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Halo Infinite Multiplayer Reveal


<p>The Halo community spans different games, artistic mediums, and locales across the globe. But the cosplay community uniquely manages to combine all three – and, that’s why we’re thrilled to reveal our latest Cosplay Guide, featuring the freshly revealed Spartan Mk. VII Armor, which you may have spotted in our Halo Infinite Multiplayer Reveal just a couple of days ago.  </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CosplayGuides/mkvii-cosplay-guide-blog-image-1-f4647ec6022d4c3cb74c928b4fc29d44.png" alt="Halo Infinite Spartan Mark VII Gen 3 cosyplay suit"/></figure>



<p>As a reminder, if you’re also interested in perfecting your ODST look in addition to your freshly minted Spartan – or, you’re just on the hunt for some more reference material, be sure to check out our guide for Halo 3: ODST’s Rookie.  But now, without further ado, let’s take a look at the Mk. VII.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SPARTAN MK. VII [GEN3]</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CosplayGuides/mkvii-cosplay-guide-blog-image-2-77c824d134ea4341b976a32f882a0522.png" alt="Armor turnaround for the Spartan Mk. VII Gen 3 cosplay"/></figure>



<p> <em>Created with input from Dr. Halsey herself, the latest Mark VII iteration refreshes the Mjolnir technical architecture with breakthroughs in neural interfaces, shield emitters, fusion power, and armor formulation.</em></p>



<p><em>The Mark VII designation refers to a number of prototype platforms that test the ever-evolving Mjolnir Generation 3 standard. The most recent design to bear the name was selected by Dr. Halsey from Materials Group’s KEYSTONE development program.</em> </p>



<p>To download the full guide, be sure to click either of the links just below:</p>



<ul><li><strong><a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CosplayGuides/mk7_cosplayguide_fullsize-a95f71a129ae4094aef3ea0b6121fca4.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark VII | Cosplay Guide (Full)</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CosplayGuides/mk7_cosplayguide_mobile-c9b71de988af42f9b6f6010ef44a2417.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark VII | Cosplay Guide (Mobile)</a></strong></li><li><strong>NOTE</strong>: ‘Full’ file size may be large on mobile devices. If you’re on your phone, please consider waiting until you’re on your PC before you download.</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SHOW US YOUR BUILDS!</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CosplayGuides/mkvii-cosplay-guide-blog-image-3-b0f9d35a3da24548af1a45cdbed416ab.png" alt="Helmet for the Spartan Mk. VII Gen 3 cosplay"/></figure>



<p>We’d love to see what you’ve been building! Whether you’re kicking off a brand-new build of our freshly released Spartan Mk. VII, you’ve got an ODST already built and ready to go, or if you’re just looking to share your art with the Halo community, be sure to share it with us on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a> using <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23HaloSpotlight" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#HaloSpotlight</a>! That hashtag makes it much easier for us to find your works of art, and to highlight them to the community.</p>



<p>And of course, thank you to our fans for truly becoming a part of our world. Whether you’re just firing up a casual match of BTB with friends, you’re stepping foot into the campaigns for the very first time, or you know the lore like the back of your hand – we wouldn’t be here without each and every one of you. <strong>Thank you.</strong></p>



<p>Stay safe out there,</p>



<p>–<a href="https://twitter.com/asalisbury" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andy</a></p>


Andy Salisbury

Official Cosplay Guide: MARK VII

Community Spotlight

snickerdoodle

Spotlight: June 10, 2021


<h4 class="wp-block-heading">ISSUE 114</h4>



<p>Wait, weren’t we just here? Fancy that! That tends to happen when you’ve got a whole marvelous mess of Halo happenings all dropping around the same time. Just last week we released <strong>Issue 113</strong>, which introduced fans to some pretty cool upcoming elements to be encountered in <em>Halo Infinite </em>when it finds its way into your home. And I’m particularly excited about <em>today’s</em> edition of <strong>Canon Fodder</strong> as it’s covering something near and dear to my Halo heart. Let’s keep the preamble short for this one and get right to it, shall we?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ALLIES OF ANVIL</h2>



