220°

343 Studio Head Explains & Defends Decision For Post-Launch Halo 5 Content

343 studio head Josh Holmes, explains and defends 343's decision to offer additional Halo 5: Guardians content at a later date.

Read Full Story >>
wccftech.com
raggy-rocket3119d ago

Why should he have to defend a Forge that has literally 8x more obejcts than any forge before it and infinitely more complex lighting and scripting and stuff coming out post launch. Or the 15+ FREE dlc maps we get after launch bringing it up to a total of OVER 40 maps overall. Any halo fan who values the story and multiplayer as much as I do would gladly accept an October launch to play this amazing campaign and multiplayer on the condition we had to wait until the end of the year to get forge and earlier for BTB.

I know I'll get called a fanboy for this, but even with the delayed features, I think this game is one of the best packages of content for a *single* game (fps obviously, rpgs blow everything out the water in terms of content) in a VERY long time. This game will eventually have nearly 4x as many multiplayer maps as Battlefront, a multiplayer only game, is launching with. I think that's a pretty good effort on their part.

VER1ON3119d ago

He shouldnt, in a time of paid dlc and microtransactions, 343 is doing amazing.kudos

Mr Pumblechook3119d ago

I'm all for calling out dirty DLC business practices, but if this extra Halo content is separate from the full game and it's free how on Earth can this be a problem?!

4Sh0w3119d ago

Well said raggy-rocket.

I mean by the time you go through the campaign as Chief, Locke and other characters, then get your feet wet the FREE Forge will be out with tons more FREE maps not content incoming up to June 2016= how can anyone complain when the launch game is much bigger than most other games, especially compared to any other shooter.

_-EDMIX-_3119d ago

@Mr Pumble- "I'm all for calling out dirty DLC business practices, but if this extra"

??? They are all extras as they are all not part of the main game.

"Halo content is separate from the full game"

Can that not be stated about all games that have DLC?

That sounds just a bit too subjective as any argument for DLC that is um not believed to be "separate from the full game" can very much be called "dirty".

I'm ok with all DLC as it only adds to the game and I have no legal claim over an IP I don't own lol.

Halo has post launch content...big whoop. Regardless of how that content was made, part of "separate from" etc doesn't really matter as what legal claim do you or I even have over the IP to state what they can or can't do with it?

I'm ok with Halo having DLC as again..I don't own the IP lol.

Its not a problem, its only a problem to those who have the classic glass half full syndrome were they feel they are entitled to anything made by the team that isn't nailed down to the studio floor.

They'll be fine.

PistolsAtDawn3119d ago

...exactly. Why would you EVER have to defend additional free content???? "No 343, DO NOT give me more free amazing stuff!!! You make me pay for it!!"

-N4G

_-EDMIX-_3119d ago

From gamers that feel entitled to anything and everything. Or those that have the classic "nothing is an extra" should have been in the main game argument.

Apparently nothing can be an extra, its just um..."striped" as if they own the copyright or something.

Any additional content free or paid is fine by me.

Concertoine3119d ago (Edited 3119d ago )

18 FREE MAPS

The funny thing is, i wasnt sold on Halo 5 and now im getting it at least within the first month. I will gladly support this kind of game development in today's industry.

@below

edited appropriately

raggy-rocket3119d ago (Edited 3119d ago )

Actually, it's 18+ free maps, forgot that at the time :P

Paytaa3119d ago

I agree with you 100%. This isn't a game I'm just going to give up on after a month or even a few months. Having this type of content rolled out gradually at a time where they can function as promised is perfectly fine by me.

343 have really supplied exceptional amount of content for Halo 5 and I can't see how that's anything but a good thing.

PurpHerbison3119d ago

Halo died after Combat Evolved for me.

3-4-53119d ago

It takes time to do something the right way.

We get 4-6 weeks to experience the new maps in Halo 5 on the new game modes.

This allows us to get a feel for how the new Halo plays.

If we had Forge Day 1, we would get crappy maps that didn't fit Halo 5's play style.

Once we have a month or so of gameplay under out belts, we will all understand how the game plays and then be better at building higher quality maps.

It's all about Quality in the end, and giving us the best possible product.

We are getting 21 maps at launch, so it's not like they are shorting us...we are getting the most ever.

We new game modes at launch, and they are giving us BTB & Forge within 4-7 weeks after launch.

Even without Forge at launch, there is still more content than all past Halo games.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3119d ago
Rookie_Monster3119d ago

It is a shame 343i have to constantly answered to Those people from Neogaf on every little thing. Some people just can't even be happy about free post launch contents. Smh

Ko_Uraki3119d ago

There is nothing to defend while "the others" release games without single player at full price.

