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Spotlight: May 6, 2021

Esports

Welcome back! This is the fourth installment in our blog series, Designing the Halo Esports Ecosystem. The goal of this blog series is to detail how we are working to develop a healthy and sustainable ecosystem for Halo esports. If you’re interested in our philosophical approach to esports as a fan, player, team, tournament organizer, or sponsor, then this blog series is for you! If you’re hoping to learn specifics about format and roadmap, stay tuned — more info will be released as we get closer to the launch of Halo Infinite.



If you’re new to the series and want to get caught up, don’t worry, we’ve got your back. You can read the first three installments here:



<ul><li>January Installment – Overarching goals and approach</li><li>February Installment – Tournament Operators</li><li>March Installment – Viewership</li></ul>



So today we’re going to talk about sponsors!



Tashi, are you serious? Are we really talking about sponsors today?



Yes we are! Why? Because sponsors in the ecosystem are critical. They’re a key component that impacts everyone from fans to players to teams and everyone in-between.



Ok, let’s get into it!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHY ARE SPONSORS IMPORTANT?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/hcs/body/sponsors-banner-5eff63c843a14de0b1c3d5fbd374fd08.jpg" alt="HCS tournament event"/></figure>



If you’re a team or tournament organizer, or even a developer/publisher like us, you’re investing a significant amount of money when you’re participating in esports. For example, as a team, you’ve got to pay players, coaches, managers, other support staff, and potentially more for things like team houses and facilities. Ultimately, each team needs to evaluate if the value they’re getting from being part of an esport is worth that investment. So as a team (or tournament organizer), how are you able to make money to ensure you can continue to participate in esports? One of the main ways esports organizations generate revenue is through sponsorship, and as the architects of the Halo ecosystem, we are actively trying to make it easier for teams, tournament organizers, and others to deliver value to their sponsors. To be extra clear, the ecosystem does not work without sponsors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">OUR APPROACH</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/hcs/body/sponsors-banner-2-66dd25d510b4477da96d63a22e9adad7.jpg" alt="Halo helmet with two banners"/></figure>



 For Halo esports, we think about sponsors primarily in four different ways:



<ol><li>How can we secure our own sponsorship for the HCS to help offset costs of operating the league? (Staff, league events, paying tournament operators, etc)</li><li>How can Halo help the people investing in the ecosystem (teams, tournament operators, etc) provide value to their sponsors?</li><li>How can we connect the dots between sponsors and those investing in the ecosystem?</li><li>How can sponsors provide value to fans and players?</li></ol>



So let’s get into it!



<ol><li>Generating revenue for 343 Industries is not the core reason why the HCS exists or why we decided to invest in Halo esports. As mentioned in the first ecosystem blog, we want to provide epic entertainment to Halo fans around the world and we want to keep Halo fans interested in playing as well as watching. At the same time, therefore, we need to operate a responsible and sustainable ecosystem that can last for years and years. In terms of revenue, sponsors are one of the ways that we are helping create a sustainable ecosystem. Sometimes we reach out to sponsors to strike a deal, and sometimes sponsors reach out to us to strike a deal because they’re excited about the league and Halo Infinite.</li><li>We understand that sponsors are super critical for teams and tournament organizers, and even though those sponsors might not be directly sponsoring the HCS league, we still want to help where we can. Let’s take teams for example. Teams provide value to sponsors by fielding a roster in a game that has strong viewership, creating video and other social content, etc., and it all helps build awareness for the team’s sponsors. The way we see it, the more we can help teams provide value to their sponsors, the more teams can continue to invest in Halo. So, for example, partnered teams will have the option to place their own sponsors’ logos in certain graphics during our official Halo Infinite HCS broadcasts. Why is this helpful? Because now a team can go to their sponsors and say, “here’s the extra value that we’re providing to you.” It’s great for sponsors, it’s great for teams, and it’s great for the league, too. This also has an impact on players and fans: as more teams are able to sustain long-term participation in Halo, they in turn can keep salaried players on their rosters and can continue to produce entertainment and value for fans. It’s all interconnected.</li><li>We also want to help connect sponsors with the others in the ecosystem (teams, tournament operators, etc), as well as see where there might already be overlap in terms of sponsorship. For example, if a tournament operator already has a partnership with a sponsor, and we’re also interested in working with that sponsor, then it ends up being a great opportunity for extra collaboration with all three parties working together. This is just a small example of the “1 + 1 = 3” philosophy that is so important.</li><li>Lastly, working with sponsors for us is not about sticking a logo on a graphic and calling it good. It’s important to us that our sponsors are driving real value to fans and players, at our live events as well as online. For example, to deliver a great in-person experience, we want to partner with a monitor manufacturer that makes high quality hardware that players onsite will have a great competitive experience on. For other sponsors, we may want to create customized video content that we air on the broadcast and on social media that will entertain fans. This is a critical component to how we work with sponsors and we think sponsors appreciate that approach as well.</li></ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CONCLUSION</h2>



