Got skills? If so, check out our [url=http://www.bungie.net/Inside/Page.aspx?section=Jobs&subsection=Main&page=1]Jobs Page[/url] for a variety of available positions within Bungie Studios. Artists, animators, designers and engineers are all needed. Join us and together we will rule the world.

Check out the [url=http://www.bungie.net/Inside/Page.aspx?section=Jobs&subsection=Main&page=1]Jobs Page[/url] for the latest openings within Bungie Studios. If you've got the skills and the determination to help us achieve world domination, we want you on our team. Details and requirements for each position are located on the jobs page. Please use the email links attached to each job description if you wish to submit your application for consideration. And no, the job of "Bald Scottish Target Dummy" is not available, Frankie is just on vacation.

dolbex writes:

MLG's editor Joe Renaud (Dyslexia) sums up possibly one of the greatest tournaments in history, MLG St. Louis.

MLG St. Louis was that event that you only get maybe once a year. When the moon and stars are aligned just right the right teams, game types, and attitudes are in the same venue and you can feel the energy seeping out of the walls. Dyslexia has done a tremendous job writing up St. Louis and the unbelievable Finals match that took place on Sunday. Drop by [url=http://www.mlgpro.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=651&topic=21]MLG[/url] for his summary.

While the official release date for the Map Pack isn't until July 5th, apparently some retailers have started selling the disc early. Contrary to what you might have heard, players who purchase and play the new maps prior to next Tuesday [b]WILL NOT[/b] be banned from Xbox Live. Enjoy.

The official release is still a few days away but that hasn't stopped some retailers from ringing up early sales. If you happen to find a retailer who is offering the map pack prior to Tuesday, July 5th, feel free to pick it up. You are welcome to play the new maps in custom games on Xbox Live without fear of being banned or penalized. The Bungie.net game viewer has already been updated to include all 5 new maps. [b]Bungie and the Live Team will not be taking any action against anyone who has these maps early, despite rumors that have been circulating the 'net.[/b] The Multiplayer Map Pack disc will officially be available at most retailers starting 7/5. Xbox Live members will also be able to purchase the five new maps as a premium download starting next Tuesday. The previous four maps are all currently available as a free download. The five new maps will not be available in Halo 2 Xbox Live matchmaking until Monday, July 11th. At that time, the "Team Preview" and "Rumble Preview" playlists will be activated for owners of the new maps to enjoy matchmade games. Turf and Sancutary will be integrated back into the core "free" playlists as well. In the meantime, feel free to enjoy these new maps via custom games or offline with your pals.

Red vs. Blue has uploaded two new map previews. Backwash and Elongation. Check it em' out [url=http://rvb.roosterteeth.com/archive/episode.php?id=149]here[/url]!

I just ate some damn spicy enchiladas. Edit: I can't think tonight. Edit 2: I really couldn't think last night.

If you were holding out on downloading Turf and Sanctuary, your time has now come. Both of these maps are now available as free downloads via Xbox Live. Currently, only the "Team Preview" playlist features these new maps but they will soon be integrated into additional playlists. More details inside...

If you never got around to downloading Turf and Sanctuary - you now no longer have any excuse not to grab these great new maps. Both of these maps, dubbed the "Killtacular Pack", can now be downloaded free of charge over Xbox Live. Simply load Halo 2, sign in to Xbox Live and select "Content Download" from the menu. Once you get Turf and Sanctuary you'll be able to enjoy them in custom games over Live or in the "Team Preview" playlist via matchmaking. We have a playlist update coming soon that will incorporate both of these maps back into the regular rotation as well as adding in the 5 new maps which are coming out next week. Stay tuned to Bungie.net for more information about the details and specifics for the playlist update. In the meantime, grab these two hot maps and see what you've been missing out on. Turf is a city based mid-sized map which is fantastic for exciting games of Territories. Sanctuary is a smallish symmetrical map with two opposing bases, perfect for games of multi-flag CTF.

No Frankie and No Sketch means no Weekly What's Update, unfortunately. However, who said you have to leave empty handed? We've heard your excitement over Terminal, and thought we'd give you another taste of what's coming soon along a magnetic rail.

