DevMods - Game Development and Modding Source
	Posted by HIZLO at 4/28/08 6:00 PM EST

I've decided to step back from HaloMaps and follow another path in my 3d modeling / modding career. Many of you may not know this about me, but I'm a big fan of Unreal Tournament. So I've decided to move on but at the same time take a little bit of HaloMaps with me on my new adventure. Come join the new expericence and broaded your horizons with the new Unreal 3 Engine!

Heres a quick little teaser of a map we call Coagulation built from the ground up for Unreal Tournament 3...

Discuss News : DevMods Forum

Heroic Map Pack Images Blowout
	Posted by HIZLO at 12/5/07 12:00 PM EST

On Dec. 11, the Heroic Map Pack will be available on Xbox Live for 800 Microsoft points. Today for your persual, enjoyment and scrutiny we're putting up a hojillion screenshots from the Heroic map pack. There's a bunch here and a bunch more in larger resolutions at the Halo 3 Projects page.

FYI: Free Xbox Live Marketplace content and Silver accounts
	Posted by HIZLO at 12/4/07 12:50 PM EST

Just a reminder that if you have a Silver account, you won’t have access to free content on the the Marketplace (like demos) when they are first posted. That content will be available to Gold level exclusively for one week, after which Silver members will have access to the free content.

The Fall update has a special message (above) to reflect this as well. If you have a Silver account and you see a piece of content that has a red circle with a slash through it (like the ‘Ryan Industries Plasmids and Gene Tonics’ content above) you’ll have to wait until a week after the content is released to access it.

This is not done to annoy our Silver members—limited time exclusive access to content is just one of the many benefits of having a Gold Xbox Live account.

A Fistful of Features in the December 2007 System Update
	Posted by HIZLO at 11/30/07 10:00 AM EST

It's that time of year again. The December 2007 system update brings a bevy of improvements to your Xbox 360 console. Interested? Read on.

Fall Xbox 360 dashboard Update Revealed: Download Halo December 2nd
	Posted by HIZLO at 11/13/07 12:40 PM EST

Official Xbox Magazine has the scoop on the Fall Xbox 360 dashboard update, and you better believe it's a doozy. UK-based CVG reports that the December 2 update will allow 360 owners to download and play Microsoft-published Xbox 1 games on their 360s.

Let's say that one more time: come December 2, you will be able to download full, original Xbox games to the Xbox 360. The initial list of available games includes Fable, Indigo Prophecy, Crimson Skies: High Road To Revenge, Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath Of Cortex, Burnout 3, and, of course, Halo: Combat Evolved.

To read the full story click above.

Gamers, Our Brains Are Limited To Tracking 8 Objects At Once
	Posted by HIZLO at 11/1/07 12:50 PM EST

Researchers long believed that human perception was limited to tracking four moving objects at one time. But a new study, challenging participants to follow 16 dots moving at a very slow pace on a computer screen, found that participants were able to track up to eight objects at once (or double what we previously thought possible).

The major downfall of our ability to track objects is speed. Because once these dots hit the on-screen speed of 0.15 metres per second, subjects were only able to track one dot at a time.

Replacement Halo 3 Discs Are Here
	Posted by HIZLO at 10/18/07 5:45 PM EST

Show of hands who had their Halo 3 bonus disc all scratched up by the crummy tin box. One, two, three...OK, thousands of you.

The replacement discs have started turning up at homes, and while the new soft, beige packaging might not be as easy on the eye as a dark metal tin, it has done a better job of delivering functioning game discs to your 360 console.

Jeremy900: Halo 2 Kill-Joy Map Pack Release
	Posted by HIZLO at 10/18/07 12:00 PM EST

Over the years people have dedicated their time to create maps how they in vision it. I would just like to take the time to thank Jeremy900 for all the hard work he put into this along with the others who helped. It's not easy to set time aside for stuff like this. Our community has always been known for helping others through ruff times especially when they hit certain obstacles. Good job guys and keep up the excellent work, we look forward to future releases!

I would like to announce the release of the "Halo 2 Kill-Joy Map Pack". I like to leave people in suspense because it makes them crave for more, but ill say this... Have you ever played Halo 2 with Halo 3 content? Well now you can, You can visit the forum for more information!

Lazard: Halo 3 to Drive Bumper September Sales
	Posted by HIZLO at 10/11/07 11:05 AM EST

Lazard Capital Markets analyst Colin Sebastian has forecast a 30 percent year-over-year rise in North American September software sales, largely driven by the release of Halo 3.