We hope this blog painted a picture of why sponsors are so critical and how we are approaching working with sponsors. The examples today predominantly touched on teams and tournament organizers, but you can extrapolate the approach and philosophy to pro players and content creators as well.



As always, we are interested to hear what folks think, so feel free to send any comments on <a href="https://twitter.com/Tashi343i" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter </a>as well.



Until next time,



Tashi

Tashi

Designing the Halo Esports Ecosystem – April

Games

343 INDUSTRIES

Inside Infinite – April 2021

Community Update

RAMBLING RAVEN

Today, we’re thrilled to welcome the arrival of the latest season for Halo: The Master Chief Collection – Season 6: Raven!



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Halo: The Master Chief Collection – Season 6" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lGEQINY3zjY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



With Season 6, we’ve got a heap of new content shipping out, and we can’t wait for you to get your hands on it. This time around you can look forward to:



<ul><li>100 new tiers of content for Season 6 (including brand new armor, back accessories, animated visors, and more)</li><li>Waterfall, a Halo Online map now playable in custom games for Halo 3</li><li>The Exchange</li><li>A brand-new game variant for Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo: Reach, and Halo 4 – Escalation Slayer</li><li>The ability to change your teams mid-game in custom matches across all titles in MCC</li><li>And more!</li></ul>



Ready for a full rundown? We’ve got you covered. Read on and make sure you’re all set and ready to go Raven mad.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MCC SEASON 6: RAVEN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="341" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p1_4.7.2021_1500x500-1024x341.jpg" alt="Fireteam Raven inspired Spartan Armor in green, blue, purple, and orange." class="wp-image-8328" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p1_4.7.2021_1500x500-1024x341.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p1_4.7.2021_1500x500-300x100.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p1_4.7.2021_1500x500-768x256.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p1_4.7.2021_1500x500.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



 With Season 6, we’re celebrating the heroic exploits of Fireteam Raven with unique themed armor sets, vehicle skins, weapon skins – and, we’re adding in even more customization options with some brand-new in-game back accessories, animated nameplates, and animated visors! (And of course, if you wanted to move in lockstep with Fireteam Raven out of game, we’ve got a full Press Kit with wallpapers, screenshots, and more.



Below, we’ve got a full rundown of what you can expect when you jump in later today.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">DON’T GO CHASING WATERFALL</h3>



If you’ve been paying attention to our latest MCC Dev & Flighting Updates, you likely know that we’ve been testing a lot of new stuff, including a Halo Online map that’s now available in Halo 3. As of today, you can play Waterfall in custom games! Where are you going to dive in first?



Time for some wetwork, Spartan.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">ESCALATION SLAYER</h3>



Ready to take it up a level? Arriving with Season 6, Escalation Slayer is available in Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo: Reach, and Halo 4! Putting a fresh twist on a current favorite, show your combat versatility as you continue to get a new weapon with each kill while racing to the final round. 



