Gearbox Software: Halo PC, Custom Edition

Posted by: Jake 'ev98' Billo at 01:27 AM 

From the information that's appeared lately, it seems that several events have transpired. Several weeks ago, a post from one of the Gearbox developers for Halo PC seemed to indicate that there were some issues regarding the release of the Halo Editing Kit and "Halo 1.05". 1.05 would have been the latest patch for Halo PC, containing such enhancements as "fast shaders" to improve graphics performance.

Hellface's post seemed to indicate the following events: that Microsoft was dragging their feet over the patch release/editing kit release; or that Gearbox would not be allowed to release any subsequent patches.

Thankfully, recent events proved that these were not correct assumptions. Effectively what is happening to Halo PC is that there will be a new, separately-maintained multiplayer only release called HaloCE - "Custom Edition". It will not be supported by Microsoft; rather, Gearbox will have more direct control over patching and updates. This release will be needed to play custom-created content online. Additionally, the Halo Editing Kit will be published to work with HaloCE.

So what's to know about HaloCE? Here are some useful links that may provide more information:

• This GameSpy Interview discusses the impending release of HaloCE. Interesting information includes the following:
  
  --> Improvements to the multiplayer side of HaloCE include: Fast Shaders (improves performance up to 60% on pixel shader hardware) and improved network code (reduces player "warping" ).
  --> Halo Custom Edition (HaloCE.exe) and the supporting data is about 200MB in size. The Halo Editing Kit is about 250MB. Both will be offered as separate downloads -- not through the Halo PC autopatch system (although HaloCE will have its own patching utility included.)
  
• Gearbox Halo Custom Edition Forums are another good place to look for information.
  
• As of right now, the Gearbox Forums are quite active with visitors discussing HaloCE and the HEK. Good threads to view include the Halo Editing Kit / HaloCE Screenshots thread, the official "Welcome to HaloCE" thread and the compilation FAQ thread.
  
• Questions to the developers about HaloCE can be sent to this extremely active FAQ thread.

• Gearbox Software Forums