Microsoft recently announced that Halo 3 had grossed $300m at retail by early October. Sebastian believes the majority of that figure came from North America and suggests that Halo 3 will be the primary factor in ballooning September software sales.

The release of the Bungie-developed shooter, along with prior price cuts to the Xbox 360 range, leads Sebastian to believe that Microsoft's hardware sales will be up for September.

Halo 3 Covenant Plasma Rifles for Sale!
	Posted by HIZLO at 10/10/07 11:35 AM EST

Ok, you've already plunked down $129.99 for the Legendary Edition of Halo 3, purchased the nifty Halo 3 special edition game controllers and was the first on your block to get a Halo 3 special edition Xbox 360. So what else is there left for you to buy?

If you still have a little cash floating around in your bank account after those do or die purchases, you maybe interested to know that you can own a full sized replica of a Covenant plasma rifle. The cost for this frivolity? How about $120? Well, you do get the batteries too...

To read the full story click above.

Confirmed: MS and Bungie to Evolve Relationship - Independent Company
	Posted by HIZLO at 10/5/07 1:00 PM EST

Microsoft Corp. today announced a plan for Bungie Studios, the developers of the "Halo" franchise, to embark on a path to become an independent company. Microsoft will retain an equity interest in Bungie, at the same time continuing its long-standing publishing agreement between Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie for the Microsoft-owned "Halo" intellectual property as well as other future properties developed by Bungie.

The critically acclaimed Xbox 360-exclusive "Halo 3" achieved $300 million in global sales in its first week. Released on Tuesday, Sept. 25, "Halo 3" is the fastest-selling video game ever and already one of the most successful entertainment properties in history.

To read the full story click above.

Halo 3: Does Success Push Bungie Out Of The Game?
	Posted by HIZLO at 10/5/07 12:50 PM EST

Buried beneath all this success is word that Microsoft and Halo creator Bungie Studios may part company. Be still my heart! Rumors about this began circulating earlier this week when the Seattle Post-Intelligence and Game Informer started writing about a rift of some kind between the two. Game Informer suggested that Bungie was no longer interested in creating any new Halo games; Microsoft, its parent, had different ideas.

To read the full story click above.

Halo 3 Records More Than 300 Million USD in First-Week Sales Worldwide
	Posted by HIZLO at 10/4/07 10:00 AM EST

Microsoft Corp. today announced that "Halo 3" has officially become a global phenomenon, garnering more than $300 million in sales in the first week alone. The critically acclaimed Xbox 360 exclusive, which was released worldwide on Tuesday, Sept. 25, is the fastest-selling video game ever and already one of the most successful entertainment properties in history.

To read the full story click above.

Halo 3 Disc Read Errors Rampant *Updated*
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/27/07 11:00 AM EST

A storm is brewing in both the Xbox and Bungie forums, where over a hundred posters have now verified that their copies of Halo 3 are causing disc read errors. lockups, and even the dreaded RRoD on their Xbox 360 consoles. From what I can glean from skimming through the 22 pages of replies to the original poster's problem, most of the people affected purchased the standard edition, though a few are reporting having the problem on both the standard and the LE version of the game.

Halo 3 Japanese Store Sell Out Shocker
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/27/07 10:00 AM EST

Stupid, stupid me. With all that crazy Halo 3 hype in Tokyo, I thought I could just waltz into a store at 6PM tonight and walk out with a copy of Halo 3.

See those little white cards with blue writing on those Halo 3 copies? That means "sold out." I actually was so not expecting this that it did not dawn on me that I should've asked the clerk how many copies were sold until I was driving home. Unwilling to admit defeat (c'mon this is Halo 3 in Japan!), I stopped by another totally tubular shop, which had Halo 3 copies coming out the whazoo. It even had imported versions!

Gamer Metrics: Xbox 360 UT3 Delayed Over Halo Hype?
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/26/07 12:00 PM EST

IGN Entertainment has said in its latest Gamer Metrics report that among the nearly 15,000 gamers surveyed, the Xbox 360 SKU of Midway's Unreal Tournament III has emerged with the strongest affinity to fans of Halo 3.

As the report notes, if the Xbox 360 SKU for UT3 had launched at the same time as its PS3 and PC versions, due out in November, it might have been buried under an avalanche of Halo hype. But releasing it next year ensures that it'll reach Halo 3 fans at a time when they might be more receptive.

