It isn’t stretching the truth to say that Bungie’s Halo 2, released on the original Xbox console, was a watershed moment for online console gaming. Indeed, some would say that the public’s initial interest in Xbox Live was bolstered by Halo 2’s extremely robust and very comprehensive online multiplayer game modes and support.
Shortly after the game’s release, Halo 2-branded communication headsets flew off store shelves and thousands of new Xbox Live account subscriptions were purchased. This spike in Xbox Live membership was in some way the first baby step toward the service we now log into every day with our Xbox 360’s.
Since that time, other original Xbox multiplayer games have come and gone, but Halo 2 multiplayer (and Counterstrike) have always remained at the top of the most-played lists. On that note, Microsoft announced last week that in order to integrate advanced features into Xbox Live, they would be discontinuing Xbox Live support for all original Xbox titles on April 14th, including Halo 2.
Seeing that the end is near, Bungie took some time to reflect on their fledgling online game and the effect it has had on the industry, not to mention Microsoft’s online gaming service. In a post on their official blog, entitled “So Hard 2 Say Goodbye”, they write:
I think the wind just blew something into both of my eyes…
We’re all saddened at the realization that an era is coming to an end, but looking back we’re incredibly fortunate to have had such a great run and such strong support from our fans. Halo 2 has been at the top of the Xbox LIVE charts for original games since it launched over five years ago. We’re extremely thankful to everyone who has played, enjoyed and supported Halo 2 over Xbox LIVE. We’ve had some great fun together, including far too many Humpday losses to even recount.
That said, mark your calendars now - on April 14th let’s all rally to go online for one last hoorah. One final farewell and one final opportunity for all of you to kick all of our asses at Halo 2
