Halo 3 Legendary Map Pack
1- Avalanche :
Halo 3 Heroic Map Pack
Have you satisfied your appetite for Halo 3 yet? It’s barely been out of the office Xbox 360 since it arrived and we’re still hungry – ravenous, even – for more. And that’s very fortunate because ‘more’ is just what we’ve got, thanks to the Heroic Map Pack.
Came to Xbox LIVE (in a hail of Covenant bullets) on December 11th the Heroic Map Pack download comprises a trio of brand new multiplayer arenas, each offering a unique gameplay experience and all significantly extending the incomparable Halo 3 fun – and that’s got to be a good thing, right? Be assured, it totally is!
The first map, Standoff, is set in a symmetrical valley that is riddled with large boulders and sinuous trenches, making it ideal for sneaky sharp-shooters and mid-sized Slayer matches. Next up Rat’s Nest is a vast and twisty labyrinth that you wouldn’t really want to run around on foot, thus the action is more vehicular in nature – and is all the more explosive for it! Finally the Foundry describes itself as the ultimate Forge map. More or less every component of this cavernous warehouse can be moved and placed to your liking – stairways, bridges, tunnels and large walls to cower behind when you see us coming, guns a-blazing! With that kind of flexibility you might never need another map pack again. But that’s not how we play…
The Heroic Map Pack costs a mere 800 Microsoft Points and is available now – go check it out! However if you’re prepared to wait until spring 2008, when the next Halo 3 map pack is scheduled to launch, it will be totally free. How’s that for a triple-whammy of awesome news? But can you really keep your itchy trigger finger in check until next year? No, us neither!
Latest Microsoft Bandwagon Lawsuit: Halo 3 is Defective
Information Week is reporting that a San Diego resident is suing Microsoft and Bungie because Halo 3 "consistently causes the Xbox 360 to crash, freeze, or lock up while the game is being played." I have a number of problems with this allegation and this suit. First and foremost, if Halo 3 were truly "defective" or caused the problems alleged, it seems reasonable to assume that message boards and blogs alike would have been exploding with those types of complaints since October. I dare say it might have broken the internet due to the volume of vocal complaints. However, this is the first time I have seen any such allegation, between the Rooster Teeth forums, Bungie forums, and Xbox.com forums or anywhere on the gaming blog circuit. The suit states: "Although faced with repeated and mounting consumer complaints and inquiries concerning this operational flaw in Halo 3, the defendants have failed to recall Halo 3 or otherwise remedy its failure to function on the Xbox 360." I would love to see a full version of the complaint and/or the "mounting consumer complaints" that are being referenced therein.
This brings me to the second issue. What the plaintiff is describing sounds far more like the well publicized problem with the Xbox 360 console rather than any problem with the game. And if that is the case, then the plaintiff should be taking advantage of the warranty repair process rather than filing a lawsuit. Which brings me to the third and final point, that given the available evidence, this seems like a rather simplistic attempt to profit from the game that set the new single day sales record. I have no problem with using the legal system to remedy actual problems, but at first glance, this suit seems like it's either misplaced blame or a shot in the dark. Once the pleadings make their way onto the internet in full, hopefully some more light will be shed on this case.
[Via Joystiq]
Microsoft sued over Halo 3 "Consistent" crash
A San Diego resident who recently purchased Halo 3, which stars the pistol packing super soldier, has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft - alleging that the company released a faulty product that frequently crashes when played on the Xbox 360. In court papers filed this week, Randy Nunez charges that Halo 3 "consistently causes the Xbox 360 to crash, freeze, or lock up while the game is being played." Along with Microsoft, Nunez also is suing Bungie, which developed Halo 3 along with Microsoft and recently spun off from the software maker. The action was filed in U.S. District Court in Southern California. Nunez said he purchased a copy The lawsuit contends that the problem is widespread, and that Microsoft and Bungie haven't taken any steps to fix it. "Although faced with repeated and mounting consumer complaints and inquiries concerning this operational flaw in Halo 3, the defendants have failed to recall Halo 3 or otherwise remedy its failure to function on the Xbox 360," the suit alleges. As a result, Nunez charges that Microsoft and Bungie are in violation of consumer protection laws. Nunez is asking the court to give the suit class action status and is seeking unspecified damages. Microsoft and Bungie have yet to file a formal response to Nunez' allegations. Halo 3 smashed video game industry sales records when it debuted in September. It took in more than $300 million in sales during its first week on the market, including $170 million in first-day receipts.