Massive Halo 3 bundle being auctioned for charity
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/26/07 11:45 AM EST

To benefit the Boys & Girls Club [of King County], Microsoft is offering the ultimate Halo 3 package to one lucky winning bidder on eBay. Check out what's included:

* The ONLY Xbox 360 Limited Edition Halo 3 console that has been personally signed by Bill Gates.
* The ONLY Limited Edition Halo 3 Zune 30 GB media player personally signed by J Allard.
* The entire Halo Trilogy: Two copies of Halo 3 (Legendary Edition and Standard Edition), plus the Halo Triple Pack for Xbox® (Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2 and the Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack)
* Xbox 360 HD DVD player.
* Rare special aluminum storage case with over $400 worth of accessories (two Limited Edition Halo 3 Wireless Controllers with an exclusive Todd McFarlane Collectable Figurine, Messenger Kit, HDMI AV cable, extra 120 GB hard drive, and a Halo 3 T-shirt).

It's official: 'Halo 3' Registers Biggest Day in US Entertainment History
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/26/07 11:30 AM EST

Xbox 360 Exclusive "Halo 3" Registers Biggest Day in US Entertainment History with $170 Million in Sales.

Microsoft today announced that the Xbox 360 exclusive game "Halo 3" has officially become the biggest entertainment launch in history, garnering an estimated $170 million in sales in the United States alone in the first 24 hours. The Xbox 360 title beat previous records set by blockbuster theatrical releases like "Spider-man 3" and novels such as "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows."

Within the first 20 hours alone, we've seen more than a million Xbox LIVE members come online to play Halo 3 - that makes September 25 the most active Xbox LIVE gaming day in history."

To read the full story click above.

Microsoft About Scratched Halo 3 Disks
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/26/07 10:30 AM EST

We already announced yesterday that Microsoft is replacing scratched Halo3 discs for free, today Associated Press talked with Microsoft about the Halo3 LE packaging issue:

To read the full story click above.

Xbox Live Issues... *Update* Resolved?
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/25/07 1:15 PM EST

If you are having an issue with Xbox LIVE, keep an eye on the Xbox LIVE Service Status section of the support page. (Orange box, right column) The operations center will be updating that throughout the evening until the issues of subsided.

Master Chief Ringing the Closing Bell at NASDAQ
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/25/07 1:00 PM EST

To read the full story click above.

MS Admits Halo 3 Scratched Disc Problem - Free Replacements
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/25/07 12:15 PM EST

Microsoft has admitted there's a problem with Halo 3's Limited Edition packaging scratching game discs, and is now offering replacements via the Xbox website.

The problem is blamed on the plastic and foam nub in the LE tin designed to hold the discs; it turns out plenty of gamers - including CVG - are opening their copies of Halo to find the discs loose and scratched.

Some Gamers Plan to be 'Halo' Sick
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/24/07 4:35 PM EST

For Microsoft Xbox 360 owners, Tuesday is Opening Day -- the time to skip school, call in sick or take a vacation day for the big game.

To read the full story click above.

TGS 07: Bungie Triples Halo 3 Server Capacity
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/22/07 3:15 PM EST

Speaking at the CoFesta Forum at the Tokyo Game Show 2007, Bungie Studios' head of production, Jonty Barnes, told attendees at an Xbox 360 session that beta testing the product over Xbox Live had thrown up some interesting surprises.

Barnes said, "The amount of polish feedback was especially helpful, and we also found we had to triple our server capacity." As with any beta test, the company also found numerous bugs, which needed fixing, and solved some usability issues.

New Xbox 360 System Update
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/20/07 3:00 PM EST

First off, let me get this out of the way right up front: This is not the fall dashboard update.

Today the team is releasing a minor system update via Xbox Live. Over the next few hours, when you sign in to Xbox LIVE, you'll receive a prompt to accept this mandatory update. What's in this update? Much like the update last month, the only thing this minor release will do is prepare your Xbox 360 for the Big Button Pad that is being released this holiday. Why do we need to release this update now? Simple: The certification team needs time to test the new controller against the retail hardware/software combination before it hits stores.

One more thing: no new features beyond this big button pad support are included in this update and, once again, this is not the 'fall dashboard upgrade.' When I have firm details on the next major update, I will share them.

Microsoft issues official statement over Halo 3 banning
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/19/07 3:00 PM EST

Will not be taking any action against gamers playing Halo 3 before its official street date.

Following a memorable day which saw UK retailer Argos selling Halo 3 to consumers a week before release, and Microsoft seemingly willing to ban gamers from Xbox LIVE for playing the game, Microsoft has issued an official statement which should put the debacle to bed.

"We can confirm that Microsoft is not taking any action (such as banning Xbox Live accounts) against gamers who are playing Halo 3 before the official street date. Any rumors or speculation to the contrary are false," reads the statement issued by Microsoft this evening.

