After this, there's only one more [url=http://www.redvsblue.com/forum/viewTopic.php?id=289493]Weekly Update[/url] left before the game comes out. So we're posting it over at [url=http://www.redvsblue.com/forum/viewTopic.php?id=289493]Red Vs. Blue[/url] just for the hell of it. Go check it out. It's short, but it's free.

And if you don't want to register to read the update, the good folks at Halochat are mirroring it [url=http://halochat.edgegaming.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15]HERE.[/url] Thanks Halochat. You rock. Why are you still reading this? Get over to [url=http://www.redvsblue.com/forum/viewTopic.php?id=289493]Red Vs. Blue[/url] or [url=http://halochat.edgegaming.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15]Halochat[/url] before the Internet runs out.

The Collector's Edition of Halo 2 not only comes in a sweet metal case, it also comes with a bonus DVD jam packed with video features and cool content. We've just updated our Halo 2 [url=/Games/Halo2/page.aspx?section=AudioVideo&subsection=GameVideos&page=1]video page[/url] with one of the featurettes available on that DVD. (and, we added the Halo 2 TV ads as well!)

The Halo 2 collector's edition has been hyped up for a while now but for good reason - it kicks ass! Not only do you get a very cool brushed metal case for the game, you get an extra bonus DVD that's filled with cool content. To get a glimpse of what the DVD has to offer, check out the "Beyond Single Player : Multiplayer & Live" featurette on our Halo 2 [url=/Games/Halo2/page.aspx?section=AudioVideo&subsection=GameVideos&page=1]video page.[/url] The Collector's Edition is only available while supplies last and also includes a unique Covenant themed version of the manual. The DVD itself contains: [*]"The Making of Halo 2 : Behind the Scenes of Bungie Studios" - a full length documentary [*]Featurettes including game design, animation and multiplayer [*]Deleted scenes and outtakes [*]Commentaries from the development team [*]Art gallery [*]And much, much more! And, speaking of videos, the Halo 2 video page also has Windows Media Player versions of the Halo 2 advertisement that's currently airing across the world.

This just in... We are indeed having a little FanFest to celebrate the launch of Halo 2! If you live in the general vicinty of Seattle, WA, come join us on the afternoon of Monday, 11/8 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. Hang out with Bungie, win some sweet prizes and best of all, play multiplayer 11 hours before you can get your hands on it. More details inside.

Sorry for the short notice but things have been crazy around here and everything is slamming together all at once. We are planning to have a little mini FanFest here in Seattle on Monday, 11/8 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. The event will be taking place at the Experience Music Project in downtown Seattle. Come hang out with the Bungie team and get some hands on multiplayer action while everyone else is still waiting in line to get the game. Don't worry, we'll have you out in plenty of time to get to the stores to grab your copy at midnight. In addition to some multiplayer madness, we'll have a few surprises up our sleeves like an epic raffle with the grand prize being an awesome Master Chief statue. We'll be giving out copies of Halo 2 and more Bungie swag than you can shake a beef stick at. (just what does that mean anyways?) The event is open to anyone and everyone though if we get too crowded we'll have to enforce some crowd control. We'll have a lot more details in the next few days so for now, clear your calendars and plan on a good time!

With all the charm of an acid-spurting boil, Mat Noguchi, our resident tools expert, is willing, nay, desperate to answer your questions. Post them [url=http://www.bungie.net/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=942227&viewreplies=true]HERE[/url] and we'll get them to him.

Seriously, he knows everything there is to know about Halo code. And he's mean. So go [url=http://www.bungie.net/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=942227&viewreplies=true]HERE[/url] to get your pressing questions answered. And don't ask any plot questions. And Mat will provide the answers when he feels like it. But check the front page from time to time.

Master Chief and Link are head to head! Halo and Master Chief have been nominated to have a star in their honor at the San Francisco Metreon on the venue's "Walk of Game" which is clearly modeled after the Hollywood Walk of Fame. To vote, you have to [url=http://www.walkofgame.com/]REGISTER HERE[/url].

