The hype around the PC version of Halo: The Master Chief Collection is palpable. But before we’re able to play the collection in its entirety, we have to wait for its “public flighting” – the term used by 343 Industries for its beta. It was originally supposed to take place in April, but now it won’t even happen before E3 2019.
According to community director Brian Jarrard on Reddit, “Currently it doesn’t look like public flighting will begin prior to E3. The team has made a lot of progress on a number of areas but everything is just taking time (in some cases longer than initially anticipated).”
In April, Jarrard stated that the first flights were being pushed out “further than originally targeted.” It was later noted that keyboard and mouse controls, the user interface, and so on were a priority for the development team. 343 Industries said it was looking to make a proper PC version as opposed to a straight port (while also revealing that the collection would have a progression system akin to Halo: Reach).
Halo: The Master Chief Collection will support both Windows 7 and Windows 10, along with a release on Steam. It will include Halo: Reach – which is releasing first – along with Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST’s campaign, and Halo 4. The last title in the franchise, Halo 5: Guardians, will not be added.