343 Industries Have Released A Behind The Scenes Look At The Halo Reach Defiant Map Pack DLC

343 Industries have released a behind the scenes look at the Halo Reach Defiant Map pack DLC. The team talk about the decision to make a map pack and how they would try and incorporate each map into the game's story. The Video also features some of the developers from Certain Affinity, who are devs who worked with 343 Industries on the map pack.

Concept art and in-game action are shown in the video as the team talk about each of the individual maps in detail. also revealed are features from the maps that were removed, like a giant lazer, or features that evolved light lighting and force fields.


Watch Halo Reach - Defiant Map Pack: Behind The Scenes in Tech & Gaming  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Microsoft Have Released Screenshots And A Trailer Detaling The Halo Reach Defiant Map Pack

Microsoft have released a new trailer and screenshots for Halo Reach that detail the upcoming Defiant Map Pack. The pack comes with the Unearthed, Condemned, and Highlands maps. the trailer shows in-game action from each of those maps, as well as a brief look at them.


Watch Halo Reach - Defiant Map Pack Trailer in Tech & Gaming  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Screenshots

Bungie Have Released A Video Of The Tempest Map From The Halo Reach Noble Map Pack DLC

Bungie have released a new video for the Halo Reach Noble Map Pack DLC. this video focuses on the Tempest map. the video offers a good look at the Tempest Map whilst some of the developers behind the game talk about many different aspects of the level. all this is happening whilst they are busy attacking each other.

Bungie Have Released A Video Of The Anchor 9 Map From The Halo Reach Noble Map Pack DLC

Bungie have released a new video for the Halo Reach Noble Map Pack DLC. this video focuses on the Anchor 9 map. the video offers a good look at the Anchor 9 Map whilst some of the developers behind the game talk about many different aspects of the level. all this is happening whilst they are busy attacking each other.

Bungie Have Released A Video Of The Breakpoint Map From The Halo Reach Noble Map Pack DLC

Bungie have released a new video for the Halo Reach Noble Map Pack DLC. this video focuses on the Breakpoint Map. the video offers a good look at the Breakpoint Map whilst some of the developers behind the game talk about many different aspects of the level. all this is happening whilst they are busy attacking each other.

Microsoft Have Released A New Halo Reach Trailer

Microsoft have released a new trailer for Halo Reach. this trailer features a mix of in-game action and cutscenes from various points in the game. the trailer also features choice quotes from some reviews showing how good the game is.

Microsoft Have Released A New Trailer For Halo Reach Showing The Upcoming Noble Map Pack DLC

Microsoft have released a new trailer for Halo Reach. this trailer shows the new maps coming in the Noble map pack DLC. the trailer shows in-game action from all 3 of the maps, giving some brief glimpses as to how the levels look.

Microsoft Have Released A Making Of Video For The Halo Reach Trailer "Deliver Hope"

Microsoft have released a new video for Halo Reach. this video is a behind the scenes look at the making of the Deliver Hope Trailer. in the video they talk about how they needed to find the right material to make the armor to make sure they had the right look and that it looks solid. they also talk about how they had to try and find people to wear the armor that had the right build. several weapons also had to be created, and it would be the first time some of them had ever been seen in a live action trailer. the video also shows how some of the effects, like the jet pack, were created.

Microsoft Announce Noble Map Pack For Halo Reach Comes Out 30th November For 800 MS Points

Microsoft have revealed the first map pack for Halo Reach. The Nobel Map Pack is set to come out on 30th November for 800 MS Points and bring to Halo Reach 3 new multiplayer maps and 250 additional Gamerscore points. The 3 maps are Tempest, an abandoned Shore Line Facility, Anchor 9, a low orbit dry dock, and Breakpoint, Icy Modular archaeological labs.

Tempest supports 8 – 16 players and offers a variety of modes including Free for All, Team Slayer, Team Objective and Big Team Battle. Tempest also provides players with a huge Forge palette. Anchor 9 allows 2-8 players to face off in game variants including Free for All, Team Slayer and Team Objective. Breakpoint offers multiplayer mayhem for 8-16 players, and supports the Invasion and Big Team Battle game variants.

