Halo Hits Steam This Week... Kind of

Now I'm well aware that tomorrow is a day infamous for fake gaming news, but let me assure you this news is very real. Halo is indeed hitting Steam on April 4th, it just isn't the Halo everyone was hoping for. Starting on Friday, the top down shooter, Halo Spartan Assault, will be available on Steam for only $5. 
 

 
The move isn't as unexpected as some might think. Microsoft's own Games for Windows Live digital distribution service will be going offline permanently in July, so naturally it doesn't make sense to release anything new there. Also last year Microsoft hired Valve's former Director of Business Development, Jason Holtman, to come in and revive PC gaming under the Microsoft brand.
 
I'm personally approaching this news with cautious optimism. Phil Spencer did say at GDC that Microsoft had renewed focus on the PC gaming market, and that there would be more news about it coming this summer. Spartan Assault on Steam seems to be testing the waters, so to speak. There's still plenty of room for doubt however. A Microsoft spokesperson has already said "We have no further 'Halo' releases on Steam planned at this time". Of course if the rumored Halo 2: Anniversary Edition were to come to Steam, they wouldn't have said so until the game is at least officially announced. At GDC, Spencer also didn't rule out that Microsoft might be working on a replacement for GFWL, so Spartan Assault on Steam could just be a fluke while they're transitioning to a new service. Holtman also left Microsoft back in February after only working there 6 months for reasons unknown at the moment. 
 
So if you like Halo, or $5 top down shooters... get your fix on Friday.