The latest entry in the ‘Breaking In’ series at Bungie.net focuses on Shi Kai Wang, Bungie Artist and Grizzled Ancient. If you want to see how a top-notch artist makes it into a top-notch company… go read.(Louis Wu 23:27:18 UTC)

It’s Thursday, so it’s time for another Double XP Weekend to kick off – this week it’s V-Day Massacre, a ranked team doubles list. With chances for Recon. Go read about it on B.net.(Louis Wu 20:09:43 UTC)

Red_Breast noticed that the Halo Wars demo is now available for everyone on LIVE – Gold accounts had access last week, but Silver accounts were locked out until today. If you haven’t tried it, now’s your chance! There’s also a new ViDoc available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace – ‘Strategy on Xbox’ discusses designing a strategy game for the Xbox 360 from the ground up.(Louis Wu 20:07:13 UTC)

Phurion is known for impressively edited Halo 3 montages – and now he’s going to help you create your own. Swing by Halo3Forum.com for a thread full of practice clips and advice. (There’s also a video on YouTube showing what you can do with this stuff.) Thanks, urk. (Louis Wu 20:06:46 UTC)

An interview in a recent issue of The Blue Skittle, with Zach Wigal, a gamer who turned a bad experience into the inspiration for some really good work (search our news for details, or read the interview), reveals a tournament coming up at the end of February at Eastern Michigan University. $1000 cash and Recon armor are on the line for winners. Check out the details!(Louis Wu 18:06:19 UTC)

Bungie.net has word of a new Grifball Highlights film. No commentary (yet), but the gameplay’s pretty cool.(Louis Wu 17:54:09 UTC)

Dennis Powers let us know that Shipwrecked 54 is now online. Everyone needs a break sometimes.(Louis Wu 17:52:41 UTC)

Hawty McBloggy has gathered up 28 different Halo-themed Xbox 360 faceplates, from the subtle to the over-the-top. Check out what people are fronting their gaming consoles with!(Louis Wu 14:48:30 UTC)

quququ1 let us know that Dobermann, the guy behind Halo Zero 2, has released a new tech demo – you can download it (3.2 mb, Windows .exe) at his website. If you’re unfamiliar with Halo Zero/HZ2, they’re fan-created 2D sidescrollers with cool Halo sprite art. (Louis Wu 14:44:22 UTC)