In order to bring Halo 2 to the expectant Windows-using community, the folks at Bungie decided that they needed a hand if they wanted to finish both the Halo 2 port AND the upcoming sequel, Halo 3.

So, to compensate for the lack of manpower, Bungie called on the Hired Guns. Consisting of ten full-time members, the Guns have chosen the Microsoft Game Studios office in Redmond as their headquarters. There, they will be devoting their efforts solely to the Windows Vista version of Halo 2. Having worked closely with Bungie, the Hired Guns are now responsible for the task of ensuring that the game maintains its original quality and intent as it is ported to another different platform.

Asked about the benefits of porting the Xbox title to Windows Vista, the team answered that it all boils down to "product quality and online experience." According to them, besides the fact that Windows Vista comes with new game-centric services such as Games Explorer, the platform also allows them to work with standard hardware while delivering superior results. As an example, they pointed out that in the Windows Vista port, fans will finally be able to play Halo 2 in glorious 1900x1200.

They have also cited Vista's Games for Windows - Live service which will allow players to earn achievements in Halo 2. Also, tools can be created and provided to players, who can then use these game assets to create their own maps, or even create new meshes and textures which can then be imported into the game and showed off to friends via Games for Windows – Live.

The only downside to all of this is that, because of the huge changes between the original Xbox version and the Windows Vista port, the team has noted that cross-platform play will not be possible.