Xbox 360 help Halo 3 giveaway!
XBox360Help is having a FREE HALO 3 giveaway! Yes, that's right; a free copy of the critically acclaimed game, Halo 3!
There are no strings attached, folks; its just an e-mail raffle. Simply send an e-mail with the subject line of "I want to win a free Halo 3" to: xbox360helpprize@gmail.com
On the 21st of December, XBox360Help will randomly choose an e-mail address from all respondents.
To receive the prize! Send us an email as soon as possible to get a chance to WIN a FREE HALO 3!
An Open Letter to Bungie
Dear Bungie,
I must say I thoroughly enjoyed the "Playlist of the Living Dead" extravaganza yesterday on Live. The infection gametype has always been one I've enjoyed, from its latest iteration in Halo 3 to the older iterations in games like Perfect Dark Zero and the TimeSplitters series. To me, it's more interesting than a standard deathmatch but doesn't actually require much strategy or teamwork, like some of the team games. It's a happy medium that doesn't appear often in the ranked rotations.
I would love to see the All Infection playlist get permanent placement among the other ranked playlists. I know many people would opt to play pure infection as a ranked alternative to slayer or team slayer. Given that the number of players is significantly more than the Lone Wolves playlist, it makes for a more "fun" big atmosphere. A possible alternative here would be a Lone Wolves 8-13 size ranked list, where infection is sprinkled in. Another point is that people like to be able to play ranked with their friends, and the allowance to have a party of 4 join the ranked lists was a great addition.
In conclusion, I'd love for the all infection list to become a permanent ranked list for Halo 3 multiplayer, or in the alternative, a large (8-13) Lone Wolves list where infection is roughly half the games.
Sincerely,
Mark
Even More Microsoft Machinima Rule Information: The Revised Rules
Microsoft has finally posted the long promised "Revised" Game Content Usage Rules. They are available here. Now that they are available, what has changed? The short answer is "Not much."
1. The "reverse engineering" rule was re-written to clarify "not normally permitted by the game." As such, things like the Halo 3 Forge or the Halo CE included editors seem to be acceptable.
2. One of the most notable changes is the specific reference to film festivals. You are allowed to enter film festivals, even those with prizes, with machinima. However, this seems like a fine line as there is also a specific note as to contests. Generally, the difference seems to be securing Microsoft's permission for the use.
3. The music/soundtrack/sound effect issue is more resolved, and for Halo fans, Halo 3 is specifically noted as having a usable soundtrack for machinima. This, as I noted in previous articles, falls about in the manner you would expect. The soundtracks are often licensed, and it's more noticeable in some games (i.e. PGR where the tracks are named) than in others. Microsoft seems committed to making notice of this on a game by game basis on the Xbox.com site/forums, which seems like a more reasonable course of action than an outright ban.
4. The phrase "You'll know it when you see it." appears a lot. On the plus side, this leaves a lot of room for interpretation. On the negative side, this leaves a lot of room for interpretation. I suppose we'll find out more as this is enforced, both as to the content and as to "Microsoft approval" on contests.
5. The backstory/lost chapters rule has changed significantly. You are now allowed to tell any story, but if your story contains elements from the game's story arc or surrounding content, then you're providing Microsoft a license to use that content. This is actually a fairly good solution to a real problem, even if it seems as though the machinimist is losing the rights to their "story." There have been many cases (mostly in the film and literary arenas) where someone writes a story, then without knowing, someone else writes a related story. Or, a writer sends a script in, the script is returned and the film company makes a similar movie. This often results in a lawsuit. What Microsoft is trying to avoid is the instance where they already have a story planned, and then one or more machinimists create something similar, Microsoft releases their content and the machinimist sues for infringement. If you want to work in Microsoft's universes, you have to accept that Microsoft may use a similar story, and you're giving up recourse if that happens. On the other hand, if you create something totally original, you've given up nothing.
