Certain Affinity Founded For Halo 2 Maps, X360 Title

Austin-based developer Certain Affinity has announced its formation, revealing that, in a strategic partnership with Bungie Studios and Microsoft Game Studios, its first project is developing multiplayer maps for Halo 2 exclusively for the Xbox 360. These maps will apparently debut via the Xbox Live service in Spring 2007, and the newly founded company is also creating a new Xbox 360 title to be announced at a later date, and for which no information is currently being released. Founded by Max Hoberman, an industry veteran and former Halo 2 and Halo 3 multiplayer team lead, Certain Affinity's staff average 12 years in the industry each, and draw on a wealth of experience from such companies as Origin, Digital Anvil, and Bungie. The team includes contributors from games in the Ultima, Wing Commander, Myth, Asheron's Call, Freelancer, and Ghost Recon series, as well as all of the titles in the Halo series. Interestingly, it's revealed that Hoberman has left his job on the Halo 3 multiplayer modes before the game ship, but the release notes that he "built a team able to carry the project through to completion". "We're not setting out to change the industry," says Hoberman. "We're creating games by choosing strong leaders, talented and experienced developers, and solid partners. This partnership with Bungie and Microsoft Game Studios is a piece of that puzzle and we hope it's the start of a long and fruitful relationship."