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'Halo 5' doesn't have split-screen, but 'never say never'

Microsoft doesn't have any plans to launch Halo 5 with split-screen, but in a world of constantly updating consoles and streams of downloadable content, there's a sliver of hope for couch co-op fans, according to Microsoft General Manager of Games Publishing Shannon Loftis.

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engadget.com
-Foxtrot4000d ago

Never say never? Then why not just add it in.

Rookie_Monster4000d ago (Edited 4000d ago )

Funny you said that. Didn't Killzone SF also didn't have Co op split screen when it was released but was added later with a DLC patch? So why wasn't it added at the beginning for that game if it is so easy like you say.

MS already explain that maintaining 60fps is their priority with drop in drop out co op of up to 4 players and split screen just wouldn't work at this point. They could find a solution later and make it work just like BC of X360 games.

Edit below:
I am not crapping another game, I am just using it as an example that adding in a split screen co op mode is possible later on, it just so happen that that is the only game I could think of that added a split screen co op mode later. Chill out man. LOL

Sora_19944000d ago

I dont understand this mentality of gamers o my game of choice doesn't have this feature lets crap on another game that doesnt? like what?! he didnt say anything about killzone all he said was y not add it at launch like come on guys

KUV19774000d ago

Killzone SF has SplitScreen Coop now? That.Is.Awesome! Never knew that. Do the devs know?

sephiroth4204000d ago

no way i didnt know killzone has splitscreen, time to go over to my mates and try it out lol, splitscreen should be brought back for alot of games and added to alot of games, especially splitscreen online play.

B_Dawg4000d ago (Edited 4000d ago )

Ehh I just checked and Killzone Shadowfall does NOT HAVE SPLITSCREEN. Online co-op was added a year ago but no local co-op/splitscreen.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4000d ago
Gazondaily4000d ago (Edited 4000d ago )

Read the article:

"The priority feature for the release of Halo 5 was 60FPS, so that's what the team has been focused on delivering. But, you know, never say never. The glorious thing about Halo and about Xbox is that we can deliver continuous improvements to any experience"

It's not as easy as saying: "Hey Bob, can you get the game running on 60fps please. Oh yeah and throw in some split screen as well."

They are prioritising FPS over split screen for this (and quite rightly so). If they can manage to get split screen to work with it then they will do so.

Clown_Syndr0me4000d ago

It is a sad day when fps is more important tHan gameplay, and for me splitscreen is what made Halo.
Won't bother with this one until is included. I wish Devs would stop releasing games with content that was included in previous games missing.
I see it now...Halo 5 splitscreen DLC only £9.99!

Gazondaily4000d ago

"It is a sad day when fps is more important tHan gameplay, and for me splitscreen is what made Halo."

But FPS is intrinsic to gameplay. How smoothly the game runs is of paramount importance, especially when MP is concerned.

"I see it now...Halo 5 splitscreen DLC only £9.99!"

You say this about a company that has confirmed all DLC to be free for Halo 5?

mhunterjr4000d ago

@clown

FPS is part of gameplay... It's especially important in a first person shooter... In this day and age having a first person shooter running at 30FPS is blasphemy... On the other hand, gamers have been coping without couch co-op in shooters for nearly an entire generation. most shooters have ditched that concept...

I understand you won't buy halo unless it has split screen co-op. But I'm curious how many other games in your collection also lack the feature...

EveryPlatformGamer4000d ago

Exactly plus i am sure they have ways to monitor how many people use the split screen and how often.

Maybe its a small amount of gamers?
Also i commend them for making 60fps a priority!
It makes a massive difference.

But i also think a locked 30fps frame rate with the single player would of allowed them to push graphics even more.
Playing Halo MCC at 1080p 60fps is incredible!
and i can never go back to the 360s versions.

Iam just getting tired of all b.S people keep giving 343, no matter what they do people complain, GET OVER IT babies!!!

BiggerBoss4000d ago

@septic

So did the past Halo games suck just because they were 30fps?

Dont get me wrong, im glad theyre prioritizing 60 fps. But personally, id be fine if they drop it to 30 while in splitscreen. Why cant they do that?

vega2754000d ago (Edited 4000d ago )

Clown_syndrome

Let be honest here shall we. You were never going to buy halo weather it had split-screen or not. Most FPS games haven't had the feature since last gen and very rarely does any have it now on either console. Stop the BS.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4000d ago
Team_Litt4000d ago

DriveClub and weather? Because there is stuff they are still getting done.