_-EDMIX-_3119d ago

Yea..while others release games without multiplayer at full price too, piff. /s

Smh, not the same thing bud, they are not the same genre as multiplayer only games exist, single player only games exist. Do you not get how many games are not single player games? They are made for the purpose to be multiplayer, its not an easy task and still cost them money to create, the price or value of a game is based on the consumer so no, multiplayer gamers will pay full price as its a value to them.

Those who game with single player will pay full price as its a value to them.

Games do not have set prices based on features bud, that is just stupid as you have to be very, very new to gaming to think that such a thing was some how mandatory.

I'm getting Fallout 4 FULL PRICE...no multiplayer. Am I getting robbed? I want and value its single player

I'm getting Rainbow Six Seige FULL PRICE...no single player...am I some how now getting robbed? I want and value its multiplayer.

I'm buying it for what its concept is, not what I want it to be. If you value single player, fine....that doesn't de-value multiplayer. I don't think you understand how much money it cost to create games like Team Fortress 2 or Counter Strike GO or Rainbow Six Siege etc it cost just the same as other titles and they have zero ode to lower the price based on what YOU value.

They price it based on what FANS of the genre value.

Mind you, Rainbow Six Siege has free maps just like Halo 5 will.

Play what you like, but don't try to de-value other genres just cause you don't play them. My 1000s of hours in MP titles state otherwise. That doesn't make single players lessor as I have even MORE hours in those too, they both have value to their respective consumers. Please..give this mp only, sp only bs a rest. Fighting games didn't just come half price, MP only FPS games didn't just come half price, single player only games didn't come half price.

Roccetarius3119d ago (Edited 3119d ago )

I see Microtransactions as nothing more than something that takes away from the game itself, no matter what type it is. Devs that add them to their game is constantly cutting something, which could've been added to the game as an update.

AAA (''F2P'') games are unfortunately the future. This is to be expected in any game being made now, and not something i'm willing to pay full price for.

Oh, you unlocked that cool helmet today? Well, i just paid a few bucks and got it immediately. That can be applied to pretty much anything in the vein of these games, and it greatly devalues accomplishment.

3119d ago Replies(1)
optimus3119d ago

How does it take away from the game exactly when you are not forced to buy anything in order to advance in the game?...personally, it doesn't bother me much if at all since i never buy that stuff. All i care about is being able to finish a game without it...microtransactions are just extra. I really don't get when people complain about certain things should have been in a game from the beginning...

When car companies make cars they leave stuff out and have the extra goodies as options. Leather seats, navigations, radios, seat warmers, sunroof, etc. All of those are optional and nobody seems to complain when they buy without those things because their cars will work regardless.

raggy-rocket3119d ago (Edited 3119d ago )

Micro-transactions bring in money. Money gets added to the prize pool for eSports. More pros are incentivised to compete. More pros playing the game bolsters press and attention for the game. More attention, press, and pro players means more consumers buy the game. Look at every eSports game. CS, LoL, Dota, Smite etc. So many sales were due to eSports attention for those.

Sure, I'd prefer the REQs were even more easily unlockable and there were no microtrasactions, but Halo is a huge deal, and the multiplayer is amazing. Halo has always been famous for its huge and thriving population of players, but due to Halo 4 multiplayer being unpopular, the fact Halo 5 is on a current gen console only and the catastrophe of MCC, we need this. Us fans need 343 to make this the BEST halo ever to bring back that huge Halo fanbase and that thiriving community. Thankfully, they're doing just that. The multiplayer gameplay is so fun and refined whilst being classic, the story looks great, and this little extra REQ pack thing will help bolster eSports attention which also brings in fans. I don't like microtransactions, but I'm absolutely behind this because it's almost necessary.

OpieWinston3119d ago

But packs are totally RNG. You could throw down 100s of bucks on packs and never get that cool helmet you want.

Your argument is trash because this may allow people to flood the market with coin but they aren't guaranteed anything cool, although there is a progression because of the no duplicates for Cosmetics... But there are hundreds of those so throwing down a lot of cash doesn't unlock all of them for you.

You earn more commendations in game then you get more RP to spend on REQ Packs, so you could get to a point where you earn so much RP via your commendations that you start unlocking packs like crazy.

Do some research on their micro-transactions before you try to bring them down.

