While fans show off dismay to the repeal of the local co-op mode in Halo 5: Guardians, new reports have been circulating that developers "may" change such. Since its first release on Xbox in 2001, Halo gamers had been enjoying a local co-op wherein one can play the anticipated first-person shooter along with friends in a multiplayer.
On the recent Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Microsoft's General Manager of Game Publishing Shannon Loftis said in an interview that Halo 5 does not have a local co-op feature, but things may change in the future. "The glorious thing about Halo and about Xbox is that we can deliver continuous improvements to any experience. But, no announcements being made here", said Loftis. Cnet reports that while multiplayer is possible through Halo 5 which would require friends to be in their respective homes and use their Xbox Live platform, fans could no longer play together while they are in the same room and enjoy each other's company, which is the central feature of the local co-op. Such move by Microsoft could be traced to the recent trend in online gaming and to cut off time and development costs.
Endgadget reprots that decision was not positively accepted by people who appear to be Halo fans with their continuous criticisms on social media while some even plea to 343 Industries, demanding to return the split-screen, multiplayer feature. Online posts and statements range from rants and feelings of disappointment to threats of cancelling their Halo 5 pre-orders.
On the other hand, 343 Industries had been attempting to address concerns regarding the game's REQ points, an in-game currency which enables a player to purchase weapons, armors, and skins. Recently, however, REQ points were enabled to be purchased with real world money and this once again appalled the fans according to Game Politics. It is said that portion of the money will go to the prize for Halo Championship Series. Moreover, 343 Studio Boss, Josh Holmes assured that while REQ packs can be used in Arena and Warzone, only cosmetic items can be purchased by real money REQ points in Arena experience, and this is to ascertain that "...all players start with the same weapons and abilities as part of our vision for the balanced, competitive play in Arena multiplayer," Holmes explained.
Microsoft and 343 Industries' first-person shooting game, Halo 5: Guardians will be released on October 27, 2015 and will be playable for Xbox One. Standard edition starts at a price of $60, while a Collector's Edition will cost $250 which includes a commemorative Master Chief statue among other special items.
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