Screenshots


Press Release

LONDON - 14 October 2010 – On 30 November, the first map pack for the biggest game of the year, “Halo: Reach,” launches on Xbox LIVE and at retail locations worldwide. The Noble Map Pack introduces three new explosive environments into the online multiplayer battlefield, each designed to reinforce all of “Halo: Reach’s” vital warfronts, from small scale engagements to massive Invasion battlegrounds.

The blockbuster prequel to the landmark “Halo” trilogy, “Halo: Reach” generated more than $200 million in sales in the first 24 hours in the U.S. and Europe, eclipsing every game, movie and music premiere this year and solidifying its status as the biggest U.K. entertainment launch of 2010. With the release of the Noble Map Pack on 30 November, the fight for humanity will continue to rage on a galactic scale, from a frozen xeno-archaeology site harbouring centuries old secrets, to an orbital anchor defending the stars high above planet Reach and to mysterious places far, far beyond:

Tempest – “Though we may never fully understand these devices, it is not our nature to leave ancient stones unturned.” This abandoned shoreline facility bends both sea and sky to an unnatural purpose, but the ground itself has quickly become another all too familiar battlefield. Though the two opposing symmetrical bases may never reveal their ancient purpose, both now offer makeshift shelter and access to strategic routes perfectly suited for small and large scale skirmishes alike. Tempest supports 8 – 16 players and offers a variety of modes including Free for All, Team Slayer, Team Objective and Big Team Battle. Tempest also provides players with a huge Forge palette, allowing them to create new custom map variants that can be shared with the community-at-large

Anchor 9 – “Orbital dockyards provide rapid refuelling and repairs for a variety of UNSC vessels.” Within the confines of this low orbit dry-dock, UNSC craft undergo rapid repair and rearmament in support of the enduring war effort. But for the small squads of infantry who now fight over the mirrored interior hallways and open central hangar bay, this platform no longer provides any safe harbour – whether the close quarters combat is occurring inside or out of its artificial gravitational field. Anchor 9 allows 2-8 players to face off in game variants including Free for All, Team Slayer and Team Objective

Breakpoint – “ONI officials believe the data buried within this artefact is key to our survival.” Atop this icy precipice, the Invasion continues. These modular archaeological labs were never intended to withstand such a large scale onslaught of Covenant military power, but the information being extracted here may prove vital to humanity’s survival. In response to the imminent Covenant threat, UNSC ground and air assets have been deployed to bolster entrenched Spartan countermeasures. This dig site must yield salvation, or it will become a grave. Breakpoint offers multiplayer mayhem for 8-16 players, and supports the Invasion and Big Team Battle game variants

Developed by award-winning studio Bungie, the Noble Map Pack will include all new Achievements worth a total of 250 Gamerscore and will be available for purchase for 800 Microsoft Points either directly from Xbox LIVE or with a Microsoft Points card sold at retail locations worldwide.

BradyGames Reveal The 6 Cover Images For Their Halo Reach Signature Series Strategy Guide

BradyGames have revealed the 6 different cover images for the Halo Reach Signature Series strategy guide. the 6 cover images are each of the Spartans from Noble 6. the 352 page Signature Series Strategy Guide costs £12.99 and the 448 page limited edition hardcover costs £19.99.

Each of the guides offers:

• Exclusive maps found only in the official guide show locations of enemy engagements and weapon caches for the campaign.
• A complete campaign walkthrough that is carefully written to guide the user through all difficulty levels.
• The enemies and characters sections show official art, bios, and stat lists.
• Chapters cover the new Credit System and Armor Customisation features, providing information and tactics for obtaining all the available armor pieces for achieving character customisation in the fastest way possible.
• A complete guide on how to unlock all the Achievements to boost your Xbox 360 Gamerscore.

The Signature Series is printed on premium paper and has all the points above. The Limited Edition hardcover features an exclusive 96-page Developer’s Diary with concept art and personal commentary from the design team at Bungie, as well as a high quality dust jacket with an exclusive cover as well as all the points above.

Signature Editions


Press Release

9th September 2010 – London, UK/… BradyGames today revealed the cover images from the Limited Edition run of its Halo Reach Strategy Guide – the only official guide to one of the biggest entertainment launches of the year. Underneath the evocative dustjacket image of the planet Reach lies a member of Noble 6, the elite supersoldier Spartan squad tasked with defending Reach from the alien Covenant.

