X06: Ensemble Making Halo RTS Named 'Halo Wars' Age of Empires makers get a grip on Bungie's universe. by Luke Smith, 09/27/2006 Remember when Microsoft turned off a user-made real-time strategy mod that took place in Bungie's Halo universe? That mod was several years in the making when Microsoft and Bungie (who were well within their rights) decided to shut it down. In Barcelona, at its X06 media briefing, Microsoft announced that Ensemble Studios and Bungie are collaborating to make a Halo RTS -- Halo Wars -- the game will come to both PC and Xbox 360 platforms. Suddenly, the decision to shut down some kids' fan project makes a bit more sense -- Microsoft, Ensemble and Bungie can bring a Halo RTS of their own to gamers; they don't need the modmakers to do it for them. http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3154046 _____________ -- "Halo Wars" is an all-new real-time strategy game based on the legendary "Halo" universe and designed exclusively for Xbox 360 by Ensemble Studios, creators of the "Age of Empires®" franchise. http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060927/sfw094.html?.v=63 ____________ In other "Halo" news, Microsoft-owned Ensemble Studios (makers of the "Age of Empires" franchise) also revealed it has been working on a game set in that universe: "Halo Wars," a real-time strategy game for the Xbox 360. "For the Halo nation, it's a pretty exciting day," said Scott Henson, director of Microsoft's Advanced Technology Group. http://money.cnn.com/2006/09/27/commentary/column_gaming/?postversion=2006092713 ___________ Scott Henson, director of Xbox platform strategy, told me that Microsoft is upping its investment in the Halo universe by developing three titles at once: Halo 3, the collaboration in the Halo universe with Peter Jackson, and the Halo Wars RTS game. "It's a fun day for Xbox and the Halo nation," he said. http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2006/09/more_x06_detail.html