_-EDMIX-_3119d ago

"I see Microtransactions as nothing more than something that takes away from the game itself"

How can it take away from something that you don't own or control? Your buying what the final product is, you don't even know what was removed, added etc as who cares? Buddy..legit, quit gaming if you feel so entitled to content you didn't make or you don't have the legal right over.

"cutting something"

When did you buy a game and the product had something in it ,that was removed after you played that very same content?

Something cut prior to release is not actually "cutting something" as it was NEVER YOURS, you never BOUGHT THE DAMN CONTENT. So your crying over something THEY created, something THEY made and chose to cut?

Hmmmmm...I see. Take it to a court of law and see how stupid you look crying over content that isn't legally yours in the first place.

No one is forcing you to buy DLC. The "future"? Bud, how old are you? Do you not get that we've had post launch content since the dawn of gaming?

Street Fighter..Super, alpha, hyper etc all EXTRA content.

Doom expansions, Diablo expansion, Age Of Empires expansion the list goes on, sit down and educate yourself on the history of gaming bud.

Its nothing but pure entitlement, your not owed anything other then the final game that was promised, advertised etc.

No where did they state when you buy the game, your buying everything the team touched and worked on.

Your buying what they are releasing, THAT is the FULL GAME, not what was taken out for DLC as what was taken out for DLC was never promised, was never yours and never likely even planned for the final game as MOST DLC is made during development by other staff made to be DLC.

They don't just make a final game and say "where do we cut" lol

They budget for DLC and have it in development by other staff during games developments.

If they do...who cares? Its not your damn company. They have no ode to you to just go bankrupt releasing loads of content for 1 price as if they don't have bills to pay and development cost to drive down.

Do you not get how many on here whine about DLC, yet none have really been able to form a real legal issue regarding it? Its a personal thing, an emotional thing, a entitlement thing that has no real bases and no real argument behind it other then wanting something for free for legit no reason.

GOULDYBOBS3119d ago (Edited 3119d ago )

I bet you're fun at parties!

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3119d ago
TheHaloGuy3119d ago (Edited 3119d ago )

I hate people that talk about ALL micro transactions like they're all bad. I guess it's not their fault, they're just ignorant.

Show all comments (37)
50°

Master Chief Became More Than A Machine In 343's Halo

In Halo 4, 5, and Infinite, Master Chief became a more nuanced, human character.

In spite of the Halo series’ struggles, 343 deserves praise for adding nuance and characterisation to the ever-beating heart of Halo - The Master Chief. Playing through Infinite, it's abundantly clear that the events of the current and previous trilogies have irrevocably changed the iconic hero. He’s no longer the ‘blank slate’ that was previously presented by Bungie. He’s a fatigued, damaged and fallible protagonist, and one who is meandering through currents of grief, while reveling in his newfound agency. Giving the Chief a compelling and meaningful voice was no small feat, and 343 should be proud of that victory.

Read Full Story >>
thegamer.com
kingnick407d ago

This article completely misses part of the appeal of the original iteration of character in the original game trilogy. It was the Chief and Cortana vs an entire alien collective. The blank slate Bungie displayed in their games was genius, he was an mysterious hero a wide audience could identify with because he wasn't as clearly defined as most characters.

The books added a lot of lore and backstory but most Halo players just want a fun game with exposition that doesn't get in the way of gameplay, it's why the Cortana level in Halo 3 was derided.

Not every character has to be a damaged soyboy, a soldier has to suck it up and do his duty.

BandarHub407d ago

A lot of people give the 343 version of Master Chief a lot of slack.
But Fundamentally he is still the same character, he just has a couple more dialogues. He has not changed in terms of attitude.
"Not every character has to be a damaged soyboy, a soldier has to suck it up and do his duty."
And that's what he has done at the end of the day, he did his duty. Watch his partner die, and was ready to destroy the weapon in Halo infinite....he is still the same soilder that everyone remembers

Halo Infintes one was a nice balance between both.

slate91407d ago

Chief and the halo franchise became a joke under 343

Sciurus_vulgaris407d ago

The 343i Master Chief has is based on the books. However, in Halo 4-Infinite, the Master Chief overtime become. gradually becomes more willing to show some emotion.

Obscure_Observer407d ago

"However, in Halo 4-Infinite, the Master Chief overtime become. gradually becomes more willing to show some emotion."

Which is awesome! I love how Master Chief become more John and less soldier.

