Halo 2 Players Refuse to Leave Xbox Live

[Danpascooch]

I think it's cool, good homage to Halo 2, come on, it would be worth it to be able to say "I stayed online for a week after xbox live shut down"

 

[Danpascooch]

These people are just being stupid. I'm a massive Halo fanboy and I love Bungie to bits. And I even love Microsoft, since they've never done anything bad to me (and every time I've had any dealings with them I've been all the better for it, even when I had the RRoD and they replaced my console with a free three months of XBL thrown in).

Bungie and Microsoft together gave all Halo 2 users plenty of warning that almost everyone took as a case of "fair enough". Halo 2 was kept alive by Bungie for about four or five years after the Xbox 360's Live service came along, which is already impressive enough and a massive sign that Bungie and Microsoft do care somewhat about the gaming community. Not to mention that they threw in a bunch of extra support and nods to the community at the very end.

At the end of the day, the people who are remaining on their consoles are effectively kicking Bungie and Microsoft in the balls. That's a great way to thank the developer and publisher who did so much for you, isn't it?

Wow, I disagree with this 100%, I think it's really a sign of praise that they want to keep playing as much as they can, it's flattering the Bungie and Microsoft really, and it's not really hurting them

 

[Narcogen]

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Well, my thought is that when it comes to games and gaming the entire thing should be self contained. Just like how I can whip out my old Coleco Vision, plug it in, and play the old cartridges if I want to. I see owning the product and being able to use what I paid for indefinatly as one of my rights.

It seems like a large number of people posting on this "issue" (actually there isn't one) don't seem to understand what's actually happening.

Halo 2's campaign, split-screen multi and coop, and LAN multiplayer is completely self-contained and is still playable.

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You could say that my expectations are "unrealistic", but then again I brought up these problems starting years ago when services like "LIVE" first launched. The general attitude was along the lines of "meh, don't worry about it, the service won't go anywhere, Microsoft will be around forever". The issue of them supporting antiquidated technology was something someone overlooked and chose not to consider in the great "rush for the future". Well now we've got a bunch of Halo 2 players who still want to play the game they paid for, the way it was supposed to be played, yet Microsoft doesn't want to support the servers.

I don't think any reasonable person could or did say that. The issue was not whether MS or XBL would "go anywhere" but an issue of how long any particular game or feature would be supported. XBL as a fee service is separate from XBL-enabled games. If it no longer offers someone the things you bought it for, cancel it and stop paying. This is another reason for the service to be paid-- after all, if PSN is free for every PS3 game, then it's essentially included in the price, which means that if (or rather when) Sony stops supporting multiplayer for certain old games-- games for which this functionality was included in the purchase price of the game, rather than as a separate online service-- what's the justification ? Sony will have de-valued an integrated product/service you paid for with no corresponding compensation.

This eventuality was not overlooked, ignored, or misunderstood. I don't think any reasonable person could expect MS to support every console version and every online game in perpetuity, any more than they support all the old versions of Windows out there.

The people staying online in Halo 2 are not there for the reasons you cite, as far as I am aware. They are pulling a stunt to see how long they can stay on in spite of the shutdown. Other players did similar things at the end of the Halo 3 public beta and I expect the same next month when the Halo Reach Public Beta comes and goes.

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Ultimatly I feel that if these products require dependancy on the company and it's services for any features, the existance of servers, or whatever, then the price should be substantially lower. What's more I at least do not think that Microsoft represented themselves well when games like "Halo 2" were being released which is why you see some
people complaining about it now (here and there), fine print aside, the general vibe being presented was that they would be supporting this service forever (or at least as long as Microsoft existed).

If online multiplayer were indeed included in the purchase price of the game (as it is with PSN) then your position would be jusified, as the inevitable closure of that online service reduces the value of the product. Since online multiplayer is not included in the box, but is a separate subscription service that you can cancel at any time, this does not hold.

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Keep in mind that I am fairly against the whole idea of "digital" gaming on a number of levels because of the power it takes out of the hands of consumers, and the dependancy on businesses that it breeds.

