Last month, Microsoft revealed that they would be closing the stat-tracking and leaderboard scores on its Halo Wars games in a move to transfer players to the Halo Waypoint system.
However, after Halo Wars fans expressed their concern over the move, Microsoft has now reversed the decision to delete the stats and leaderboards that were expected to be removed on December 15th.
The forums will still be merged, but other than that, nothing else will change, explains Microsoft.
The Legacy of Halo Wars
Halo Wars, made by Age of Empires developer Ensemble Studios, was originally released at the start of 2009 and was expected to revolutionize real-time strategy games by bringing the genre natively to consoles. Unfortunately, this didn’t quite happen as expected for Microsoft, and Ensemble Studios was closed by Microsoft before the game’s release.
Despite the initial setbacks, Halo Wars has maintained a dedicated fan base over the years. The game’s unique approach to real-time strategy on a console platform set it apart from other titles in the genre. Players appreciated the game’s intuitive control scheme, which was specifically designed for the Xbox 360 controller, making it accessible to a broader audience who may not have been familiar with traditional PC-based RTS games.
Continuing Support and Community Engagement
After the closure of Ensemble Studios, Robot Entertainment was quickly founded by many of Ensemble’s former employees. This new studio took on the responsibility of supporting Halo Wars with updates and downloadable content, ensuring that the game continued to thrive even after its initial release. Robot Entertainment’s commitment to the game has been instrumental in maintaining its relevance in the gaming community.
The decision to keep the stat-tracking and leaderboards intact is a testament to the passion and dedication of the Halo Wars community. Fans of the game have always been vocal about their love for the title, and their feedback has played a crucial role in shaping the game’s ongoing development and support. Microsoft’s reversal of their decision highlights the importance of community engagement and listening to player feedback in the gaming industry.
In addition to the continued support from Robot Entertainment, the Halo Wars community has also seen a resurgence of interest with the release of Halo Wars: Definitive Edition and Halo Wars 2. These titles have introduced the game to a new generation of players, further expanding its fan base and solidifying its place in the Halo franchise.
The forums’ merger is a strategic move to consolidate the community and provide a unified platform for players to discuss strategies, share experiences, and stay updated on the latest news and updates. This merger aims to foster a stronger sense of community among Halo Wars players, ensuring that the game remains a beloved part of the Halo universe.
The decision to retain the stat-tracking and leaderboards for Halo Wars is a significant win for the game’s dedicated fan base. It underscores the importance of community feedback and the impact it can have on the decisions made by game developers and publishers. As Halo Wars continues to be supported and enjoyed by players around the world, it serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of real-time strategy games and the lasting legacy of Ensemble Studios’ innovative approach to the genre.
Via Eurogamer
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