On April 15, Microsoft turned off access to Xbox Live to anyone using an original Xbox. But those who had managed to not log out of Halo 2 were able to continue playing--and won the respect of Xbox Live management, and the attention of the world.
By April 30, there were just a dozen left playing, and at that time, Stephen Toulouse, director of policy and enforcement for Xbox Live, made it be known that Microsoft not only wouldn't force the dozen out, but was actively watching them do their thing, and appreciating their efforts. "To those noble folk keeping halo2 alive: we see you, and we salute you," Toulouse tweeted at the time.
Microsoft also offered each of the players access to the new Halo: Reach beta.
Over the last 10 days, that group of 12 gradually dwindled until just one player was left: Apache N4SIR who, the games blog Kotaku wrote, "had been streaming his play, and now, without an opponent, wondered what he should be doing. Someone suggested beginning the campaign--but not beating the final mission, as it would sign him off."
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