Mega244000d ago

Split-screen is what made Halo... Halo. Spending weekends with 3 friends playing Slayer online, having lan parties, with multiple friends on just 2 xboxes, funniest and greatest times were made.

That's why people are reacting like this, only blind fanboys will say okay to the removal of a feature like that.

mhunterjr4000d ago (Edited 4000d ago )

They removed spit screen co-op only . You can still do the competitive MP with friends...

Palitera4000d ago

Agreed. This made sure that I won't buy the game.

It actually means that they are prioritizing GRAPHICS over gameplay and features; If they didn't spend so many resources on it, it would be possible to KEEP having 60fps and split screen.

But no, graphics are the one thing they cannot lower down. Everything else isn't.

vikingland14000d ago

I hate split screen because I don't want to share my screen. So there's that, not because I'm a blind fanboy.

Gamer7774000d ago

Maybe they are testing split screen performance?

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4000d ago
Zero1094000d ago (Edited 4000d ago )

They need to implement it (it may be added in later though but at launch would be better). Even if the campaign is reduced to 30 fps, it's playing with the other person beside you that really matters. I'm sure everyone would rather have that alternative than to not have local co-op at all.

Neonridr4000d ago

I loved playing the original Halo with my buddy in split screen.

spicelicka4000d ago

Yea they could just make it 30fps specifically for split-screen, even lower the resolution for split-screen i don't care. I get it's easier said than done, but it would make sense if they can manage.

Toiletsteak4000d ago

I am actually shocked that spit screen is still a big deal.

ddkshah4000d ago (Edited 4000d ago )

Yes it's a big deal!! Halo has always been big on that sitting on the couch with your friends game. Almost everyone I know who actually has friends usually exclusively play split screen multi-player. Do u even have friends, maybe boy/girlfriend? Then yes it is a big deal for people like me who do!!

poppinslops4000d ago (Edited 4000d ago )

Yeah, I hate sharing a screen... you can't see properly and the blended audio can be confusing.

That said, it'd be cool if they could bring the system link back... the framerate wouldn't need to suffer for co-op/competitive play, and that triple-screen Forza 6 demo was amazing.

tuglu_pati4000d ago

I never used it in my life, but i can see how some people may be disappointed.

ArrowofAres4000d ago

I hate split screen anyway, in competitive mp anyway

poppinslops4000d ago (Edited 4000d ago )

Back in the 90's I did a lot of 'cheating' on Goldeneye and Perfect Dark... it won me a lot of matches, but it wasn't as satisfying as hunting down an opponent by using sight, sound and good old-fashioned instinct.

ScorpiusX4000d ago

Hate couch co-op / hate splint screen beside hate having to lend controllers out would rather people stay home and Wreck their stuff . Best part of online play.

Allsystemgamer4000d ago (Edited 4000d ago )

So what you're saying is...you have no friends and because you dont, everyone who does should suffer for it? Nice mentality.

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180°

Halo art director leaves studio after 17 years with ominous message alluding to discontent

Glenn Israel writes: "As of today and after seventeen long years, I am officially no longer contributing to the Halo universe. There is little more I can say for the moment, though I intend to share this particular story in its entirety when it is absolutely safe to do so next year. In the meantime, I have a message for anyone and everyone who needs to hear it.

I know that the state of our industry seems dire, but never forget that you are *free to choose*. No illusion of security nor promise of wealth or fame or power is worth trading away your health, your dignity, your ethics or values - and no one can force you to. Stay strong, take evidence when necessary, and find where you belong."

Read Full Story >>
linkedin.com
Bathyj232d ago

My god.
There's a story for next year.

VenomUK232d ago

I’m really disappointed to learn there are still people/morale problems. I thought the whole point of rebranding 343i to Halo Studios was to signal that real changes had been made - not to cynically rebrand to paper over the problems.

I really hope the Halo CE remake is great and gets people hyped for the future of the series.

DarXyde231d ago

It's inevitable with the modern landscape. Even if some issues have been assuaged, new ones crop up all the time.