<p>So the Master Chief Collection has certainly been on a bit of a roll lately, in fact, <strong>Issue 112</strong> covered a bunch of the awesome additions that came to the game as part of Season 6: Raven. In today’s edition, we’re going to do a similar dance, but <em>this </em>time, we’ll be hopefully quenching the thirst of a particularly passionate corner of the fanbase—those dedicated to the noble warriors of Sanghelios.</p>



<p>Let’s take a little preview of some elements we’re hoping to include in <strong>MCC Season 7: Elite</strong>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HARNESS THE POWER, DINO FIGHTERS</h2>



<p>While Season 7 is still in the proverbial oven, some members of the <strong>Halo Insider</strong> program might start seeing some alien content showing up in upcoming flighting builds very soon (which you can keep up with via Postums’ <strong>handy dandy update threads</strong> right here on the Waypoint forums). <strong>And as always, it’s important to remember that just because something appears in a flight <em>doesn’t </em>necessarily mean it will ultimately make the cut when it comes to eventually making it into the full game in a future season</strong>. That being said, let’s take a look at some of the particularly pertinent items that are currently undergoing evaluation.</p>



<p>As we covered a bit further in <strong>Issue 111</strong>, Anvil Station is a clandestine site where members of the UNSC and allied Swords of Sanghelios work together to develop new technologies and strategies in a joint effort that seeks to build upon a foundation of cooperation in hopes to move the futures of both species forward in a positive direction. While you’ve already seen some of the developmental fruits of the UNSC’s labor in the added armor sets of previous MCC seasons, it’s finally time to take a look at some of the combat harnesses developed and/or utilized by our zygodactyl-handed friends.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">KEEPWARD</h3>



<p><em>Analogous in many ways to an Honor Guard, the Keepwards are often tasked with maintaining the safety of a region’s kaidon.</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf-mcc-keepward-9cfd012b51b847b788600d886afb9647.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">ACCORD</h3>



<p><em>One of the first Sangheili combat harnesses designed primarily by human engineers as part of the Anvil Initiative.</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf-mcc-accord-a92bf5ec000548c5843ce1b62cb9d3ed.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">GENERAL</h3>



<p><em>Even after the war, many Sangheili warlords chose to don harnesses of high esteem on the battlefield—some looking to fill a power vacuum left by an empire’s fall, others seeking to reclaim a far older sense of honor.</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf-mcc-general-e916a989be3445ae963ae678203283a8.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">SENESCHAL</h3>



<p><em>Little is known of the Evocati’s seneschal order, but documents uncovered after the Covenant War have begun to shed new light on the true purview of the role.</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf-mcc-senschal-c867944fe1bf4729ac085e7af171f3ab.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">SCION</h3>



<p><em>Typically held by Sangheili females, the role of scion is most often granted in the event of a kaidon’s death. As Arbiter Thel ‘Vadam has grown in influence, the scion has become an increasingly respected and valued position across their people.</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf-mcc-scion-8cddc5d3b8fd4178bb8a386f6e0dc3d1.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">OSSOONA</h3>



<p><em>One of the harness patterns favored by the “Eyes of the Prophets,” many who once held this title are now considered enemies of the keep for traitorous actions during the Great Schism. </em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf-mcc-ossoona-c52ddf0ce6a6413dbe73f9077d3745ef.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">ARTISAN</h3>



<p><em>While still adept warriors in their own right, Sangheili artisan armorers are accomplished craftsmen who—free from San’Shyuum oversight and coercion—are entering a renaissance period of warsmithing.</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf-mcc-artisan-3c11b1df7d11441f93acbe25610f82d8.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



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



<p>Before we let the folks over in the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGTQEIXyveioCVzqyMTwp4Q"><strong>Covenant Canon</strong></a> community catch their collective breath, let’s move on to one of my personal favorite additions to Halo 3’s alien arsenal: some newly skinned energy swords. Because nothing makes a season truly Elite like a diverse and expanded range of options for the Sangheili’s most beloved tools of the trade.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">EVOCATI’S EDGE</h3>



<p><em>Only the most adept blademasters were chosen to wield the Ultra’s holy fire.</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf-mcc-evocatisedge-2d23731eaef94bc1979f2c5fc042c48e.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">NECROPLASMA</h3>



<p><em>The glow of fury for those who refuse to become pawns of the creeping death.</em></p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">LIGHT OF JOORI</h3>



