Bungie.net released some more details about how Halo 2 will interact with Windows Vista, from project lead Jo Clowes. Microsoft confirms that Halo 2 will support their new Live Anywhere service, but still will not allow cross-platform play between Xbox and PC users. However, Live Anywhere users on Vista will be able to view people on their Friends lists on Xbox Live. Microsoft offers other improvements in the Live experience on Vista, aligning the game more along the lines of what gamers expect from PC-based gaming. These improvements include the ability to set up dedicated servers, and to define custom online game configurations.

In terms of content, it was confirmed that all the original content from the Xbox version of Halo 2 would be present in the Vista version, plus gamers will get a map editor, and potentially a few new maps. Further, with integration into Windows Vista’s game browser UI will allow management of dedicated servers and favorite game types. It was also mentioned that once Live Anywhere launches for mobile users, friends list and achievements can be accessed, but there are no plans for a mobile Halo 2. While the new gaming features in Windows Vista are interesting, one has to wonder if releasing Halo 2 after 2+ years will really drive the adoption of the Live Anywhere platform. Still, the Xbox game is still dominating the Live charts after all this time, so the game’s popularity could continue while gamers wait for the release of Windows Vista.