I'm willing to bet AI and the lack of regulation is causing substantial upset.

shinXseijuro232d ago (Edited 232d ago )

He said something very marking . We tend to complain a lot about the industry but deep down I realize that we never have we been offered this crazy amount of games all available for you to play now . You can literally play any sorts of games in 2025 . Nobody is forcing you to buy the latest COD or the latest BF . You’re more of a 8 bit cozy gaming guy there’s a whole niche of modern games for that . You like micromanaging there’s games for that . I feel like we have been spoiled so much we just stopped being realistic and thinking for ourselves . We follow trends cry about stuff online when you are the buyer you have the power .

Notellin231d ago

I'm not buying any games until another Immersive sim is made.

PhillyDonJawn232d ago

....wth happened over there?
Does this confirm a new Halo by next year?
What did they want him to do that made him feel it was morally wrong or a insult to his integrity?

-Foxtrot232d ago

Well how about that, a name change doesn’t fix internal issues

Who would have thought

jznrpg232d ago

MS was throwing money around for a long time but now it’s time to pay the Piper.

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110°

Halo 4 & Halo 5: Guardians Sales Reached Nearly 10 Million Units Worldwide

Lifetime sales of 343 Industries' first-person shooters, Halo 4 and Halo 5: Guardians, reached nearly 10 million units worldwide each.

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twistedvoxel.com
Sciurus_vulgaris323d ago

There were reports that Halo 4 and Halo 5 had similar sales to Halo: Reach years ago. The clickbait websites and rage bait YouTubers from 2012-2016 just wanted to spread excessive negativity about the franchise for their own benefit.

VenomUK321d ago

What did Halo: Infinite sell?

Sciurus_vulgaris321d ago

I don’t know. However, I would assume around 10 million. All the Halo FPS titles have done around 10 million sales, except ODST. Halo 3, was reported to exceed 14 million copies. I still remember back in 2007-2008, Halo 3 and COD 4 would duke it out for the most played XBL game.

MrNinosan321d ago

@Sciurus

There is NO WAY Infinite sold 10 million. Wake up dude.
Once upon a time, there was gamers on the Xbox side who actually bought games. Those times are since long gone.

Infinite has most likely not even hit 5 million sales

slate91322d ago

Nearly 10 million units and killing the brand is crazy work. Nicely done.

peppeaccardo321d ago

This New: Putting chocolate chips on top of a freshly made dog turd .....

1Victor321d ago

So let me get this straight in almost 13 years both games sold a combined 10 millions units.
Now I’m not going to use the obscured mentality and compared it to the amount of consoles sold and say it’s a failure 🤷🏿

thesoftware730321d ago (Edited 321d ago )

1Victor,

Halo 4 and Halo 5: Guardians, reached nearly 10 million units worldwide "each."

Read it again, there is a word in there that clears up your misunderstanding.

1Victor321d ago

@thesoftware720
I apologize I skimmed through the article and the headline blinded me and stuck in my mind thank you for the correction 👍👍

AuraAbjure321d ago (Edited 321d ago )

Halo 4 is the best multiplayer ever! It’s even better than Titanfall 2. I admit Halo 4 got CoDified but there’s nothing wrong with taking inspiration from other games sometimes and halo 4 did it sooooo well with that speed boost plus sword combo and SAW plus damage booth combo, holy guacamole 🥑

Some crucial improvements to halo 4 could’ve been to boost the power of the AA sentinel, and whenever matchmaking pits people against each other with an armor abilities turned off completely then the map needs to routinely spawn, plentiful, predictable, power weapons. Also, all frame rate drops are unacceptable for a halo game during split-split screen or couch co-op. Just dynamically scale the resolution of the game down but whatever happens don’t let the framer dip in a Halo game for the love of all that is holy and good!

My personal gameplay of getting 30 kills in a 4 v. 4 game of team slayer up to 60.

https://youtu.be/ZYDvior_K-...

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180°

Halo 5 dev recalls the “frustrating” marketing that misrepresented the series’ most-hated entry

Halo 5: Guardians lead concept artist Darren Bacon explains that the game's marketing was completely seperate to the game's development.

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videogamer.com
FortWaba402d ago (Edited 402d ago )

No issue with the marketing. The story was complete garbage.

-Foxtrot402d ago

The marketing wasn't the issue, it just felt 343 were so bothered about getting Halo away from being known as a Bungie franchise that they tried to introduce so many changes to counter this.

It felt like they were trying to replace Chief as a character thus the big push on Agent Locke (he even got his own mini series). Chief was even in less missions in comparison.

