," we mean "briefly mentions." Yesterday during the Halo Comic-Con panel, which was almost entirely focused on the upcoming anime series, Halo Legends, consummate Halo shepherd Frank O'Connor spoke about Waypoint and what it means. "Halo Waypoint is something you can experience on your couch, then early next year, on DVD and digital formats. It will be the digital hub for all things Halo, [to] look at your Halo career, and enjoy your Halo lifestyle."

Halo lifestyle? What does that even mean? An Xbox Live version of Home, where you're outfitting your own Master Chief's digital den with photos and Covenant couches? We'll have to wait and see.

JoystiqComic-Con 2009: Microsoft's Frankie talks Halo Waypoint originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Comic-ConFrank-O-ConnorFrankieHaloHalo-LegendsHalo-WaypointMicrosoftSDCC-2009Xbox-360Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Halo Waypoint' Xbox Live destination launches this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/new-halo-waypoint-xbox-live-destination-launches-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/new-halo-waypoint-xbox-live-destination-launches-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/new-halo-waypoint-xbox-live-destination-launches-this-fall/#comments
Let's face it, you love Halo. You've read all the books, plastered your wall with posters, played with the action figures, drank that awful Game Fuel, built Master Chief out of papier-maché (but not the stupid Arbiter) and, of course, played all the games. Now, as you sit there surrounded by tiny, plastic Spartans, contemplating your next foray into Cortana fanfiction, you might be thinking, "Man, I wish there was somewhere where I could get all the latest information on Halo, the best franchise ever."

You're in luck, average Halo fan, because Microsoft is setting up a special destination on Xbox Live just for you. Dubbed the Halo Waypoint, the Xbox Live hot spot will launch this fall, featuring "content ranging from podcasts, trailers and screenshots, to exclusive video footage you won't find anywhere else," according to the press release. As if that weren't enough, Halo Waypoint will also have "a career system and player rankings tied to both in-game and out-of-game accomplishments related to Halo." And if that's not enough, it will also host early previews of the upcoming Halo Legends anime series as well as behind-the-scenes features.

No no, don't pinch yourself, this is real.

Joystiq'Halo Waypoint' Xbox Live destination launches this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halohalo-legendshalo-waypointmicrosoftXbox-360xbox-liveThu, 23 Jul 2009 13:32:00 EST