Microsoft takes action against modified version of Halo Online

Microsoft and Halo developer 343 Industries are taking action against the recently released modified version of Halo Online. The developers of ElDewrito have temporarily stopped developing the mod and are in talks with the rights holders.

343 Industries has released a statement online saying it appreciates the work of the modders, but the Halo developer also emphasizes that the mod uses assets and trademarks that it never released and that Microsoft must take action against their illegal use.

No takedown request was sent directly to the mod’s creators; Microsoft and 343 Industries have entered into talks with the makers and have requested that the work be temporarily halted. The modders agreed.

According to 343 Industries, the mod’s makers are shocked that they have put a lot of work into their project, but they understand the situation. The studio also notes that it is clear that the PC community wants a Halo game and says it is excited about an eventual official release of a classic ‘Halo experience’ for PC. 343 Industries adds that it has nothing to announce at this time, but indicates that the PC community is important and that the company is thinking about it for the future.

The team behind the mod says in its own blog that it does not yet know what will happen to ElDewrito. They expect the mod to remain available, but the assets needed to play the game will likely be taken offline by Microsoft. The mod is currently still playable.

Recently version 0.6 of ElDewrito was released and that was accompanied by a lot of media attention. The modified version of Halo Online had been available for some time, but remained under the radar. Halo Online was originally developed by Microsoft itself and intended for the Russian market. After a test period and several delays, the American company canceled the game.