A Website Progress Update

Just over a month ago, AusHalo announced a merger with Australian Cyber League. It's time to give people an update on where we are at and what new features you may expect to see on the updated ACLPRO website.

ACL was just upgraded a few months ago, why update it again? A lot has happened in the last few months for the competitive Xbox scene, all starting at AusHalo. The ACL merger means big business. We have our eyes on the prize and want ACL to 'take it to the next level'. Puns aside, with big plans for LAN circuits, we need to support that with an even better website. The current ACL looks clean and loads fast, but there are still some issues that need ironing out. With the oncoming MW2 component, we need to shift the focus of such a site to a broader market rather than just Halo. With its roots firmly in the Halo community, ACL will never lose sight of what made it grow to this point, but it is necessary to accommodate other major players.

So what new features will we see?

Pro Gamer profiles. We will see who the top players are, their favourite game types and what controller settings they use.

Pro Gamer lessons. A structured lesson regime where ACL backed Pros offer hints, tips and advice on your gameplay. A set lesson structure and careful tutor selection will ensure pros won't rip you off.

Resource Centre. A section with guides, videos and setups from the community and ACL that will help newbies come to terms with their favourite game, LANs and online tech widgetry.

Social Pit. Alongside the 2010 Pro Circuit, ACL will have a section dedicated to the social aspect of our favourite games. We're not all 'pro' and nor should we be. Welcome grifball, team snipers, hog races etc. Expect ACL backed competitions and specific forums to discuss this tom foolery in.

Captured VoD. Rebroadcasts as well as POVs. This aspect is still under review pending audience demand. Capturing takes a LOT of time, but a post about this will be made soon.

For those net enthusiasts out there, here's an update on what tech specifics we'll be using on the new site. We have an IPB license purchased, and a site being designed as we write. We have chosen to steer clear of a Joomla based content management system this time to ensure fast, crisp loading times and better integration between the actual site and the forums.

We are still on track for beta release of the new site for February 2010. Thanks for your patience and we look forward to a massive year for 2010.