Halo Multiplayer Guru Forms Studio

[ZoomZoom71]

Source

Former Halo 2 and Halo 3 multiplayer team lead Max Hoberman has founded Certain Affinity, a studio that will create Xbox 360-exclusive Halo 2 multiplayer maps.
The Austin-based development house entered a strategic partnership with Microsoft and Halo developer Bungie that will bring the maps to Xbox 360 in spring 2007.

"We're not setting out to change the industry," Hoberman said in a statement. "We're creating games by choosing strong leaders, talented and experienced developers, and solid partners. This partnership with Bungie and Microsoft Game Studios is a piece of that puzzle and we hope it's the start of a long and fruitful relationship."

Microsoft announced plans for new Halo 2 maps in mid-November, coinciding with the franchise’s fifth anniversary.

Hoberman led the creation of the matchmaking and party system in Halo 2, which released in 2004 for Xbox and is still one of the most heavily played Xbox Live games.

Aside from the maps, Certain Affinity is developing a new Xbox 360 game that is currently under wraps.

Hoberman left Bungie after 10 years, where he and his team laid the groundwork for Halo 3’s multiplayer and online components. “Halo 2 turned the online world on its head, but Halo 3 is going to rip its head right off,” he claimed.

Certain Affinity’s staff is comprised of industry vets who have worked with companies such as Origin, Digital Anvil and Bungie. Employees have played key roles in the development of games including Ultima, Wing Commander, Myth, Asheron's Call, Freelancer, and the Ghost Recon and Halo series.

[KEEZY]

I just read that too.

In the interview, Frankie asks if one of the Halo 2 multiplayer maps is Hang 'Em High. They, of course, gave no answer, but I'm really hoping that they do release it. Fall damage was a great part about that map, but I think it would still be great to have.

[wizz1e]

IMO all of the original Halo 1 maps should be rereleased and updated for Halo 2. Being a Halo geek I know they would be great sellers.

[KEEZY]

The Vintage Pack... I like it. Slap on some new lighting and textures, and you're good to go.*

Seeing as how H3 is the last of the Halo trilogy, I am hoping that they go all out. They'll have to do it big if they want to top the first two.

With all of this talk about playable Brutes... would MP have 3 races then? I'm betting that you could play as UNSC soldiers too, to make it 2 from each faction.


*Because I make video games so much, and know what I'm talking about

[Applecroissant]

I think Hang em high would become the new Lockout for custom games if it was released. Maybe it would be used in major MLG tournaments too.

[Applecroissant]

Sorry, double post. Meant to click edit instead of quote.

Also about keezy's thought on playable brutes and UNSC soldiers, I don't think that would happen. Bungie would have to make the health systems different for those two since neither have recharging shields. Also, the UNSC soldiers can't jump near as high as the Chief or Brutes. You might be able to play as Tartarus since he is the only brute with some kind of energy shield around him.[/quote]

[KEEZY]

Good point. After typing that, I did realize that UNSC characters would be fairly weak. Different health systems would be hard to balance, and Bungie seems to be very concerned with balance. I guess I got a little excited

I'm wondering when these maps will drop, and when the maps will be announced. Spring is just too vague. It's not even Winter yet

[wizz1e]

Seems like we've been waiting forever already.

[pickleL7]

Whats halo?

[KEEZY]

pickleL7: banned

[wizz1e]

Halo is not a game, it's a lifestyle

[ZoomZoom71]

Originally Posted by wizz1e

Halo is not a game, it's a lifestyle

TRUTH!

[pickleL7]

lifestyle? wow take a look at my stats on bungie looks like my lifestyle is much more a lifestyle than all you put together. keezy can you ban people
when your on the list?

[D_Litch]

I want all of the H1 maps to be remade. Hang Em' High is the best MP map eva!!!

[Justintiime]

Ive never played Halo 1

[Quo]

Is there more to this story than what's on the surface?

Does this open the door to "licensing" of the Halo2 matchmaking and party systems in other games?

If so, that would be absolutely incredible. While other companies have come a good way it seems in recent months regarding the quality of online play, etc., no one's come close to what Bungie did a few years back with H2 and the system they implemented.

If they chose to make it available in some kind of format that was standardized (like Microsoft is trying to do with the graphical pieces of the gaming puzzle...), it would be an incredible aid to online gamers.