A discussion on HaloWaypoint is going on about these two gametypes being available for Halo 4.

There are some strong opinions for and against. Here is my take on them.

Living Dead is but one aspect of gametypes for Halo, but really, “Zombies”?

I’m only just now getting into playing it in Reach. Then, only for getting my small arms commendation up. Otherwise, I just don’t like it as a regular playlist. It detracts from the rest of the shooter game types.

If “War Games” is supposed to be just that, a simulation of war strategy, well, I don’t suspect that we’ll be dealing with zombies anytime soon.

As for Griffball, how many times have you seen people pad stats in Griffball by spawn camping? I’ve done it, as I’m sure many other have. It’s not a good game type to keep all the time. Make it one that people want to play for the XP, not for the kills.

As for those who are in Griffball leagues, they can always play custom versions of it, so it doesn’t affect their tournaments in the slightest.

Basically, IMHO, if the gametype isn’t reminiscent of what you’d see on the actual battlefield, then it shouldn’t be in the normal everyday playlists. Double XP, yes on weekends only.

One other very significant reason is that by having those additional playlists available all the time, it severely dilutes the other playlists. Very often Living Dead has similar population numbers to Team Slayer. That just shouldn’t be, again IMO. Halo is about the team shooter aspect, NOT Zombies. (And this is coming from a HUGE fan of everything Zombies, not just in Halo format)

Living Dead and Griffball are niche gametypes, plain and simple.

-HFFL