Introduced squads which forced single player gamers to be paired up with 3 AI players over drop in / drop out co-op.

Cortana was butchered, ruining that relationship between Chief and Cortana we all liked. Would have been fine if the twist was the Didact was secretly controlling her or something but nothing. Did she come back in Infinite? Nope. Killed off screen in a sudden 180 to her villainous turn and replaced by a copy since they knew they screwed up.

Expected you to have read all the novels and the like to understand who Blue Team were and their relationship to Chief, had no build up to the characters and it felt like they expected you to like them without it being earned.

Everything they did felt like change for the sake of change, to mark it was a 343 game not a Bungie one and it's hilarious as they tried to f*** around with the multiplayer in Halo 4 to make it their own before reverting things in Guardians.

darthv72402d ago

I didnt mind the switching off between John and Locke... it reminded me of Halo 2 and having the Arbiter levels to trade off to.

The story was okay for me. They had to do something different as the first three games were done and there needed to be new story going in a new direction. I get the die hard fans may not have liked it, but playing it for what it is... its perfectly fine. Its a continuation of halo 4, which itself was a nice original take on the formula.

Now bring on the disagrees.

cl1983402d ago

It reminded me of Halo 2 and I honestly dislike the switching in 2 and 5. The devs should of just had cuts scenes for the Arbiter and for Locke.

Elit3Nick402d ago

Booting the ur-Didact from the games was one of the greatest narrative mistakes they made (after bringing back a logic-plagued Cortana, of course). Even if you had to read the Forerunner novels to understand his history, he was one of the most complex characters in the series, and he should have remained as an enduring part of the universe.

I'm happy that he at least got a send-off in Halo: Epitaph, but it shouldn't have gotten to that point.

XiNatsuDragnel402d ago

No issues it's just wasn't good story at least my friend it wasn't well written.

Tacoboto402d ago

Yeah it says a lot about the management of 343 at the time that they could have a marketing campaign be so disconnected in tone and story from the game it's supposed to be about.

I'd imagine it would be frustrating for the developers that the marketing beats seemed far cooler than what you were stuck making. Maybe it would've been better if 343 just continued the story from their previous game but nooo they couldn't be bothered to do that even once

entra80402d ago

its the worst halo game the story the map all was garbage

cl1983402d ago

I'd like to introduce you to Halo infinite.

coolbeans401d ago

You are off your damn rocker if you think Infinite's story is worse than 5's. Just by cleaning up 5's worse elements off-screen makes it a default improvement.

PhillyDonJawn401d ago (Edited 401d ago )

Campaign wise Halo infinite was better due to setting. (Open world, different approaches, setting and mission tasks)

story wise Halo 5 was better. Infinite was literally all over the place. It's like they scrapped the OG story and tried to piece some sht together. They unalived important ppl off screen!!! (Spoiler free) Ruining the main plot of Halo 5 and infinite like wth!!! That alone made the "story" worse than 5. They have to reboot the series now or pull some story where these characters are still alive. (I believe the end reveals 1 is.)

@Beans i disagree with that last statement doing it off screen when that was the main plot and a huge deal is the wrong move. We legit should've got a boss battle that did that. It seem so unsatisfying and anticlimactic. We were suppose to get an IRobot/terminator type of ending and instead we get some off screen sht 😒 We couldve had Halo 4 level emotion, instead it was done as filler

cl1983401d ago (Edited 401d ago )

@Coolbeans and @phillydonjawn

Infinites story was so disjointed due to the level design. It wasn't and in my opinion still not replay able. It felt worse then the ending to Starfield.

I'm saying this as a person who's still going through playing the MCC to finish out playlists, and has Ten's of Thousands of hours in Halo since CE.

Tacoboto401d ago

The literal ending to Starfield or the closing missions? Because some of those missions were actually pretty great in my opinion. Especially Entangled.

Halo 5 had a worse story I felt than Infinite but I agree on its lack of replayability. The single PNW biome is tiring and everything not green and foresty outside is metallic and reflective inside.

Multiplayer is solid but lags behind 5 too I feel. At least it still does get some new content even as they're openly abandoning Infinite's tech for UE.

Notellin322d ago

Halo Infinite and Halo 5 both had equally bad stories that completely ignored the previous entry. There's nothing to redeem from either game. The best thing for Halo is to do reboot, let that fail, and then end the series forever.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 322d ago
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