Escalation Slayer is available now in-game and will rotate through our weekly playlists from time to time (be sure to follow us on <a href="http://twitter.com/Halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://instagram.com/Halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>, and <a href="http://facebook.com/Halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook</a> to make sure you’re kept in the loop for the latest playlist updates), and you can dive in right now in custom games.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">INTRODUCING: THE EXCHANGE</h3>



The customization options in MCC span far and wide – from classic looks, to brand new items in each successive Season Pass, we’re always looking at ways to make sure that you’ve got a way to get fresh new gear, while also limiting the perils of FOMO.



With The Exchange, we’re going to be rotating items from previous Seasons through each week – and, we’re even going to use this as an avenue to show off some brand new items, that aren’t in the Season Pass. The first Exchange-exclusive set will be the Rhine armor set (unlocked as a bundle, available all season long), and the Rhine weapon skins (unlocked separately from the armor bundle, notably). 



Make sure to check in often! We’re going to be rotating stock through the Exchange regularly, so be sure to give it a glance when you get a chance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">TIMED CONTENT DURING SEASON 6</h2>



As with all seasons for MCC, we’re going to have some items that will be available through in-game seasonal challenges first! Granted, the entire season pass isn’t going anywhere (exactly like with previous season passes) – and worry not, if you’re pressed for time or unable to get them unlocked, there’s a chance you’ll see them land in The Exchange in a future season.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">TIMED NAMEPLATES</h3>



Just below, you can find a quick rundown on two Nameplates that will be available for an exclusive timeframe during Season 6. (So, for the completionists among you, take note!) This time around, we’ve got:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="720" height="104" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p2_4.7.2021_720x104.jpg" alt="A nameplate with an animal warthog enjoying the plants and flowers." class="wp-image-8250" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p2_4.7.2021_720x104.jpg 720w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p2_4.7.2021_720x104-300x43.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></figure>



Hog Wild: To celebrate Earth Day, and to get the honorary Nameplate, be sure to log in between April 21st and April 25th!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="720" height="104" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p3_4.7.2021_720x104.jpg" alt="A nameplate featuring Master Chief with a rainbow visor on under a rainbow to celebrate unity." class="wp-image-8263" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p3_4.7.2021_720x104.jpg 720w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p3_4.7.2021_720x104-300x43.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></figure>



Unity 2021: To celebrate every single Spartan, and to stand together as one, be sure to log in at any time during the month of June 2021.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">TIMED SEASONAL CHALLENGES</h3>



With the arrival of the latest season, you can get your hands on the following unique items first through some brand-new seasonal challenges! This time around:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p4_4.7.2021_1120x630-1024x576.jpg" alt="An up close shot of a purple spartan wearing the Another Sunrise visor." class="wp-image-8276" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p4_4.7.2021_1120x630-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p4_4.7.2021_1120x630-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p4_4.7.2021_1120x630-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p4_4.7.2021_1120x630.jpg 1120w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Package Deal: Compete the Non-Prophet Organization and Story Scorey Challenges.



Reward: “Another Sunrise” Animated Visor and +77,000 XP.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p5_4.7.2021_1120x630-1024x576.jpg" alt="Up close view of the Gen 2 Azure techsuit that's teal and black." class="wp-image-8289" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p5_4.7.2021_1120x630-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p5_4.7.2021_1120x630-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p5_4.7.2021_1120x630-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p5_4.7.2021_1120x630.jpg 1120w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



 Double Up: Complete the Spree Real Estate and Nerdy Thirty Challenges.



Reward: “Gen2 Azure” Techsuit and +77,000 XP.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p6_4.7.2021_1120x630-1024x576.jpg" alt="A purple Spartan equipped with the Sword and Board back accessory." class="wp-image-8302" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p6_4.7.2021_1120x630-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p6_4.7.2021_1120x630-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p6_4.7.2021_1120x630-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/08/MCCSeason6RavenHasLanded_MCC_In_Article_p6_4.7.2021_1120x630.jpg 1120w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



 Best At Both: Complete the Point Guard and Ranked Beats Everything Challenges.



Reward: “Sword and Board” Back Accessory and +77,000 XP.



