As we all know the January update for Halo 5 will soon be arriving and its possibly the most important update for Halo 5 in regards to its longevity. More specifically, this update will have a great impact on the future player base as MANY players if not ALL players have been desperately asking (sry begging) for key gametypes to make their triumphant return to the game; Most notably- Infection, King of the Hill, Oddball and Grifball, but also of equal importance, Assault(and all other Bomb related gametypes), VIP, neutral flag, etc etc. Furthermore, there are many tweaks, bugs, glitches that need to be resolved for forge, multiplayer, campaign. And as usual the constant demand for more original maps and not forge variants, but honestly if we focus and allow forge maps to gain steam and get introduced in arena it will help the communication barrier between the community and 343i as things tend not to be delayed for awhile (gametypes and more playlists). This can be employed by 343 allowing forge map variant submissions from the community in regards to slayer, breakout and BTB and employ around 3 per update and this can all be decided by a polling system so the community can all come together and share ideas.
BUT this leads to my major point, this can really only work if many more gametypes and playlists are introduced this month. Without social playlists for ALL competitive playlists currently in place, the casual community will only continue to decrease. But one can say that most casual players can just play warzone, but honestly with a lack of maps and gametypes again, it tends to fall short and bland most of the time. I’ve seen many people complain of this lack of content, and as everyday passes without any hint of 343i giving an update of their progression, the community continues to grow impatient, which can lead to player dropping the game due to this frustration. As mentioned previously, this update will be the most crucial update as it will either answer and deliver many players’ demands, or it will fall short again leading a more chaos in the forums and online as the friction will only grow even more.
As a player I’m disappointed that 343i hasn’t added more playlists, gametypes and haven’t touched the map rotation issue if they plan to keep that system rather than the classic Halo voting style that we’ve all been accustomed to. BUT, maybe just maybe, they haven’t had time to update us on their progress as its consuming their time and they are really working hard to satisfy our unquenchable thirst to see Halo 5 as COMPLETE and EXCEPTIONAL game. It’s close, I feel it, this game can really be a masterpiece if 343i does the right moves and make sound and rational decisions based on community feedback and from their inside devs. All I can say is have hope and just be patient, 343i have messed up many times beforehand, but I’m sure they have the mental capacity to understand what is missing and what’s wrong with this diamond in the rough. Before you start bashing 343i for the lack of content, just wait for this update, and then criticize and judge them. It’s a new year that’s bound to have great surprises (hopefully) so just let them do their work and wait.
Bird