<p><em>Joori’s warm light helps give Sanghelios life. This blade is for all who defend her.</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf-mcc-lightofjoori-38a282c2f1cf43eb8ec2c9f95ca3166d.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">KAIDON’S GUARD</h3>



<p><em>The Swords of Sanghelios brandish blades bound by honor—to defend a keep not bound by borders.</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf-mcc-kaidonsguard-15f0ac7efad14f1cb3feebceebebc7d7.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">DARKSTAR</h3>



<p><em>Will Fied call out your name in the Hall of Eternity when your last breath has been spent?</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf-mcc-darkstar-2d312d378b704150a2582513769cff49.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">BLOODBLADE</h3>



<p><em>Hidden. Active. Deadly. The Silent Shadow have been. The Silent Shadow remain.</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf-mcc-bloodblade-c5aa55db2ec743aaa4ce3706342109aa.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">LANCE OF SUBAN</h3>



<p><em>Only Subanese natives may possess blades infused with a shard of the moon’s own bounty.</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf-mcc-lanceofsuban-5e6b07475cd04686a73914b19c1f108f.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



<p>We look forward to sharing further about MCC’s seventh season in the future, so stay tuned to all your normal Halo haunts to learn more as its ready.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">DARK HORSE DEEP DIVES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf-comiccrop-16f9bf16a5e547c0b0838a65398f16c0.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



<p>Last issue we mentioned our partners at Dark Horse Comics were re-releasing the <em>Halo Graphic Novel</em>, but that’s not all they’re up to. Also getting another go is <em>Halo: Legacy Collection</em>, a fantastic comic compendium featuring every issue from three different comic mini-series: <em>Halo: Uprising, Halo: Helljumper, </em>and <em>Halo: Bloodline</em>. If you haven’t checked these stories out for yourself, this is the perfect way to jump in. If you are a collector that likes things all in one place, it’s an ideal addition there too! For more details, <a href="https://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/3322/relive-legacy-new-halo-collection-dark-horse"><strong>check out the article direct</strong></a> from the Dark Horse’s mouth.</p>



<p>Short and sweet. Or would that be “short and leet?” Anyway, that’s all that we’ve got for today, but I imagine that we’ll have plenty more to talk about in the coming months. We’ll see you then.</p>



<p>Until next time… Live well, play Halo, and wort wort wort!</p>



<p><strong><a href="https://twitter.com/grimbrotherone"><3 Grim</a></strong></p>


Art of Wort

Community Update

Spring Scoops


<h4 class="wp-block-heading">ISSUE 113</h4>



<p>Aaaaand we’re back! Another month has passed in 2021(!) and we always appreciate you stopping by your friendly neighborhood Waypoint to say hello. And hey, since we’re both already here, might as well make the trip worth your while, right? How about a little <em>tiny</em> bit of <em>Halo Infinite </em>info (just a little bit)? Is that okay? Actually speaking of Infinite info, before we get started, if you haven’t checked out the latest <strong>Inside Infinite </strong>blog, you should go and do that—it’s a delightful amalgamation of PC talk, pretty pictures, and personal proclamations. Also, if you missed the last issue of Canon Fodder itself, you can check it out <strong>here</strong>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BOSS MITIGATION</h2>



<p>So back in <strong>Issue 108</strong>, we introduced you to a new character by the name of Jega ‘Rdomnai, a Sangheili blademaster loyal to Escharum and the Banished forces. We also mentioned that he was only one of several characters you would encounter in your adventures on Zeta Halo. Some will make their intentions obvious, while others might only give hints at their own deeper history. Each is designed to help introduce you to the nature and evolving presence of the Banished in the Halo universe, and I have a feeling that different folks will find different favorites.</p>



<p>To help hold you over a bit until you learn more in the coming months, here’s a couple of Brute brothers you’re likely to run across. A word of advice: they aren’t big fans of Spartans.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf-hyperiusconcept-3abec560076f42fe90a58cb656878089.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



<p><em>Hyperius concept (David Heidhoff)</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf-tovarusconcept-960eb82ecf9a47509c35a93a3ed87446.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



<p><em>Tovarus concept (Nuare & Zack Lee)</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SCRAP PARTY</h2>



