In an unexpected move, Microsoft has announced that they are beginning a small, limited PC beta test for Halo: Reach. The pool of players will be taken only from those who are signed up with the Halo Insider Program, which players can join if they have not already done so.
The announcement comes in a written announcement from John Junyshek, the Community Coordinator at developer 343 Industries who stated, “For those of you who weren't able to join us in-person at E3, be sure to sign up for Halo Insider as we will have a small public flight with this demo next week or swing by a Halo: Outpost Discovery location this summer, as they will also include opportunities to check out work-in-progress builds of Halo: Reach.”
Fans of the game are sure to be ecstatic to hear the news, but they should have a degree of skepticism until we see an official launch of the testing beta. Junyshek went on to make the following statement:
“We're starting more modestly because we've got quite a few levers to pull and we want to ensure our delivery pipeline runs smoothly, our communications are clear, and that participants can properly provide their feedback on the build. Since there are so many pieces and levers that need testing, verification, and appropriate approvals, we need to take our time to ensure we're sending out a quality flight to our Halo Insiders.”
This means potential delays or outright rescheduling of the entire testing phase if the team is not prepared or satisfied with the initials builds for testing. Still, it is great to see the game progressing for a future release on the PC.
For the fans who were at E3, they might have had the opportunity to play Halo: Reach at the convention Centre. The game is set for a PC release along with the rest of the Halo: Master Chief Collection. For approximately $10 each, players will be able to purchase Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, and Halo 4. The final, otherwise, will only cost about $5.
Fans have plenty to hold them over with the rereleases of their old favorite games. This also helps Microsoft by providing source material for players to enjoy as they continue to prepare the upcoming Halo Infinite, which is set to release in late 2020, likely for the holiday season, on PC, Xbox One, and the tentatively-named next-generation Project Scarlett.
As has been previously reported, Halo Infinite is on track to becoming the most expensive video game ever developed, with a projected cost of $500 million from start to finish. Talk about a lot of pressure to satisfy target audiences!
For now, head on over to the Halo Insider website and sign up for a chance to play other beta testing periods as they become available!