Halo 2

Halo 2 released November 9, 2004 for Xbox, published by Microsoft Game Studios. The hype was unprecedented: 1.5 million pre-orders and simultaneous midnight launches across more than 7,000 stores in North America. In its first 24 hours, the game sold 2.4 million copies and grossed $125 million.

The campaign introduced a second playable protagonist — the Covenant Arbiter — alongside Master Chief, splitting the narrative focus in a bold way. But the real legacy was online: Halo 2 became the most popular game on Xbox Live, holding that position until Gears of War arrived nearly two years later. More importantly, its matchmaking system became the industry standard that subsequent shooters would emulate for years. The soundtrack, crafted by Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori with guest work from Steve Vai and tracks from Incubus, Breaking Benjamin, and Hoobastank, reinforced the game's cultural weight.

When Microsoft finally shut down original-Xbox Live service in April 2010, Halo 2's fanbase became legendary — players famously refused to log out of their final sessions. The official plug was pulled, the servers went dark, and still a community lingered. The final multiplayer session ended May 10, roughly a month after the service officially ended, marking the end of an era that had defined online console gaming.