Microsoft Taps IGN for Halo Fest

San Francisco – July 28, 2011 – IGN Entertainment, the world's
leading video games media company, has been selected by Microsoft as the
official media partner for the first-ever Halo
Fest, the expansive Halo event commemorating ten years of the
blockbuster franchise, which will take place during PAX Prime 2011,
August 26-28th in Seattle.


As Halo Fest's official media partner, IGN will deliver fans
unparalleled, extensive Halo coverage leading up to, during and
following the first-of-its kind event through a dedicated IGN Halo Fest
mini-site: http://go.ign.com/halofest2011.


IGN's coverage of Halo Fest will include extensive video coverage of
select Halo Fest tournaments and events – including live webcasts of
select Halo Fest panels – as well as teaser articles, behind-the-scenes
studio access, VIP interviews, contests and much more. Leading up to
Halo Fest, IGN will feature detailed schedules for panels, tournaments
and challenges in the Hopper area, and a sneak peak at some of the
exclusives of Halo Fest – both giveaways and special appearances.


"The 10 year anniversary of the Halo franchise is an important milestone
for us, our fans and the industry," said Frank O'Connor, Franchise
Director for Halo at 343 Industries. "IGN's commitment to quality
content for their readers and their awesome footprint in the industry
make them a perfect fit to partner with on Halo Fest, letting us share
the experience with so many fans out there that couldn't make it in
person."


"We are thrilled to be working with Microsoft to bring the most in-depth
coverage of Halo Fest to millions of rabid fans," said Tal Blevins, VP
of Games Content for IGN Entertainment. "We're excited to help Microsoft
celebrate the indelible mark the Halo franchise has left on pop culture
over the past 10 years!"


In addition, running now through August 1, there are three contests
through which fans can submit a piece of artwork, a video or a
photograph of their own creation that commemorates the impact of Halo –
in exchange for prizes including a walk-on voice acting role in a Red
vs. Blue Rooster Teeth production, Acme Archives art-quality prints of
their submissions and much more. IGN will sweeten the pot by offering
the top five finalists in the forge art and machinima film contests
3-day badges for PAX Prime.


For a chance to win, fans can visit https://apps.facebook.com/halofest/. Voting runs August 1-8, and the top 5 will be contacted by August 11. Winners will be announced at Halo Fest on August 25.


Press Release