seems gamestop taking preorders already. from gamespot:
GameStop taking Halo 3 preorders
The retailer predicts that Master Chief will fight again in June 2006 on the Xbox 360; also lists 360 versions of DOA VBall 2, Theseis, Metronome, and [eM].
One of the biggest news stories during this past Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles didn't even happen at the convention. In an article with Time Magazine (which not-so-coincidentally came out just before the major press conferences), Microsoft top dog Bill Gates lobbed a plasma grenade right in the crotch of rival Sony with this announcement: "The day Sony launches [the PlayStation 3]… they walk right into Halo 3."
At least one retailer is taking Gates' words to the bank. GameStop has now begun to take preorders for Halo 3 on its Web site. The product page shows no box art or game information, but its June 1, 2006, estimated release date, $59.99 price tag, and Xbox 360 platform has fans of the sci-fi series dual-wielding joy and anticipation.
However, it isn't time to start checking prices on high-def TVs just yet. It's become common practice for online retailers to begin taking preorders based on mere speculation. To quote the site:
"NOTE: Content based on the best available information. Price, release date, content and title are subject to change and/or cancellation by vendor."
Gates' announcement may have shocked many, but not all. Thinking more like cutthroat business moguls rather than game developers tweaking ones and zeros, several conspiracy theorists and Web sites figured that Halo 3 launching simultaneously with the PlayStation 3 would make the most business sense for Microsoft. And it wouldn't be shocking--the company has made a similar move before.
Microsoft Game Studios delayed Halo 2 for a year to November 2004, which also happened to coincide with Sony's launch of its new slim-line PlayStation 2. The result? Halo 2 sold like gangbusters, Xbox Live subscriptions doubled, and Xbox consoles flew off the shelf. Thanks to the popular shooter, Microsoft finally toppled the Japanese company as the monthly leader in the gaming industry, a feat that the Microsoft brass hasn't been curt about.
Even with Gates' declaration, no official announcement of Halo 3 has been made. When speaking with GameSpot just before Microsoft's press conference at E3, Microsoft corporate vice president of worldwide marketing and publishing, Peter Moore, remained mum on the subject, and Halo developer Bungie has denied that a third chapter of the Spartan shooter is in the works.
However, it doesn't mean the Washington-based developer isn't telling a little corporate white lie. Bungie has stated that it won't be working on new downloadable maps for Halo 2 after the release of July's Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack, as it is working hard on an "unnamed project," which, with Gates' boasting, seems more and more likely to be Halo 3.
GameStop taking Halo 3 preorders
The retailer predicts that Master Chief will fight again in June 2006 on the Xbox 360; also lists 360 versions of DOA VBall 2, Theseis, Metronome, and [eM].
One of the biggest news stories during this past Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles didn't even happen at the convention. In an article with Time Magazine (which not-so-coincidentally came out just before the major press conferences), Microsoft top dog Bill Gates lobbed a plasma grenade right in the crotch of rival Sony with this announcement: "The day Sony launches [the PlayStation 3]… they walk right into Halo 3."
At least one retailer is taking Gates' words to the bank. GameStop has now begun to take preorders for Halo 3 on its Web site. The product page shows no box art or game information, but its June 1, 2006, estimated release date, $59.99 price tag, and Xbox 360 platform has fans of the sci-fi series dual-wielding joy and anticipation.
However, it isn't time to start checking prices on high-def TVs just yet. It's become common practice for online retailers to begin taking preorders based on mere speculation. To quote the site:
"NOTE: Content based on the best available information. Price, release date, content and title are subject to change and/or cancellation by vendor."
Gates' announcement may have shocked many, but not all. Thinking more like cutthroat business moguls rather than game developers tweaking ones and zeros, several conspiracy theorists and Web sites figured that Halo 3 launching simultaneously with the PlayStation 3 would make the most business sense for Microsoft. And it wouldn't be shocking--the company has made a similar move before.
Microsoft Game Studios delayed Halo 2 for a year to November 2004, which also happened to coincide with Sony's launch of its new slim-line PlayStation 2. The result? Halo 2 sold like gangbusters, Xbox Live subscriptions doubled, and Xbox consoles flew off the shelf. Thanks to the popular shooter, Microsoft finally toppled the Japanese company as the monthly leader in the gaming industry, a feat that the Microsoft brass hasn't been curt about.
Even with Gates' declaration, no official announcement of Halo 3 has been made. When speaking with GameSpot just before Microsoft's press conference at E3, Microsoft corporate vice president of worldwide marketing and publishing, Peter Moore, remained mum on the subject, and Halo developer Bungie has denied that a third chapter of the Spartan shooter is in the works.
However, it doesn't mean the Washington-based developer isn't telling a little corporate white lie. Bungie has stated that it won't be working on new downloadable maps for Halo 2 after the release of July's Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack, as it is working hard on an "unnamed project," which, with Gates' boasting, seems more and more likely to be Halo 3.
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