Bungie 'Saddened' By Halo 2 Offline, Plans 'One Last Hoorah'

Microsoft's recent announcement that it would discontinue Xbox Live service for original Xbox titles means Bungie's Halo 2 will go offline -- and developer Bungie is ready to commemorate the event. "We're all saddened at the realization that an era is coming to an end but looking back, we're incredibly fortunate to have had such a great run and such strong support from our fans," said the developer in a statement on its official website. Microsoft says it will soon be evolving the Xbox Live service in a direction that will exclude its compatibility with previous-gen games; the official shut-down will take place April 15. Says Bungie: "Halo 2 has been at or near the top of the Xbox Live charts for original games since it launched over five years ago. We're extremely thankful to everyone who has played, enjoyed and supported Halo 2 over Xbox Live. We've had some great fun together, including far too many humpday losses to even recount." Finally, the developer advises fans to mark their calendars for April 14th -- "let's all rally to go online for one last hoorah," concludes Bungie. Halo fans still have the franchise's third installment, as well as Halo: ODST. Bungie plans to release Halo: Reach in September of this year.