Purchasers of the Halo Reach Limited Edition strategy guide, released alongside the game on Tuesday, 14th September 2010, will receive one of six individual Spartan covers*, including the likes of Noble Team leader Carter-A259, the bionic arm-wielding Kat-B320, heavy weapons specialist Jorge-052, or marksman Jun-A266.

Fittingly for a videogame launch of this calibre, the official Halo Reach guide will be released in two formats: the 352-page Signature Series book with an RRP of £12.99, and the 448-page Limited Edition hardcover that includes bonus content for £19.99.

With a pedigree that has seen it develop strategy guides for some of the biggest video games of all time, BradyGames’ official Halo Reach strategy guides continues this tradition and are the only choice for gamers looking to experience everything that the latest instalment in the Halo franchise has to offer.

Follow the action of Noble team and their grim mission to try and prevent the planet Reach from falling into the hands of the Covenant. BradyGames’Halo Reach guides will be an essential collectible item for all Halo fans, and features:
The Signature Series guide is printed on premium paper and features multiple finishes.
The Limited Edition hardcover features an exclusive 96-page Developer’s Diary with concept art and personal commentary from the design team at Bungie, as well as a high quality dust jacket with an exclusive cover
Exclusive maps found only in the official guide show locations of enemy engagements and weapon caches for the campaign.
A complete campaign walkthrough that is carefully written to guide the user through all difficulty levels.
The enemies and characters sections show official art, bios, and stat lists.
Chapters cover the new Credit System and Armor Customisation features, providing information and tactics for obtaining all the available armor pieces for achieving character customisation in the fastest way possible.
A complete guide on how to unlock all the Achievements to boost your Xbox 360 Gamerscore.

*Consumers will not know which Noble Team image they get until the dust jacket is removed.

Microsoft Have Released A Live Action Trailer For Halo Reach

Microsoft have released a new live action trailer for Halo Reach. the trailer shows glimpses of different peoples lives in what appears to be moments before the attack on Reach.

Microsoft Have Released A New Trailer For Halo Reach

Microsoft have released a new trailer for Halo Reach. This trailer, called Battle Begins, is for the games single player campaign.

Microsoft Reveal The Xbox 360 Limited Edition Halo: Reach Bundle

Microsoft have revealed the Xbox 360 Limited Edition “Halo: Reach” Bundle. this bundle comes with 2 wireless controllers, a silver Xbox 360 Slim, a copy of the standard edition of the game, a token for a Limited Edition elite armour set, an episode of Halo Legends, and a Halo Reach themed Xbox 360 Wired Headset.




As the pictures show, the controllers and console, the head set also, have been designed by Bungie and have a exclusive look to them.

This Xbox 360 Limited Edition “Halo: Reach” Bundle will be exclusive to Game and Gamestation in the UK and it will cost £249.99. The Controller and Headset can be bought separately from early September.

Press Release

LONDON – 22 July 2010 - The biggest game of 2010, “Halo: Reach,” is getting the ultimate hardware treatment. Launching with the game on September 14, the Xbox 360 Limited Edition “Halo: Reach” Bundle provides both an incredible value and a stunning way to celebrate the iconic franchise. Available exclusively at GAME and gamestation, the bundle will launch with matching custom “Halo: Reach” Limited Edition Wireless Controllers. Additionally, Microsoft and Bungie revealed an onslaught of other “Halo: Reach” news today at Comic-Con International, including a first look at Forge World, Versus Firefight mode and more.

The Xbox 360 Limited Edition “Halo: Reach” Bundle is Available for Pre-Order from GAME and gamestation today

The Xbox 360 Limited Edition “Halo: Reach” Bundle features an exclusive silver design and comes with two custom Xbox 360 Wireless Controllers with artwork inspired by the game, a Standard Edition copy of “Halo: Reach,” a token for the Limited Edition Elite armour set, an episode of “Halo Legends” and a “Halo: Reach”-themed Xbox 360 wired headset. As an added touch, the specially designed console in the Xbox 360 Limited Edition “Halo: Reach” Bundle not only captures the look and feel of the game, but also features custom sound effects from the “Halo” universe.

