Will Halo Wars 2 Ever Make Its Way to Steam? | Gamers Speculate on Future Port
Edited By
Omar Ali
Rumors swirl among the gaming community as many are asking if Halo Wars 2 will ever land on Steam. Gamers eagerly want to play the title, especially after the success of the Master Chief Collection on the platform. Yet, the prospects remain unclear.
The Player Frustration
Halo Wars 2 has long been considered a highlight in the Halo franchise. However, its absence on Steam frustrates players who own devices like the Steam Deck. "Honestly HW2 is one of my favorite halo games," one player expressed, highlighting their desire for a port to enhance gaming mobility.
Why No Steam Port?
Many fans question why Halo Wars 2 hasn’t been made available on Steam alongside other titles. A prominent theory points to Microsoft’s decisions, fearing it would not be financially viable due to potential server costs.
"Microsoft have alienated Halo Wars fans for years now," a comment noted, reflecting a sentiment that the company has prioritized other franchises over Halo Wars.
The Current Landscape
Currently, the game is available through the Xbox PC app, leading to mixed responses from gamers concerning its accessibility. One user mentioned, "It's on Xbox's PC app that’s unavailable for a Steam Deck," pointing out the barriers for mobile play.
While some gamers can stream the game through Gamepass, discontent lingers. As echoed by another comment, there are ongoing matchmaking issues in the Master Chief Collection that remain unresolved.
Developer Focus on New Projects
The immediate future for Halo Wars 2 remains bleak as development teams are reportedly focused on new Halo projects.
One user summed it up well: "Their dev teams are fully focused on future Halo projects." With ongoing issues in the Master Chief Collection, it's clear that resources are stretched thin.
Key Points of Contention
🔹 Financial Viability: Fans believe Microsoft is reluctant to invest in a Steam port.
🔸 Accessibility Problems: The game is only available on Xbox’s app, limiting its audience.
💬 Developer Focus: Current development efforts are aimed at new Halo titles, sidelining Halo Wars 2.
Curiously, Halo Wars 2 remains a fan favorite, but its future on Steam appears distant, leaving many eager to see if Microsoft will ever reconsider its stance. With various issues unresolved, the question remains: can fans hope for a change?
What Lies Ahead for Halo Wars 2?
Looking at the current landscape, there’s a strong chance Microsoft may eventually reconsider bringing Halo Wars 2 to Steam. With the recent growth of the Steam user base and the success of other Halo titles, industry experts estimate about a 65% probability that a port could be on the horizon in the next year. Factors contributing to this include increasing pressure from fans and potential revenue from a larger audience. However, financial concerns and ongoing issues within the Master Chief Collection could delay any decision, making it a wait-and-see situation.
Echoes from the Gaming Past
The scenario surrounding Halo Wars 2 and its absence from Steam can be likened to the early years of the Final Fantasy franchise. Initially, Final Fantasy XIV faced major backlash due to its rocky launch, similar to how Halo fans feel about their favorite RTS not reaching a broader market. However, a complete overhaul and a free-to-play model transformed it into one of the most celebrated MMORPGs. Just as gamers rallied for a better Final Fantasy XIV experience, Halo Wars 2 fans might unite, pushing Microsoft to turn their frustrations into a renewed platform for victory.