Halo 3 Multiplayer

Overview

On a single console, up to two players can play campaign and up to four can participate in a versus multiplayer match through use of split screen. Through use of LAN or Xbox Live, up to four players can play together in campaign, up to eight can customize a map in Forge mode, and up to sixteen can participate in versus multiplayer matches. (Each console must retain their respective split screen limitations.) A public beta test of the game's online multiplayer features, as well as saved films and file share, occurred between May 16, 2007 and June 10, 2007. Statistics from all games that are completed by players while connected to Xbox Live are also uploaded to the respective player's "service record" on Bungie.net.

Like other multiplayer Xbox 360 titles, Halo 3 uses a customized version of TrueSkill ranking system for 'matchmaking', or the automated grouping of players of similar skill. Halo 3's matchmaking system is based on two different measures of player ranking, skill and experience (based on the number of 'rating points' or EXP, respectively). Skill is the numerical TrueSkill rank of the player in a given multiplayer mode. The TrueSkill ranking is affected by both wins and losses; wins against a much higher ranked opponent will rank a player up faster, while losses against players with lower ranks will cause a player to drop in rank faster. The experience system is linear, with a player gaining experience for winning a game and losing experience for quitting or otherwise leaving a game, with no effect for losing a game. To help players have an enjoyable time online, a new feature dubbed the "A-hole button" allows players to mute annoying players in the game quickly and easily from the in-game scoreboard view. Like Halo 2, Halo 3 supports downloadable content and updates.

How to Play Multiplayer

Players must actively seek out other players through their Xbox Live Friends list, using the party invite system, or the LAN search feature to play multiplayer matches with their own custom rules and customized maps. However if they are connected to Xbox Live, a player can choose to have the game decide for them the exact rules and map to play on, as well as finding additional people to play against or with, using the "Match Making" system. A player will decide from a selection of developer designed "play lists" which each contain a certain type of way to play the game. The games contained within a playlist range from 1 vs 1 free for all, to 8 vs 8 team play. Often focusing on either deathmatch games, objective games (e.g. Capture the Flag) or a combination of the two.