Frankie, who has been known to partake in the occasional gallivanting, is in fact gallivanting as we speak. Even Sketch has the gallivanting bug and has found himself gallivanting uncontrollably. Unfortunately, what this means for you more stationary folk is that there is no Weekly What's Update today. However, before gallivanting away, Sketch noticed the big reaction across the community to the new DLC map Terminal, and the two of us came up with a means to dull the pain of WWU withdrawal. And by "means," I mean 3d Screenshots. Yes, shots. Three, in fact. Terminal is just that big of a map. Also, it's fun to say "Three Three Dee Screens" out loud. Let's take a look, shall we? First off, allow me to preface the following 3d Screenshotery with the fact that 3d Screenshots are made with Quicktime, so you'll want to make sure you have the latest version. If you don't have the latest Quicktime, or are just unsure, go to Apple's website and download the latest version for free by [url=http://www.apple.com/quicktime/]CLICKING HERE[/url]. The first thing players will think of when they hear the word “Terminal” will soon be a bullet train. Indeed, many of you are sure to spend a number of hours playing on New Mombasa's tracks, with or without friends, much to the concern of your parents. In fact, we've seen a lot of you wondering exactly how dangerous that train is. So, what we have here is a little experiment. I hopped in the Gauss warthog from the other side of the map, and drove it to the Dukes of Hazard jump at the far end of the defending team's courtyard. Rather than jumping the tracks, though, I parked on them. The train was right on schedule, and the warthog couldn't stop it. [url=http://www.bungie.net/images/games/halo2/screenshots/terminal_traincrash.mov]Train: 1, Warthog: 0[/url] On to shot number two. This time there's a little team action going on. Now, in team games, the defending team spawns close to a Wraith and a Ghost, while the offensive team gets another Ghost and a Gauss 'Hog. The offensive team's first and foremost concern when entering enemy territory is that Wraith, and this was a lesson handed swiftly to Sketch and HarangUtan. And even if they had survived the wraith blast, Mehve was there to pick 'em off via mounted machine gun. That'll teach ‘em not to mind the Wraith! [url=http://www.bungie.net/images/games/halo2/screenshots/terminal_wraithaction1.mov]Wraith: 1, Warthog: Nada[/url] Last, and by no means least, this is probably one of my favorite 3d screens. The Dukes of Hazard jump isn't the only place where you can end up crossing the tracks. In fact, if you want the level's energy sword, you have to step out run on the tracks to one of the supports to get it. For that matter, the section of tracks on the offensive side make for an elevated but dangerous path to take; so don't be surprised to see crazy fights like this one from time to time. I had managed to get the energy sword, and Sketch thought he could take me out before I could use it. He was wrong; I managed to lunge before he finished me off. However, instead of flying like he normally would, I passed by him and his character immediately went into rag doll. Just as all this was going on (and as I was smugly flaunting my victory, the train came through and made an equalizer of itself. However, not before I could snap this awesome shot: [url=http://www.bungie.net/images/games/halo2/screenshots/terminal_duel1.mov]Sketch: 0, Shish: 1, Train: Oh god, SOMEBODY MAKE IT STOP![/url] So there you are, folks. I realize this isn't a Weekly What's Update, but I hope it makes up for the absence of the update at least a little. Expect your regular WWU goodness next Friday, once Frankie is done with his gallivanting. Until then, play safe, and remember: The light at the end of the tunnel is the headlamp of an oncoming bullet train.

Lexington, NE – Timmy Smith, a 13 year-old former Halo 2 and Xbox Live smack-talk addict, was voluntarily admitted by his parents into Sunnyside Acres State Mental Facility in Lincoln on Tuesday.

