In an attempt to proactively curb a potential issue with one of their signature games, Microsoft has issued a DMCA takedown notice to modders of "Halo Online." The takedown notice was issued after Microsoft caught wind of some intrepid modders looking to remove the regional locks they have installed into the game.
"Halo Online" is currently set to be made available only in Russia, but the mods being used on it are designed to make it available without the regional restrictions, according to Extreme Tech. Leaked copies of the game meant for Russian hands to find themselves heading to modders, and from there, they began work on trying to make it more accessible.
Microsoft is not a fan of players dictating who gets to play their titles, and that is when they issued the stern notice to cease and desist any and all activities related to further mods. "We have received information that the domain listed above, which appears to be on servers under your control, is offering unlicensed copies of, or is engaged in other unauthorized activities relating to, copyrighted works published by Microsoft," said the company.
The modded files were available on Github, but with the takedown notice coming straight from the head honchos of Microsoft, they have since been removed, according to Kitguru. Another group of modders was working on a launcher, to be named "ElDorito," for "Halo Online" for those hopeful players outside of Russia. They too have been scared by the news however, and have since put the plans to create a launcher for the game on hold, according to PC Gamer.
Even with the recent moves from Microsoft, and the fear they have struck into the hearts of the people working to make the game more accessible, there are still game files available online. The path to finding these game files is a bit confusing, but people who truly want to see the game can still reportedly find it floating around somewhere.
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