<p>Also, beefy Brutes tend to need a beefy weapon. Say hello to the Scrap Cannon. Early on, it’s nickname was the “gatling mortar.” What’s that? You don’t enjoy hot metal being hurled at you from uncomfortable distances while you’re just trying to mind your own business and defend humanity? Well, too bad so sad, shouldn’t have made the Brutes mad. Anyway, before I go and make a song out of something else, take a peek at this cool concept art for this deadly and detachable damage-dealer.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf-scrapcannonconcept-bdddf1868c1b45a9bd4fe0ff4f058e1c.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



<p><em>Scrap Cannon concept (Daniel Chavez)</em></p>



<p>What? You want <em>more</em>?!</p>



<p>Sheesh… fine.</p>



<p>One more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WOO PIG SOOIE</h2>



<p>So we heard you like taking Marines on adventures and stuff. Well, let me introduce you to the Razorback. Think of it as the Warthog’s more spacious and robust cousin—perfect for crashing Banished house parties with and taking on scenic drives.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf-razorbackconcept-e002067dc8074f52bf0080c4083173c9.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



<p><em>Razorback concept (Darren Bacon & Sparth)</em></p>



<p>For real though that’s all for now.</p>



<p>I mean it.</p>



<p>Don’t look at me in that tone of voice!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE LIGHT STUFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf110_module-d4295f22a4264634aafb289bfb89e7a3.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



<p>Moving along, in case you hadn’t heard, our most recent novel released not too long ago. Penned by <a href="https://twitter.com/KellyHGay"><strong>Kelly Gay</strong></a>, <em>Halo: Point of Light </em>has provided a wealth of awesome opportunity for community discussion, and it certainly seems to be hitting several solid notes with story fans if online discourse is anything to go by. We’ve seen a number of great reviews, recaps, and author interviews around the community and thought we’d gather up a couple here to help keep the discussion going.</p>



<p>Kicking us off, Windows Central’s resident Halo loremaster <a href="https://twitter.com/BrendanLorLowry"><strong>Brendan Lowry</strong></a> put <a href="https://www.windowscentral.com/halo-point-light-interview"><strong>together a great chat with Kelly</strong></a>, talking about the new novel from another very knowledgeable perspective.</p>



<p>Sticking with the in-print train, <a href="https://twitter.com/paulsemel"><strong>Paul Semel</strong></a> gathered Kelly’s thoughts on the book’s development as well, which you can <a href="https://paulsemel.com/exclusive-interview-halo-point-of-light-author-kelly-gay/"><strong>read right here</strong></a>.</p>



<p>Once you <em>have </em>given the book a proper go, head over to the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/HaloCanon"><strong>Halo Canon</strong></a> YouTube channel for a spoiler-laden recap and breakdown, which you can check out here:</p>



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Halo: Point of Light – Full Summary/Analysis" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a6I9hNHJQV8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<p> Likewise, <a href="https://twitter.com/PodcastEvolved"><strong>Podcast Evolved</strong></a> put out a great author interview and review that you should definitely check out: </p>



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Kelly Gay - Halo: Point of Light Author | Guest Interview" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WJA7Qh-neJc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p>And wrapping this particular train up is <a href="https://haruspis.blog/2021/03/01/halo-point-of-light-an-interview-with-kelly-gay/"><strong>another interview and <em>Point of Light </em>primer</strong></a> from Alex “<a href="https://twitter.com/haruspis"><strong>Haruspis</strong></a>” Wakeford.</p>



<p>If you <em>haven’t </em>grabbed your own copy of the book yet, <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Point-of-Light/Kelly-Gay/Halo/9781982147860"><strong>you can do so here</strong></a>, and don’t forget that if audio books are your jam, this particular one is fittingly narrated by none other than Spark himself, <a href="https://twitter.com/davocal1"><strong>Tim Dadabo</strong></a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CANON-CURIOUS CALLOUTS</h2>



<p>Speaking of community, we wanted to mention a couple of other great podcasts and other aural treasures that have popped up recently-ish—particularly ones that often have a lore and story focus.</p>