Now while registering is an unpleasant way to start your morning, it's worth it in the end, just think, you'll be able to rest easy knowing that Master Chief and Halo are forever stamped into the hearts and minds of gamers everywhere. So [url=http://www.walkofgame.com/]head over there right now[/url] and register at the [url=http://www.walkofgame.com/]Walk of Game.[/url]

7th Column members rejoice! The long awaited [url=/7thColumn/page.aspx?section=Groups&subsection=main&page=themes]theme builder [/url] is finally here. Read on for the full scoop and a chance to get your very own custom avatar here on Bungie.net.

When the 7th Column was re-launched we had a dramatic reduction in the number of group/chapter themes available. Over the course of the old 7th Column's lifespan, dozens of user created themes were implemented. When we rolled out the new version, we had ONE. Obviously this didn't make many people happy. Unfortunately we've been busy working on cool stuff like Halo 2 stats so creating themes internally has taken a back seat. This is where you come in. Now that the new theme builder is available we're calling on anyone with some creativity and skillz to step up and help contribute to the 7th Column with new awesome themes. If we use your theme, I'll hook you up with your own custom avatar as a special bonus perk. You can get all the info you need including the theme builder itself by visiting the [url=/7thColumn/page.aspx?section=Groups&subsection=main&page=themes]theme page.[/url]

The [url=http://www.bungiestore.com]Bungie Store[/url] continues to expand and get cooler with a few new products recently added to the shelves. The latest additions include an aluminum covered Halo 2 journal and a new Master Chief hoody with plenty more great stuff to come. Check 'em out!

As promised, the new Bungie Store is still adding merchandise to the sales racks to lure away your hard earned dollars. What better way to show off your love of Bungie and Halo 2 and help further our cause of World Domination than buying a few things from our store? A few new items have been added since the store initially launched with many more on the way in the weeks to come. Here's a run down of the latest products available for purchase: [*][url=http://www.bungiestore.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=6&idproduct=92]Aluminum Halo 2 Journal[/url] - Looks just like the Halo 2 collector's edition box except you can write in it! [*][url=http://www.bungiestore.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=6&idproduct=167]Halo Key Tag[/url] - A retro keychain devoted to the orignal Halo [*][url=http://www.bungiestore.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=6&idproduct=85]Novel Boxed Set[/url] - Haven't read the Halo novels yet? Now's your chance to get them all in this handy boxed set. [*][url=http://www.bungiestore.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=8&idproduct=171]Master Chief Hoody[/url] - This is an updated version of the old classic MC hoody now featuring the MJOLNIR Mark VI armor. [*]Halo 2 Action Figures - The latest line of Joy Ride figures will be arriving any day now, get yours before they disappear forever. We have a lot more stuff in the works in the weeks and months ahead so stay tuned and start saving up your spare change.

MTV: Music Television today announced that "Making the Video Game: Halo 2" will premiere on MTV on Friday, November 5th at 11:00pm ET/PT, and MTV2 on Saturday, November 6th at 9:00pm ET. The special will give viewers an inside look at the making of Halo 2.

The special will also include interviews with the game developers (us), celebrity Halo fans, and the bands involved in the new soundtrack including Incubus and Hoobastank. Both the game and soundtrack hit stores on November 9th. So if you want to see what kind of madness went on behind the scenes, you can check it out on any of these dates. And if you don't have cable you can always get some taste of the backstage antics with the Special Collector's Edition DVD. [b]MTV [/b] 11/5 11pm (premier) 11/7 11:30pm 11/8 2am [b]MTV2 [/b] 11/6 9pm 11/6 2am 11/7 1am 11/8 11pm 11/9 9:30pm 11/9 2am

After the Halo 2 leak, our fan response has been overwhelming with people helping us shut down sites hosting these files and delete spoilers from various forums. Unfortunately our own forums have become too difficult to protect so we're advising all members who are worried about spoilers to stay away. Should we shut them down entirely? Vote and let us know.

