Today Microsoft confirmed a more specific released window for Halo Wars, the upcoming RTS based on the wildly popular Halo universe. According to Microsoft, Halo Wars is expected to hit store shelves some time in February of 2009. The game is being developed by Ensemble Studios, the creative masterminds behind the Age of Empires series. This will mark the first time that Bungie Studios will not be the ones to develop a Halo game. It is also interesting to note that Ensemble Studios is scheduled to close down after the release of Halo Wars. A new studio formed by former employees will take its place and will release patches and provide support for the game.