Recent events in his video game behavior sent Smith reeling into a bout with self-discovery. In an effort to build his laughable social skills, Smith reported to football coach, Wes Leary, of the East Lexington High Knights. “Let me just say that at 5 feet 7 inches and 115 pounds, Timmy ain’t the most intimidating being you ever met,” Leary said in a recent interview. “And when he talks, I thought I was talking to a girl that wanted to play ball. Not the most manly voice. Ah, who am I kiddin’, he was downright feminine. But the boy could talk some smack. Hell, it was worth having him on the team just to teach the other guys what a sailor sounded like. He had a worse mouth than any jockey I ever met. But I’ll be damned if I didn’t think of Alvin the chipmunk every time he opened his mouth.” Smith’s two-day career on the spring training football squad was both colorful and painful. He tried out for several positions, the first of which was wide receiver. Leary explained, “No matter what play Everrett called (he’s our offensive coordinator, ya understand), you could hear Timmy: ‘I call the ball! Give that [fecal matter] to me, son, and I’ll show you what a man can do with it.’ Whenever we didn’t opt to pass to Timmy, he’d come back grumbling about how he had ‘pwndizzled’ the defense, and he’d of had a touch down. He called the quarterback a ‘[slang for female dog]’, and even called Everrett a ‘newb’. He got to do a few extra up-downs after that particular practice.” Frustrated, Smith begged the coaches to put him on defense. He told them that he knew he’d be the best linebacker that they had ever seen. Knowing otherwise, the coaches decided to just shut him up by giving him a shot at the position. “It was the funniest thing I ever saw,” Leary said chuckling. “He thought he was so tough. I’ll never forget the image of Timmy laying in a trash-talking crumpled heap after Jamison Bertring (the Knights All-State starting running back) just ran him over. He was yellin’ at us between sobs. ‘You [slang for intercourse] cheaters! You ain’t nothing without your damn linemen. If my defensive line wasn’t a bunch of [buttocks]-licking circle-[slang for masterbation], I’d have beat your pansy [buttocks] down and put you in your place. Just like I did with your mom last night.’ But you gotta give him some credit. [Buttocks]-licking circle-[slang for masterbation]? That’s priceless.” Smith’s expulsion from the school and the team was a result of what is now known as the “locker room incident.” “Practice was over, and everyone was cleaning up to go home. Timmy got some wacky idea from somewhere. Must have had something to do with those video games I read about before he joined the team. He was getting ready for the shower, when he saw some guys sitting around, talking about the practice. Next thing you know, Timmy’s naked and running around, smacking these guys in the forehead with his [slang for testicles]. ‘Sacktacular!’ he yelled. All the guys just sat there in shock, and so did I. ‘Sack Frenzy! Sacktrocity! Sackamonjaro! Ya like a little [racial slur referring to white people] with your tea, [slang for female dogs]?’ The guys started to move. I tried to get out there, but I wasn’t fast enough. Don’t move as fast as I used to, and those kids are all faster than I am. Poor Timmy didn’t have a chance. That crazy bastard.” After a necessary stay in the local hospital, Smith checked himself into Sunnyside Acres, with the blessing of his parents. “We can only hope that time will heal his mind and mend the broken bones,” Linda Smith, Timmy’s mother, said. “I still blame those damn games. Gary and I are excellent parents, so it has to be those games that did this to my little angel. And don’t even get us started on those football players.” [url=http://www.2old2play.com]Agonizing Gas[/url]

[url=http://www.videogameslive.com/]Video Games Live[/url], the first major U.S. video game concert tour, has added additional dates to the summer schedule. If you've ever wanted to hear music from Halo and a number of other fine games performed live by expert musicians, don't miss this opportunity.

A whole slew of new dates and venues were recently announced at the [url=http://www.videogameslive.com/]Video Games Live[/url] website. The concert series kicks off in Los Angeles on July 6th and then continues across the country throughout the summer. Bungie's own Marty O'Donnell will be on hand for the Hollywood kick off. If you plan on being there on July 6th, keep an eye out for an elder person most likely sitting in the senior discount seats. :)

G-Phoria, G4tv's video game award show, has opened its polls for game of the year, best sound track, etc.. Support Halo by going to [url=http://www.g4tv.com/gphoria2005/stuff/gphoria_vote.aspx]here[/url] and voting Halo into its rightful position as game of the year.

^^^^^^

Lexington, NE - In a move that left adult gamers stunned, 13 year-old Timmy Smith has given up gaming. "I was such a jerk," he explained. "I didn't see how annoying and disrepectful I was. You know what they say, hind sight is 20 something."

