Halo 2 launch now set for autumn - first ever multiplayer screenshot shown

Bungie has stated that Halo 2 will not be released until the autumn of 2004, bringing to an end the rampant speculation that has surrounded the highly secretive project for more than a year.

“So remember last year when we told you we don't announce release dates until we're confident we'll meet our deadline?” asked Bungie in a statement on the official Halo 2 website. “Well now were confident. Halo 2 will ship in Fall, 2004. Please make a note of it.”

Bungie hints that a significant amount of detail will be shown in the coming months, not least a decent showing at this May’s E3. “There will be a fair number of new details and announcements to follow over the next few months, and of course there's always E3.” See, we told you…

In related news and possibly by way of consolation, the development team released the world’s first multiplayer screenshot taken from the game. Enjoy.