With Halo 4 not even out yet, it seems Microsoft is looking into the future to secure the Halo brand name. This week, the company bought several domain names centered around Halo and the upcoming major entries in the franchise..
Using the internet brand protection company MarkMonitor, Microsoft has apparently acquired the domains listed below.
Halo7.net
Halo7.org
Halo8.org
Halo9.net
Halo9.org
It's not known if and when Microsoft shelled cash out to get the domains and don't count on knowing it soon. Microsoft's deals with private domain acquisitions have never been made public and I doubt they're going to start now. Also, each of the acquired domain names is registered by DNSination Inc. a "WhoIs" privacy service administered by MarkMonitor and the change in ownership reportedly took place within the last 48 hours.
Here's a screengrab of what we're talking about.
If you're curious as to how the Halo-themed domain names stack up, here's a list.
Halo.com – registered and active website owned by HALO Brand Solutions, not Microsoft.
Halo1.com – registered and active website owned by HALO ONE, not Microsoft.
Halo2.com – owned by Microsoft Corporation.
Halo3.com – owned by Microsoft Corporation.
Halo4.com – owned by Microsoft Corporation.
Halo5.com – owned by Microsoft Corporation. Registered via CSC privately.
Halo6.com – Parked at Network Solutions by Colby Thiesen, not owned by Microsoft.
Halo7.com – privately registered and active website, not owned by Microsoft.
Halo8.com – registered and active website owned by Halo 8 Productions, not Microsoft.
Halo9.com – owned by Microsoft Corporation. Registered via CSC privately.
Halo10.com – owned by Microsoft Corporation.
So, does this mean Microsoft is already making Halo 7 and above? I wouldn't bet on it. But seeing as the Halo franchise is their major cash cow, it's also not a bad idea to secure it now, no? It's not like they're planning on not developing Halo games anytime soon, right?
If you're a Halo fan, be happy as Microsoft seems to have you covered for the next decade — if not longer.
Halo 4 is scheduled for release this November 6 exclusively for the Xbox 360.
Source: Fusible