6. You can let other people build on your work, but it's governed by the same rules as your work. Basically, it's a trickle down license.
7. They actually provide a contact email for people interested in getting a commercial license or for film fesitval sponsors who want approval. The address is gamevids*at*microsoft.com.
All in all, while the changes are not unexpected or dramatic, they are all positive and address many of the concerns of the machinima community.
Related Stories:
Past Microsoft Machinima Rule Coverage
Blizzard Machinima Rule
New Halo 3 Maps are in the Works
According to Bungie insider lukems they are currently working on new maps to be available for download. He gives you a little teaser about the ones they are currently testing.... His quote after the jump.
"Work is progressing on new maps for future downloadable content, with the design and art teams vigorously engaged in the process. More entertainingly however, the ad-hoc test team of Bungie staff is enjoying these new maps greatly. My favorites are what I have already nicknamed Jodrell Bank and Moonbase Alpha."
"I “invented” a game type on Jodrell Bank which is actually just Team Slayer with Swords and Snipers. Thanks to some unique geographical features of that map, it works great. Moonbase Alpha, on the other hand is best suited to objective games, like CTF and Assault, but it has some natural deadlocks that make Slayer interesting and Infection terrifying.
Which reminds me of one more downloadable map. The scariest map of all time. Dark, frightening and surprisingly enormous. One of the scariest things that has ever happened to me (and this in a lifetime fraught with terror) was racing away from a marauding gang of zombies in Infection atop a Mongoose, only to have one leap out of the darkness ahead and unseat me with a throaty scream. I call that level John Carpenter’s Prince of Dorkness. It’s not as catchy as Jub Jub, but it’s every bit as accurate."
Mergers, Acquisitions, and Divestments for Game Developers Part 1: Divestment
Given the recent news in the corporate realm for developers Bizarre Creations and Bungie, I thought it would be a good time to discuss some basics of corporate transactions. Accordingly, this will be the first of two articles on Mergers, Acquisitions, and Divestments. Given that today is Bungie's "independence day," I thought it would be appropriate to start with divestments, even though the industry seems to have far more mergers and acquisitions.
The basic concept is a spin off. An element of a company, for one reason or another, is pushed into an independent entity, or to another acquiring company. In the event of the latter, the points on mergers and acquisitions are equally relevant.
It would be almost impossible to outline every element of a divestment, and no two divestments are identical just based on the differences between companies. Rather than try to explain the process in depth, this article will give a short outline and some points to keep in mind if your group is being divested.
Generally, a divestment starts with a decision from some level of the corporation that the group needs to be spun off. Once the decision is ratified by the necessary people, then a new entity is set up to move the group into. The assets of the group are then sold to the new entity, and someone is appointed to be the head of the entity. The staff is then re-hired to the new entity, but typically all of this happens in a very short period of time with essentially no lag between the old and the new. Often, the original parent takes an interest in the new entity in exchange for the things being given to the new entity. The alternative is generally a promissory note of some sort, whereby the new entity will pay off the things they're getting from the old company.
Some important points to consider if your group is being divested:
1. Don't panic. Don't take it personally. Ultimately, this is just a business decision, and it's hard for a lot of people to separate "business" and "personal." If you treat it as a business decision and stay calm, it will make the transition a lot easier.
2. Get independent counsel. Odds are that a company large enough to have a divestment usually has an in house counsel or a law firm they do most of their deals with whom you've met or been used to dealing with. No matter how much you trust them, you want your own, independent counsel from an unrelated firm who has experience with transactions. When it comes right down to it, you want to have someone who is in your corner and has no possibility of having a divided interest. There is really no scenario under which this is a bad idea.
3. Make sure you get the important stuff in writing. Promises that are not in writing are generally not going to be honored. That is the unfortunate truth. However, if you took point 2 to heart, you will likely have an attorney you hired saying the same thing. If they promise you can take your really popular game series with you, from engine to trademark, make sure it's in a signed writing.
