Halo Waypoint details mapped out, Career mode revealed

Microsoft details Xbox Live's forthcoming all-Halo channel, reveals achievement-collating recognition system and awards.

Because sometimes achievements aren't enough.

Three months after Halo Waypoint's existence was revealed, Microsoft has released the first screens and video of it in action. Initially billed as "a new destination for Halo fans on Xbox Live," the channel for the Xbox 360's online service is exactly that, serving up exclusive content and collating players' achievements across all Halo games.

As outlined in the video below, Halo Waypoint will feature a section called Intel, which includes bonus information on installments in the Bungie-created series past and present. It will also feature content related to non-game Halo projects, such as the Halo Legends anime collection and spin-off novels. Microsoft's all-Halo imprint, 343 Industries, will update this section with new content every day, some of which will be gamer-generated.

Now you can tell your parents you're making a career out of playing Halo and technically not be lying.

Catering to the fetishistic obsessiveness of the shooter's hardcore fans, Halo Waypoint will also feature a new Career section. This section collates all achievements earned in Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, Halo Wars, and all related downloadable content and "converts them into an overall ranking and recognition system."

On top of achievements, Waypoint Career will add Waypoint Milestones, which use achievement points like role-playing game experience points to increase a player's Halo Waypoint level. It will also add Waypoint Awards, which are awarded for groups of achievements with a similar subject, such as particular weapons and vehicles.

Halo Waypoint goes live on November 5 and will be open to all Xbox Live subscribers until November 26. From that point on, it will be accessible only by subscription-paying Xbox Live Gold members.

118 Comments

  • LordKingboat

    Posted Nov 8, 2009 2:24 pm PT

    The whole "idea" has taken gaming to a brand new level! Being awarded achievements for achieving, awesome idea!

  • IKIRYIPT

    Posted Nov 3, 2009 6:38 pm PT

    I was a halo fan boy and then came gears which i admit has its flaws just like halo but are both very good titles but this got me back into the halo series this is genius and i think u will see more games doing this in the near future *cough* gears of war 3 please !! u have to acutually experience it to enjoy it plus awards c'mon i have unlocked the monitor for a prop that flys around my avatar and a full blown odst trooper avatar outfit which has to be earned which gives u a since of pride instead of just buying it keep the inivation up bungie major props..

  • JoJoStarFire

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 7:47 pm PT

    Same thing here, I got the preview, and I got my little monitor, there is a video on Youtube, on how the armor and the helmets are going to look. I think they look neat. Going to buy me Halo ODST next month

  • clintbrew

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 7:27 pm PT

    i got halo waypoint already cus i got the Update preview and i like it cus it unlocked avatar awards sofar i unlock the Eyeball monitor from the Halo games as a prop

  • DamnedApples

    Posted Oct 22, 2009 3:54 pm PT

    I like Halo, but I've definitely had more fun with some other shooters (007 Golden-eye, SW BF1 and 2, L4D). I really amuses is me is that some people seem to take a new Halo release as a threat to their own existence and have to reaffirm themselves by spewing out every bit of malcontent they have for it on forums....when nobody actually cares....

    just shut up already. Nobody cares how much you hate a franchise. The same goes for every one out there. Xbox360, PS3, Wii, or PC haters, go crawl under a rock and figure out some other way to reaffirm your existences instead of trolling these forums with your trash and giving everybody a headache.

  • jeffv541

    Posted Oct 22, 2009 3:07 pm PT

    I am sick of halo and I am sick of you.

  • okassar

    Posted Oct 22, 2009 1:53 pm PT

    As a Halo fanboy, I like this, lol, for people who don't have a Halo game, this means nothing.

  • denicola_a_god

    Posted Oct 22, 2009 10:10 am PT

    looks like a a pretty featurepacked service gonna enjoy using it for halo 3 and odst

  • dracosummoner

    Posted Oct 21, 2009 11:06 pm PT

    There's going to be content based off the spin-off novels? Sweet!

    I'm really sorry if I missed the answer to this somewhere, but do these achievements retroactively activate for players who have already had them for a while?

  • Barighm

    Posted Oct 21, 2009 8:17 pm PT

    Dunno why ODST is still being referred to as an "expansion". There is technically more in ODST than there is in Halo 3: everything equivalent to what was in 3, plus a couple new weapons, game mode, and every single multi-player map available.
    Still, MS is going a little overboard with this. They should really have more class and just focus on producing a great game, something I have to question these days since I think a monkey has infiltrated Bungie's design department (A blinding red light when you get damaged? What moron came up with that idea? I couldn't fricken see!!). The odd novel or two is fine, but all of this extra stuff is starting to feel like athletes advertising Coke.

