icrosoft announced last month that there would be new downloadable content for Halo 2 in spring 2007, and we now know the team behind these maps. A new company, Certain Affinity, based in Austin, Texas, was founded by Max Hoberman, former Halo 2 and Halo 3 team lead. Hoberman oversaw the multiplayer gameplay, user interface, and online systems, including the matchmaking and the party system in Halo 2.

In a strategic partnership with Bungie Studios and Microsoft Game Studios, Certain Affinity's first project is developing multiplayer maps for Halo 2, which will be released this spring by Microsoft Game Studios exclusively for the Xbox 360. The company is also creating a new Xbox 360 title to be announced at a later date.

"We're not setting out to change the industry," says Hoberman. "We're creating games by choosing strong leaders, talented and experienced developers, and solid partners. This partnership with Bungie and Microsoft Game Studios is a piece of that puzzle and we hope it's the start of a long and fruitful relationship. Halo 2 turned the online world on its head, but Halo 3 is going to rip its head right off. I am proud of my contribution to the Halo series and have learned a lot from my friends at Bungie."

We'll have more on these Halo 2 maps, and Certain Affinity's Xbox 360 project, when it becomes available.