So, pretty simple, we contact Microsoft and Negotiate for the release of the Source Code for CE's -Blam- engine.
what we need
-convince MS to release the -Blam- Engine
-convince Gamespy to continue the multiplayer service once it is made open source
-have a project in mind, so that they can see that we are doing something with the new information
Halo PC is not available at most retailers. Seven years from release, this can be expected. What can't be anticipated, however, is the fact that MS is still sitting on Halo 1 and it's Custom Edition creation kit like a fat kid and twinkies, despite the fact that the game itself cannot even be purchased directly from stores anymore as none are interested in carrying it.
By all rights, it's their property, their domains, their patents. But the fact remains that they cannot and will not turn a profit by hoarding it and giving a metaphorical middle finger to modders of the game. Sure, they won't make any moneys by declaring it abandonware, but they stand to gain on the public relations side of things. They can really only benefit from releasing it under some form of open source license and calling it a day.
Now, we have to consider the ramifications of Microsoft officially ceasing support of H:CE. For one, as mentioned above, we'll probably see the departure of the Gamespy multiplayer system as presumably they're getting something from MS annually for hosting an ancient game. In this, until someone can step forward and offer something similar to http://xwis.net, community growth will surely grind to a halt and experience a drastic decline as the only feature of CE is rendered null and void.
Perhaps some form of agreement could be reached with Gamespy. They offer essentially free game hosting for independent developers of the Unity 3D engine over @ their site, surely some means could be acquired from the community, monetary or otherwise, to convince them to host a patch or some other for a paltry amount of time so a majority of the clients are updated to use '2.00's server(s) for multiplayer networking instead of GS's. With Microsoft no longer funding the hosting of the service, they've no reason to refuse, really.
But on the pro side, as evidenced by the Open Sauce project, there are experts in the field like kornman who can find time to alter and add on to just this sort of thing. From what I can tell, Halo CE modders have long been halted by artificial restrictions on the engine that modern hardware can surely do without, again, see OS. Imagine if someone actually made a 2.00 update possible, a unified update for all to play on free of charge, and a feasible platform for development as distribution would be in the creator's fingertips. Microsoft could say, "Hey, look. We enabled that."
Since Microsoft stands nothing to lose from such a thing, and people with experience have been all too eager to modify the very framework of CE in the past, the only problem lies with hosting. But really, look at projects like SwgEmu where fans have not only managed to tweak a game and distribute it at their own expense, but actually make it better then what they started out with.
As for whether the cons outweigh the pros, sooner or later the service will be cut regardless *cough* Halo 2 *cough*. The time between then and now is what we have to convince MS to let the Custom Edition community operate independently through releasing the source code, giving the game a chance to prosper irrespective of when, not if, Microsoft finally pulls the plug.
There's a saying, "If you love something, set it free." Generally speaking, I don't believe a Halo: CE modder is going to walk down the street and get mobbed by busty Microsoft employees, but they don't stand to gain anything by keeping Halo 1 close to their chests. Better to have the chance of the game living on in the hands of fans than just suddenly lynching it and effectively losing one of their most successful PC games.