  • damo320

    Posted Oct 21, 2009 6:58 pm PT

    To: vf21x

    You trying to say that people using Waypoint have no life is hypocritical because anyone could say the same about a person who is bothered commenting negatively on a product they're obviously not interested in.

    You really thought that one out.

  • Trentdo

    Posted Oct 21, 2009 6:54 pm PT

    cool more halo till reach

  • Vanshluuugnheim

    Posted Oct 21, 2009 12:54 pm PT

    More Halo is never a bad thing!!!

  • Killingspree303

    Posted Oct 21, 2009 7:04 am PT

    Nice! Just what I needed right now

  • duke-nukem11

    Posted Oct 21, 2009 12:24 am PT

    i dont get halo. the 1st one was great. but then it has gotten out of control. ill stick to killzone

  • Glade_Gnarr

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 10:58 pm PT

    So like battle.net?

  • fionndruinne

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 6:29 pm PT

    "fetishistic obsessiveness" eh? Hmm, thanks Gamespot.

  • Lachesis_001

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 5:06 pm PT

    Awesome! Now there is more of a reason to get Halo related Achievements

  • Jaggermaster

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 4:20 pm PT

    @Chyaku
    You're forgetting the part where all the money that was made from the Halo games were used to make the next Halo game. That's milking it? Yeah right, try some more, kid. .

    It applies the other way around too NO WAY.

    Your point?! xD

  • Chyaku

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 4:17 pm PT

    @jaggermaster
    You're forgetting the part where all the money that was made from the MGS games were used to make the next MGS game. That's milking it? Yeah right, try some more, kid.

  • FLEEBS

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 4:09 pm PT

    Pretty interesting. Can't wait to check it out.

  • Jaggermaster

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 3:31 pm PT

    @fps_d0minat0r

    Buddy MGS4 is rendered at 1024x768
    Halo 3 is rendered at 1138x640.

    Both are sub HD Your point?! There are 28 MGS games until now That's right, twenty-eight games. if that's not milking... ]
    Have nothing against MGS series just that fanboys like you come here to say that Halo is milked!!!(Woohoo big surprise) when there are games being milked before you were even born.

    50 gb of 90 min uncompressed cutscenes.

    Milking is a big part in the gaming industry everybody does it
    get over it.

    Yes milking applies only to MS games for you

  • SpiritOfFire117

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 2:55 pm PT

    No fps d0minat0r. "Milking" is only a term that only seems to apply to Halo. Judging from your avatar if something similar were to be on PSN but MGS related you wouldn't complain one bit. As a big MGS fan myself, I'd like that and so far I like the idea of Waypoint, being a big Halo fan. Also your logic for ODST is flawed and the game is by no means low quality or unfinished in the least bit.

  • Sharkcruiser5

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 2:51 pm PT

    zomg awesome!!

  • fps_d0minat0r posted Oct 20, 2009 2:31 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    fps_d0minat0r

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 2:31 pm PT (hide)

    @ Jaggermaster

    do you even know what the term "milking" means?

    if they released MGS4 and it didnt do atleast 720p native and had last gen physics, graphics AI and relied on snake to sell, that would be called "milking"

    buying 50 gigs of quality for £40 isnt called being milked.

    buying an expansion with 2 weapons, 3 maps and 1 new game mode for £40 is called being milked....putting out low quality unfinished stuff for consumers to buy.......ODST.

  • Darkbeyond

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 2:24 pm PT

    K vf21x you loser jsut because we paly games doesn't make us losers so don't commet. And anyway this looks great can't wait. =)

  • datniccah187

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 1:28 pm PT

    I like it. Halo is like no other game when it comes to actual online content out of the game. As far as your stats, i think the ability to see your stats from any match you've played in your entire lifetime is increditable.

  • gamermanps2

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 1:22 pm PT

    Maybe there could be some way to meet other Halo players on this service so you could party up for some Firefight.

  • xgraderx

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 1:09 pm PT

    The support halo and its fans get is unrivaled.

  • vf21x posted Oct 20, 2009 12:33 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    vf21x

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 12:33 pm PT (hide)

    Waypoint??? Seriously.........There is a thing called a life people.

  • Hunt270

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 12:20 pm PT

    looks great

  • xtremeflem2day

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 11:57 am PT

    @ head_shot_: So basically you're saying that all halo games get good reviews for being halo? You mean games like halo wars? Another jealous comment made by a jealous ps3 fanboy ... =D

  • prioritymail

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 11:50 am PT

    It just looks like a console-optimized bungie website. I don't see the appeal.

