Microsoft has canceled Halo Online, a free-to-play first person shooter that was being tested in Russia. The game was designed solely for the PC, and plans were in place to release it in other regions, but it was never meant to happen.
The reasoning behind the cancellation of the game is unclear at this time. The developer claims this decision was not easy, and from the statement, the team appears to be also in the dark about why Microsoft decided to have the game shut down.
"Now we know only one thing — the current form of the game will not be released," the developer said, based on a roughly translated statement.
The developer went on to state that players can get refunds via the website, though we're not certain how much of a time frame will be given for players to collect what is owed to them now that the game is out of commission.
Interestingly enough, this move shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. Microsoft is making serious moves with its Xbox Play Anywhere program where all of its games will be available across Xbox consoles and the PC via the Windows Store.
Several games have already been pegged for the program, but so far, no major third-party developer has committed to this move. Only time will tell if the program will ever take off outside of Microsoft's sphere of influence.
With the rise of Xbox Play Anywhere, the question many are asking is: will Halo 5: Guardians ever be found on the PC? Microsoft has yet to fully commit to this, but we do know Halo 5: Forge will be released in September, so that's a step toward the right direction.
Halo 5: Forge is all about enabling players to create multiplayer maps among other things. This has already been released for the Xbox One, and for other Halo games in the past.
Recently, Halo 5: Guardians developer, 343 Industries, showcased concept arts of an upcoming DLC. New weapons and new maps will be featured in this new DLC.
Halo 5: Guardians is not the only success Microsoft is having in the console space. The company for the first time in many months managed to outdo Sony and its PlayStation 4 in the sales department with the Xbox One for the month of July.
Microsoft is hoping it can do the same in the month of August seeing as the Xbox One S has been released during the month.
