{"id":25586,"date":"2016-02-20T17:17:39","date_gmt":"2016-02-20T22:17:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/halofanforlife.com\/?p=25586"},"modified":"2016-02-23T13:56:18","modified_gmt":"2016-02-23T18:56:18","slug":"community-update-the-storm-is-coming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/halofanforlife.com\/?p=25586","title":{"rendered":"Community Update: The Storm is Coming"},"content":{"rendered":"

This is a reblog from Halo Waypoint:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

BY\u00a0B IS FOR BRAVO<\/p>\n

\n

Greetings, friends. Another week has passed since the last formal community blog, which means the weekend is here again, and this is cause for celebration. Also worth celebrating is the impending arrival of the Hammer Storm update. Let\u2019s talk about that and more!<\/p>\n

PERMANENT SOCIAL PLAYLIST<\/h2>\n

As we mentioned last week, based on feedback from across the internet as well as the Halo Community Feedback Program, the multiplayer team has kicked off a permanent social playlist that will feature a variety of offerings. Single game modes (Social CTF, which just went live, for example), variety playlists, new game types, community playlists, and more will all live in this new location. We\u2019ve also been keeping an eye on your feedback on matching\/skill matchmaking within social playlists. We hope you enjoy, and we\u2019ll see you online. Hopefully, I don\u2019t end up getting assassinated on the front page of r\/Halo again.<\/p>\n

HFFL:<\/strong> This is definitely a step in the right direction!<\/span><\/p>\n

THE (HAMMER) STORM IS COMING<\/h2>\n

The Hammer Storm update draws near, and we are so darn excited that we\u2019re moving our livestream up to an earlier date. We simply cannot wait until Friday to do this stream. Here are the details:<\/p>\n

Hammer Storm Live Stream
\n<\/strong>Tuesday, Feb 23 at 3:00 p.m. PST
\nTwitch.tv\/Halo & The Halo Channel<\/p>\n

HFFL:<\/strong> Hmm, I had heard the update was coming early next week. With the live stream being moved up, I hope it’s safe to say that we will be getting the actual update on Tuesday as well. This is NOT\u00a0confirmed though.<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019ll see you on the stream, which we\u2019re packing with lots of sweet new stuff like new game types, an Arena map debut, fresh new REQs, and more. Speaking of, though we\u2019re saving some of the stuff for the stream itself, we thought we\u2019d show off some early looks at the upcoming Arena map as well as a few new REQs that are on the way.<\/p>\n

TORQUE<\/strong><\/p>\n

New Arena Map<\/strong><\/p>\n

First, to hold you over until next week\u2019s gameplay reveal, I grabbed the Art team to walk us through a few (earlier) work-in-progress images from Torque, the new symmetrical Arena map, plus the first ever screenshot from the finished product:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"env_unsc_spacering_crane_final_approved-ca86af2a79564294aa389eb4de41d0a3\"<\/a><\/p>\n

JUSTIN OAKSFORD<\/strong><\/p>\n

This was a crane concept meant to be used in the skybox! Having large vertical elements contributes to an effect called \u201cparallax\u201d, where objects that are set different distances from the viewer\\camera move in a way to create a sense of depth. We pushed the form language to be much chunkier than a normal crane both to fit with the theme of the level, as well as to make them more visually substantial in the background.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\"env_unsc_spacering_warehouse_final_approved-e6f3d3811dc1417d8ae0b81653c2f89c\"<\/a><\/p>\n

JUSTIN OAKSFORD<\/strong><\/p>\n

With interior spaces, there\u2019s a difficult balance that has to be struck between simplicity and functionality. Sometimes the spaces have a vague purpose, so we try to imply little stories about what certain doors are used for, or how doors would open\/close if they were active. It\u2019s those details that can help ground<\/em>\u00a0ambiguous<\/em>\u00a0areas.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"pistons04-21cf0c0c601d4a758d49f877cfdd7db9\"<\/a><\/p>\n

CHRISTOPHER HANDS<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is a screenshot of our early massout, you can see how we changed the look of the Observation buildings on the sides, replaced all of the crates, and removed the ceilings from the Warehouses in the final version. I would call this Torque version 0.5, and the map we\u2019re finally releasing is Torque 3.0, since it went through a few design and art passes throughout the years. Almost everything in this screenshot was rebuilt by Dan Phillips, Greg Cox, and myself.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"space_ring_paintover-8a669b396d254012ae8dbf2c136f4f8d\"<\/a><\/p>\n

