At Gamescom earlier today, Microsoft tossed fans multiple juicy morsels about the Halo franchise, one of which the company is calling the Halo Channel. The other, as expected, is additional info regarding Halo 5‘s beta.
The former is something Microsoft is touting as “unprecedented, personalized” Halo access, which will allow fans to watch original content like Halo Legends, Halo: Nightfall, or the upcoming Spielberg-helmed Halo TV series. There’s a community aspect to Halo Channel as well, which includes Twitch integration and access to the Halo Encyclopedia. It really is something akin to a Halo fan’s fantasy. According to Microsoft, it’s “your home for Halo.”
Related: Halo 5 Named and Confirmed for Release in 2014
As for the beta, Halo 5: Guardians will begin its multiplayer trial run on December 29th, and run until January 18th. If you own Halo: The Master Chief Collection when that date rolls around you’ll be guaranteed access, but Microsoft hinted that there may be other ways to finagle a spot — we just don’t know for sure. There are other incentives to grabbing the Collection too, including but not limited to exclusive content that will carry over to Halo 5 proper when it releases.
Lastly, some Halo 2 news. Microsoft confirmed that the game’s remaster (shipping as a part of Master Chief Collection) will contain the original game’s ranking system, implemented in a near-identical fashion. Additionally, the game’s Sancuary map has been brought back, which is great news for fans who had been (somewhat rabidly) clamoring for it.
