Halo composer Marty O’Donnell is assembling an impressive lineup of developers and special guests for his upcoming old-school Halo LAN party in Las Vegas.
The newly announced Marty Army LAN Party will take place October 9 and 10 at the Red Rock Casino and feature original Halo developers Jaime Griesemer and Hardy LeBel alongside O’Donnell.
Actor and former Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman star Dean Cain is also expected to appear, with O’Donnell teasing that there will be “more” guests announced.
🚨 It’s Official 🚨
The Marty Army LAN Party will officially take place October 9th & 10th at Red Rock Casino in Las Vegas!
This event will feature a competitive Halo 2 tournament with prizes, as well as a social gaming corner with the three original Halo games.
You’ll be able… pic.twitter.com/lKHEyzCY5H
— Marty O’Donnell (@MartyTheElder) September 3, 2026
“It’s official,” O’Donnell announced Friday. “The Marty Army LAN Party will officially take place October 9th & 10th at Red Rock Casino in Las Vegas!”
The centerpiece of the event will be a competitive Halo 2 tournament, while attendees will also have access to a social gaming area featuring the first three Halo games.
“You’ll be able to play, watch, meet some of the original devs, and, of course, you’ll be supporting my campaign for Congress,” O’Donnell added.
Marty Army LAN Party Follows Two Canceled Events
The gathering comes after O’Donnell found himself at the center of two separate controversies involving planned Halo events.
In early August, O’Donnell was removed from a planned Halo 25th anniversary reunion at SacAnime after organizers cited concerns surrounding misrepresented political comments attributed to the composer.
O’Donnell disputed how those comments were characterized and argued that he was being excluded because of his conservative politics and congressional campaign.
A screenshot of Master Chief via Halo YouTube
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His campaign subsequently attempted to organize its own old-school Halo LAN tournament at the HyperX Arena in Las Vegas. O’Donnell said the venue backed out because of his campaign’s “political affiliations.”
HyperX Arena disputed the suggestion that O’Donnell’s Republican affiliation alone prompted the decision. In an email provided to Fox News Digital, arena representatives instead cited “the political affiliations and election-related nature of the proposed program.”
Rather than abandon the idea, O’Donnell promised fans the tournament would happen elsewhere.
Original Halo Developers and Dean Cain Join the Lineup
The controversy has not deterred two developers who were instrumental in making Halo a success.
Griesemer and LeBel both played important roles in creating the gameplay that helped transform Halo into Microsoft’s flagship gaming franchise.
Griesemer served as a designer on Halo: Combat Evolved before becoming the lead designer on Halo 2. LeBel worked as a level designer on the original game and later became design lead on its sequel.
Both will join O’Donnell for autographs and photographs at no additional charge.
Dean Cain poses while dressing as Superman with his son – X, @RealDeanCain
Cain’s involvement is also notable. Earlier this year, the Lois & Clark actor was rejected from participating in a “Stars of Superman” event at GalaxyCon. The stated reason was that Cain’s “values” did not align with those of the event. While Cain has been outspoken about his conservative political beliefs, support for law enforcement, and faith, GalaxyCon did not publicly specify which of his values prompted the decision.
As a Nevada resident, Cain’s presence is also a natural fit for the Las Vegas event.
What to Expect at the Marty Army LAN Party
The Marty Army LAN Party will include panel discussions, speeches, social gaming, and other activities in addition to the tournament.
Tickets range from $75 for spectators to $150 for players. A $1,170 VIP package includes an exclusive Friday gaming event with O’Donnell and other Halo developers, while a $3,500 sponsorship package includes breakfast with O’Donnell and special guests.
Marty O’Donnell in an interview – YouTube, Hard Knocks Labs
The event is being organized through O’Donnell’s campaign for Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District, and federal campaign finance restrictions mean participation is limited to American citizens. Attendees must also be at least 18 years old.
With a venue secured, two veterans of Bungie’s original Halo team joining him, Dean Cain on the guest list, and additional appearances still promised, O’Donnell is preparing to host his own celebration of the franchise he helped create.
Will you be attending the Marty Army LAN Party? Sound off and let us know!
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