| | Halo Stuff from the Bungie Store! Bungie's game Halo is far and away the hottest title on the Xbox. With such a successful title it's amazing how littleHalo merchandise you can find out there. What's up with that? Where are the Master Chief T-shirts? Where are the Grunt plush dolls that squeal when you squeeze them? Where are theHalo key chains and card games and all the other doodads? Are the folks at Bungie and Microsoft so caught up in their new projects that they've forgotten that gamers love goodies from their favorite games? We caught up with Max Hoberman, Bungie's Online Team Lead, and Matt Soell, Bungie's Community Lead, and asked them a few questions.
SKIP: Thanks for taking a few minutes away from what are surely busy schedules.
MAX: No problem. We've only got a few minutes though, we're in the middle of a usability study for our new title, codenamed "Project Toof." There are a few participants we can't keep waiting for long.
SKIP: Well, I'll get to the point then. No doubt you two have heard the plaintive cry of your fans calling forHalo merchandise. What's up? Where's the goods?
MATT: That's a good question. We were so overwhelmed with the cries of our fans that we had to retreat. Thus began a months-long process of meditation, therapy, and some actual work. We partnered with the fine people at eCompanyStore. Now, after a much too long hiatus, the Bungie Storehas returned with much sought-after merchandise.
SKIP: Much sought-after merchandise, huh?
MAX: What Matt means to say is that we've just reopened the Bungie Store, and we have some Halo goodies you won't find anywhere else. Specifically, we have a very nice looking Halo T-shirt featuring the MC and a very coolHalo poster. Of course we also have the HaloNovel and Strategy Guide, and the usual Bungie paraphernalia. Oh, and we're including a Making of Halo DVD free with every order, while we got 'em, anyway.
SKIP: That's excellent! How's that for impeccably timing my interview! There are two things notably missing from your list though. First, the Halo soundtrack. I've heard rumors that this was on its way. Can you shed any light on these rumors? Second, the Grunt plush doll. The forums have been abuzz with cries for this item, any chance we'll actually get our hands on one?
MATT: Well, Skip, the Halo soundtrack is of course a much in demand product, not only from the fans but also from Marty O'Donnell, the composer, who needs a steady stream of those 5-inch silvery discs to continue building a glittering monument to his own ego. Luckily we'll be able to satisfy both these parties as a Halo soundtrack is imminent. As for the Grunt plush dolls ... say, what about hippos? What about a hippo plush doll? Wait, did you know that Ted Nugent sells personalized ammunition on his web site? Maybe we should sell shotgun shells with hippos on them, just like the shotgun shells in the game.
MAX: I'm not sure the marketing guys will go for the shotgun shells, Matt, but it's a swell idea. Now a hippo plush doll... Maybe we could have a little Bungie Don't Make Us Kick Your Ass shirt made for him, just like the one we sell in the Store. Doesn't someone sell Beanie Babies with corporate logos on them?
SKIP: Who's Ted Nugent?
MATT: Rock and roll guy from the '70s. He's got a song called "Ass Scratch Fever" or something like that. I don't remember any others. He's mostly known for being almost as insanely right-wing as Marty. So in that respect there's a certain ideological continuity between the Halo soundtrack and selling hippo shotgun shells in the Bungie Store.
SKIP: Ah, um, I see. Well, that's great news about the Store and especially the Halo merchandise. I can't wait to get my hands on that soundtrack. I know you two need to get going, anything else you'd like to say before we wrap this up?
MAX: The Man would come down on us both pretty hard if we didn't mention one special feature of the Bungie Store that's very dear to him. We run a secret organization of Bungie fans called the Seventh Column that's organized into LAN playing groups around the world. Members of these chapters are eligible for a whopping 40% off discount on orders placed at the Bungie Store! You can find out more specifics by visiting the Store or visiting http://www.bungie.net/, home of Bungie's community activities.
SKIP: Wow, 40%? Really? That's almost half off. Matt?
MATT: Just one more comment on the Store. It's a little-known fact that all proceeds from the Bungie Store go to our community development fund, which, when we're not raiding it for pizza money, we use to support FanFests and other fun events. In fact there's a FanFest and Seventh Column Convention coming up at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo [E3] in Los Angeles. RSVPs are recommended, but hurry, there are only a few spots left. Go to http://www.bungie.net/ for more information.
SKIP: Well thanks for taking the time to chat. Good luck with the Store! Next time you see me I'll be in aHalo shirt and one of those "Fishing Bob" caps! by Skip Weasel |
