New Halo game is top draw at video game convention
SEATTLE - Thousands of video gamers are in Seattle right now for a huge video game convention - and many are hoping to get a their first chance at the new Halo game.
The game - Halo "Reach," the next chapter in the series - could mean billions for one local game studio.
And at the Penny Arcade Expo in Seattle, gamers are getting their first chance to play the final release.
"We have to be very careful to make sure our fans get the best possible experience and stay true - because they expect a lot from a Halo game," says Brian Jarrard of Bungie Studios in Kirkland.
The last version of Halo raked in $170 million on its first day. And so far, gamers have been blown away by the new game.
"The abilities are a nice add-on - can help turn the tide in the battle and stuff," says Levi Phillips.
Jarrard called it a "fan-oriented game show."
"It isn't about industry and press. It's the real gamers, the real fans who play our games," he says.
Some of those fans not only play their favorite games - they live them.
"I am the character from Brutal Legend," says one woman.
Kyle Kahklen came a long way to play Halo Reach.
"I came all the way from Juneau, Alaska, to do this thing. So it's a great experience," he says. "I waited in line for about 20 minutes before I actually played a game."
Sales from the Halo franchise are expected to hit $2 billion this year. And that's why Bungie Studios spent three years giving fans more of what they love.
"Like the flow of the game. It's very intense, very fast-paced, compared to Halo 3. I really like it," says Kahklen.
And that could mean another billion-dollar hit for local programmers.
Halo Reach hits store on Sept. 14 - in time for the holiday shopping season.
The game - Halo "Reach," the next chapter in the series - could mean billions for one local game studio.
And at the Penny Arcade Expo in Seattle, gamers are getting their first chance to play the final release.
"We have to be very careful to make sure our fans get the best possible experience and stay true - because they expect a lot from a Halo game," says Brian Jarrard of Bungie Studios in Kirkland.
The last version of Halo raked in $170 million on its first day. And so far, gamers have been blown away by the new game.
"The abilities are a nice add-on - can help turn the tide in the battle and stuff," says Levi Phillips.
Jarrard called it a "fan-oriented game show."
"It isn't about industry and press. It's the real gamers, the real fans who play our games," he says.
Some of those fans not only play their favorite games - they live them.
"I am the character from Brutal Legend," says one woman.
Kyle Kahklen came a long way to play Halo Reach.
"I came all the way from Juneau, Alaska, to do this thing. So it's a great experience," he says. "I waited in line for about 20 minutes before I actually played a game."
Sales from the Halo franchise are expected to hit $2 billion this year. And that's why Bungie Studios spent three years giving fans more of what they love.
"Like the flow of the game. It's very intense, very fast-paced, compared to Halo 3. I really like it," says Kahklen.
And that could mean another billion-dollar hit for local programmers.
Halo Reach hits store on Sept. 14 - in time for the holiday shopping season.