Designed by Bungie, the Xbox 360 Limited Edition “Halo: Reach” Bundle includes all the features of the newly designed Xbox 360 console, such as a 250 GB Hard Drive and the fastest built-in Wi-Fi for the easiest connection to Xbox LIVE. The bundle is available in limited quantities and only while supplies last, so fans who want to own a piece of the “Halo” mythology are encouraged to pre-order quickly. The Xbox 360 Limited Edition “Halo: Reach” Bundle is available for £249.99, and will be available from all GAME stores on 14th September. To offer a closer look at the contents of the Xbox 360 Limited Edition “Halo: Reach” Bundle, Microsoft and Bungie unveiled an unboxing video of the bundle, which is available for download today on Halo Waypoint and Halo.Xbox.com and can be viewed on both GAME and gamestation’s websites.

Adam Davis, Trading Director for GAME and gamestation comments: “We’re delighted to have secured this exclusive. Our customers in GAME and gamestation are already really excited about Halo: Reach and this limited edition Xbox 360 will be a must-have for Halo fans. The bundle offers amazing value and adds an extra dimension to one of the mostly hotly-anticipated launches of the year.”

“Halo: Reach” Limited Edition Wireless Controller and Wireless Headset Available from early September

In addition to the exclusive new console bundle, Microsoft and Bungie unveiled the “Halo: Reach” Limited Edition Wireless Controller and the “Halo: Reach” Limited Edition Wireless Headset, both of which feature a distinctive silver colour and exclusive “Halo” artwork by Bungie. Available on 3rd September for £39.99 the “Halo: Reach” Limited Edition Wireless Controller includes an Xbox LIVE token for an animated Covenant Banshee Avatar item. The “Halo: Reach” Limited Edition Wireless Headset will also be available on 3rd September for £34.99. Both accessories are being produced in limited quantities and are available for pre-order at participating retailers.

Forge World and Versus Firefight Modes Revealed

Continuing the “Halo” tradition of offering players a ground-breaking level of customisation, Microsoft and Bungie announced Forge 2.0, a robust set of new editing tools built into “Halo: Reach” that will empower aspiring game designers to easily create and share their unique “Halo: Reach” multiplayer map creations with the world. Set on one of the series’ iconic “Halo” rings, Forge World is a massive, beautifully-rendered landscape that serves as a giant canvas for players to build unique map creations alone or cooperatively with up to seven friends on Xbox LIVE or system link, or three friends via split-screen. Utilizing the upgraded Forge 2.0 toolset, Forge World holds unlimited creative potential for millions of armchair designers to sculpt, build and share the most intricate and visually stunning maps they can imagine. To showcase the new features in Forge 2.0, Bungie released a new ViDoc that will take viewers on a whirlwind tour of Forge World, which is available for download today on Halo Waypoint, Halo.Xbox.com andwww.bungie.net.

Developed by acclaimed studio Bungie exclusively for Xbox 360, “Halo: Reach” launches in the UK on September 14, 2010. “Halo: Reach” is available for pre-order in Standard, Limited and Legendary editions at participating retailers worldwide. The Standard Edition has an estimated retail price of £49.99, and the Limited and Legendary editions of the game will retail for £59.99 and £99.99, respectively, and are packed with extras fans won’t want to miss. As a special bonus, fans can receive a token to unlock an exclusive in-game Spartan Recon Helmet, by making a pre-order reservation at participating retailers. Fans are encouraged to pre-order quickly as quantities of the Limited and Legendary editions are selling fast and are expected to be completely pre-sold by launch.

-Ends-

Rooster Teeth Have Made A Special Red vs Blue Celebrating Halo And Halo Reach

Rooster Teeth have done a special Red vs Blue in celebration of Halo Day. this Red vs Blue takes it back to where it all began before finishing off with a surprise that fits how the series has grown and become more technologically advance compared to Halo on the Xbox.

Bungie Have Released A Highlight Video Of Memorable Moments From The Halo Reach Beta

Bungie have released a video that has highlights of memorable moments from the Halo Reach Beta. the video has footage taken from some of the best film clips that were uploaded to Bungie. this video can be downloaded from Bungie.net.



Press Release

LONDON – 25 May 2010 - As a way to commemorate the conclusion of the “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta last week, Bungie released a highlight video today pulled from memorable moments created by the players themselves. Dubbed “The Good, the Badass and the Ugly,” the video takes a loving look at some of the best Film Clips of the beta, including brilliant plays, badass moments and the not so beautiful bugs. Bungie created the video as a way to thank the more than 2.7 million fans who helped make entertainment history this month by participating in the largest console beta ever.