I assume you mean digital distribution. I'm not sure I follow you. Unless you're talking about selling used games, because that's about the only area where the consumer suffers in digital distribution vs traditional distribution. You're no less dependent on "companies". Does GameStop give you a free replacement disc if you scratch one of your games? No? But you can re-download any game you've bought through Steam or XBL if your hardware fails. This isn't more dependence, nor is it less power. It's more power and less dependence. It all depends on which phases of the process you look at.

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To me the very valid points you make are moot, basically I feel Microsoft should never have released this product for all of the reasons you mentioned. However since they did it anyway, I personally think they should be made to support it. If that means them maintaining antiquidated servers until Microsoft goes out of business, or the heat death of the universe (whichever comes first) so be it. Understand, I *WANT* them to take a massive bath because of this. Sadly I doubt anyone who cares will ever have the money to bring it to court seriously, never mind win.

That's... pretty insane. Microsoft isn't legally bound to support Windows 95 anymore, why is a subscription-fee based online gaming service held to a higher standard? Have you ever read the XBL TOS? Nobody could win in court over this issue because they'd have no case. MS not only didn't promise to run XBL for any particular length of time or for any particular devices, nor are they preventing any user from availing themselves of the most obvious remedy-- cancelling their subscription. If you want to wish anyone to take a bath on this issue, save it for Sony, since they'll inevitably face the same issue; however, in making their differentiator "free online play" there's no subscription fee to cancel and thus no obvious remedy.

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Also, as far as I'm concerned none of the consoles I ever purchused were clearly marked with an expiration date (if it's there it's not obvious to a cursory inspection and probably wouldn't hold up in court). I have both a 360 and a PS-3, I do not own an original X-box but I don't remember seeing it marked that way either. Microsoft sold the X-Box based on that service so I feel they should be obligated to support it.

No, they didn't. They sold the Xbox based on the Xbox, and they sold the separately-packed Xbox Live service as a for-pay add-on after the fact. XBL wasn't even ready when the Xbox launched, which is why Halo 2 was such a big deal: the first installment didn't have online multiplayer, just split-screen and LAN play-- both of which still work on both those games, either on original Xbox hardware or in emulation on the 360.

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Rulings of the sort I suggest would of course basically kill a lot of these online gimmicks and bring media/games back to hardcopy which is where I think things should remain.

While a lot of evil is done in the name of progress, choosing antiquated and less efficient means of distribution solely for the sake of being against all things new isn't particularly discriminating, either.

No one has been unjustly deprived of anything. Everyone still has full use of those things which they paid. The one thing which has changed-- XBL's support of the original console and its native titles' online multiplayer modes-- is a fee service which can be cancelled at any time, and which MS is under no obligation to continue to offer beyond a point which they deem reasonable, like any subscription service. If that were not so the publishers of Omni Magazine would have been legally obligated to continue to make the magazine solely because I bought a subscription and wanted to read it.

 

[SodaDew]

Online video game heroes, bring back X-box service!

 

[Composer]

There's comes a point at which you just have to say:

'Dude, let it go, it's a game!'

I may be a fan myself, but this is so far beyond the normal it's not even heroic or brave or anything.

It's just monumentally stupid. Ah well, their life, their choices.

dude its not just a game
its a BUNCHA games
OT: shouldnt they just dc or something?

 

[Scythax]

Xbox on for a week?...it's all fun and games until someones house burns down.

That cracked me up dude, nice play. I do somewhat admire the determination of these obsessed individuals, but it's still pretty stupid that they're "fighting" to keep their game when there is actually no fight involved. It's just an aircraft carrier versus a potatogun. There are passionate people, and there are ones who need to move the fuck on. For christ sake you can still get the PC version and it's online enabled, as far as we know indefinitly, but these people insist on crying that it's not going to work on their system? Balls. If they're THAT serious about their game they WILL buy it on PC, it's as simple as that, and if they don't that's just dogmatic logic.
My money is betting that one of the 'rewards' bungie have promissed is keycodes to an up-coming LIVE arcade version for the 360, which can run on the 360s' network, but hey that's just my guess. I can see them doing that sometime down the line anyway, since I'm sure a lot of people missed out on the previous generation of games and I'm sure they still would like as many people as possible to experience the franchise which became their lifeblood for a good 10 years.

 

[WhiteTigerShiro]

That said, I think Microsoft is in the wrong here. Simply put I feel those people are entitled to play the games they bought online indefinatly. That's part of the product they puchused. To me the only way Microsoft should be turning off their servers or support of those games should be if it goes out of business entirely.