Last week, Smith's gaming career reached it's climax, chalking up 36 kills in an online game of Halo 2's Team Training Assault. He marveled at his own skill. "I pwned you [slang for female dogs]," he said in the post game carnage report. "You're all a bunch of n00Bs and I pwned you. You guys must suck, 'cause I got 36 kills. I had, like, 50 medals too, you bunch of [homophobic reference]. Even my teammates sucked my [slang for testicles]. If it weren't for me, you [racial slur] would have lost. I even sang "Cherry Pie" the whole friggin' time, and I still pwned you." The trash talking continued even after everyone else had left the room. That's when Smith realized he had a problem. "I couldn't believe that they didn't want to hear about how skilled I am, or hang out with me in a party. I tried to send them friend requests, but they all declined 'em. I started to get angry with the fact that they wouldn't stay and take what they deserved. Maybe it was all the team kills. That's when I started to realize that I might have a problem." Smith's parents, Gary and Linda, also sensed that their son might have a problem. "I'd wake up in the middle of the night to go to the can, and I'd hear Timmy swearing and singing at people that he was playing with online," Mr. Smith said. "At least I think he was playing with others online. Anyway, I'd check in on him, and he'd tell me that everything was fine, and that he was just making some new friends." "I don't know what could ever have done this to our sweet little boy," Mrs. Smith said. "Ever since he got on that Xbox Now or whatever you call it, I've been so worried about him. Not only because of what I hear coming from his mouth, but because you never know what kind of creepy old men might be out there trying to seduce our child. I mean, just look at Michael Jackson. I thought he was [homophobic reference], but into kids? That's sick!" "What really brought things to a head, was when he started using his smack talk at the kitchen table," Mr. Smith explained. "We don't have a dining room, so our table's in the kitchen. Anyway, Timmy started saying stuff like "Pass the taters, [slang for female dog]," and "Gimme some desert, or I'll no-scope your [buttocks]." We don't really know what that means, but we're a little uncomfortable with it." "I'm such a [annoying stupid person]," Smith said with tears swelling in his eyes. "If only I'd have known what an intolerable pile of [fecal matter] I'd become. No one on my friends list likes me any more, and I'm really not that good. I cheated my way up to a 37 before the reset, but now I'm stuck at 18. I'm the n00B, I'm the one that sucks." Smith went on to say that he's giving up video games, and taking up sports. "I just want to be a part of something where ego's never get in the way. What a better place than a team sports environment?" [url=http://www.2old2play.com]- Agonizing Gas[/url] [url=http://www.2old2play.com]Satire From 2old2play.com[/url]

Time is running out for your chance to win a Master Chief [url=http://www.bungiestore.com/bungieform/images/large_masterchief.jpg]statue[/url] or a special edition [url=http://www.bungiestore.com/bungieform/images/large_goldwarthog.jpg]Warthog[/url]. The last day to enter the [url=http://www.bungiestore.com]Bungie Store[/url] sweepstakes is this Wednesday, 6/15.

The [url=http://www.bungiestore.com]Bungie Online Store[/url] has been running a sweepstakes for the past month that will result in a few lucky people winning some cool prizes. By opting in for the store's regular email alerts and newsletter, you are entered into a drawing for 1 of 20 limited edition yellow Warthogs or the uber prize - a 3' tall statue of Master Chief. Full rules and details can be found at the Bungie Store [url=http://www.bungiestore.com/bungieform/]Contest Page[/url]. And while you're there, be sure to check out some of the cool swag available like the limited edition Master Chief and Arbiter [url=http://www.bungiestore.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=10&idproduct=285]Mylar Print[/url]. Each one is numbered and as of this writing, only 272 remain (out of 500). [i]The Bungie Store is independantly owned and operated by Sunrise Identity for Bungie Studios.[/i]

The Halo 2 Xbox Live Worldwide [url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/news/2005/0427-halo2globaltournament.htm]Championship[/url] wrapped up today as finalists from 24 different countries competed for the overall title. It was a long road with many closely fought battles but sources on the front line report that [i]King Tuur[/i] from the Netherlands has emerged as the champion. Congrats!