JUSTIN OAKSFORD<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is a shot in the middle of the painting process – one of the goals here in the concept is to establish lighting and material qualities. We\u2019re trying to make sure that light planes are framed against dark ones (such as the piston tops being framed against dark backgrounds) – and figuring out atmosphere so that player silhouettes will be clearly readable. In film, this is called \u201cstaging\u201d and \u201clayout\u201d- the way that the environment can be used to frame and present the subjects, in this case – other players!\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Lastly, before we move on, here\u2019s the first official screenshot from the map:<\/p>\n

\"h5-guardians-mp-torque-establishing-endless-f76fd4992e044642a10a297500ac6777\"<\/a><\/p>\n

HFFL:<\/strong> Nice to see some color added to this. The almost all grey model was looking a little bland.<\/span><\/p>\n

REQ REVEAL (CONTINUED!)<\/h2>\n

Next, we\u2019ll take a look at the latest REQ Reveal graphic, light up\u00a0a few new ones,\u00a0and zoom in on a few.<\/p>\n

\"feb-cu-req-poster-preview-c9eab9c203094ecc850f32098ac18a90\"<\/a><\/p>\n

HFFL:<\/strong> Hmm, seems we have our first Fan Tribute Emblem. Ducat is the emblem that Ducain23 (well known Forger) has been using for years. Nice to see this. I hope this becomes a trend, though I do hope 343 looks beyond just the more trafficked sites and most popular people. There are LOTS of us fans out there, many of which have earned their place in the community.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you like what you see, here\u2019s a closer look at some of the new REQs we\u2019ve lit up today:<\/p>\n

MARAUDER<\/h2>\n

\"marauder-302f0ba30be143e38c989744d13bbb3b\"<\/a><\/p>\n

DECIMATOR<\/h2>\n

\"decimator-3e03db156ff24eb29428ce3602778774\"<\/a>HFFL:<\/strong> This one makes me think Athlon 2.0. Other than the bumps on the visor, it’s very reminiscent of the Athlon armor\/helmet, IMO. OR…as was pointed out to me by a few people over the weekend, it’s Noble 6’s armor from Reach (in 343’s style)
\n<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

HELIOSKRILL WARBOUND<\/h2>\n

\"helioskrill-warbound-91fa678e47924f8592c8745a3fee6557\"<\/a>HFFL: The Helioskrill armor is one of my favorites. Nice to see some variants of it.
\n<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

HELIOSKRILL BLOODGORGER<\/h2>\n

\"helioskrill-bloodgorger-295700062b5340818fe4943d0093f4de\"
\n<\/a>HFFL:<\/strong> Oh now I LIKE this skin!<\/span><\/p>\n

JUMPMASTER DISPATCHER<\/h2>\n

\"jumpmaster-dispatcher-a869a96663114161b64f5b1ae0330e3f\"<\/a><\/p>\n

SHINOBI HEARTLESS<\/h2>\n

\"shinobi-heartless-e74f8fbb5394454faca6cf4cc2e6f340\"<\/a>HFFL:<\/strong> This is an interesting skin.
\n<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

FURY<\/h2>\n

\"storm-rifle_fury-25a784657b89497c9c6efb3a69565a8c\"<\/a>HFFL:<\/strong> I like this one. The color puts in it the family of the traditional Fuel Rod Gun.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

‘LAST DAWN’ ASSAULT RIFLE SKIN<\/h2>\n

\"last-dawn-assault-rifle-59e0efcc432b4845bfe2ea01ab1218d4\"<\/a><\/p>\n

‘LAST DAWN’ MAGNUM SKIN<\/h2>\n

\"last-dawn-magnum-115f5af524b34135a0e80949439d57c0\"<\/a><\/p>\n

GRIFBALL BECKONS<\/h2>\n

We\u2019re not pulling the curtain back on Grifball entirely just yet, as we\u2019ve got a few things planned for next week, but until then, here\u2019s the first official screenshot from Halo 5 Grifball:<\/p>\n

\"h5-guardians-mp-grifball-3rd-person-high-spirits-08645b75f4be45b3a770bfeca0212868\"<\/a><\/p>\n

HFFL:<\/strong> Yeah! I can’t wait to dive into this!!! I do hope at some point it becomes a permanent playlist.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Hammer Storm update has way more inside, too. Not just new game types, content, weapons, and more, but also sandbox updates, new Forge goodness, UI improvements, and more tweaks. Oh, and before I forget, I grabbed the UI team to clear up any confusion about colors (which we started to discuss last week) – specifically the new\u00a0color possibilities. Here\u2019s a quick bit from Kevin McGinnis.<\/p>\n

KEVIN MCGINNIS, UI ART LEAD<\/p>\n

With the emblem Harmony colors of the old system, there were 33 primary colors with 7 harmonies per primary color, making around 700 color possibilities – but with only around 230 options. With the new system, we added 5 hues for each of the 12 colors in our spectrum for Primary, Secondary and Tertiary for a total of 60 colors but with over 216,000 options.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