  • NickAnguiano

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 11:46 am PT

    Been a Halo fan since the first game. Honestly though I found ODST a let-down. Really short campaign, nothing really new for competitive multiplayer, and no matchmaking for Firefight (basically making Firefight next to impossible to play with 4 people unless you're like a super hardcore diehard Halo fan that will play any minute of any day and have 3 friends added that are all the same, it really is a lot harder than it sounds to get 4 of your friends on at once all willing to play!) ODST was exactly how Xplay described it, more Halo. No more, no less. I am crossing my fingers that Halo: Reach redeems the franchise, I know I enjoyed the book.

  • necronaux

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 11:12 am PT

    Talk about milking a franchise... only thing missing would be an NBC sit-com (Master Chief, fat, bald, retired, maried to some hottie...).

  • FF_fan2004

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 11:04 am PT

    That really takes hardcore to a whole new level. Quite a unique idea in this console generation.

  • Archangel3371

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 10:53 am PT

    Awesome. I love glossing over all the various stats so putting them all in one easy to access place will be great. It'll also be interesting to see how I rank overall and the insider info could be very cool. I'm also very interested in watching the upcoming anime. As long as they continue putting out an excellent product they can milk it all they want I'll certainly buy it.

  • Ovirew

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 10:34 am PT

    it's a nice touch, but hopefully they don't cram it down the throats of non-halo fans as well.

  • otanikun

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 10:01 am PT

    Ready your Mountain Dew, Halo junkies

  • MetalMan300

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 10:00 am PT

    @I Pwn U n00bs

    Totally agreed. MGS has far more games and has been milked in every sense of the word. At least Halo keep getting better as it goes on.

  • InsertWittyID

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 9:59 am PT

    For some reason stuff like this gives me a sinking feeling that Halo will become an enormous cash-in after Bungie ends their involvement post-Reach.

  • sidd67

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 9:54 am PT

    I dont hate Halo....I just cant go back to it after spending so much time with the COD series.....I cant do with the cartoony graphics and low-gravity environment anymore.

  • I_Pwn_U_n00bs

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 9:52 am PT

    I really did lol a guy with a MGS avatar says Halo game is milked... HILARIOUS!

  • wowyousux

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 9:25 am PT

    i don't know why people hate the halo series so much? If you really don't understand the game you should read the books they are really good books!

  • Firebullet199

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 9:24 am PT

    I kinda like the idea of the sharing and exclusive intel stuff which might be intresting for halo fans. The overall total halo gamerscore is slightly pointless. The rank and the medals are nice but that is just that. there is really not enough motivation to get these medals. Although I do enjoy achievments but I enjoy the actual task not my rank or my gamerscore. I just have fun getting the achievment.

  • TripSe7en

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 9:19 am PT

    Im not really a big Halo fan, but I do like the game and I think this added content is great. I don't understand how there are so many whiners out there that are so ticked off about this. It doesn't cost you anything other than your Gold subscription, and you never have to use it if you don't want to. For the hardcore Halo fans, I think this is great, just as I would think it would be great if SOny did something like this for their games. Bottom line; it is free and no one is forcing you to use it...

  • kca89

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 9:11 am PT

    The people who love Halo a lot will enjoy this. I'll check it out, but I'm not a big Halo guy, so I don't expect to use this aside from checking it out once or twice.

  • mrzero1982pt2

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 9:03 am PT

    i am ready for this, and its my last day of gold, so this is a big reason to re-subscribe!

  • xApocalypse2012

    Posted Oct 20, 2009 8:40 am PT

    I think this is a cool idea; for the hardcore fans at least. I see a bunch of Sony boys here complaining. Haha. Halo has a great background story - a lot of which isn't in the games. It should be interesting to see the new content.

advertisement

Hot Stories

Newsmakers

Featured Stories

Submit News

Got tips? Send them in!

Related Game

Halo 3 Boxshot
Halo 3

Game Stats

  • Rank:
    65 of 84,230
    (up by 7)
    X360 Rank:
    16 of 2,087
    Tracking:
    71,584 Track It»
    Wishlists:
    33,450 Wish It»
  • Users Now Playing:
    17,594
  • Number of Players:

    1-4, 16 Online | Offline Modes: Competitive, Cooperative, Team Oriented | Online Modes: Competitive, Cooperative, Team Oriented

  • Top 5 User Tags:
    1. halo 3
    2. halo
    3. bungie
    4. fps
    5. master chief
  • Mature Rating Description

    Titles rated M (Mature) have content that may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older. Titles in this category may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and/or strong language. Learn more

Full Game Details »Close

Related Games

Recent News

See All News »

Site Blogs