The end of an era is upon us, as Microsoft will be shutting down Halo 2's PC Multiplayer next month.
The multiplayer mode will be shut down on Feb. 15 and gamers will no longer be able to earn online multiplayer achievements, according to a Halo Waypoint post by Jessica Shea.
Here is what Shea said in the Halo Waypoint post:
"We're sad to report that the service end-date for Halo 2 PC Multiplayer will be February 15, 2013. We've been monitoring the population for months, and it's been peaking consistently at approximately 20 players or less. Those that own this game can continue to enjoy Multiplayer over LAN after that date; however our network services will be turned off at that time. We love you, Halo 2 PC, and you will live forever in our hearts.
#singletear."
Halo 2's Microsoft Windows version of the game was released on May 31, 2007 exclusively for the Windows Vista operating system. An internal team as Microsoft Game Studios developed the game.
The PC version offered Windows Live features that were not available in the Xbox version including guide support and achievements.The Windows version also added two exclusive multiplayer maps and a map editor.
Microsoft also announced two new Specializations for Halo 4 that are coming with the game's next update. Here are the two specializations as they were listed on Halo Waypoint:
Pioneer: Spartan optimization for deployment into uncharted, hostile territory (such as uncolonized worlds or Forerunner constructs like Requiem) for the purpose of gathering and relaying information. The Fast Track armor mod allows Spartans to gain more experiential data from each encounter, effectively ranking up more quickly during the process.
Pathfinder: Spartan optimization for deep, unconventional deployment within unknown enemy territory and with little to no assistance from command. The Gunner armor mod decreases the time of weapon overheats when occupying a vehicle weapon position, and increases Spartan speed while carrying a detached turret.
The new update will be hitting Halo 4 sometime next week and the Specialization will be free for all players. Next week also marks the return of Halo 4's Spartan-Ops when episode six releases on Jan. 21, 2013. Halo 4 is now available worldwide as of Nov. 6 for the Xbox 360. You can read our review of the game here.
If you want to know more about how 343 Industries has attempted to make Halo 4 feel familiar and brand new at the same time, click here. No more Master Chief in future Halo games? Maybe read about it here. Learn how you can earn free Microsoft points by playing Halo 4's multiplayer mode here.
Have you seen Microsoft's "Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn?" The new web series consist of five web segments. Here are all the segments; Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4 and Episode 5.
You can check out the trailer for Episodes 6 - 10 below and tell us what you think of the mode and Halo 2's multiplayer mode being taken down in the comment section...