4. The whole thing is governed by the contract. This relates back to point 3. Typically, the writing in question is going to be the contract itself or an exhibit to the contract. There are really two important things to remember here:
1. If it's not in the contract, it's not going to happen.
2. A contract is an infinitely flexible document, and pretty much anything you want can be drafted into it, given a little work and, in some cases, creative thinking.
5. Make sure to resolve everything. One thing counsel should be able to offer you is experience, and that experience means most every little detail and strange contingency should be addressed in the contract. Keep in mind there is more to deal with than just the IP you created in the company. Things like what happens to employee health benefits, office furniture, parking spaces, etc. are all important. Moreover, if you're keeping the same office space, there will likely be a number of lease issues to deal with, or if the company owns the building, a lease will need to be drawn up. Even issues like interim working capital may be in the agreement, if separate funding is not occurring. Because there are so many details and contingencies, point 2 is really relevant from the time the decision is made since even the location and/or structure of the new entity can have different effects on things like taxation.
All in all, transactions like this occur daily in the corporate world, and so the basic concepts apply to all industries.
Two comments to the Bungie deal specifically:
1. If you're expecting the Bungie IPO to follow shortly, it seems unlikely in the immediate future given the choice of an LLC as an entity. Not to say it couldn't happen, but the choice of an LLC seems to suggest that isn't an immediate goal.
2. This might give more viability to the Halo DS theories.
The Halo 3.5 Conspiracy Theory
As an almost complete departure from my normal content, I wanted to share a theory I had about Halo 3. This post contains some very mild spoilers, so if you're still not a good way through the campaign and trying to avoid EVERY spoiler, you may want to wait before reading it.
Spoiler Dead Space
Anyone who's played most or all of the campaign solo knows that you only play as Master Chief, and the Arbiter is around as an NPC some of the time (co-op is different, but I believe that that's placement of convenience rather than story cannon). In fact, the "dropping" of the Arbiter story line has been complained about in a number of reviews. This leads me to the theory:
There will be a Halo 3.5. Or Halo 3-2. Or Halo 3: Directors' Cut.
The storyline will basically be the Arbiter's cannon story during the activities of Halo 3, filling in all the gaps of absence in the Chief's escapade. And after all, why not? It would only be addition to the story, which would take a comparatively small development time. It might even be able to be sold as downloadable content off the marketplace. And it would make even more money off negligible changes to the Halo 3 engine. And then they can re-sell "Halo 3: Game of the Year Edition" with the Halo 3 and Halo 3.5 content. Yes, it's a very Bethesda-esque route (much like Oblivion has done), and it's one Bungie avoided in the past (given the theory that Halo 1.5 would be released with Xbox Live multiplayer). But it could happen, and that's just my theory.
Halo 3 cheats
Unlockables:
Special Ending:
If you beat the game on Legendary mode, you will get a special, extended ending. Keep in mind that you only have to beat the final stage on Legendary mode, and not necessarily the rest of the game, in order to unlock this ending.
Unlock the following Elite armor permutations by fulfilling the requirement listed:Ascetic (Body) - Get the Up Close and Personal Achievement
Ascetic (Head) - Get the Steppin' Razor Achievement
Ascetic (Shoulders) - Get the Overkill Achievement
Commando (Body) - Get the Triple Kill Achievement
Commando (Head) - Get the Overkill Achievement
Commando (Shoulders) - Get the Killing Frenzy Achivement
Flight (Body) - Complete Tsavo Highway (on Heroic or Legendary)
Flight (Head) - Complete the campaign mode (on Legendary or Heroic)
Grunt Birthday Party (Located: Crow's Nest):
If you manage to get a headshot on a Grunt, the Grunt will explode.
Spartan Armor Permutations:
EOD (Body) - Complete Tsavo Highway (on Legendary)
EOD (Head) - Complete the campaign mode (on Legendary)
EOD (Shoulders) - Complete The Ark (on Legendary)
EVA (Body) - Complete Tsavo Highway (on Normal, Heroic, or Legendary)
EVA (Head) - Complete the campaign mode (on Normal)
EVA (Shoulders) - Complete The Ark (on Normal, Heroic, or Legendary)
Mark V (Head) - Get the UNSC Spartan Achievement
ODST (Head) - Get the Spartan Graduate Achievement
Rogue (Head) - Get the Spartan Officer Achievement
Scout (Body) - Get the Too Close to the Sun Achievement
Scout (Head) - Get the Used Car Salesman Achievement
Scout (Shoulders) - Get the We're in for Some Chop Achievement
Security (Head) - Get 1,000 Gamerscore Points
Security (Shoulders) - Get 750 Gamerscore Points
Gold Skull Locations:
Black Eye (Located: Crow's Nest)
When activated, you will have to battle enemies with melee tactics to regain shield energy.