I understand other points of view on this, but to me this pretty much summarizes why I am against the idea of games going digital, or relying on digital connections in general. Right now we're seeing exactly why buying a game that is dependant on the company in any way is a bad idea.

I imagine in 10 years or so we'll hear about how Assasin's Creed 2's support servers are going offline and nobody will be able to play their copy of AC2 anymore. Strictly speaking I feel that if I bought a copy of a game, I have the right to just up and play it online 10 years later on an old machine if I get the hankering. By the same token even if the servers are deserted for decades at a time, I feel a group of Octogenerians in an home down the road would have the right to all login to Halo 2 with their antique X-boxs and play a few rounds for nostolgia if they wanted to.

I have to agree with this pretty much entirely.

These people are just being stupid. I'm a massive Halo fanboy and I love Bungie to bits. And I even love Microsoft, since they've never done anything bad to me (and every time I've had any dealings with them I've been all the better for it, even when I had the RRoD and they replaced my console with a free three months of XBL thrown in).

Bungie and Microsoft together gave all Halo 2 users plenty of warning that almost everyone took as a case of "fair enough". Halo 2 was kept alive by Bungie for about four or five years after the Xbox 360's Live service came along, which is already impressive enough and a massive sign that Bungie and Microsoft do care somewhat about the gaming community. Not to mention that they threw in a bunch of extra support and nods to the community at the very end.

At the end of the day, the people who are remaining on their consoles are effectively kicking Bungie and Microsoft in the balls. That's a great way to thank the developer and publisher who did so much for you, isn't it?

I agree with this... less than entirely. Closer to not at all. Frankly, I question your source for taking the pre-warning as "a case of fair enough". You and other people who play Halo 3? Just because Microsoft posted a while ago that they were going to be taking down the servers doesn't mean that everyone was okay with it. The fact that these few are taking a stand proves that some people weren't okay with it. I say more power to them. I doubt they'll make any difference, but it's good to see a few people willing to be so devoted to the game. And frankly I think it's cool of Microsoft to not just pull the plug on them, which they very-well could have done right off the bat. It'll be interesting to see, as time goes on, which party will cave first. Will Microsoft eventually just boot them? Will their connections give out? Who knows.

As for kicking Microsoft and/or Bungie in the balls... hardly. If this was any kind of financial blow for Microsoft, they'd have pulled the plug ages ago. And Bungie, if anything, is probably thrilled to see people so devoted to the game that they refuse to disconnect from it.

 

[duchaked]

awww oh well...they really should release Halo 2 on XBL, seriously (I mean, I can understand other games not selling well as downloadable...they simply weren't Halo 2!)

Microsoft really is making online gaming for consoles look bad...

 

[reg42]

That's pretty awesome. Standing up for a game they love.
But they can't stay on forever, and they knew this day would come, so it's quite immature.
It's kinda like a toddler refusing to move.

 

[Abedeus]

Anyone who still plays on an orginal Xbox needs to get kicked in the nuts.

So I guess I should be kicked for still playing Persona 4 on the PS2?

 

[Tonimata]

Well, you gotta admit, they've definetly got spirit.

 

[maveric101]

These people are just being stupid. I'm a massive Halo fanboy and I love Bungie to bits. And I even love Microsoft, since they've never done anything bad to me (and every time I've had any dealings with them I've been all the better for it, even when I had the RRoD and they replaced my console with a free three months of XBL thrown in).

Bungie and Microsoft together gave all Halo 2 users plenty of warning that almost everyone took as a case of "fair enough". Halo 2 was kept alive by Bungie for about four or five years after the Xbox 360's Live service came along, which is already impressive enough and a massive sign that Bungie and Microsoft do care somewhat about the gaming community. Not to mention that they threw in a bunch of extra support and nods to the community at the very end.

