While those wishing to fire up an online game of multiplayer for the PC version of the original Halo: Combat Evolved can still do so, over a decade later thanks to Gearbox Software's work with an open dedicated server model, Halo 2 online multiplayer functionality will cease to be on February 15th 2013.

Revealed as a brief footnote to a blog about a swathe of new upcoming Xbox 360 content for Halo 3, Halo Waypoint's Jessica Shea shared the disappointing news (thanks Eurogamer):

To switch gears ever so slightly, we’re sad to report that the service end-date for Halo 2 PC Multiplayer will be February 15, 2013. We’ve been monitoring the population for months, and it’s been peaking consistently at approximately 20 players or less. Those that own this game can continue to enjoy Multiplayer over LAN after that date; however our network services will be turned off at that time. We love you, Halo 2 PC, and you will live forever in our hearts.

Halo 2 made use of the much-maligned Games for Windows Live service, requiring Windows Vista when it launched in 2007 (two and half years after the original Xbox version), with all online multiplayer games played on servers operated by Microsoft.

Sure, only a handful of people a day were still making use of it globally, and LAN play will still be available, but it's still a demonstration of the failings of a closed-server model, when the original 2002 PC version of Halo: Combat Evolved is still truckin'.

When it peaks at ~20 players, I don't really blame them for killing it off.

most people get sick of the older games and move onto something new anyway. i know i am a games whore, and once i am done with it, toss it in the 'proverbial bin'. unless you played halo2 regularly online, your not going to care about them shutting it down. aside from that, 20 people at the most across all their servers - just not worth maintaining. if there were enough people playing, i am sure they would continue the service...

The fact there's only 20 people playing just shows no one wants to use their cancerous online platform. Would be heaps more if there were ded servers.

they could always have coded it in from the start

most people get sick of the older games and move onto something new anyway. i know i am a games whore, and once i am done with it, toss it in the 'proverbial bin'. unless you played halo2 regularly online, your not going to care about them shutting it down. aside from that, 20 people at the most across all their servers - just not worth maintaining. if there were enough people playing, i am sure they would continue the service...

This is true but if a dedicated server software existed then it wouldnt be an issue. IMO it comes down to control. Companies seem to want near complete control of their games. Why should you be playing this old game (and not making us money) when a newer version exists (which can make us money)?

yeah, but some of those older games are still fun, and if they have methods that allow them to be lan played with ease, the title will live alot longer i mean, dont they still play starcraft, and how old is that game now

Starcraft used battle.net which is a service that allows players to host their on games. Still not a dedicated server setup but still damn good. So this turn off is similar to blizzard turning off battle.net for Starcraft (probably never).

rarely, but lans still happen

I would like to see some of the newer Halo games on PC but I seriously doubt it will ever happen. Dedicated server should always be an option.