Note, that all of the above challenges are live already – and, will be available for the duration of the season. So while you don’t need to get them right this second, bide your time to make sure you grab them before they’re gone!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">RAVEN SEASON PASS</h2>



This season has 100 brand new tiers of content for you to unlock! To give you a quick rundown of what to expect, we’ve got the latest episode of Seasonal Sitrep, brought to you by our very own <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://twitter.com/343postums" target="_blank">Postums</a>:



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Seasonal Sitrep: MCC Season 6, Raven" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ImP5qjZQKNM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BYE, BYE, BIRDY</h2>



We wanted to take the chance to close this blog out by thanking our Halo Insiders, who helped make all this possible. Whether it’s helping us out with flights or providing feedback, you’re a group whose benevolence is beyond measure. (Interested in joining their ranks? Make sure your Halo Insider profile is up-to-date right over here, and you’ll be doing yourself a great favor in upping your eligibility for future flights.)



Season 6 will be live for roughly two months, and you can join in on all the excitement <a href="https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/halo-the-master-chief-collection-pc#purchaseoptions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">right now</a> on <a href="https://www.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-game-pass/pc-games" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Xbox Game Pass</a>, the <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/halo-the-master-chief-collection/9ntm9hxnlszx?activetab=pivot:overviewtab" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windows Store</a>, and <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/agecheck/app/976730/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steam</a>!



In the meantime – we’ll see you all online. As always, if you have any issues please be sure to send a report over to Halo Support, who will get you taken care of straight away. Or, to make sure you’ve got the latest and greatest intel so you’re prepared for the front lines:



<ul><li>MCC Season 6 Full Patch Notes</li><li>MCC Known Issues</li><li>MCC Modding EULA</li><li>MCC Modding EULA FAQ</li><li>Want to give us some feedback? Got a bug to report? Let us know right here!</li></ul>



Stay safe out there, –<a href="http://twitter.com/asalisbury" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andy</a>

MCC SEASON 6: RAVEN HAS LANDED

Hey Friends,



With the rollout of Season 6 and our first iteration of modding support which allows Halo Custom Edition maps to be supported in MCC, we also released a brand-new End User License Agreement (EULA) right here!



We have taken some time ahead of this launch and put together this basic FAQ to answer questions that players may have around the EULA for modding Halo: The Master Chief Collection (MCC). If there are any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to ask us in this pinned forum thread and we will work to circle back in time. Without further ado, let’s dive on into it friends!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">EULA FAQ</h2>



In this FAQ what does Mods or Modding refer to? This is an easy one! Mods and modding in this FAQ refers directly to MCC modding.



I like making money for mods I build. Is selling my mods or being paid for them allowed? At this time no, we will continue to evaluate the desire to support this and keep an open mind toward the future.



Are any and all assets such as music, textures, as well as models from previous (and future) Halo games allowed to be used in mods? Anything contained within MCC is allowed to be used for modding efforts.



In the EULA, it mentioned “No competing services” what does this mean? This is defined clearly in the Competing Service section of the EULA.



Can MCC mods use assets from other 343 Industries games, or Microsoft products? Only the assets contained within the retail version of MCC are allowed for use in modding efforts.



Do we have to use a specific program or tool to make our mods? Are we still allowed to use HEK, Assembly, Reclaimer, or other tools readily available? You are allowed to use whatever legally obtained tools you have at your disposal to create mods for MCC. We are planning to release updated tools for several titles that should largely be able to do what you’ll need in order to successfully mod some of the games in MCC. We will continue to update as feedback is received. We also plan to set up a git repository where the community will be open to improve some of the tools in the future. We will share more information around this as we get closer to having it ready.



Is there any type of content that isn’t allowed? You would need to provide irrefutable proof that you created the assets and that you have express permission to use the likeness, style, etc of what you’re trying to create. Remember, it’s not just about creating something from scratch but many of these popular IP’s also have very clear guidelines about what is and is not OK to use in the recreation of their properties. Even if you can prove that it’s 100% yours and you have explicit permission to use, we will always reserve the right to pull content out of the modding ecosystem as outlined in the EULA.