Halo 3 Game Invasion
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/19/07 1:00 PM EST

The saga continues as Master Chief returns to finish the fight, bringing the epic conflict between the Covenant, the Flood, and the entire human race to a climax.

Microsoft backtracks on Halo 3 LIVE ban threat
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/19/07 12:50 PM EST

MS confirms to Pro-G that consumers will not be banned for playing Halo 3 before official release.

Microsoft has backtracked on its original threat to ban the LIVE accounts of gamers who have purchased Halo 3 early following high street retailer Argos' admin error.

Earlier today, a Microsoft rep told Pro-G that gamers who played Halo 3 early would have their LIVE accounts banned. The rep also confirmed that Microsoft was able to ban accounts based on information collected by the console which showed when the game was played.

However, Pro-G has since been contacted by another MS rep, who said the ban only applies to Microsoft employees.

What this means for those of you lucky enough to have taken advantage of the Argos error is that you can start playing the game, if you already weren't, free from retribution.

A full statement from Microsoft on the Halo 3 banning scandal is expected soon.

Halo 3 to boost Xbox 360 sales to 400k, says analyst
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/18/07 11:35 PM EST

An analyst this week told USA Today that the release of Halo 3 will boost Xbox 360 U.S. sales to about 400,000 units in Sept.

Michael Pachter, an analyst with Wedbush Morgan Securities, predicts an increase of 130,000 Xbox 360 units from Aug. U.S. sales due to the impact of Halo 3. Additionally, Pachter expects first-day sales of at least 2.5 million copies and sales that could total $200 million.

Another Xbox 360 Halo 3 Special Edition Unboxing
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/18/07 12:00 PM EST

We got our hands on one today, and naturally, took a bunch of unboxing images for your viewing pleasure - 41 in total. We give you a look at everything that comes in the box in our Halo 3 Xbox 360 unboxing gallery, but for a quick glance, this is what you get for $399 USD:

* Halo 3 Special Edition Console
* Halo 3 Special Edition Wireless Controller
* Halo 3 Special Edition 20GB Hard Drive
* Halo 3 Special Edition Wired Headset
* Halo 3 Special Edition Gamer Pics and Theme (Exclusive download via Xbox LIVE)
* Component HD AV Cable
* Ethernet Cable
* HDMI Port
* Play & Charge Kit
* Xbox LIVE Silver Membership
* One-month Xbox LIVE Gold Membership

Halo 3 Sick Day Emails
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/15/07 12:45 PM EST

WARNING: We take no responsibility in your firing.

Halo 3 rocket blasts its way to stores September 25, packing an exciting single player campaign and most importantly, thrilling multiplayer matches against thousands of trigger happy gamers. Many unfortunate souls, however, must sit at work and daydream about sniping enemies and running them over in a warthog. Save you, of course. Just call out using these emails. We're sure your boss will understand.

Xbox 360 Halo 3 Special Edition Confirmed for Sept. 16th
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/15/07 12:30 PM EST

The battle may not begin until Sept. 25, but "Halo" fans can prepare for the epic fight with the release the Xbox 360 Halo 3 Special Edition Console on Sept. 16 for an estimated retail price of $399.99 (U.S.).

Frags will be even sweeter with the Xbox 360 Halo 3 Special Edition Console, which features an authentic Spartan green and gold finish and comes with matching Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, Xbox 360 20GB Hard Drive, Xbox 360 Headset, Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit, and exclusive Halo 3 Gamer Pics and Theme available via Xbox LIVE download.

To read the full story click above.

Landmark 'Halo 3' Marketing Campaign Debuts: A Hero Must Rise, Believe
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/12/07 2:50 PM EST

Every so often individuals are called upon to rise above themselves and act in a selfless manner to help, to protect, to defend those in need. We call these people, who rise up in the face of great adversity, heroes. One such individuals story is about to be told worldwide. On Sept. 25, Halo 3's epic hero Master Chief will rise once again he'll face seemingly insurmountable odds with the entire fate of the galaxy riding on his shoulders.

To read the full story click above.

Halo 3 Launch Week
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/12/07 7:45 AM EST

We've got dozens of events, promotions, and contests scheduled around the release of Halo 3, the most eagerly anticipated game of all time. We'll have more information on these events as we get closer to the launch of Halo. Here are a few of the events to look forward to:

Regional Launch Events: In New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, and Seattle, look for huge launch events. You could score some free swag, get a chance to play Halo 3 with local celebrities in on-site Game with Fame sessions, and be there for the countdown to launch!

Midnight Madness: At 12:01 A.M. on September 25, over 10,000 stores will be open to sell Halo 3 in the biggest entertainment launch in history.

