: The part that's not really 'all there is to it' is the part where MS sent the
: 'correct quote' to GameZone. Sending them a note saying "he might
: have misspoke, we'd rather you didn't fuel discussion about a subject we
: haven't officially broached yet" would have been one thing...saying
: "this is what he really said" is something else entirely. I
: mean, it sounds like the interview was done via email.

: Leaks suck when you're trying to control a message - I get that. But when
: they happen, especially when they happen accidentally, I think you're
: better off dealing with them honestly, rather than trying to strongarm
: whoever's talking.

: I dunno - that's just me.

I don't know MS strong armed GameZone. GameZone insinuated it happened.

I don't know if anything GameZone published on this subject is close to being accurate. I don't know why GamerZone didn't pass the transcript of this document to Steve Downes for verification before publishing that his responses seemingly verify H2A and Halo 5 in 2015. GameZone was less interested in being responsible and instead took the low road and published a self serving conclusion.

See, I have an automatic bias against GameZone because I've never heard of them and at the same time I have a bias in favour of Steve Downes who has been very amicable and open to Halo fans for many years. If I am to believe someone in this scenario, I'd automatically pick Steve Downes. I am not saying either party is lying. I am saying that for the lack of evidence, I am siding with Steve Downes' side of the story.

MS may have tried to clarify Steve Downe's statements but to out right lie about it doesn't make sense to me. Surely MS knows the doubters will continue to doubt no matter what and from that knowledge interference would be worthless. Silence has always been MS' strong point on rumours. It's a perfect response in the days of instant communication.

Steve Downes may have said exactly what GameZone published but he may never have intended for it to have the inferred meaning. If GameZone had told him what their intentions were, he may have clarified his position.

If I remember properly, these Voice Actors know very little about game production until they are called into the studio, and even then are only shown what they need to know. Am I correct in my memory that the voice actors are called in for their part quite late in the production cycle? Does he have first hand knowledge of Halo 5-ish or a potential H2A? I sort of doubt it.