Community

Community Spotlight

Welcome to our debut Community Corner blog!



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/spotlight-july-7-2022" target="_blank">In our last Community Spotlight</a>, we announced that this particular offering will be expanding and there will be three “spotlight” blogs in rotation on a bi-monthly cadence.



<ul><li>Halo Spotlight: the spotlight you know and love, slightly shorter by default now to make room for these additional features.</li><li>Community Corner: a new blog series dedicated to spotlighting and interviewing individual members of the community.</li><li>Spotlight Evolved: a new blog series dedicated to different aspects of the Halo franchise and its connections with different communities.</li></ul>



We want to celebrate the Halo community and everything it’s got to offer, and this triptych will enable us to give a regular “broader picture” of fan creations, speak more closely with individual creators, and spotlight various communities and topics that stand as pillars of the franchise and fanbase.



For our first Community Corner, we are joined today by UberNick for a discussion about his history with Halo, his journey into streaming, what wisdom he has to impart to those who might be looking to follow a similar path, and more!



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Hello, Nick! Thank you very much for giving us some of your time for our debut Community Corner, why don’t you introduce yourself? Where can we find you online?



Hey! I’m Nick and I have been a massive Halo fan since 2008, I began creating content online in late 2009 and I’ve been obsessed ever since. I am also a content creator for the HCS partnered team Spacestation Gaming!



You can find me on <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/UberNickYT" target="_blank">YouTube</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.twitch.tv/ubernick" target="_blank">Twitch</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/UberNick" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/ubernick/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>—all with the tag @UberNick



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Nicktana.jpg" alt="UberNick in a truly astonishing Cortana cosplay" class="wp-image-42453" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Nicktana.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Nicktana-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Nicktana-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Nicktana-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Nicktana-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/Nicktana-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption> An iconick look while raising money for the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://gamersoutreach.org/" target="_blank">Gamers Outreach charity organization</a>.</figcaption></figure>



Tell us about your Halo origin story. Where did this great journey begin for you and how has it progressed over the years?



So, as I mentioned above, I started in 2008 with Halo 3. I actually hated it the first time I played it as I was on Legendary difficulty and, being a total noob, I was very frustrated… Turns out starting on the highest difficulty might not have been the best idea!



But being the little achievement hunter I was, I went back to it later, changed the difficulty, and fell in love from there.



I’ve loved every Halo game since. They all offer me something that I enjoy, even the likes of Halo Wars—which is a totally different genre—has taken many hours from me.



I got into making videos with the Bungie Pro service that allowed me to render my Theater mode clips into actual videos that I then used to make some simple videos. From there, I upgraded my equipment until I no longer needed that service, and the rest is history.



Ah, I remember those days! That was the origin of a lot of incredible creativity in the community, we saw so many different groups spring up in the wake of how strongly they were empowered to create and share content.



How did you end up deciding to go full-time with streaming? Was there a moment that, looking back, changed the trajectory of your content creation journey?



I was working an office job I really disliked when, one day, I was called into my boss’s office and told I was being let go due to a shortage of work.



It was at this moment I thought to myself “I either dive head-first into trying to make content creation work, or I give up the dream.”



So, I gave myself three months to make something happen. Luckily, at the end of those three months, I uploaded a video that blew up and completely changed the direction of my channel forever, so I just rode that wave and it has worked out so far!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/NickChamp.jpg" alt="Image of UberNick holding a BTB Bonanza belt" class="wp-image-42467" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/NickChamp.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/NickChamp-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/NickChamp-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/NickChamp-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/NickChamp-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/NickChamp-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption> UberNick assumes the Mantle of Responsibility (colorized).</figcaption></figure>



As the Master Chief himself once said, we made our own luck. What was your first goal when you first started streaming? Did you aspire to get to where you are now?



My goal was—and still is—to create a fun environment for people to come and relax in. They don’t have to worry about their IRL problems as they just sit back and have a laugh with me on my stream. I’ve always just tried to be that friend you watch play Halo while having nothing but a good time.



I also always dreamed of being part of an incredible gaming organisation, In September of last year I was asked to join Spacestation as their first Halo content creator which has been incredible so far.



That’s actually such a wonderful way to put it! Whether it was a sibling or friend, I think a lot of us can relate to having someone who we either watched or watched us play Halo on the couch back in the day—and now we can gather online to share that experience together.



What advice would you give to younger UberNick at the start of his Halo journey—and to other folks who are looking to get into streaming themselves but may not be familiar with some of the challenges?



Just focus solely on what you enjoy doing. Don’t worry about what other people are doing as it becomes very obvious when you’re trying to replicate someone else’s success instead of creating your own.



I fell into this trap a lot in the early days, it’s very easy to do, but eventually I started digging my way out and found myself being a lot happier and having a lot more success because of it. Find your voice, your unique “thing.”