At the end of the day, the people who are remaining on their consoles are effectively kicking Bungie and Microsoft in the balls. That's a great way to thank the developer and publisher who did so much for you, isn't it?

uh, you are so wrong. bungie loves them: "Someone emailed me to ask how we felt about the few players still hanging on to Halo 2 today - those who will remain active until they are forcibly removed. Easy question. They're awesome."

http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=25650
bottom of the article.

also, these people aren't playing 24/7. a lot of them have had to leave games for a while because they have jobs, or classes (i watched one of the streams for a bit).

and really, for most of them at least (and me), it's not about the game, halo 2. it's about the memories that go with it. i have so many great memories of playing halo 2 with my friends, and even though i'll still have those memories, it still sucks to see the game go.

and really, why do any of you care how someone else spends their time?

 

[phoenix352]

Why didn't Bungie just add the Halo 2 maps into Halo 3 multi? Or are the games somehow different? Do Halo 2 fans not like Halo 3?

its like a domino effect sorta.... people that loved halo 1 didn't really like halo 2 and people that loved halo 2 didn't really like halo 3 and people that loved halo 3 didn't really like ODST , but people who only played them for multiplayer liked them all i suppose

 

[deadlychippy]

being one of the last people online you people really dont understand why people are playing halo 2. we play for fun. you think we want a reward? we could care less. unless idlers are idling to do that. otherwise your statements are far off. but thanks to those who support us.

 

[bakonslayer]

I could only wish to create something that is SO loved that people will go this far to continue playing and enjoying what they have.

This is a beautiful story.

Thank you Halo 2, goodnight sweet prince.

 

[lhrsikkill]

I am one of "those people" who many on here have said to get a life. In response- we like Halo 2. It was more than just about the game, it was a community. We all got to know each other pretty well. Yes, for those of us with 360's we have tried Halo 3. We don't care for it as much as Halo 2. These people continue playing because of the love of the game. Multiplayer is gone for good when they log out. What would you do if one of your favorite games was going off line for good? These players aren't playing 24 hours a day. They have jobs, school, and family. They have a right to play just as much as you all do.

To baker80- just because you only played Halo 2 when you were drunk doesn't make it a drunk frat boy game. To Baron Khaine- Halo 2 is not prison to us, its heaven. And we all make it on the "outside" too. Should I tell you that you can't make it on the outside because you play COD? To MelasZepheos- Good! Then you won't mind turning off your X-box for good because they are "only" games. The comments in this forum prove to me that Halo 2 had a special community unique from the others. You won't find comments like this from any of us.

To those of you who appreciate the remaining few on Halo 2 (21 people as of early Saturday morning) then here are the latest streams: http://www.justin.tv/xxbookerdxx and http://www.justin.tv/zombiestench

 

[The DSM]

Its been going for something like 5 years, they really need to let go.

Its going to end up with them getting booted off and they are going to start bitching on the bungie forums...

 

[imgunagitusucka]

Anyone who still plays on an orginal Xbox needs to get kicked in the nuts.

You do realized there are a lot of poor people, and even more than usual despite the alleged recovery of the economy (according to the stock market). Some day it might be you who can't afford a new generation console.

-

That said, I think Microsoft is in the wrong here. Simply put I feel those people are entitled to play the games they bought online indefinatly. That's part of the product they puchused. To me the only way Microsoft should be turning off their servers or support of those games should be if it goes out of business entirely.

I understand other points of view on this, but to me this pretty much summarizes why I am against the idea of games going digital, or relying on digital connections in general. Right now we're seeing exactly why buying a game that is dependant on the company in any way is a bad idea.

I imagine in 10 years or so we'll hear about how Assasin's Creed 2's support servers are going offline and nobody will be able to play their copy of AC2 anymore. Strictly speaking I feel that if I bought a copy of a game, I have the right to just up and play it online 10 years later on an old machine if I get the hankering. By the same token even if the servers are deserted for decades at a time, I feel a group of Octogenerians in an home down the road would have the right to all login to Halo 2 with their antique X-boxs and play a few rounds for nostolgia if they wanted to.

"Cybersquatting" has apparently accomplished nothing though.

Ever tried to find a game online with a title just three years old, let alone ten or more? The public abandon most games long before the servers are shut down, with possibly EA sports titles the exception. It's simply not good business sense to waste resources for such a minimal audience. M$ said they did this in order to maximise the live service for the 360, and that can only be a good sign for consumers who pay for the service. I used to love playing the super NES but I didn't cry when they discontinued support for the console....Save some money and upgrade for petes' sake!