When we are modding, is pineapple allowed? Always!



Can we port assets, maps, and sounds from Halo Online or the Eldewrito mod? As long as those assets are your original creations and can be proven as so, they are fine to use. If they are from the base game that is not MCC they cannot be used.



If this EULA says “No assets from other games” but the developer of the game who owns those assets has given you explicit permission, is it allowed? If the developer has given explicit open permission in an open and verifiable forum then yes, these would be useable. If they have only given you permission to use them, we would need to be able to verify that with the creator and also verify their intended permission goes beyond just your own personal use – once it’s a mod, it’s out there for everyone and then would also transfer useability to us. It’s a very complicated path and if its unable to be proven, we reserve the right to remove them as outlined in the EULA.



Say a flight features a new model or gun. Then this model or gun never makes it to release. Can we take that and add it via mods? Archiving assets from flights for future use is against our terms of service for flighting. We highly value everyone’s feedback during the flighting process but sometimes items are pulled for reasons outside of them just not being ready. In doing this you could be potentially opening yourself up to legal action. There is potential for us to release “unreleased” assets like this in the future that have been vetted and will be available for open use in modding.



Who owns my mods? The details for this are outlined clearly in the Ownership of Our Game and Other Things section of the EULA.



If I use a mod that has been found to be breaking the EULA, am I also breaking the EULA? Will I get banned? If you have downloaded a mod and played with it, but it is later deemed to break the EULA, it will not apply to you. However, if you take it, modify it, and replace it – you are then complicit and actions can be taken against your account. If you think it breaks the EULA, chances are it does.



Can content from older builds of the game be re-used/added back? As outlined above, any content that is part of the released version of MCC can be used in modding.



If something isn’t mentioned in the EULA, but is against it later down the line, will someone who was unaware be punished for the mod/have to take it down? We will work with that individual to take it down in a case like this rather than blanket banning.



Can I upload my mods anywhere I want? Or do I have to put them in a specific place? While we do plan to facilitate an ecosystem for mods within Steam Workshop, you are free to share your mods as you see fit.



We understand there will be more questions that come up from the community relating to the EULA, mods, and what players can and can’t do. We will do our best to answer these as mods expand, new features are brought online, and the ecosystem expands.



Thank you for stopping in and taking a look! As always, we will see you online!



Cheers, <a href="https://twitter.com/343postums" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Postums</a>

Postums

MCC’S EULA: THE FAQ

SPOTLIGHT: APRIL 1, 2021

Grassroots

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="229" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave3_HCS_In_Article_p1_6.4.2019_1120x250-1024x229.png" alt="HCS Grassroots logo" class="wp-image-5297" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave3_HCS_In_Article_p1_6.4.2019_1120x250-1024x229.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave3_HCS_In_Article_p1_6.4.2019_1120x250-300x67.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave3_HCS_In_Article_p1_6.4.2019_1120x250-768x171.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave3_HCS_In_Article_p1_6.4.2019_1120x250.png 1120w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Back in October we brought a new set of HCS Grassroots content creators into the program and opened up applications for Wave 5. When it was all said and done, there were hundreds of applications in our inboxes for us to review. Before getting into the results, we just want to share a huge THANK YOU for all the content creators who are not only creating on a daily basis for the Halo community, but those who also believe in the program and want to be a part of it. Regardless of whether you are in the program or not, your contributions to the community are very much appreciated by not only us, but most importantly the community itself.



After months of review, we have finalized the five content creators that will be joining the HCS Grassroots program, please join us in welcoming them!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ELAMITE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="320" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p2_3.30.2021_1120x350-1024x320.jpg" alt="Elamite's logo" class="wp-image-5388" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p2_3.30.2021_1120x350-1024x320.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p2_3.30.2021_1120x350-300x94.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p2_3.30.2021_1120x350-768x240.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p2_3.30.2021_1120x350.jpg 1120w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Halo national champion turned Halo content creator, Elamite has been dazzling us with big plays on his stream for quite a while now. His dedication to the craft is very apparent as he continues to grow as an entertainer, leveraging his years of experience as a player and broadcaster. Give him a follow!