Catch (Located: The Storm)
When activated, enemies will throw more grenades.
Famine (Located: The Ark)
When activated, dropped weapons will hold less ammunition.
Fog (Located: Floodgate)
When activated, the motion tracker disappears.
Iron (Located: Sierra 117)
When activated, you will be sent back to the beginning of the stage you're on when you die instead of to the last checkpoint.
Mythic (Located: Halo)
When activated, all enemies will have twice as much health.
Thunderstorm (Located: The Covenant)
When activated, enemies will be of a higher rank.
Tilt (Located: Cortana)
When activated, enemies will become more resilient to your attacks.
Tough Luck (Located: Tsavo Highway)
When activated, enemies are skilled at getting away from projectiles such as grenades.
Skull Collecting:
While collecting skulls, keep in mind that you have to start the stage from the beginning (not from a checkpoint), but once you acquire the skull you're seeking, you can save and quit at any time without finishing the stage. This will allow you to collect skulls without having to worry about finishing the stage successfully.
On the second level of the campaign, when you're escorting characters to their ships, you can head the wrong away from where you're supposed to go to complete your mission. If you do, you'll run into two characters (separated by a door) having a humorous conversation.
Halo 3 tricks
Trigger Red
Whether you're trying to differentiate an enemy troop from an ally at a distance, or you're scanning the thickly armored legs of a Scarab, let your reticle guide you. If it turns red, let it rip.
Click here for Halo 3 Full Coverage
High Ground
So often the fields of battle in Halo 3 take place on hillsides or near cliffs. Even indoors, you can often hop atop boxes, or climb a ramp or stairs to a second level. Gain the high ground whenever possible and you'll have a much easier time dispatching enemies and avoiding return fire.
Brutes First
Your primary focus in combat should be to pick off the most powerful enemies first. Usually, this means Brutes. Because Brutes tend to travel in packs, save your grenades and even rocket launcher fire for clearing out entire packs of these formidable opponents. The level design may also assist here. Look closely for exploding canisters near any tight-knit group of enemies.
Run 'em Over
Of course, a well-trained marine can dish out mayhem and death with the rear-mounted chain gun, but don't dismiss the devastation you can cause by simply running over your enemies. Entire camps of Covenant baddies can be cleared in a hurry, whether you're piloting a Warthog, Ghost, Brute Chopper, or even the slower moving Spectre.
Smack Em'… Unless
Melee strikes have always been a staple of the Halo games and Halo 3 is no exception. You can still find great success with one-hit kills when rifle-butting an enemy from behind. That said, you may want to rely a touch less on melee attacks as you do battle with the enormously powerful Brutes. There's more thunder in their fists than even Master Chief's, so watch out.
'Nade Tactics
Proper grenade use is always helpful, but on Hard or Legendary difficulty, it's critical.
Plasma: The plasma grenade's greatest strength is its ability to stick to its target, so use these only when you're close enough for an accurate throw.
Spike: While the spike grenades don't travel as far, they do have a shorter fuse. Launch one at the feet of a group of enemies. They won't have time to flee outside the blast radius.
Brute T-Bone
The Brute Chopper shreds delightfully through enemy vehicles, but if you want to score a guaranteed kill, slam into the side of your enemy. Fender benders and head-on collisions may do damage, but a proper T-bone collision guarantees the most devastating results.
Riding Buddies
Whether it's the fast-traveling Mongoose, the more fearsome Warthog or a Brute Prowler, never ride alone if you can help it. Of course, this is most effective when playing co-op, but you may be surprised at the accuracy of the A.I.-controlled gunners. When entering a vehicle, always wait a second for a buddy to hop onboard.
