Microsoft Corporation
343 Industries
12.6.2012
To whom it may concern,
I want to start this message with praise. I firmly believe that you have done what many of us thought you could not. You have taken the reigns of one of the most beloved titles in the industry and have maintained, if not improved, the quality, passion and depth that we have grown accustomed to. Your organization bravely took the chance to extend the magic that is the Halo franchise and personally, I’m thankful that you did. You have delivered, as a whole, a truly wonderful experience that already has the community asking for more. On behalf of anyone who has enjoyed Halo 4 over the last few weeks, we say thank you.
I, like many others, have grown up with Halo. I was 11 when I first played Halo: Combat Evolved. I instantly fell in love with the Halo universe and haven’t looked back since. I’ve played recreationally, competitively and everywhere in between. I, and the rest of the community, have always enjoyed and looked forward to showcasing our creativity. We’ve also enjoyed earning rewards for our commitment to such a diverse and competitive universe.
Over the years contests have been held with each one creating wonderful anticipation and excitement. Upon hearing of the Halo 4 Infinity Challenge, I felt exactly the same as before. Can I win? Is this my year? Will I be the lucky one? The most talented? Once again the excitement grew to learn what the challenge would be this time. Unfortunately though, this year has severely disappointed. Even more unfortunate is that this is why I’m reaching out to your team.
There are, in my opinion, a couple major problems with the format of this contest. After reading the contest details, I’ve had a chance to think carefully about what I want to say.
This particular contest is not one of skill or luck. Rather, it is a contest of circumstance and schedule. A contest that rewards quantity in this manner is one that I cannot support. To win the admittedly fantastic prizes, one must play the most or achieve the highest cumulative score. By far, the number one factor determining the winners of this contest is time. The winners will inevitably be the players with the most time. I understand that your contest is one to encourage your fan-base to play more. I do not blame you at all for that. The more hours we log and the more support we give, the better it is for everyone. However, in this case you are eliminating a substantial portion of your audience before the contest has even begun.
As I’ve said before, the winners of this contest will simply be the ones who are able to devote the most time to playing.
Under this format you have effectively eliminated the following demographics:
• Those with full-time jobs
• Those in school during that period (although it’s Christmas break for most of the country, it isn’t for everyone)
• Those who have unfortunate circumstances befall them (illness, disaster, emergency etc.)
• Those who have any sort of responsibilities that consume a substantial amount of time
This contest gives a massive advantage to those who simply can and choose to play consistent, long hours of Halo 4. I think the group of people who have the privilege to do that should absolutely be eligible to win. I just find it very unfortunate that the contest is catered specifically to them. There are other options available that surely your team could have picked instead.
A few options off the top of my head:
• Single game high score by an individual. The contest window opens, highest individual high score in that window wins. Applicable to both War Games and Spartan Ops. No need for endless hours of play. The winner could play one game and register a high enough score.
• Individual or team tournament. Register, receive your match up, you must play by XX:XX, if not, you’re eliminated. One loss elimination. (I understand that a system would have to be built for this to work, again just an idea).
• A random drawing. Tried and true. Boring, yes. Fair, yes. Perhaps a player must achieve a reasonable total amount of points to be entered.
I realize those ideas all have flaws in them. Any idea does. I just feel that the format you chose eliminates the greatest amount of players even before the contest has begun. Those of us who have been there since the beginning…we’re grown up. We have responsibilities and commitments. Why remove us from the contest?
The world of quantity over quality is one that we’re all unfortunately used to by now. Games, contests and events are driven by achieving the largest value. The most time spent. The greatest amount of: fill in the blank. I’m frustrated and disappointed that this contest is no different.
You’re doing an amazing job perpetuating the Halo universe. I never want it to end. You’re honoring the studio that gave us this masterpiece and you’re honoring the world of Halo. However I think you’re missing the most important part. You’re failing to honor those who supported Halo from the start. You’re dismissing the very group of people who allowed you to even have the chance to take over the Halo franchise. The people who were there from day one.
With the utmost amount of thanks and sincerity,
Will
GT: Harasy