Though our moderators work their asses off on the Bungie.net forums, day and night, for nothing more than a free t-shirt, there's only so much they can realistically do. In light of the fact that our forums receive dozens of posts a day revealing campaign spoilers for Halo 2 and the fact that our moderators are fans just like anyone else who don't want the game spoiled either, we're letting all of them take a break from their modding duties until the game is released. Frankie, Shishka, Achronos and myself will still do our part to delete inappropriate posts and ban offending jerks but obviously we can't be everywhere all the time. So, as much as I hate to say this... [b]IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT SPOILING THE HALO 2 SINGLE PLAYER EXPERIENCE BEFORE THE GAME IS RELEASED - YOU ARE ADVISED TO AVOID THE BUNGIE.NET FORUMS.[/b] While I'd hate to do this since we obviously have more happening on our forums than just Halo 2, if people feel strongly enough, we do have the option of shutting our forums down entirely as other fan sites have done. [url=/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=915999&viewreplies=true]VOTE HERE[/url] This is a last case option, but we'd still be curious to see what you think we should do. Thanks for bearing with us and hanging in there, we'll all have the game soon and then it won't matter anymore. =)

UK video games have long been awarded the ultimate gamey accolade - website, [url=http://www.goldenjoystick.com/]The Golden Joystick Awards[/url] and this year Halo 2 is included in the nominations categories. Since the game launches after the awards, we can't win the ultimate award but vote for us as the most wanted game for Xmas 2004! ONLY open to UK residents, allegedly.

Really, would it be too much to ask the [url=http://www.goldenjoystick.com/]Golden Joysticks[/url] to wait a couple of weeks to host their awards?

There may only be two or three more updates to go. We're back at god old [url=http://www.subnova.com/forum/?pid=20041022.195213]Subnova.com[/url] because we love them so. And although this update is weak, it has a remarkably cool Mister Chief. Not by me this time.

Why are you still reading this? Go to [url=http://www.subnova.com/forum/?pid=20041022.195213]Subnova.com[/url] and read the update! Right now!

So, the Weekly Update is here, complete with Mister Chief, and what a week it's been. Not too much happened on the game front, but in the land of politics and crap like that, it was a doozy. Here's the [url=http://rampancy.net/node/view/8169]FORUM POST[/url].

As you can see, the new post is located over with the good folks at [url=http://rampancy.net/node/view/8169]Rampancy.net[/url] who've been helping tremendously with this week's shenanigans.

Halo 2 has been illegally released onto the internet and we need your help...

Last night a pirated copy of Halo 2 was released onto the internet. Needless to say we think this really sucks. Aside from years of hard work being stolen from us, we've gone to great lengths to ensure that the details of the Halo 2 campaign remain a mystery for players to experience for themselves on November 9th. Microsoft is currently engaged in a full scale investigation and to those foolish enough to partake in this piracy, you will soon witness the firepower of this fully operational battle station. Members of the Bungie community - we need your help. The Underground Army is being called into action; this is not a drill. Anyone who has information regarding the leak of the game or individuals or websites promoting the download of these illegal files is asked to please contact us by sending email to [b]piracy@microsoft.com[/b] or calling 1-800-RULEGIT. We also ask that you help us minimize the spoilers for those opting to wait for the retail release by refraining from posting screens, talking about the story and deleting any such posts you encounter. Many of you have already been actively tracking down and forwarding links to us and we thank you for your help.

The special video edition of the Bungie Weekly Update is here and ready for your viewing pleasure. Get a glimpse inside Bungie as Frankie and I give you a virtual tour of the Studio and chat with a few familiar faces along with way.

