No official API could kill Halo fan sites

Hey everyone, so I just received word that there will likely be no official API being released in the coming weeks - 343i appears to be unclear on the future of such services. For those of you looking for where this information exists, I’ve only got a screenshot right now: http://i.imgur.com/CpcLj.png The interview was with Frank O’Connor.

What does this mean? It means 343i has not provided an official stance on whether or not they want to support community websites beyond “Good job!”. They have not given us a way to access your game information, and therefore may leave some sites unable to continue with their goals for Halo 4.

More specifically, this “API” I’m talking about refers to an “Application Programming Interface” - it’s a way for developers (ie. people who make Halo fansites)to access your game stats, recent matches, specializations, etc so that they may be incorporated into their websites. Failure to provide such an interface could severely cripple fansites’ ability to function in the future.

Many of the current fansites could be affected. Currently, xorth (of HaloTracker.com) and I (I have my own website) are working together to come up with a solution within the next few weeks. Many sites may not be so lucky, and many websites hoping to start gathering stats for Halo 4 may be put on hold.

We want to give you guys the best experience possible! We know it cannot be done solely by the work of 343i - and I believe they want to help us so we can fill that void. We (the developers) need your help to show 343i that you value our work and want to continue to see it in the future.

Please provide an answer to the poll!

iLoch and xorth-

I’m just an interloper here, but I’m actually interested in an API as well (and pretty disgruntled after IW didn’t issue one for Modern Warfare/COD Elite). From a few posts back it looks like people would be willing to pay for an API. Why not share your method with other sites for a fee? You could set up your scraping php, etc. and then configure your own API to share. Worst case scenario you do it for a few months before 343 realizes your product is filling the gap that an API would and releases the API. A few months of $5-$10/month fees would probably be a neat penny… and customers are easy to find on Google!

PS - 343, don’t be like the Activision/Infinity Ward folks, give us some stats APIs so that we can help keep the ecosystem lively and innovative!

Best,
MirkManEA