With armors there are over 2000 more color combinations the players can create.<\/em><\/p>\n

HFFL:<\/strong> Again, THIS continues to be one of the things I’m MOST looking forward to in this update!!<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019ll be detailing\u00a0every last bit\u00a0of the Hammer Storm update next week, through our live stream as well as the official Hammer Storm landing page and patch notes.<\/p>\n

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT<\/h2>\n

\"banner2-4c3637f4ae1b4413a686ce95e7477fe8\"<\/a><\/p>\n

We can barely keep up with the community Forge awesomeness. Just this week, we launched the\u00a0The343Favorites<\/strong>\u00a0gamertag, which has begun to bookmark some of our favorite community creations \u2013 keep an eye on the File Share for a neat collection of curated maps and game types. It\u2019s also worth noting that this tag wasn\u2019t made in place of additional community playlists or a File Browser feature (which is in the works, as previously mentioned), but rather another tool we can use to help you find fun stuff.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s jump into a few noteworthy maps:<\/p>\n

Twice Forsaken V4
\n<\/strong>by SecretSchnitzel
\nhttp:\/\/www.forgehub.com\/maps\/twice-forsaken.1073\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Twice Forsaken is an asymmetrical map based on the design Imminent by Pwnytar and sic from Halo CE 1.5. It consists of 4 towers around the map, a central bridge, and a series of teleporters linking various sections. It was stylized in the aesthetic theme of Halo CE’s Two Betrayals mission. The map is set up for Slayer and Strongholds.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"twice-forsaken-halo-5-forge-45c3f9e44c1e40e6b6fa6b46aaf5386c\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Halo 3 Warthog Run (mini-game)<\/strong>
\nby xXBarthXx
\nhttp:\/\/www.forgehub.com\/maps\/installation-04b.1694\/<\/a><\/p>\n

You may notice this map is very similar to the Warthog run on the last level of Halo 3; however, it has been modified to fit into Halo 5’s multiplayer!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"h3-hog-run-halo-5-forge-9e5e8e8150b445f8bb0ec8c34a5ddacd\"<\/a><\/p>\n

HFFL:<\/strong> I’ve played this. While not completely accurate, it’s definitely FUN! I suggest you take your Warthog for a spin! (Or tumble, lol) on this<\/span><\/p>\n

Andy’s Dorm Room<\/strong>
\nby o CUJ0 o
\nhttp:\/\/www.forgehub.com\/maps\/andys-dorm-v2.980\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Ever wanted to pretend you were the size of a toy no more than 6 inches high? Ever wanted to see what it would be like to play Halo 5 in just that scenario?! Download my new (work in progress) map called ANDY’S DORM!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"andys-room-halo-5-forge-9685aad1f8494a99a9a240ed759279ae\"<\/a><\/p>\n

HFFL:<\/strong> I will definitely check this one out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We also need to give one more shoutout to\u00a0Reaper<\/strong>, which we mentioned last week, but with a busted YouTube link.\u00a0Here\u2019s the right one!<\/a><\/p>\n

PLAY OF THE WEEK<\/h2>\n

\"play-of-the-week-banner-5e6b4406766f41c691b5ecf64e70374c\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Our favorite play this week comes from CorrosiveDrop4, who shows off their vehicle mastery quite well in\u00a0this clip.<\/p>\n

HFFL:<\/strong> There is an error in the link for this. So for now, I’ve removed the link until such time as the correct one is included for this update.<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019ll do for this week. We do hope you\u2019ll join us for the North American Regionals at the Halo World Championship Tour: Columbus this weekend on\u00a0Twitch.tv\/Halo<\/a>. To get up to speed, you can check out\u00a0a preview from Simms<\/a>.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll also see you on Tuesday for the Hammer Storm stream (once again, 3 p.m. PST on\u00a0Twitch.tv\/Halo<\/a>).<\/p>\n

See you then!
\nBravo<\/p>\n

Source Link<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This is a reblog from Halo Waypoint: BY\u00a0B IS FOR BRAVO Greetings, friends. Another week has passed since the last formal community blog, which means the weekend is here again, and this is cause for celebration. Also worth celebrating is … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25586","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-halo-waypoint"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/halofanforlife.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25586","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/halofanforlife.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/halofanforlife.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/halofanforlife.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/halofanforlife.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=25586"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/halofanforlife.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25586\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25591,"href":"https:\/\/halofanforlife.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25586\/revisions\/25591"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/halofanforlife.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=25586"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/halofanforlife.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=25586"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/halofanforlife.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=25586"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}