In light of Halo 2 going gold, we decided to up the ante for the latest weekly update. Mere text alone just wouldn't suffice for something of this magnitude. So, we've harnassed the power of Windows movie maker and our trusty handicam to bring you inside Bungie for a personal tour. You won't find any beautifully choreographed shots or well timed cuts and fades in this video. To be clear, Joe Staten had nothing to do with this. =) Instead you'll find me shakily walking around laughing in the background as Frankie unleashes some comedy gold. Hopefully you'll enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it. Currently we've only got Windows Media Player versions available for viewing - a big one and a small one. Our friends at HBO and Mythica.org are working on creating additional formats as well as setting a BitTorrent seed to faciliate easier downloads. We didn't want to make you wait a second longer so while they are busy doing that we're going to release what we've got for now. You can download the following by right-clicking the link and choosing "save as" or you can simply click it and let it stream to your computer. And don't worry about the bandwidth, these are hosted deep in the depths of the Microsoft data center, well beyond our own servers. Without further ado, here's the video: [url=http://download.microsoft.com/download/3/5/C/35CC334B-4905-457F-9070-D6A4D968C3DF/weeklyupdate_hires.wmv]Windows Media Hi-Res[/url] (640x480 90 MB) [url=http://download.microsoft.com/download/6/6/1/661D2F29-95FB-416F-8876-5EFF87930CBB/weeklyupdate_low.wmv]Windows Media Low-Res[/url] (320x240 40 MB)

Bungie Weekly Update is delayed! Kinda. You can read why over at [url=http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=492915]Halo.Bungie.Org[/url] and better yet, see a new Halo 2 screenshot!

The good news is that after you've read this [url=http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=492915]Weak Excuse for an Update[/url] you can enjoy the new screen AND look forward to a cool video update and some major announcements on Monday.

The forums are down... yes, we know. I've been attempting to determine the root cause. Read on for details...

The forums have been flaky in the last 48 hours, and we're trying to find out what's busted. As such, they may be taken down as we examine certain parts of them. Furthermore, if the problem threatens to spread to the rest of the site, the forums may go on vacation for a weekend break. We apologize for the downtime. So, you don't need to email us when you see a message saying "Forums Disabled". For everything else, though, we appreciate any detailed bug reports you can send.

Calling all Halo 2 fans! This is your one and only chance to play Halo 2 before the rest of the world. ESPN and Major League Gaming are offering 50 lucky winners the chance to enjoy Halo 2 multiplayer before anyone else!

ESPN's Cold Pizza is one of the greatest sports talk shows in history. And they know a good game when they see it, which is why they, in conjunction with Major League Gaming (and a little bit of cooperation from us of course), are giving some lucky winners the chance to play Halo 2 before it's released to the public. Even before New Zealand! In fact, the lucky winners (50 of 'em!) will get the chance to play on November 4th in a massive multiplayer fiesta hosted at the ESPN Zone in Times Square! You might even get to meet one or two Bungie employees at the event. But you can't and won't win squat unless you register to win, and you can do that right now by clicking on [url=http://www.coldpizza.tv/halo.html]THIS LINK![/url] To win, you have to be aged 18 or over, and winners will be selected at random and notified during the week of October 25th. So what are you waiting for? Go register at [url=http://www.coldpizza.tv/halo.html]Cold Pizza![/url]

Ladies and gentlemen, the new Rooster Teeth Productions website is finally here!!!

Rooster Teeth Productions, as some of you already know, is home to the popular machinima series, Red Vs. Blue. The new website launched yesterday, with tons of neat new features such as customizable profiles for the forums (similar to our very own Bungie.net's forums.) I advise you all to go and check out all it's cool new bells and whistles. Also, Red Vs. Blue Season 3 is due to start any day now, so watch for it. Check it out at http://www.redvsblue.com/.

Halo and Master Chief have been nominated to have a star in their honor at the San Francisco Metreon on the venue's "Walk of Game" which is clearly modeled after the Hollywood Walk of Fame. To vote, you have to [url=http://www.walkofgame.com/]REGISTER HERE[/url].

Now while registering is an unpleasant way to start your morning, it's worth it in the end, just think, you'll be able to rest easy knowing that Master Chief and Halo are forever stamped into the hearts and minds of gamers everywhere. So [url=http://www.walkofgame.com/]head over there right now[/url] and register at the [url=http://www.walkofgame.com/]Walk of Game.[/url]