The Xbox Live sponsored Halo 2 Worldwide Championship kicked off several months ago as players in 24 different countries began competing to crown regional winners. A series of mini events continued throughout each country until eventually one single person was chosen to represent in the world finals. Today the finals took place over Xbox Live in a series of matches that would separate the best of the best and set the stage for the grand finale. While nobody at Bungie was in attendance for the finals, our contacts on the Live team did pass along some information regarding todays games. The final pool of players came down to Japan, Germany, Netherlands, USA, France and Australia. The player from Japan won his heat giving the American, Aussie and French players their second loss and eliminating them from the competition. In the following round, Germany suffered their second defeat setting the stage for a Japan vs. Netherlands world finale. Apparently it was a close match but King Tuur of the Netherlands pulled ahead and never looked back. Congratulations to Mr. Tuur who becomes the first ever Worldwide Halo 2 Champion and also the proud recipient of a 50" Samsung DLP HDTV, a Samsung DVD Player/Recorder, a personalized world champion trophy (featuring a 24k gold Halo 2 game disc) AND $1,500 in cash. Good stuff. More information about the Xbox Live sponsored tournament and profiles of the finalists from each region can be found at Xbox.com.

Waiting an extra day to write up the report of this week's humpday match against [url=http://www.halobabies.net]Team Halobabies[/url] doesn't make the loss any less painful. How much more abuse can Team Bungie endure? Not much.

This week's Humpday Challenge actually took place on Tuesday night. We were originally planning to play the guys from Halo Babies last week but due to last minute conflicts we had to postpone. And, since their team is unavailable on Wednesdays, we settled for a Tuesday match. Obviously I haven't been in a huge hurry to recount our latest in an ongoing string of defeats... but, to give props to our opponents, it's only fair that we at least acknowledge that the match took place. Here's the quick and concise recap of what happened on Tuesday night.... (check out the Halo Babies website for their take on what happened). [b]Team Bungie[/b] Shishka, Achronos, Evil Otto, New001, Ninja on Fire and myself [b]Team [url=http://www.halobabies.net]Halo Babies[/url][/b] TMC Elite, Gruntsbane, AllMaster D, Milk N Cereal, Live killa and hnbmrsmiley [b]Game One[/b] Team Slayer on Lockout (BR start) [url=http://www.bungie.net/Stats/GameStats.aspx?panel=stats&gameid=198563545&player=Shishka]Game Stats[/url] Duration: 04.53 I actually sat out this match since the Halo Babies team was short a player. I can't speak to the specifics of the match but the score pretty much speaks for itself. Live Killa represented his team with a nice 7 kill spree while Milk N Cereal gained the most amount of overall kills with 14. Achronos was the top scorer for Team Bungie with 11 kills but our top player New001 had a disappointing 5 kills and 9 deaths. Final Score: Halo Babies wins 50 to 37 [b]Game Two[/b] 1 Flag CTF on Burial Mounds (first to 3) [url=http://www.bungie.net/Stats/GameStats.aspx?gameID=198598573&player=ske7ch]Game Stats[/url] Duration: 22:46 Gruntsbane decided to show up for Team HB so I was able to return to even out the teams. CTF on Burial Mounds CAN be fun.. but before the game even started we knew this was going to be a drawn out struggle. As anyone knows, playing the first to 3 scores often results in an insanely long match that could very well take up the entire night. The first round resulted in a stalemate for both sides as each team tried to feel out the other one for any signs of weakness. Halo Babies managed to get our flag outside but a well coordinated defense prevented them from scoring. On our second offensive round we pushed hard and managed to break through their fortifications and get the flag out into the open. As you know, once the flag is outside the base, the chances of scoring increase by approximately 90%. And score we did. Credit for our first (and only score) goes to Shishka. We continued the back and forth push and pull for several more rounds and neither team made any real progress in their effort to score. Finally, after spending over 20 minutes on this game, we decided we were calling it. We gave Halo Babies one last offensive shot and then we ended the match (we had already gone through 4 full rounds and Halo Babies had their 5th shot on offense). This would prove to be a bit controversial but since we ended up losing 2 of the 3 matches nobody made it into a big deal. Kudos to New001 for stepping up and finding his game with a match high 36 kills. (where were you last game??) Final Score: Bungie Wins 1-0
[b]Game Three[/b] Team Snipers on Coagulation [url=http://www.bungie.net/Stats/GameStats.aspx?gameID=198612292&player=ske7ch]Game Stats[/url] Duration: 8:01 This was the game that we picked since New and a few of us are quite fond of sniper games. At least, we used to be. The match started out great with both teams picking one another off at long distance while the lead switched back and forth. It was neck and neck for the first half of the match but then things started to slip away. Yours truly played incredibly horrible (partly due to nearly a 2 week hiatus and the inevitable decay of my reaction time). Achronos and I managed to get a mere 2 kills each (compared to 7 and 9 deaths respectively). Eventually our entire team became pinned down at the base while Halo Babies took up positions on the ridges and rocks surrounding our spawn points. It was a closely fought battle but in the end we couldn't quite pull it off. Final Score: Halo Babies wins 50 to 46 And there you have it... another humpday, another close defeat for Team Bungie. I can honestly say that the team is starting to feel the effects of loss after loss. I hope the weekly tradition can continue well into the future but losing is only so much fun. : ) Until next week...