It also takes time. A lot of it. I’ve been full time with content creation for five years and I still learn something new on a regular basis.



Naturally, we have to ask the big question: what’s your favorite Halo game and why?



Halo 3.



Maybe it’s my nostalgia talking, but when I think of Halo 3 I’m just filled with pure bliss. Getting home from school and playing customs with my friends, or Lone Wolves trying to raise my rank, or even playing the campaign over and over never got old to me.



Halo 3 represents a very happy time in my life, and it always will. 



Which Halo character do you feel you relate to the most?



My favorite character is Jorge. I’ve always felt this strange connection to him ever since I first played Reach.



I always have tried to look out for everyone around me in my real life and the sacrifice Jorge made—not only for the rest of Noble Team but the entire planet of Reach—really struck a chord with me.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/JorgeNick.jpg" alt="Screenshot of Jorge-052 from Halo: Reach alongside UberNick" class="wp-image-42481" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/JorgeNick.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/JorgeNick-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/JorgeNick-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/JorgeNick-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/JorgeNick-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/07/JorgeNick-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption> “Better get going, Nick, they’re gonna need you down there!”</figcaption></figure>



What are some of the things that you love about the Halo community?



The amount of incredible talent within the Halo community is a joy to watch. Whether it’s artists, or YouTubers making incredibly fun videos, the Halo community is filled with some of the best people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.



I also love the passion. Halo fans don’t agree on everything, but we all want the same thing: the success of Halo. I have never seen a community just as passionate as ours.



As a fellow member of the Forerunner Council for Halo Infinite, what did that mean for you as such a big fan of the series?



It was the biggest honor to be invited to the Forerunner council. At the end of the day, I am just a Halo fanboy, so getting to play even a tiny role in Halo Infinite’s launch was a dream come true.



What’s a random fun fact about you?



I am 6ft 4” 🙂



Pineapple on pizza, yay or nay?



Yes, but I would never order it personally. (I’d always steal a slice though.)



Are there any exciting things coming up that we should keep a lookout for on your channel?



I’ve had a very busy year with plans of moving to the US, so for now I am just going to be getting my YouTube content back on track and continuing to create the best possible stream environment I can!



We wish you all the very best with the move! Lastly, are there any folks out there you want to give a shoutout to?



Big shoutout to the Halo community, we all have different opinions but we all just love Halo.



And also to my girlfriend SJ (OathxX), we met because of Halo which I think is pretty darn cool!



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Be sure to go and check out Nick’s channels for some top-quality Halo entertainment. As a reminder, you can catch him on <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/UberNickYT" target="_blank">YouTube</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.twitch.tv/ubernick" target="_blank">Twitch</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/UberNick" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/ubernick/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.



Huge thanks to Nick for taking the time to join us for this first Community Corner piece, we can’t wait to speak with more of you and learn about your great journeys with Halo!

Alex Wakeford

Issue 001

Community Corner: UberNick

Games

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Modding Evolved, Part 2

Cutting Room Corps

Book Preview

Fiction

Halo Infinite

The UNSC Infinity is under attack!

Halo: The Rubicon Protocol – Preview 1

Halo Infinite fan art by ImShizo

Spotlight: July 7, 2022

Esports

ACEND ARE YOUR HCS VALENCIA 2022 CHAMPIONS!

Modding Evolved, Part 1

Cutting Room Floor

Halo Infinite – Campaign Network Co-Op Preview

The first half of the HCS 2022 Season has been full of exciting moments from incredible plays in the game to amazing experiences shared with you all at HCS live events. And if it’s any indication of how the second half of the Season will be, then buckle up because we’re in for a heck of a ride particularly for our last two events the HCS Orlando Major and the Halo World Championship 2022. 



Today we want to pull back the curtain on these events and talk about what you can expect.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="310" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/image-62bb22049278a-1024x310.png" alt="" class="wp-image-40634" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/image-62bb22049278a-1024x310.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/image-62bb22049278a-300x91.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/image-62bb22049278a-768x232.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/image-62bb22049278a.png 1447w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Halo World Championship 2022: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-world-championship-2022">(Full Event Details)</a>



<ul><li>Venue: Seattle Convention Center (formerly known as Washington State Convention Center) 705 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101</li><li>Date: October 20 – 23 (Spectators allowed October 21-23 only) </li><li>Event Type: World Championship </li><li>Regional Eligibility: Global  </li><li>Broadcast channels: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.twitch.tv/halo/" target="_blank">Twitch</a> and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWRlMArGqt607LYdhlrrYVA" target="_blank">YouTube</a> </li><li>Spectator and VIP tickets –Available 6/29 at 10am pt on EventBrite: <a href="https://haloworldchampionship.eventbrite.com">https://haloworldchampionship.eventbrite.com</a> </li><li>Main Tournament Prize Pool: $1,000,000 </li><li>FFA Prize Pool: $5,000</li></ul>