“The Good, the Badass and the Ugly” video is available for download now on Bungie.net, Halo Waypoint on Xbox LIVE, and Halo.Xbox.com. Developed exclusively for Xbox 360 by acclaimed studio Bungie, “Halo: Reach” is available for pre-order today in Standard, Limited and Legendary Editions and launches worldwide starting 14 September 2010.

-Ends-

Microsoft Announce Halo Reach Is Coming Out Worldwide 14th September And 15th September In Japan

Microsoft have announced that Halo Reach is coming out worldwide on 14th September, and 15th September in Japan. Microsoft have revealed that the Beta was played by over 2.7 Million people, resulting in over 13 Million online games, 16 Million hours played, all in just 2 weeks.

Press Release

The most anticipated game of the year is making its worldwide debut this September. “Halo: Reach,” the blockbuster prequel to the best-selling video game franchise and hailed as the No. 1 game series of all time,1 will leave its mark on the entertainment landscape when it launches worldwide, starting Sept. 14, 2010, and in Japan on Sept. 15.

Developed exclusively for Xbox 360 by acclaimed studio Bungie, “Halo: Reach” drops players back into the iconic universe they love so they can experience the birth of the “Halo” legend. During the past 10 years, the “Halo” franchise has inspired multiple New York Times best-selling novels, comic books, action figures, apparel and more, and it has sold more than 34 million games worldwide to date.

“‘Halo: Reach’ is the culmination of a decade of ‘Halo,’ a franchise that has become a global entertainment and pop-culture touchstone,” said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios at Microsoft Corp. “Just as ‘Halo: Combat Evolved’ catalyzed the success of the original Xbox to define a decade of entertainment, ‘Halo: Reach’ will push the boundaries for what’s possible in video games and help make 2010 the biggest year in Xbox history.”

“There’s no doubt in my mind that ‘Halo: Reach’ will be one of the biggest games and hottest entertainment products of the year,” said Bob McKenzie, senior vice president of merchandising at GameStop. “Pre-orders for ‘Halo: Reach’ have been off the charts, with fans snapping up the limited and legendary editions since they were introduced just a month ago. Overall, it’s a real testament to the passion of the ‘Halo’ fan base.”

Consumers Help Make History With Record-Breaking “Halo: Reach” Beta

As a testament to the anticipation for its release, more than 2.7 million “Halo” fans helped make entertainment history this month by participating in the “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta on Xbox LIVE, making it the largest console video game beta test on record and more than triple the size of the “Halo 3” beta. Players completed more than 13 million online games and logged over 16 million hours of online gameplay, amounting to over 1,826 years of total play time in just over a two-week period. The data and user feedback gathered from the beta will help Bungie and Microsoft further refine the game and deliver a blockbuster experience that fans have come to expect from the “Halo” franchise.

“Halo: Reach” follows the story of Noble Team, a squad of heroic Spartan soldiers as they make their final stand on planet Reach, humanity’s last line of defense between the terrifying Covenant and Earth. Representing the best-in-class multiplayer elements that have become the hallmark of the “Halo” series, “Halo: Reach” offers the most action-packed multiplayer experience yet on Xbox LIVE. The “Halo: Reach” experience is completed with an intense campaign, an unparalleled suite of features and stunning new visuals powered by groundbreaking new technology.

“Halo: Reach” represents an enormous evolution for the genre-defining “Halo” games, and is testament to Bungie’s 10 years of experience crafting amazing experiences. During the past decade, “Halo” fans have demonstrated their commitment to the franchise by logging more than 2 billion hours of gameplay on Xbox LIVE, sharing millions of pieces of user-generated content, creating original “Halo” machinima series and even holding “Halo” themed weddings.

