SGP: Shotcode spotted in Reach Screenshot - ARG?

[ColdGlider]

It looks like the raw shotcode data is being encrypted before showing up in the URL parameters.  Typically, encryption (e.g. RSA Encryption) increases the size of the data, which is why there isn't simply six pairs of hex digits in the URL.  We won't be able to get to the actual raw data that way, in other words.

Nice work, though!  And you, too Dunder... way to take the initiative and contact the blogger...  and thanks for sharing the response.

[ColdGlider]

The owner of the blog pointed to by the shotcode has published an entry regarding the appearance of his shotcode in Reach:
http://allantech.blogspot.com/

It reads:

Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Yo, Halo Reach Beta Peeps

A long time ago I wrote about shotcodes and for that purpose I even put a shotcode on the web site linking to this web site. It would finally seem like I now get my 15 sec of fame, since Halo Reach supposedly have used a graphic with some similarity to my shotcode in the game (see the computer terminal to the right here). After Zoidberg25 “cracked” this in the Bungie forums I’ve gotten a certain amount of visitors looking through my blog for hidden clues – or maybe even an ARG.

Although I appreciate all traffic and every single visitor to my blog is very welcome, I feel that I should probably come clean. I can deny any and all rumors that this blog is part of an intricate scheme to hide secret game codes or Easter eggs. Or maybe not. Feel free to read through every single post and comment – look for hidden codes and clues (remember that the classical Substitution Cipher is always a popular way to hide secret stuff in plain view. While you are trying to crack this one, feel free to click the links and read what my sponsors have to say. And if the adds generate enough revenue I might even buy that silly game of yours and see what all the fuzz is about (if I actually manage to clean the dust off my Xbox 360).

The question remains:  why was that darn shotcode in the Beta?  Is "Allen" a "puppetmaster" for an upcoming Reach ARG?  Or was it really just a Bungie Blunder?

[nightcrafter27]

Or are shotcodes not really as unique as we think? 

[ColdGlider]

They can represent over 1 trillion different values.  So... they're pretty unique.

[ColdGlider]

Imppa:

In the attached image, I changed Zone 3, Sector 2 from white to black.  Looking at the original image in the Beta (I'm still in Beta Theater Mode!) it appears slightly possible that this sector was whitened due to "weathering" of the image.  In any event, it'll be interesting to see what one bit of difference in the image will get us.

Thanks in advance!

[Imppa]

I scanned it, gave me this:

404: code not found
The Shotcode you scanned is not valid.

Same case with Cycles images, too. It really is Allan's shotcode.

[Scatcycle]

Someone made a new post here where they found a new shotcode. Imppa, would you please scan it?

[Imppa]

Soon. But first, I'm gonna correct their mistrust in phonifier.com.

[Imppa]

Done with teaching the heretics. And that does not go for a shotcode: It must be shopped to receive SOME kind of a result.
EDIT: Forget it, it is not a shotcode. Not enough rows.

[Imppa]

Those people still think that phonifier.com has something to do with Halo...
Well, the site owner will hopefully respond soon, and they (hopefully) will realize.

[Imppa]

While the snd "shotcode" doesn't work, because of the lack of proper bullseye and circles (only 5 + "bullseye"), it is to be noted that there are enough slices in it for a shotcode: 24.

[Scatcycle]

While the snd "shotcode" doesn't work, because of the lack of proper bullseye and circles (only 5 + "bullseye"), it is to be noted that there are enough slices in it for a shotcode: 24.

Snd? The one i posted? Well, before i toy with it, should the middle be black or white??

[Scatcycle]

I made some new ones, regarding your info Imppa. I doubt they will work at all.

[nightcrafter27]

Has anyone noticed this? (referring to attached image) Or is that what Scat's been working on?

Found here.

[Scatcycle]

Yes that is the one we're working on, but its good that you found it on your own.