Celebrities Take on 343 Industries in the Halo 5: Guardians Breakout Arena

343 Industries in partnership with BOOMco, constructed a real-life course inspired from the upcoming Halo 5: Guardians new competitive Arena multiplayer mode, “Breakout.”  The experience invited fans attending this year’s San Diego Comic-Con to 4v4 combat with and against other Spartans in a one-hit, elimination round match where best of three rounds wins the battle.  Contestants were suited in protective armor inspired by the Halo universe and equipped with Halo BOOMco blasters, including the UNSC M6 Blaster, Plasma Overcharge Blaste, Needler, Carbine and SMG. This upcoming line of licensed Halo products from Mattel’s BOOMco blaster line utilizes Smart Stick foam darts allowing for long-range accuracy.

On Saturday night, Xbox and 343 Industries invited special guests Blake Anderson, Anders Holm, and Kyle Newacheck of the “Workaholics,” 2015 World Cup Champion Carli Lloyd of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, Derek Waters of “Drunk History,” and Paul Sheer of “The League” to a celebrity vs. game developer Breakout match, where winners get bragging rights and losers….well, are losers.  The opposing team consisted of 343 Industries heavy-hitters Bonnie Ross (Head of 343 Industries), Kiki Wolfkill (Studio Head, Halo Entertainment), Josh Holmes (Studio Head, Internal Development) and Frank O’Connor (Franchise Development Director). 

Due to preexisting injuries, Paul Sheer joined shoutcasters Andy “Bravo” Dudynsky and Mike “Strongside” Cavanaugh on the Xbox Lounge main stage for play-by-play commentary to a room packed with fans who watched the action on a giant projection screen piping in the live action feed.  While the match came down to the third and final round, victory belonged to the celebrity team.  In one round, Carli Lloyd single-handedly eliminated three out of four developer opponents.  She went on to be appointed MVP by her Workaholics teammates. 

If you missed San Diego Comic-Con, the Halo 5: Guardians Breakout Arena will be at the GameStop Expo, which is open to the public on Wednesday, Aug. 2.