Microsoft & Waze Releases New UNSC And Banished Themes For The Navigation App

In the past, collaborations that brought the video game outside of the television usually includes a physical take on the property with either food or a collectable in a traditional sense. However, there has been new lengths that publishers are pursuing when it comes to getting its next game to more people than just those counting down the days. With that, voice AI is becoming the norm in recent years.

Previously, we witnessed the same happen for Assassin’s Creed Odyssey prior to its release. In that, Ubisoft partnered up with Amazon to create ‘Alexios’, a spin on the Amazon-owned AI Alexa. Rather than the expected female voice companion, the male protagonist from the titular 2018 title will be there to speak and answer what is asked.

Now in a similar turn of events, the same is on the way for Waze. The navigation app is receiving new themes in preparation for Halo Infinite by featuring choices for both the USNC or The Banished.

When you’re in a rush to save the galaxy from extinction there’s nothing worse than getting caught in traffic. While Halo’s iconic Warthog can simply go around roadblocks thanks to its rugged off-road capabilities and a Banished Ghost can utilize its anti-gravity pads to take the most direct route, now the rest of us can arrive in style thanks to a new global partnership between Xbox’s Halo Infinite and the navigation app Waze.

Starting today, drivers around the world can access a brand-new Waze experience that allows them to drive with vehicles and characters straight from the Halo universe. Upon selecting the Halo theme, drivers can choose their side: the UNSC or the Banished. Those siding with humanity and the UNSC will have their in-app car replaced with the Warthog and will have their trip navigated by none other than the Master Chief himself, and even select him as their Waze profile “Mood.”

Drivers embracing their more rebellious side can choose the Banished, Halo Infinite’s enemy faction. They’ll have their in-app car replaced with a Ghost, get their navigation audio from the Banished war chief, Escharum, and an Escharum “Mood” to let others on the road know which side they’ve chosen.

Gordon Donald, Xbox International Partnerships Lead

As of Tuesday, the themes will be available for a limited time in a selection of languages: English; Spanish, French, Portuguese. “Access the first ever video game-themed experience on Waze to choose your faction, and your drives will take on a decidedly Halo flavor. Or open the Waze app, tap ‘My Waze’ and select the Halo banner to activate the experience.”

More recently, Microsoft also teamed up with Amazon to make Alexa compatible with Xbox Game Pass. In that, players can command Alexa to open Xbox Game Pass on console and direct which game to launch via support on the system. You can read the full report by heading here.

Are you planning to try the Waze Halo Infinite themes?

Source: Xbox Wire