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I’m sure you’ve all seen Bungie’s EDGE acceptance speech, and all the things they put in the video, whether they be teasers/spoilers, and whether they’re just playing with us. The Halo community is going ape-crazy about the video and what it could possibly mean for the future of Halo.

As for us at the RPWS, we’re taking all the informaton in the video with a pinch of salt. The end result probably won’t be exactly what we want, or what we’re looking for, or what we think it is. However, in the unlikely scenario that it IS what we think it is, then there is a very strong outlook for the future of the RPWS.

The two things from the video that the community is speculating about that we are specifically looking at are the newer “map editor”, and the AI possibility.

Map Editor

The new editor is probably the biggest thing that can benefit the RPWS. With the opportunity to make true custom maps, the number of “venues” for the series can be drastically improved. Players can give feedback as to what they would like in a map, and brand new arenas, suitable for all gametypes, can be crafted to meet the needs of the series.

We do hope that there will be a new editor, or if not, at least an improvement on the current Forge. While there are some great custom maps out there (for example MLG’s Onslaught and Amplified), not all of them are suitable for our needs, and wide variety of gametypes. Still, there is the possibility out there.

AI

Having AI available, whether it be in Forge or in custom game settings, would enable us to create a new breed of custom gametypes. Whereas up until now, there has been a limited set of gametypes that can be played, having AI additions would enable new possibilites.

Players vs AI in an Infection style game, AI supplementing the players in mercenary style games, or just having additional AI around to kill and be killed by - all these possibilities would be available if AI were enabled. It is very exciting to think that something so small as other opponents on the map that will play the way you want them to can change the game in so many ways.

Both of these things are major improvements to the game that, if true, have probably taken a lot of backend work by the Bungie developers. It needs to be understood that these features may not actually be coming, and that the video was just to tease us into making us think that they were coming. But if they are, then the RPWS has a very bright future ahead. Just as long as people show up

The 2008 Summer season 2 is suspended until further notice. I’m unable to make a good few of the game weekends for the next couple of months, and without another full-time co-ordinator to take the helm and run the gameweeks, I have no choice but to suspend it until I can get someone.

It is likely that the season will not go ahead at all, but instead efforts will be focused on the ‘08 Autumn season, starting October. I should be available for that season, and should have a few others to help out as well. The starting time will also be moved back to 6pm EST, to better accomodate players.

Once again, we apologize for this, but the circumstances make it very hard to hold the season. If people are around, I’m sure that a tournament or two can be held before October.

“Signups”, per se, are open for Summer Season 2, starting August 3rd at 8pm EST.
When I say per se, it’s mainly because you don’t particularly have to signup to play. All you do is just send a Friend Request to RPWS Members or post asking that one be sent to you, and then just show up on the night and join the party! But it would be nice to post here saying you’ll play, allowing us to keep track of things

Also, there will be a few “incentives” for Summer Season 2. If the season is played out to completion (i.e. all 8 weeks played in full), then the winner of the season will get a choice of either a 12-month Xbox Live card, or a 4000 MS Points card! Plus, second and third place will get either a 3-month card or a 1600 Point card! It’s player’s choice as to what you want (as long as Amazon still have stocks ), so if you want a chance turn up and play!

And on a side note, the site underwent a few upgrades as well. You’ll see the news articles and forums look a lot more alike now. I’m still not sure how it looks in IE though, so if it looks a little weird - not my fault! Any bug reports are appreciated!

Anyway, hope to see you Sunday week!

The 2008 Summer Season 2 will begin on Sunday, August 3rd at 8pm EST. The season will run for 8 weeks, ending on September 21st.

Schedule

Summer Season 2 will retain most of the same schedule as Season 1, with a slightly different ordering. The schedule may change during the season if there are any changes in map availability.

• Foundry, Snowbound, Guardian, Cold Storage, The Pit, Epitaph, Construct, Narrows

All gameweeks will start at 8pm EST, and last no longer than one hour (in the event of qualifying)/45 minutes (no qualifying). An absolute minimum of 8 players is needed for a gameweek to be official, and in the event of a gameweek taking place with less than 8 players, half points will be awarded.

Scoring

Scoring for Summer Season 2 will follow the revised scoring system, intended to make the overall scoring gap between the winner and those that finish near the bottom closer.

Non-qualifiers score 25 points for each game they are unable to compete in. If a player drops out in the middle of the gameweek, players who did not qualify will be invited back to participate in the official game, and will score normal points, instead of the 25 points for a DNQ.

Maps

New for the second season, all maps will now have two official RPWS variants - one with equipment, power-ups and turrets, and the other without. This is to allow tweaked weapon spawns, positions and other possible changes as asked for by the community.

Custom Gametypes

Custom gametypes may now also be played on completely customised maps. The community may submit gametypes and associated maps (if any) for possible inclusion into the Custom gametype list.

That’s most of the information for Season 2. If you need any extra info, feel free to ask in reply to this news post, or in the forums.

Due to a severe lack of players these past couple of weeks, it has been decided that the end of Summer Season 1 will be cancelled - and instead focus will be put on getting Summer Season 2 going.

The half-points Construct results will be made official and will count towards the overall Summer Season 1 standings, but will not count towards the All-Time standings.

Summer Season 2 will start the 3rd of August and run for 8 weeks, ending September 21st. After that there will be a one week break before the start of the 2008 Autumn Season, spanning 10 weeks from October 5th to December 7th, and will take place at 5pm EST, rather than at 8pm EST.

Summer Season 2 will also begin using the new scoring system for matches. More information can be found on those changes here.

Further details regarding Summer Season 2 will be announced shortly.