Open Regeneration
The Halo 3 Regenerator offers Master Chief a quintessential Rambo moment, as you can safely drop the Regenerator (it constantly replenishes your shield) on the field of battle and unleash your wrath without fear of a swift death. This is a great tool to open up a large-scale battle, but make sure you're well within your weapon's effective range before employing this tactic.
Opposite Your Troops
Master Chief is worth an entire platoon of highly-skilled marines on his own, so don't clump up your forces by sticking too close to your allies. Instead, let your marines, and even the Arbiter and his Elites when they're with you, draw the attention of enemy forces. Then, slide along the opposite side of the battlefield to handle additional enemy forces, as well as to flank the foes with which your comrades are engaged.
Microsoft replace scratched Halo 3 discs
Following reports that defective packaging for the limited edition of Halo 3 allow the game to come loose and become scratched, Microsoft has added the game to its disc replacement program.
Under the regular terms of the program, consumers can get a replacement disc for certain titles published by Microsoft, provided that they return the disk to the company along with a small fee.
The current fee is USD 20, GBP 10, or 15 Euro.
For the Halo 3 Limited Edition and Essentials discs, consumers will be able to receive a replacement at no charge through December 31, 2007.
Microsoft has not yet commented on the percentage of Limited Edition discs being scratched, or any changes being made in the packaging.
Click here to go to Microsoft's official disc replacement page.
Click here to go to Halo 3 review, trailer and release coverage.
Halo 3 Release!
Initial numbers for sale quantities of Halo 3 are coming in from a number of sources. The Xbox 360 exclusive title is said to have sold through 1.8 million copies during the first 8 hours of release. This quantity breaks down to about 1.5 million units sold through pre-orders, and additional 300,000 copies sold at impulse (without pre-order).
It is estimated (assuming this trend continues) that a total of 950,000 fresh units will be sold within the first 24 hours, bringing the grand total to 2.45 million units (950,000 + 1,500,000). Microsoft has released the game in three SKUs ranging in price from 59.99 to 129.99. It is estimated that the average sale price of the title is currently at about 78 USD. Thus, Microsoft has already made an estimated 140.4 million dollars (1.8 million x 78.00 USD). Microsoft is thus expected to cash in about 191.1 million dollars today (2.45 x 78.00 USD).
Congratulations are in order as this will place Halo 3 at the top of entertainment’s highest day one sales list.
No ban for playing Halo 3
Microsoft confirms only its own employees are under scrutiny, not its paying customers.
Microsoft has confirmed it won't ban the Xbox Live accounts of those who have snagged a pre-release copy of Halo 3.
There were widespread panic, arm-waving and forum threads with far too many exclamation marks when word was going round that Microsoft had started banning those on Xbox Live who had played a pre-release copy of Halo 3. With copies floating around eBay, Argos breaking the release date and some rogue videogame stores in Norway also selling the game early, it turns out quite a few people have now appeared online with 'Recently played: Halo 3' showing up on their Xbox Live accounts.
This was followed by stories that Microsoft was banning those who had played Halo 3 before its release date and even if those players had played it without being connected to Xbox Live, Microsoft would be able to backdate when Halo 3 was played when they did connect to Live and catch them that way. This sparked a spate of "BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU LOL" reactions but Microsoft is only banning its own employees for breaking Halo 3's street date, not you.
In other words: if you do have a pre-release copy of Halo 3, you're safe. Though it's best wait for the actual release date and join in the euphoric fun and an entire community coming together to celebrate Halo at the same time, no?
Microsoft Machinima Rules Updates
Just a few, new key updates:
1. There will soon be a standard contact form for commercial licenses.
2. There has been some mild clarification on reverse engineering, but still nothing definite. In short, if you can extract assets without doing anything illegal or abnormal to the game, it may be fine. A more detailed description is available in the original post.
[Via Machinima for Dummies]
Halo 3 Special edition Xbox 360 release in Europe
Halo 3 Special edition Xbox 360
Microsoft announced the date of release of the Halo 3 Special edition Xbox 360 in Europe .