“Halo: Reach” is available for preorder in standard, limited and legendary editions at participating retailers worldwide. The standard edition has an estimated retail price of $59.99 (U.S.), and the limited and legendary editions of the game will retail for $79.99 and $149.99 (U.S.), respectively. The limited and legendary editions of “Halo: Reach” are packed with extras that fans won’t want to miss. The centerpiece of the legendary edition is a 10-inch-tall, hand-painted and individually molded Noble Team statue crafted by the expert artisans at McFarlane Toys. As a special bonus, fans can receive a token to unlock an exclusive in-game Spartan Recon Helmet, by picking up a copy of the game on launch day at North American retail stores, and outside of North America by making a pre-order reservation at participating retailers.

Microsoft Announce The Halo Reach Beta Will Run From 3rd May Through 19th May

Microsoft has revealed that the Halo Reach Beta will run from 3rd May through 19th May. Microsoft has also announced that a video introduction for the beta can be seen exclusively through the Halo ODST Game disc and it stars Aisha Tyler.

Microsoft have revealed that the Beta will start with the Arena mode (4v4 ranked Team Slayer games), “Free-for-All”, and “Grab Bag” playlists, with "invasion" being added on 7th May. the final addition to the playlist comes on 14th May and it adds "Generator Defense". Everyone that plays the Halo Reach Beta will get an exclusive Halo Reach Avatar hoodie, which can be obtained through Halo Waypoint.

Press Release

LONDON – 29 April 2010 - Set your countdown clocks. The “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta, which is poised to be one of the biggest test events in entertainment history, kicks off in just four days. Among the millions of “Halo” fans eagerly anticipating the beta is actress Aisha Tyler. Available starting today is a video introduction to the beta starring the actress, viewable exclusively through the “Halo 3: ODST” game disc. Tyler walks through all of the exciting new game modes and offers her own tips and insider hints for each of the maps while showing off some life-size “Halo” weaponry. It’s a fun introduction to the beta that no fan should miss.

The “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta is set to be the definitive Xbox LIVE event of the spring and will run from May 3 through May 19. The beta will be accessible via the “Halo 3: ODST” game disc (an Xbox LIVE Gold membership and Internet connection are required to play). The beta will offer millions of “Halo” fans a unique opportunity to test and help refine the biggest blockbuster game of 2010.

As this is a beta, Bungie will be turning on different modes at different times to optimize testing. The beta kicks off with three playlists featuring the all-new, highly competitive Arena mode (4v4 ranked Team Slayer games) as well as “Free-for-All” and “Grab Bag” playlists, which include a mix of classic and brand new game types. Beginning May 7, the new large-scale Spartan vs. Elite “Invasion” playlist will be added to the beta. Finally, beginning May 14 the “Generator Defense” game type will become available.

Everyone who logs in and plays at least one full game of any type in the “Halo: Reach” beta will receive a free “Halo: Reach” Avatar hoodie via the Halo Waypoint portal on Xbox LIVE. To redeem the hoodie, players must access Halo Waypoint and browse their “Halo” Career statistics after completing a match.

Continue the experience online at the “Halo: Reach” experience site,www.welcometonobleteam.com. The destination is designed to capture the imagination of “Halo” fans and introduce newcomers to the fiction of “Halo: Reach” through videos, interactive experiences and additional content. For more information throughout the beta that’s accessible from your Xbox 360, be sure to visit Halo Waypoint for exciting “Halo: Reach” coverage and features from a variety of sources including Giant Bomb, G4 and Machinima.com’s Inside Gaming. Don’t miss out on the newest videos, interviews, montages, and screenshots as Halo Waypoint showcases “Halo: Reach” every step of the way.

Representing the best-in-class multiplayer elements that have become the hallmark of the “Halo” series and fused with a host of new content and features, “Halo: Reach” offers the most robust, action-packed multiplayer experience ever and promises to set a new standard for competitive gameplay, customization and community integration.

“Halo: Reach” is available for preorder from participating retailers worldwide in Standard, Limited and Legendary editions. Developed by acclaimed studio Bungie, “Halo: Reach” launches in autumn 2010 exclusively on Xbox 360.

Microsoft And Bungie Have Released The Extended "Birth Of A Spartan" Video

Microsoft and Bungie have released the extended "Birth Of A Spartan" video. this video has more music and more story on how Carter 259 became a Spartan II and the leader of Noble Team.

Microsoft Have Released The Halo Reach "Birth Of A Spartan" Video

Following Mondays announcement regarding the "Birth Of A Spartan" video for Halo Reach, Microsoft have released the 60 second version of the advert. Xbox Live Gold Members will get the chance to download the 2 minute 3 second long version of "Birth Of A Spartan" on 28th April.

