Good news await for those hoping to get another chance to win bragging rights and acclaim at “Halo.” A new Pro League for the “Halo Championship Series” has been announced.
Game Spot reports that although the “Halo World Championship” just ended recently, Microsoft’s support for it doesn’t end as shown in the recent announcement made by “Halo” franchise director Frank O’Connor.
“We are pleased, proud and excited to announce the Halo Championship Series: Pro League -- a long-term partnership between 343 Industries and ESL to grow, nurture and evolve Halo esports at every level of competition,” O’Connor said in the announcement posted on the Halo Blog.
While people might have viewed the recently concluded World Championship as an end of sorts, O’Connor said that it’s actually just the beginning of the growth of “Halo” eSports. O’Connor said that the league will focus on Europe and North America, although they are hoping to expand it to other regions in the future. It will feature scheduled weekly matches with gamers playing at their best.
Although the emphasis of the Pro League will be on professional playing, O’Connor added that it will feature a “Challenger League” that will open up opportunities for aspiring player teams to challenge pro squads and take their place in the Pro League standings. To do this, of course, requires much skill and teamwork, O’Connor notes.
The Pro League will not be an end on its own, but will be used to help prepare the next “Halo World Championship.” O'Connor explained, “The HCS Pro League will form the framework and basis for the action of the next Halo World Championship and is something we’re incredibly excited to launch and build upon in the coming months.”
More details, including qualification criteria and dates, will be given in the following days, so stay tuned for more updates. “The HCS Pro League is a big step for us, and we hope you’ll join us in the coming months for some of the most intense, exciting, and skilled video gameplay you’ve ever seen,” O’Connor said. “We just can’t wait.”