Halo Spartan Assault video game coming to Windows Phone
Microsoft has announced a Halo video game for Windows Phone 8 devices.
It is is first time a game from the bestselling sci-fi franchise has been released for touchscreen handsets. Previous mobile titles were limited to offering guidance and information about the console games.
The move mirrors a decision to release other Halo games as Xbox-exclusives.
They are credited for driving sales of Microsoft's console, but analysts say WP8 might not see a similar effect.
"When the Windows Phone platform was launched, tying in Xbox Live support appeared to be a key element - but Microsoft has failed to exploit the brand," said Jack Kent, mobile media analyst at IHS Screen Digest.
"It has struggled to attract developers to the platform as its failure to get a large market share has meant developers don't believe they would get a return on their investment.
"Halo is a strong brand and the new game will attract some of its fans - but a single title will not be enough to make a big difference for most consumers, particularly when they look at the wider catalogue."
Halo 4 integration
Halo: Spartan Assault is developed by 343 Industries - the Microsoft division responsible for Halo 4 - in conjunction with Dutch firm Vanguard Games.
Unlike other games in the series, it is a top-down action shooter - meaning the player takes a bird's eye view of progress - rather than the first-person design of other titles.
Its story is set between Halo 3 and Halo 4, and players can earn Experience Points, emblems and other content for their character in Halo 4 by progressing through the mobile game.
Microsoft has said it will cost $6.99 (£4.50) in the US, and it will charge further in-app fees if consumers want to buy upgrades for their weapons or armour.
In addition to being made available on Windows Phone, it will also be released for PCs running Windows 8.
Halo: Spartan Assault offers a top-down view of battles unlike other games in the series
What's The Deal with Mobile games? Do they help or hurt the soul of the video game industry?
I feel like they hurt the true video games on consoles or PC. They can take a fabulous game on the consoles and tarnish its good name with its terrible gameplay and story telling ablilities. If a franchise has done successful on consels, stick with it!! If they want to expand to mobile devices, don't make games. Make apps that give you more information on the backstory of the complex universe in which they take place.
