Customization
Does Halo 2 for Windows Vista support user-created content?
Yes, the team is working with Pi Studios to release a toolkit for the creation of custom maps on H2V. Gamers will be able to share these custom maps with each other online.
Can I share my H2V maps with Xbox 360 gamers?
No, we don’t have any plans to allow this for Halo 2. But, Bungie is always interested in the creative work of the Halo community and we’ll find ways to recognize the very best work on H2V.
What does this toolkit include?
Just as with the HEK from Halo 1 PC, Halo 2 for Windows Vista will ship with updated versions of the three programs Bungie itself uses for map creation: Guerilla, Sapien, and Tool. Users may create 3D objects and textures in their preferred editing programs, then specify rules for those objects in Guerilla, and finally integrate them into gameplay with Sapien. Tool provides a processing pipeline between these programs.
Why doesn’t the toolkit include a 3D modeler or texture editor?
There are several extremely good 3D modeling and artistic programs on the market, including some available at no cost. Bungie itself uses third-party tools for modeling and texture creation.
Are these tools user-friendly?
We expect most users of H2V will simply enjoy the custom content created by others, rather than make their own. Guerilla, Sapien, and Tool were originally created by and for Bungie’s own developers and require some dedication to learn. That said, the toolkit for H2V is friendlier and more polished than the Halo 1 PC HEK, which the Halo community used to create over a thousand unique multiplayer maps.
How will Bungie support players who need technical advice when creating maps?
The map editor from Pi Studios will ship with a considerable amount of documentation, and we hope to release reference projects that will give players an idea of how maps are made. The tools themselves are an evolution of the Halo 1 PC map editing kit, and as such experienced HEK map-makers should feel at home. It’s also likely that Bungie will create a forum on its website for users who want to trade technical information about the new tools. And of course, the map editing community itself is always great about sharing tips and techniques across the internet.
How will an experienced HEK user benefit from upgrading to the new toolset?
The map creation toolkit in H2V has a higher degree of polish and is better supported and documented than the HEK. For example, Guerilla now automatically indexes game objects for easy access, and Sapien now supports auto-backup and undo. Pi Studios has added several other convenient features, such as the ability to view full pre-renders of maps within Sapien, and tolerance for geometry issues including object collision and open edges.
How will users get access to custom maps created by other players?
We’re investigating our options here, but aren’t ready to discuss the details. It’s important for the H2V team to strike a balance between convenience and community-building. Security and performance concerns must also be addressed.
Will it be possible for players to create their own campaign or co-op levels for Halo 2?
No, the user-created content tools are exclusively for multiplayer maps and game types.
Will there be a Beta of the map editor?
We aren’t yet ready to discuss a Beta.
oh well
