For a little more than a month now, Microsoft has embarked on a new video game console generation with the Xbox Series X. The new console pushes the technical capabilities that video games can reach, encouraging creators and players to enter The World Of Dreams. While sadly Halo Infinite had to be delayed away from its planned status as a launch title, it still holds the promise of continuing the Halo franchise. However, as one step into the future begins, another foot must be taken away from the series’s past. It has been confirmed that the Halo Xbox 360 games will have their online support suspended in 2021.

343 Industries announced the suspension of Halo Xbox 360 game services on the official Halo Waypoint website. According to the developer, the legacy Xbox 360 games are being shut down in 2021 due to the time needed elsewhere supporting more recent services, as well as future Halo games like Halo Infinite. Given the diminishing Xbox 360 online userbase, 343 Industries felt it was time to pull the plug. The games can obviously still be played offline, but any online modes will be shut down within a year from now.

343 Industries provided a handy visual guide showing which Halo Xbox 360 games would be affected by this shutdown, and what particular modes in each game will be no longer supported starting in December 2021. Among these games includes Halo Reach, Halo 3 and 4, and Halo Wars. The developer also specifically ensures fans that this shutdown will not impact the PC and Xbox versions of the Halo: Master Chief Collection, so anyone wanting to play any of the classic trilogy’s online modes will still be able to do so on PC and Xbox One. While the closing of this chapter may be sad for some to see, it is understandable that these services had to end at one point or another. At least now those that still play on Xbox 360 can have some time to give Halo 3’s online modes a 21 teabag salute.

What do you guys think about the Halo Xbox 360 games ending their support in 2021? Let us know in the comments below! Be sure to stay tuned for the latest Halo news, such as the new production photos coming from the live-action Halo television show, here on Don’t Feed the Gamers! Follow us on Twitter to see our updates the minute they go live!