Memorable times are never forgotten by the ones who behold them. In fact those events are passed from one generation to the next until it’s legend, hence their immortality. In the gaming world, there are many events we can look back at and call them memorable; the ones that pop up in your mind without you having to conjure any thought. Yes there are many, but today we take you down the beaten path, no, the almost didn’t happen path of the Halo revolution.
The Best Decision Microsoft Ever Made In The Gaming Industry: was to purchase Bungie. The first Halo game came on the scene on July 21, 1999 at the Mac Conference and Expo. Originally planned as a real-time strategy game for the Mac and Windows operating systems, it was later tuned into a first person action title. Microsoft then stepped in and purchased Bungie Studios and the rest became history. Halo: Combat Evolved was released as a launch title with the original Xbox.
What if Microsoft did not purchase Bungie, what would have happen to the Halo franchise? We don’t know for sure but surely it would not be the phenomenal success it is today. Before E3 2001, most people had never heard the name Halo, even when it was shown to the public at the show the game received mixed reviews, not many cared but then something happened.
The software giant went into a marketing frenzy, everywhere you turn Halo saw you and you saw Halo; indeed, even if the game wasn’t good Microsoft forced you to believe it was with the plethora of advertising that took place leading up to the game’s release. It was a gamble, the best gamble Microsoft ever made in this industry.
After Halo: Combat Evolved was released, it became known as one of the must have titles for all Xbox owners. Critically praised by many, the game went on to sell over 5 million copies which stands as a testament to its quality.
Now years later, we’ve had sequels, comics, magazines, toys, spin-offs and now, at the end of this year, what must be Bungie and Microsoft’s biggest Halo title yet will launch. A launch so big, Microsoft said it’ll be like nothing we’ve ever seen before. Halo: Reach, a prequel to Halo that takes place during the battle of Reach is promising an experience like none other, one that might, just might end up having a bigger effect than its bigger brother: Halo.
Will You Remember?
Who knows for sure if Halo: Reach will have the same or bigger effect than Halo? None, not Microsoft, not Bungie. Will Reach usher the franchise to a new higher level, or will the game flop and destroy Microsoft’s most cherished and guarded property? We’ll have to wait and see but I know one thing: you will remember. You will remember if Halo: Reach lived up to its hype and you will remember if it failed miserable. Mark my words, you will remember.
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Nice read, and yes I do remember, it was something else wasn’t it?