Aussie Halo 3 hits eBay: Full retail PAL version of the game leaked
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/11/07 2:56 PM EST

An enterprising (or should that be thieving) Aussie has somehow managed to get his mitts on two retail PAL copies of Halo 3, which he promptly placed on eBay. It's obvious they're the Australian versions, thanks to the whopping big OFLC rating on the front cover (it's an M by the way - doh, no high-level MA15+ violence this time around!)

The games sold at first bid for AU$149 - only fifty Australian bucks more for the privilege of playing it a fortnight earlier than the rest of us. We rang Microsoft to see if they'd dispatched robotic ninjas with laser eyes to track down the culprits of the leak, and were met with a staunch "No Comment". When quizzed about whether Microsoft would ban the Xbox Live account of any user found to be playing Halo 3 online earlier than the launch date, the same "No Comment" answer was forthcoming.

Anatomy Of An Onslaught: How Halo 3 Attacked
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/11/2007 11:39 AM EST

This week, Microsoft breaks its Halo 3 "Believe" TV ad campaign touting the Xbox 360 title's highly-anticipated Sept. 25 launch. The estimated $10 million-plus effort centers on an immaculately constructed diorama depicting the great battles of lead character Master Chief. With this as a backdrop, warriors that did battle with the game's hero provide testimonials as to his greatness in the ads created by McCann-Erickson, San Francisco.

The goal of the campaign is to bring Halo fans and non fans up-to-speed as to where we are in Master Chief's epic battle to defeat the evil Covenant. While most major game titles begin their ad campaigns weeks before launch to build buzz, Halo 3 differs greatly. This mass-market push is actually the end of the of Halo 3 campaign.

The TV push is the grand finale of a five-pronged attack Microsoft quietly launched last December. The carefully orchestrated onslaught was designed to make casual fans interested and core fans rabid as Microsoft aims to eclipse Halo 2's record-breaking $125 million in sales on day one. To date, Halo 3 is already on the books for one million preorders and counting.

To read the full story click above.

GameStop Not Playing Around With Halo 3 Launch
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/10/07 11:30 AM EST

According to the E-Mail, Halo 3 begins making it's way to stores as early as September 13th. By September 18th, all retail stores should have their copies. Not a huge surprise here though. Who DIDN'T expect this game to ship early?

But here is the news worthy part. With leaks recently of Bioshock and Stranglehold for the 360 by retail chains, GameStop has decided to impose strict penalties for employees who open the shipping cartons before the midnight launch. If you break the tape, even if by accident, you will be fired on the spot. It doesn't matter if you are an hourly peon or the store manager...or even the district manager. If you break the tape, you will be fired.

Master Chief Invades Madame Tussaud's
	Posted by HIZLO at 9/8/2007 10:30 AM EST

Las Vegas —Madame Tussaud's Las Vegas honored the Xbox 360™ franchise Halo® by immortalizing Master Chief as the first video game character to be enshrined in the world famous attraction's 250-year history. The impressively life-sized figure of Halo's Master Chief was revealed to the world by song writer and bass player Pete Wentz of 2007 Teen Choice Award Winner and Grammy-nominated band Fall Out Boy at an official unveiling ceremony Saturday afternoon.

To read the full story click above.

HaloMaps Forum Update
	Posted by HIZLO at 8/15/07 11:00 PM EST

HaloMaps will be getting a nice face lift with in the next few weeks. The main site is being revamped in a totally new color scheme and look. The forums were the first to make that appearance online. The main site will be launched the day Halo 3 is released. I think a breath of fresh air is needed around here!

More Details on Halo 3: Epsilon - Email Sent to Testers
	Posted by HIZLO at 8/12/07 11:30 PM EST

A source, who wishes to remain anonymous, sent us a copy of the email sent out to Halo3 testers about the new Halo3 Epsilon:

Congratulations on being selected to participate in the Halo 3 Epsilon! The Epsilon is now available for download on Marketplace!

First, unlike the Alpha, Beta or Delta, this is a very special test in that not only will you be testing nearly final Halo 3 Matchmaking, you will also be able to:
* Play Multiplayer on six maps: Snowbound, High Ground, Valhalla, Last Resort, Epitaph and our new big map, Sandtrap.
* Play Custom Games and test out full game variant editing.
* Play with the Forge and be able to cooperatively edit and save multiplayer map variants.
* Play up to 4 person co-op on a single Campaign level.
* Play and test the full Saved Film functionality, including screenshots you can view in-game for Campaign, Multiplayer and Forge.