<ul><li>One of the newest additions to the fray is <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6zb5aggQnodCEcmcfkKRN6?si=Co6fTnxPSjmGarNF3dxK2A"><strong>The Luminary</strong></a>, a great lore-focused podcast from <a href="https://twitter.com/monicalowry"><strong>@monicalowry</strong></a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Josie_CD"><strong>@Josie_CD</strong></a>. They’re just getting started, so it’s the perfect time to get in on the ground floor.</li><li>Not really rookies anymore, but the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4bADp7ekNH3n82wDlTrT8U?si=fk2Fj6IHSkyuhOmTlkqJZQ"><strong>Sacred Icon Podcast</strong></a> from <a href="https://twitter.com/bryansbane"><strong>@bryansbane</strong></a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/jovialjoshy"><strong>@jovialjoshy</strong></a> is always great for solid conversation about a variety of Halo topics including plenty of lore and universe discussions.</li><li>The <strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjQrco3qSmVgmLeB71VCaBQ">Installation00</a></strong> YouTube channel started a new series that showcases a dramatized reading of different sections of the <strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Halo-Mythos-Guide-Story/dp/1681193566/">Halo Mythos</a></strong> story guide. It’s pretty rad to see the words brought to auditory life in a cool way—definitely give the first couple of entries a watch!</li></ul>



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Halo Mythos - Ep.01" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sIPZJ9O9sPo?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Halo Mythos - Ep.02" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1mRYq1-q5Z4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<p> Before we go, our friends at Dark Horse Comics recently announced a re-release of an absolutely marvelous momento for Halo lore fans: the <em>Halo Graphic Novel</em>. Originally developed in-house at Bungie and released way back in 2006, this gem features awesome stories and incredible art—but has also been pretty darn tough to find these days. If you’ve been wanting to add a copy to your own collection, here’s a new chance to do so! </p>



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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Legends never die! New edition of the graphic novel that introduced Halo to comics arrives this summer. Includes 4 classic Halo stories by Simon Bisley, Lee Hammock, Tsutomu Nihei, Ed Lee, Andrew Robinson, Jay Faerber, Brett Lewis, Moebius. More: <a href="https://t.co/58mox2tElG">https://t.co/58mox2tElG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HaloGear?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HaloGear</a> <a href="https://t.co/wRfvn1eGo4">pic.twitter.com/wRfvn1eGo4</a></p>— Dark Horse Comics (@DarkHorseComics) <a href="https://twitter.com/DarkHorseComics/status/1383095364941660160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2021</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p> And for a deeper dive on the history of the <em>Halo Graphic Novel</em>, check out yet another awesome video by the Halo Canon YouTube channel. </p>



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="The Importance of the Halo Graphic Novel" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p3TXfNHLcXE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">EXTENDED APPRECIATION</h2>



<p>Actually, speaking of cool ways to celebrate additional Halo lore, our friends at <a href="https://www.megaconstrux.com/en-us/halo/sets"><strong>Mega Construx</strong></a> have started showing off more awesome Halo sets, including new items like the Banished Brute Chopper, which also features Spartan-II stalwart Fred-104 to celebrate Blue Team’s epic conflict in the <strong><em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Halo-Shadows-Reach-Master-Chief/dp/1982143614">Halo: Shadows of Reach</a> </em></strong>novel alongside the Banished war chief Escharum. Make sure you’re following the <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/halogear">HaloGear</a> </strong>social channels for further details and keep a close eye out for more sets like this yet to come!</p>



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<p>And with that, we wrap up today’s festivities. Hope you have a great week! We’ll see you soon.</p>



<p>Until next time… Live well, play Halo, and this is my favorite blog on the Citadel.</p>



<p><strong><a href="https://twitter.com/grimbrotherone"><3 Grim</a></strong></p>


Peek Design

Spotlight: May 6, 2021

Esports


<p>Welcome back! This is the fourth installment in our blog series, <em>Designing the Halo Esports Ecosystem</em>. 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.</p>



<p><strong>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:</strong></p>



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



<p>So today we’re going to talk about sponsors!</p>



<p><em>Tashi, are you serious? Are we really talking about sponsors today?</em></p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>Ok, let’s get into it!</p>



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



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<p>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.</p>



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



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<p><strong> For Halo esports, we think about sponsors primarily in four different ways:</strong></p>



<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>



<p>So let’s get into it!</p>



<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>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>Until next time,</p>



<p>Tashi</p>


Tashi

Designing the Halo Esports Ecosystem – April

Inside Infinite – April 2021