The good news is Microsoft has made its plans to release a PC version of Bungie Studios’ Xbox game Halo 2.
The bad news is the title will be exclusive to machines that run the new Windows Vista operating system.
This means gamers who want to check out Halo 2 will either have to buy an Xbox, if they don’t have one, or invest in the new Vista operating system. Either way Microsoft wins and gamers’ wallets suffer.
Currently in development by a dedicated Microsoft Game Studios team in partnership with Bungie, the Vista-only PC version is set to include both single and multiplayer modes and additional maps (made available to Xbox gamers via Xbox Live). It will also give gamers the opportunity to design, create and customize their own multiplayer levels.
A massive success on the Xbox games console, Halo 2 has sold more than 7.3 million copies worldwide. Overall, the Halo franchise has clocked up in excess of 14.5 million sales to date, and gamers have spent more than 600 hours playing Halo titles via Xbox Live. No release date has been confirmed for the title, but Microsoft has said that Windows Vista will make its debut by the end of the year and the game could get a simultaneous release.
Microsoft chairman Bill Gates offered the first broad demonstration of Windows Vista at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, highlighting various advancements in security, search capability and digital entertainment. Vista is billed as "the most advanced Windows games platform for everyone from casual players to hard-core gamers.
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