Next month marks the kick off for [url=http://www.videogameslive.com]Video Games Live[/url], the first major U.S. concert tour featuring music from a variety of the most popular games. Fans of Marty's masterpiece will be happy to know that Halo is one of many fine games included in the lineup.

As game soundtracks continue to creep into mainstream consciousness, it was only a matter of time before a full blown concert series took shape. This summer [url=http://www.videogameslive.com]Video Games Live[/url] promises to deliver the ultimate auditory experience as a full orchestra and chorus perform classic game music favorites. In addition to the music, attendees will be treated to giant interactive video screens and theatrical stage shows. So far two dates have been announced - July 6th at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, CA and August 11th Chastain Park in Atlanta, GA. Stay tuned to their site for more dates. As a special bonus, rumor has it that Bungie's own Marty O'Donnell will be making an appearance at the LA show. We'll catch up to Marty and provide some more insight into this event in the near future. For now, if you're interested, head over to their site and find out how to get your tickets on order.

Lord_Buddha writes:

The team at [url=http://www.h2press.net]h2press[/url] has been working on a Halo 2 toolbar for the past few months...It's finished!

The team at [url=http://www.h2press.net]h2press[/url] has been working on a toolbar for the last several months. We are proud to say it is now finished and working. Some of the features include: [*] RSS feeds from HBO (halo.bungie.org), HaloBabies.net, and h2press.net [*] Updated news feed on Halo 2 and other general gaming news [*] Links to bungie.net, HaloBabies.net, HBO, RedvsBlue.com, and Halo 2 stats page [*] Search box for all the major search engines Ability to launch chat room [*] Scrolling Marquee with important information and news fromt the major halo sites [*]Ability to search bungie.net, gamertag stats, and clan stats Visit [url]http://toolbar.h2press.net[/url] for more information and download the toolbar.

Nedus writes:

A sequel of sorts to the [url=http://www.halobabies.net/archive/05/01/19/master_chiefs_new_york_adventure/]Master Chief's New York Adventure[/url], this one follow the Chief as he plays in a playground, drinks beer with Louis Wu, and flirts with booth babes!

[url=http://www.halobabies.net/archive/05/05/27/master_chiefs_e3_adventure/]Master Chief's E3 Adventure[/url] The Chief gets to hang out with fans, drink beer, take pictures with booth babes, model for fans, and play some Halo 2 multiplayer at the PlasmaFest! I guess you're entitled to it when you're a badass 7-foot cyborg.

You may have noticed that the forums have been nearly unreadable the last few days. This was due to a database error that unfortunately occurred in the middle of code update late last week. It took us a while to repair the damage, but it looks like things are better now. We'll continue to monitor the system, but so far, things look very good.

In case you're interested in the details, during our update last week, several indexes in the table that contains all 3.2 million posts or so became corrupted. Attempts to rollback the change didn't succeed in fixing the problem. The end result was that retreiving topics and posts took much more CPU than they should, and that meant that all of you would get timeout errors, because everything slowed way down. Thankfully, with the help of the Ideal Science guys, we were able to fix the problem. We'll continue to monitor it, but so far, CPU utilization and request speed are back to normal.