BACKGROUND INFORMATION:



The "Halogen" mod for the PC computer game "Command & Conquer: Generals" by Electronic Arts was a modification to the game that would of allowed users to command forces that are based on the popular "Halo" franchise by Bungie.



The modification was in development for 2 FULL YEARS, and included 100\% completely orignal artwork, buildings, and ect. Some specific units on each side functioned similarly to thier counterparts in the "Halo" FPS game, but the art assets were completely hand-made and meerly inspired by the "Halo" franchise. This is not even mentioning the plethora of orignal units each side had for the mod.



Bungie themselves even supported this modification for "C&C: Generals".



Here are some links to more info about "Halogen":



-Offical Website: http://www.derelictstudios.net/halo

-Halogen Trailer on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPlbEB2KCqc&mode=related&search=



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MICROSOFT'S VERDICT:



Recently, Microsoft themselves decided the fan-made mod "Halogen" which was in full development for a full 2 years, was infringing on the rights of the Halo franchise. The asked the team to shut down the project, to shut down all of the work that was done to this point.



This is a rediculous verdict. First of all, this fan-made project was in development for 2 full years, and the 2 years worth of work is going to be shut down by Microsoft (even though Bungie themselves supported the mod). Not to mention, despite that all of the art assets in the game were inspired by "Halo", the art was all hand-made and orignal, and several of the units were completely oringal designs as well.



Here is a word from Electronic Art's employee "Predator" (C&C community manager) reguarding the issue of Microsoft shutting down the fan-made project "Halogen":



"The worst part of all this is that Microsoft and Bungie let this awesome mod team carry on for over 2 years on this mod and now they decide all the suddent to make them capsize. I doubt the real reason is infringment upon their license, or muddying their IP, which we all know, is one of the most popular in games and movies. I'm a Halo fan, I don't know many who aren't, lol.



I ask this question...how can a mod that truly treasures the Halo license, really affect it from a business standpoint, especially when they have no intent for profit. Halogen only generated goodwill for Bungie and MS, its not like C&C was getting the major kudos.



I'm 10000\% against this decision and think its very low of MS to make such a decision for a team they supported for two years. Talk about turning your back on someone...



-EA Predator"

( source: http://www.cncden.com/index.php?action=fullnews&showcomments=1&id=572 )



Obviously, even someone with a true business standpoint in video game design not only disagrees with shutting down a project such as this, but honestly sees no real negitive impact on the "Halo" franchase.



As a matter of fact, many people bevlie that it will HELP the franchise more than anything. On a personal standpoint, watching the "Halogen" trailer makes me want a Halo fix, inspiring me to experience the exciting franchise Halo has to offer.



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THE COMMUNITIES VERDICT:



We the people of the "Halo" community and the "C&C" community wish for the Microsoft Games department to reconsider thier decsion in destroying the fan-made "Halogen" modification that has been in development for a full 2 years and even sanctioned by Bungie themselves.