Posted by: Frank_Sknaw
I think it's because gaming has become more competitive and the party chat system. THe community in Halo 2 was the best XBL ever had imo because people actually talked and mostly everyone was more acceptive of playing with randoms since it was a new experience at the time. Now games feel empty because most people don't talk or everyone is in party chat.
In Halo 2, I could easily join in custom games with people I didn't know but now, I can only play in customs if it's hosted by my friends or if I go searching for one on the internet, the community has become more private and limit themselves to friends only.
I remember being shocked a couple of months back playing Reach when someone on the opposite team said "good game" after a team slayer match. I forgot this is what people used to say after numerous matches in Halo 2. You usually got some kind of feedback, whether positive or negative, which to me is a good thing because I'd rather get some comments than dead silence.
Basically, I just feel like the community was more active/acceptive back in Halo 2. It's very difficult to meet up with random people or just have fun with the community. More than half of my friends list is filled up with members from Halo 2. It was just so easy to connect with others back then.
You will be shocked once you try a social playlist in Reach or a Black Ops playlist that forces you out of party chat. HOLY CRAP COMMUNICATION!