Microsoft Game Studios' General Manager Shane Kim yesterday said that Rare's Viva Pinata, a game based on the popular kids series, will be the 'most important game of 2006'.

At the launch of Viva Pinata in New York yesteday, Mr. Kim said, “We’re not here to talk about the mythical Halo 3, as I call it. We’ll be talking about anything we’re doing in the Halo universe – whether that’s Halo 3 as I call it or anything else – at the right time. That time will be soon.”

Over at Bungie.net the home of many Halo fans, members have now assumed that these comments must mean that Halo 3 will not be released this year.

His comments add fuel to the speculation that Halo 3 may be given a different title - Forerunner. In the April issue of Game Informer they claim to have received a tip off informing them of the new title.

Microsoft have remained tight-lipped over the mere existence of Halo 3.