The Halo 3 Special edition Xbox 360 package includes :- Halo 3 Special edition console with an authentic Spartan green and gold finish and a HD MI port.
- Halo 3 Special edition wireless controller
- Halo 3 Special edition 20GB hard drive
- Halo 3 Special edition wired headset
- Halo 3 Special edition Gamer Pictures and Theme (Exclusive download via Xbox LIVE)
- Component HD AV cable
- Ethernet cable
- Play and charge kit
- Xbox Live Silver membership
- Xbox Live Gold membership for one month
It's a great way for Halo fans to show their allegiance to one of the most popular and successful entertainment franchises ever.!!!!
Check this link for all info about the game itself.
Revised Microsoft Machimima Rules Coming "Soon"
It would seem that more and more people in the blog-o-sphere are joining the Microsoft Content Usage Rules coverage, most recently the EFF and the blog for the book Machinima for Dummies. Both of these parties were privvy to a conference call sometime yesterday in which it was revealed that Microsoft is updating the Content Usage Rules (the "Machinima Rules"), and revised rules should be made public "soon." I personally hope that these rules address some, if not all, of the major issues I have pointed out in my coverage of the Machinima Rules. Once the new rules are posted, I will post a revised analysis.
For more information see my previous coverage of the "Machinima Rules":
Microsoft's New Content Usage Rules: A Small Step for Machinima
New Microsoft Machinima Rules Revisited
Microsoft Machinima Rule Podcast
More Details on the Microsoft Machinima Rule
More Details on the Microsoft Machinima Rule
A Microsoft attorney who goes by DonkeyXote has posted a discussion of the Microsoft Content Usage Rules in his blog. Before reading my continued commentary on the issue, you should probably read his five clarification points.
The clarification process, I can only imagine, will continue for quite some time as new issues continue to pop up from the Machinima community. There are a couple issues that specifically need some attention in the near future.
1. The Universe Expansion Rule
I suppose the real question is how remote is remote enough to be allowed? While I can understand the point DonkeyXote makes in his post, it doesn't speak to the machinimist trying to develop his story. It was a point Laird and I specifically discussed in the recent podcast. For example, I'm certain making use of any of the game's characters is not allowed. But what about a story going on in the same timeframe in another part of the universe? What about a parallel universe? Do you need to re-name all of the character models? Speaking to a more practical level, is the Red vs. Blue storyline remote enough? Sponsors vs. Freeloaders? Halo Unyielding? It would be much easier on the community if a clear framework were applied to this rule.
2. Reverse Engineering/Modifying the Engine Rule
The rule itself is vague enough that "reverse engineering" could involve modifications made using, for example, the tools in Halo CE, Halo 2 Vista, or what appears to be in the Halo 3 Forge. While I would anticipate that this isn't "modifying" the engine, I think the community would feel more comfortable if Microsoft said that these things were allowed.
3. The Contest Rule
Are all contests disallowed? And if so, what is a "contest?" Is entering a video in the YouTube Debates a contest? You do have the basic elements of a "contest," but the prize has no monetary value. A clarification as to the term contest (for example, that it has to have a prize worth $XXX) would likely be quite helpful.
All in all, it is nice to see one of the drafters of the rule address the issue in his blog, and hopefully he will continue to field questions like these as they arise.
Microsoft Machinima Rule Podcast
Last evening, I was invited onto a podcast to discuss Law of the Game and the new Microsoft Machinima Rule. The podcast is ClassyDude's Emporium of Chat, found here.
The podcast's description is here, and a direct download of the episode is here. It's also a news item on Halo.Bungie.Org.
I'd also like to offer one clarification. Toward the end of the podcast, the topic of receiving a letter from Microsoft came up. I think I could have more clearly explained that the person you are being contacted by is probably a lawyer, and having your own representation is highly advisable in regard to contacting Microsoft about any letter they send you. However, if you cannot afford a lawyer, you can choose to contact them yourself, but be aware you are talking to Microsoft (and probably a lawyer) and that you should be apologetic and polite without incriminating yourself.
Anyway, the podcast is a bit lengthy, but if the Microsoft Machinima Rules are of interest to you, then I think you'll enjoy it.