Sciurus_vulgaris407d ago

I didn’t even notice my typos,lol

250°

GameStop Kicks Off Four Pre-Owned Games For $20 Sale

Daily Video Game writes: "GameStop is running a new pre-owned game sale on over 1000 pre-owned games that offers four pre-owned ($9.99 or less) games for $20 across multiple gaming platforms right now, including PS3 and Xbox 360!"

Read Full Story >>
dailyvideogame.com
roadkillers647d ago

I mean, the deal is alright… Unfortunately for me the Serious S doesn’t have a disk drive and unfortunately for Gamestop a lot of those games are on or have been on Gamepass/PSNow.

Sgt_Slaughter648d ago

Given the nature of backwards compatibility on new systems, this is a great sale in case you missed out on some gems from last gen.

Mandingo2020648d ago

Most of the games on Xbox are on game pass. The Switch games in this sale are trash c'mon farming simulator that's laughable. The PS4 games should be cheaper. I can't wait for the GameStop going out of business liquidation sale.

neutralgamer1992648d ago

Seriously man I don't get the hate on GS and I guess you want even less options and give more control to the publishers

And you want thousands of people to lose their jobs because you don't like a company. One thing I have noticed is how most who hate on GS haven't shopped at the actual stores in years. Many who hate on GS have also done so listening to others negative stories or experiences. People on YT want clicks and hating on GS is the cool thing

SurgicalMenace647d ago

It's not people's hate that would lose people's jobs, it's the shady business practices of the company. So what you're saying is that because people work there individuals should just support what they don't want to? Sound advice; Hitler too had supporters, employees, and advocates but people go around hating him too. They only hate because of other people's bad stories or experiences; they only spoke bad about him because they wanted attention. It's been decades; lets give his way another go. With your logic anything could be made to sound good.🤷🏾‍♂️

neutralgamer1992647d ago

SurgicalMenace

Seriously you used Hitler as an example to say company has shady practices

You don't have to shop at GS there are many other retailers. I shop there and vast majority of my experiences have been positive and most of the employees are super nice

SurgicalMenace647d ago

Just having some fun, bro.🤣🤣

Mandingo2020647d ago

There are other places to work besides GS. Plus, their benefits are trash so why not work somewhere else?

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 647d ago
REDGUM648d ago

And none of those game you speak of you actually own as they are digital not physical & would cost more than $20 as the subscription costs more than that.

Mandingo2020647d ago (Edited 647d ago )

You know you can get game pass ultimate codes for the low on cdkeys or g2a right? You don't need to have a subscription 😂. GS is trash and I'd rather support the mom and pop game store here instead.

BlackTar187647d ago

Why are you people so full of hate? GameStop gives people jobs and provides a physical appearance to see things in the flesh and not just some soulless online experience.

Mandingo2020647d ago

You can get physical at mom and pop game stores plus you can get it online. GS is trash

neutralgamer1992647d ago

Because Mom and Pop shops cost two to three times more for the same product Angie the answer

BlackTar187647d ago (Edited 647d ago )

Mom and pop stores cost more and have even harder time competing against the internet. Also lie to me and tell you have a couple mom and pop stores near you selling games then lie and tell me you shop there.

IanTH648d ago

These sales, while potentially great, really struggle to be valuable given you can't easily parse what games are in stock. You can't just say "only show what is online & what are in my nearby stores". Probably 60-75% of these games in these massive lists are out of stock for shipping, and out of stock locally. It makes it a chore to find anything you'd want, much less 4 of them, much less enough if you wanted to get to a free shipping tier. It's a bummer.

647d ago Replies(1)
110°

10 Best Halo Games

NoobFeed Editor Joshua Burt writes - There are many games in the famous Halo Franchise that are stellar titles and need to be revered. And some that do not. These games stand out from the crowd and deluge of colossal Halo titles. Games that made Halo great. We do need to iron out what qualifies the game for this list. They have to be in the Halo franchise… Obviously.

Read Full Story >>
noobfeed.com
718d ago
718d ago Replies(2)
-Foxtrot718d ago

Halo CE over Halo Infinite anyday

Not to mention the impact it had at the time

Flawlessmic718d ago

Halo 3 at the top is correct the only thing id change is swap infinite and halo ce around.

AuraAbjure718d ago

Halo 4 best campaign and multiplayer. Halo 3 best story.

ChubbyBlade717d ago

Are you trying to give people cancer?

AuraAbjure716d ago (Edited 716d ago )

Halo 4 has the hottest Cortana too which explains why the MC is the hardest in that campaign and why H4's multiplayer is the illest. Chief ain't afraid to take on teleporting enemies that can one hit melee kill.

Show all comments (15)