<ul><li><a href="https://twitter.com/elamite" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/elamitewarrior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a></li><li><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/elamite" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitch</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Nxd_pssIfmaTtoT0sdyrg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube</a></li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MONZA</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="320" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p3_3.30.2021_1120x350-1024x320.jpg" alt="Monza's log with her sponsor logos" class="wp-image-5401" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p3_3.30.2021_1120x350-1024x320.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p3_3.30.2021_1120x350-300x94.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p3_3.30.2021_1120x350-768x240.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p3_3.30.2021_1120x350.jpg 1120w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Hailing from Australia, Monza is the next addition in the HCS Grassroots program. Monza is an active competitor in the Australian Halo scene and has also been streaming for a number of years. Bringing a unique combination of high level gameplay across a variety of Halo games – as well as chill vibes – Monza welcomes any and all fans to hang out in her stream.



<ul><li><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/Monzz">Twitch</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/Monzaroo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/Monza" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUX4ABrxlQLBEX_-C5mD3wQ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube</a></li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">TAQUIN – THE REACH WAY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="320" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p4_3.30.2021_1120x350-1024x320.jpg" alt="Taquin's logo" class="wp-image-5414" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p4_3.30.2021_1120x350-1024x320.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p4_3.30.2021_1120x350-300x94.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p4_3.30.2021_1120x350-768x240.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p4_3.30.2021_1120x350.jpg 1120w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Up next is a multiplayer streamer and YouTuber unlike anyone you’ve probably ever seen before. When live on Twitch, Taquin hosts a chill stream where he often plays with viewers in a variety of fun and social modes. On YouTube as “The Reach Way,” he blows us away with his creativity, sense of humor, and very clever editing. Don’t take our word for it though, be sure to give him and follow and enjoy the show!



<ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi2plOJAXOIghebHDumaFgg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube</a></li><li><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/taquin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitch</a></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/TheReachWay" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">OATHXX</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="320" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p5_3.30.2021_1120x350-1024x320.jpg" alt="OathxX logo" class="wp-image-5427" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p5_3.30.2021_1120x350-1024x320.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p5_3.30.2021_1120x350-300x94.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p5_3.30.2021_1120x350-768x240.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p5_3.30.2021_1120x350.jpg 1120w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



OathxX has been on her stream grind for the last 4+ years and has been steadily growing her fan base since the beginning. Featuring competitive and social gameplay across multiple Halo titles, as well as one of the most friendly and positive streams on Twitch, OathxX has a wonderful community that we think anyone would be delighted to be a part of. Be sure to give her a follow and say hello next time she’s live!



<ul><li><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/oathxx024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitch</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/oathxx_024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/OathxX024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PARADISE HALO</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="320" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p6_3.30.2021_1120x350-1024x320.jpg" alt="Paradise Halo logo" class="wp-image-5440" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p6_3.30.2021_1120x350-1024x320.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p6_3.30.2021_1120x350-300x94.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p6_3.30.2021_1120x350-768x240.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/ContentCreatorsWave5_HCS_In_Article_p6_3.30.2021_1120x350.jpg 1120w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Last, but not least, we’re excited to welcome the Paradise Halo team to the HCS Grassroots program. If you’ve been following competitive Halo over the last few years, you’ve no doubt seen the amazing Halo esports content on the channel. The team is comprised of three stalwarts in the community: <a href="https://twitter.com/Dyna_Sean" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DynaSean</a>, with his grand vision as well as high quality effects and editing, <a href="https://twitter.com/calloussss" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Calloussss</a>, with his incredible gameplay breakdowns and insights, and <a href="https://twitter.com/Trespa5s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trespa5s</a>, with his writing and storytelling. As a group, they bring a wealth of unique content to the Halo community and we can’t wait to see them continue to grow as entertainers and creatives. Give them a follow!



<ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG1x19xh5mcmva-HVHzicDQ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube</a></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/Paradise_Halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CLOSING</h2>



Thank you once again to everyone who applied to the HCS Grassroots program! We do intend to bring on another wave of creators later this summer, so be on the lookout in the coming weeks for more information on when the application window will open again.



And as usual, be sure to follow <a href="https://twitter.com/hcs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@HCS</a> on Twitter to see more content from the HCS Grassroots creators and learn about the next HCS Grassroots playdates, where you can join in on the fun and secure some exclusive nameplates.



See you in the chat!



-Tashi

CONTENT CREATORS WAVE 5

Welcome back! This is the third installment in our blog series, Designing the Halo Esports Ecosystem. The goal of this blog series is to detail how we are working to develop a healthy and sustainable ecosystem for Halo esports. If you’re interested in our philosophical approach to esports as a fan, player, team, tournament organizer, or sponsor, then this blog series is for you! If you’re hoping to learn specifics about format and roadmap, stay tuned — more info will be released as we get closer to the launch of Halo Infinite.



If you’re new to the series and want to get caught up, don’t worry, we’ve got your back. You can read the first two installments here:



<ul><li>January Installment – Overarching goals and approach</li><li>February Installment – Tournament Operators</li></ul>



Thank you to everyone who has been reading along and asking questions on Twitter as well. I want to give a special shoutout to <a href="https://twitter.com/minimightymouse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">minimightymouse</a>, who not only shows up to all the events to support the scene, but has also been asking great questions about each blog. I’m looking forward to our next conversation!



Alright, so today we won’t be talking about a specific key group, but rather one of our goals: viewership.



Viewership is absolutely critical to the success of our esports program and ecosystem, and our goal with Halo Infinite is to increase viewership not only on our own Halo channels, but across the ecosystem at large.  



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHY IS VIEWERSHIP SO IMPORTANT?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="320" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/DesigningTheHaloEcosystemMarch_HCS_In_Article_p1_3.30.2021_1120x350-1024x320.jpg" alt="Flamesword and Walshy sitting in a crowd looking up at the screen at a Halo event." class="wp-image-5635" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/DesigningTheHaloEcosystemMarch_HCS_In_Article_p1_3.30.2021_1120x350-1024x320.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/DesigningTheHaloEcosystemMarch_HCS_In_Article_p1_3.30.2021_1120x350-300x94.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/DesigningTheHaloEcosystemMarch_HCS_In_Article_p1_3.30.2021_1120x350-768x240.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/DesigningTheHaloEcosystemMarch_HCS_In_Article_p1_3.30.2021_1120x350.jpg 1120w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<ol><li>Watching games is a massive part of gaming culture and for years Halo fans have extended their involvement in the community outside of the game. We believe watching Halo and being part of that ecosystem provides a strong sense of community and incredible entertainment. We want to provide more for fans in this realm. Additionally, strong viewership is important to bringing in new fans and potential players at big moments as well as over time. We also believe that a game with strong viewership is a game that can create a virtuous cycle. If a game is entertaining to watch, has great esports content and streamers, and has strong viewership, the entire ecosystem will continue to grow organically over time. More viewership = more incentive to stream, more diverse content, more financial support for streamers (including competitive players), bigger and better tournaments, and more interest in the scene as a whole.</li><li>Viewership is important to the key groups in our ecosystem, so therefore it is important to us. Teams look at viewership as a key metric of success, and it often determines how willing they are to invest in the scene. Pros who compete in a game that commands great viewership are also likely to see big audiences for their own content, which can help elevate them as athletes and personalities (a long-lasting takeaway). Tournament Operators that work with high-viewership games can monetize more easily and are likely to continue to invest in that scene.</li><li>Fans and viewers give energy to the scene and make it more exciting for everyone. When Frosty hits an insane no-scope and Twitch chat starts moving so fast you can’t even read what people are saying, it feels like you’re a part of a moment, witnessing something special alongside thousands of other fans. The same is true on-site at live events: the place erupts, like when <a href="https://youtu.be/S_FeacRHyYs?t=11526" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snip3down clutches a 1v4 Overkill.</a> That energy and feeling is infectious, and big moments like that will entice more people to join the scene and start watching.</li></ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HOW ARE WE THINKING ABOUT GROWING VIEWERSHIP?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="320" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/DesigningTheHaloEcosystemMarch_HCS_In_Article_p2_3.30.2021_1120x350-1024x320.jpg" alt="Image of Lottie, Walshy, Onset, and Bravo on the analyst desk" class="wp-image-5648" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/DesigningTheHaloEcosystemMarch_HCS_In_Article_p2_3.30.2021_1120x350-1024x320.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/DesigningTheHaloEcosystemMarch_HCS_In_Article_p2_3.30.2021_1120x350-300x94.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/DesigningTheHaloEcosystemMarch_HCS_In_Article_p2_3.30.2021_1120x350-768x240.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2021/07/DesigningTheHaloEcosystemMarch_HCS_In_Article_p2_3.30.2021_1120x350.jpg 1120w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