Microsoft Announce “Birth of a Spartan,” A live Action Advert Coming 27th April

Microsoft have announced “Birth of a Spartan”. This is a live action short that will be played in the UK and USA on TV as well as appearing in cinemas in the USA. “Birth of a Spartan” has been directed by Noam Murro and tells the story of Carter 259, the leader of "Noble Team" in Halo Reach.

This 60 second add is going to premier in the UK on 27th April on Sky Sports 2, at full time during the Champions League match between Lyon and Bayern Munich. The add will also be available on Sky Player and will also be shown on 28th April on ITV 1 after the Barcelona vs Inter Milian Champions League Match. The Video will appear on www.welcometonobleteam.com on 27th April, and the site will also allow users to upload a photo of themselves and turn it into a Spartan III. Xbox Live Gold Members will get the chance to download a 2 minute 3 second long version of the video on 28th April.

Press Release

LONDON – 26 April 2010 - Brace yourselves for a riveting glimpse into one of the darkest secrets of the “Halo” universe. This week is the premiere of “Birth of a Spartan,” a live-action short directed by award-winning director Noam Murro. Airing on multiple U.K. and U.S. TV networks and also showing in cinemas across North America, “Birth of a Spartan” is a stirring depiction of the transformation of Carter 259, the future leader of Noble Team in “Halo: Reach,” from an ordinary young man to a superhuman Spartan warrior.

The highly classified bio-augmentation procedure is a Spartan candidate’s final and most difficult ordeal before joining the ranks of the legendary soldiers. The dramatic interpretation of Carter’s rebirth as a Spartan embodies the themes of courage, sacrifice and honor in “Halo: Reach” and gives viewers a unique look into the origins of a central character in the upcoming blockbuster game.

The 60 second ad short premieres in the U.K. on Tuesday, April 27 via Sky Sports 2 at the full time whistle of the Champions League semi-final between Lyon and Bayern Munich. Watch it live or on demand on Sky Player, Sky’s online TV service on Xbox 360 via Xbox LIVE. And if you miss it, catch it again on Wednesday 28th April on ITV 1 after the Champions League Semi Final between Barcelona vs Inter Milan. The short will also air on multiple shows across sixteen other U.K. and U.S. TV networks, including Comedy Central, Spike TV, Bravo, FX, TNT and TBS.

The short will be available on www.welcometonobleteam.com on Tuesday, April 27 at 5.00 am GMT. In addition to being able to view the short, users can also upload a photo of themselves and get an image created of them as a Spartan III. On the following day a special, extended two minute 30 second version will be available for download on Xbox LIVE exclusively for Gold members. The ad short will also premiere on April 28 in cinemas across North America in select theaters with screenings through the opening weekend of “Iron Man 2” and concludes on May 13.

“Birth of a Spartan” was directed by Noam Murro, the director of the 2008 feature film “Smart People” and numerous award-winning ad spots for Toshiba, Saturn, Volkswagen and more. The recipient of the Director’s Guild of America’s 2005 Director of the Year award, Murro was also recently named the U.K.’s #1 director by Campaign magazine. For production of the short, Microsoft partnered with Biscuit Filmworks Co., a production company Murro founded in 2000.

Developed by acclaimed studio Bungie, “Halo: Reach” launches this autumn exclusively on Xbox 360, and is available for pre-order today in standard, Limited and Legendary editions. The “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta, which is poised to be the definitive Xbox LIVE event of this spring, kicks off in one week on May 3. Players can access the beta via the “Halo 3: ODST” campaign disc.

-Ends-

About Xbox 360
Xbox 360 is a superior video game and entertainment system delivering the best games, unique entertainment features and a unified online gaming network that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 has a portfolio of more than 300 games in nearly 40 countries. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/.

About Xbox LIVE
Xbox LIVE connects more than 23 million members across 26 countries to each other and the entertainment they love. Home of more entertainment from one remote than can be found from any device connected to the television, Xbox LIVE is also a unified online social network bringing friends together, no matter where they are — in the living room or across the world. More information and Xbox LIVE membership can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/live/bestoflive/connectnow.htm.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed athttp://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.