 The success of the game led to a sequel , Halo 2 , which was announced on August 8 , 2002 , at Microsoft 's New York <unk> press event . It featured improved graphics , new weapons , and a multiplayer mode on Xbox Live . Halo 3 was announced at the 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo . The initial conception for the third game was done before Halo 2 was released in 2004 . It utilized a proprietary , in @-@ house graphics engine , and employed advanced graphics technologies . 