So obviously we all want viewership to grow, but what’s the overall strategy for the new Halo esports ecosystem?



<ol><li>Diversify: For years and years, Halo’s live viewership came almost exclusively from tournaments, pro players, and hardcore modes. And while we want to continue to grow viewership for tournaments and pro players, we ultimately believe that a healthy ecosystem must have a diversity of content and audiences. Halo as a game has so many fun and interesting experiences to offer, and as the culture of content creation permeates the Halo community, we want to enable and support content creators regardless of the modes they play. And just so I’m clear, in our minds this does not come at the expense of the core competitive multiplayer that Halo esports was built on – this is an effort to grow the pie.</li><li>Partnerships: We believe that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Because of this, we have been working diligently to find as many “1 + 1 = 3” partnerships as possible for Halo esports. How can we partner with teams to ultimately bring more fans to the sport, enrich the experience with team-created Halo content, and create opportunities for fans to connect with teams? How can we partner with platforms to provide opportunities for Halo content creators? There’s a lot in the works here and we’re excited to share details when the time is right.</li><li>Halo Infinite: While the HCS team does not make the game, we do work closely with the development team and consult on ways to increase viewership, including features and tools for content creators. In the long term, we want to continue to invest in the growth of viewership via the game. We believe that enhancing the viewer experience will provide more opportunities for all content creators within the ecosystem.</li><li>Rewards: We’ve been dipping our toes in the viewership rewards realm with the HCS Grassroots program, and while those activations have been relatively small in scale, they’ve been an important proving ground for us. For Halo Infinite, we are looking to increase the support and programming here. For now, we’ll have to play this one close to the chest, but we’ll share more leading up to launch.</li><li>Content: With our renewed approach to Halo esports content, we also want to make a greater impact on the audience by highlighting compelling stories, players, teams, and moments within the scene. We want to turn casual viewers into serious fans, drawing the audience in with all the excitement, intensity, drama, and celebration that Halo esports has to offer. That includes storylines that span the season as well as within a single match. We want the audience invested in the scene, anticipating the next tournament, joining the conversation, and engaging with pro players, teams, and content</li><li>Content Distribution: Finally, we believe that Halo esports content should reach as many fans as possible, and we’ve made the decision that official HCS tournaments and events will not be exclusive to any platform. While this is the decision we feel is best for our community right now, circumstances may change, and we will continue to assess new opportunities that can help us reach our goals. In addition to the significant amount of live, global content on official Halo channels, we will be launching a new dedicated Halo Esports YouTube channel, where we will post all the latest content, including VODs, featured content, and more.</li></ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CLOSING</h2>



Viewership is such a critical component of the ecosystem that we wanted to make sure we posted a blog dedicated to the topic. While today’s blog mainly covered our high-level approach and strategy, there are many finer details to share in the coming months nad beyond that will further paint the picture.



As always, we are interested to hear what folks think, so feel free to send any comments on <a href="https://twitter.com/Tashi343i" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter </a>as well.



Until next time,



Tashi

Designing the Halo Esports Ecosystem – March

INSIDE INFINITE – MARCH 2021