Let me explain straight off that I’m not posting this because I think 343i ruined the game, I’m also well aware that it’s unlikely the game will be changed in any major way now but as many people have posted how 343i have ruined Halo, I’d like to know what those people think would’ve saved it.
Btw, posting what SHOULDNT be in the game isn’t what this thread is for.
Honestly, if 343i wanted this to see widespread rejoice I can’t help but feel like a return to classic gameplay would be the best option. Perhaps I’m biased in my assumptions, but word of mouth is extremely important for games, and with the classic community constantly trash talking recent games it’s going to be hard for anyone to get into them. Think about it, what game that’s getting universally condemned by it’s own community sounds appealing to you? If someone loved pokemon and told you the most recent pokemon game was horrible, chances are you’d be less inclined to buy it than if they were telling you how awesome and true to the series it was.
I think rather than shoving change everywhere 343i should be working more to revolutionize the little things. Forge, Theatre, Customs, the lifeblood of what keeps people playing long after the campaign has staled and the multiplayer became frustrating. There’s been very little improvement to the capabilities of Forge and Theatre since 2010 with Halo Reach, in fact many would argue it’s regressed in more ways than it’s improved (theatre especially). Custom games has gotten continually less interesting since Halo 3. That’s not to say they shouldn’t change anything, because by all means they should. I just don’t think attempting to use the gameplay changes to stir up hype is a good idea, especially when those game changes almost entirely revolve around a controversial mechanic.
If 343i wants to keep the community around and get them interested, I think it’s going to take more than some HCS competitions to do so. There’s an expansive community here, and while the Competitive side is important, it’s hard to deny Halo’s creative community as well. Heck if they’ve shown anything since 2007 it’s that they can and will use whatever terrible tools they’re given (Halo 3’s forge anyone?) and push it to the absolute limits of its capabilities. So interact with those people who are that dedicated to your game, to the point of spending countless hours learning how to properly develop a multiplayer map on an outdated and simplistic map editing platform. Stir up some attention in the community, do a forge competition and announce that you’re doing it long before the game ever releases. Not only will it attract players to H2A to brush up on their forging skills, but it will give them a purpose for making maps beyond just doing it because it’s fun.
Part of the reason I think games like TF2 and CS:GO are as successful as they are is because of how much they involve the community. CS:GO has community map packs, community weapon skins, community funded cases and tournaments and championships. Valve consults the community for feedback (sometimes) on what to change and what specifically needs fixing, like the all important movement updates that they do every 6-8 months. Community members have made upwards of $23000 from making a map for CS:GO. If that’s not incentive to make maps I don’t know what is!
Anyway, the point I’m trying to make is that they should be making a game that utilizes the Halo communities creativity, among other things. It’s essentially it’s own hype machine, 343i just needs to find the right fuel to get it going. Appeal to what the community is and does, create a game that THEY want to play and people will flock to it. Don’t create a game for the purpose of attracting other crowds. A good game will do that on its own.