HCS Orlando Major: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/Orlando2022">(Full Event Details)</a>



<ul><li>Venue: Orange County Convention Center – 9800 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819</li><li>Date: September 23-25 </li><li>Event Type: Major </li><li>Regional Eligibility: Global  </li><li>Broadcast channels: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.twitch.tv/halo/" target="_blank">Twitch</a> and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWRlMArGqt607LYdhlrrYVA" target="_blank">YouTube</a> </li><li>Spectator and VIP tickets: Available 6/29 at 10am pt on EventBrite: <a href="https://hcsmajororlando.eventbrite.com">https://hcsmajororlando.eventbrite.com</a> </li><li>Team Pass – Available August 15 @ 10am pt.</li><li>4v4 Prize Pool: Starts at $250,000 </li><li>FFA Prize Pool: $5,000</li></ul>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="610" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/image-62bb2a4479b32-1024x610.png" alt="" class="wp-image-40648" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/image-62bb2a4479b32-1024x610.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/image-62bb2a4479b32-300x179.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/image-62bb2a4479b32-768x457.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/image-62bb2a4479b32.png 1427w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



At the center of the Halo World Championship experience is the biggest and most prestigious tournament of the year. It’s critically important to us however that the event feel welcome to Halo fans whether you enjoy social multiplayer, the rich story and lore, the epic campaigns, and everything in-between. In spirit, we want the Halo World Championship to feel like a “Halo Fest” or sorts – the destination each year that has something for all Halo fans, where you can play Halo with your friends and family, hear the latest news, and take part in fun activities. 



While we’re still locking in all of the details and what you can expect, here’s a brief glimpse into some of the extra activities taking place at the Halo World Championship that you’ll be able to take part in:



<ul><li>Development panels</li><li>Cosplay Contest</li><li>Artist panels</li><li>Meet and greet with members of 343 Industries </li><li>Partnered team and sponsor booths</li><li>Free Play Halo Infinite LAN stations</li><li>Special guest appearances and signings</li></ul>



This is just the start and in the coming months we’ll be
growing this list and adding the experience. Additionally, we will look to
build on the experience year over year in hope to deliver unforgettable
memories to share as a global Halo community under one roof. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">VIP
EXPERIENCE UPGRADES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/i-RPgghhh-X3-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-40676" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/i-RPgghhh-X3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/i-RPgghhh-X3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/i-RPgghhh-X3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/i-RPgghhh-X3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/i-RPgghhh-X3-1568x1046.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/i-RPgghhh-X3.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



For the event VIPs we are also upgrading the experience in multiple key areas including viewing experience, exclusive commemorative items and experiential opportunities, and much more. 



Here’s what the VIP Experience Includes so far, and we will
be adding to it in the coming months to stay tuned to see the latest!



<ul><li>Dedicated Entry Line at Check-In</li><li>Access to the VIP Lounge and private bar</li><li>Limited Edition VIP Credential</li><li>Exclusive Production Tour on Friday morning with backstage access and onstage photo opportunity.<ul><li>A rundown of the venue and various areas including knowledge and insight on what it takes to get everything set up and working</li></ul><ul><li>The tour ends with an opportunity to get on the main stage for a group photo</li></ul><ul><li>More information will be emailed out closer to the event</li></ul></li><li>Early access to the Free-for-All Competition Check-in (30 minutes before general admission)</li><li>Chance to win Exclusive Surprise Giveaways</li><li>10% off on HCS Apparel and Merchandise</li><li>VIPs will earn the “Grand Finals” exclusive Twitch Drop. (without having to watch Grand Finals on Twitch)</li><li>Early access to merch store on Friday</li><li>Exclusive VIP Swag Bag including HaloWC Poster</li><li>Exclusive VIP Meet and Greet with 343 and Guest Celebrities</li><li>Exclusive chance to win a tour of the 343 Industries studio</li><li>Opportunity to be a judge for the cosplay contest.</li><li>Activity Fast Pass<ul><li>Playable stations</li></ul><ul><li>Signings and panels</li></ul></li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">COSPLAY CONTEST</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="658" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/i-ncV4cdS-X4-1024x658.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-40662" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/i-ncV4cdS-X4-1024x658.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/i-ncV4cdS-X4-300x193.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/i-ncV4cdS-X4-768x493.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/i-ncV4cdS-X4-1536x986.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/i-ncV4cdS-X4-1568x1007.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/06/i-ncV4cdS-X4.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



For the first time at an official HCS event we will be hosting a cosplay contest! The Halo community’s creativity and dedication to their craft knows no bounds, and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate. While full rules are still on the way, we wanted signal that the contest was happening as soon as we could so that cosplayers could prepare. Additionally, the contest has a $5,000 prize pool and will feature multiple judging stages from members of 343 Industries and luminaries in the Halo community. 



Be on the lookout for more details in the coming week and months.