343 Industries reveals new user milestone for sci-fi shooter; 11.7 billion kills, 388 million headshots recorded since launch; Competitive Skill Rank coming in April.
[UPDATE] Following the publication of this story, Microsoft confirmed with GameSpot that the 11.6 million figure counts all unique users, including guests. In addition, Microsoft said its presentation slide contained a typo.
"The 11.6 million figure encompasses all unique users who have played Halo 4 while connected to Xbox Live, including guest accounts," a Microsoft representative told GameSpot. "We'd also like to clarify that there was a typo in our PAX panel slide--the figure includes all users who have played any mode in Halo 4 (i.e. campaign, Forge, Spartan Ops, etc.) – not just online multiplayer."
The original story follows below
BOSTON--Today during a panel at PAX East, Microsoft's 343 Industries revealed that 11.6 million people have played Halo 4 multiplayer since launch in November. It is not clear if Microsoft counted guest accounts in the overall figure. The company could not be immediately reached for comment.
343 Industries parsed a range of other statistics during the presentation. According to the company's data, players have recorded 11.7 billion kills since launch and recorded 388 million headshots. Gamers have performed 193 million assassinations, 4.4 million of which were assassinations executed while in the air.
In addition, players have earned 24.5 billion medals in War Games, captured 30 million flags, and hijacked 64 million vehicles.
Also during the panel today, 343 Industries announced that the Halo 4 Competitive Skill Ranking (CSR) system will arrive sometime in April. Similar to Halo 2 and Halo 3, the system will span levels 1-50.
343 Industries also discussed the upcoming Halo 4 Title Update, which will enable "X-Markers" on the heads-up-display, update active camo systems, and tune weapons further. The new title update will also allow 343 Industries to implement further multiplayer changes and tweaks without forcing users to apply an update.
A new map--Forge Island--will launch April 11 as a free download. "This one is on us as a thank-you," 343 Industries said.
Halo 4, the most expensive game Microsoft has ever made, launched November 6 to apositive critical reception and $220 million in day-one revenue.
