Last night marked the end of an era - the last day of Halo 3 online multi-player. Microsoft started to shut down Halo online services for Xbox 360 on January 13th and over the last 2 days Halo fans across the world have mourned and reminisced their fondest memories of the iconic Halo entry. Many took part in one final Halo 3 online match to commemorate the end of an era. An official press release was shared by Halo Waypoint which we've shared below, outlines what services and games are affected by the shut down.
Thankfully fans can still enjoy Halo 3 and other classic Halo titles through the Master Chief Collection and GamePass but this shut down marks the end of online matchmaking for Xbox 360 version of the games.
On January 13, 2022, Xbox 360 game servers for Halo games were turned off (sunsetting the service). This means that while these games can still be played, online services such as challenges and file share are no longer available. The Xbox 360 versions of the following games are affected:
- Halo: Reach
- Halo 4
- Halo 3
- Halo 3: ODST
- Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary
- Spartan Assault
- Halo Wars
This only affects Xbox 360 versions of the game. Games in Halo: The Master Chief Collection will not be impacted. The Halo titles available within MCC have been rebuilt and remastered to leverage different, modernized services.
Here's a chart provided by Microsoft that outlines exactly how the Halo online services have been affected:
Did you play one last match of Halo 3 on Xbox 360 before the servers shut off? What was your favorite memory of Halo 3? Sound in the comments below!
