For select members of Xbox One Preview program

Jan 22, 2015 00:33 GMT  ·  By

Developer 343 Industries has just announced a beta for Halo: The Master Chief Collection, which was launched last year in November. Although it may sound hilarious that a game gets a beta after release, things are a bit more complicated.

Given the many issues Halo: The Master Chief Collection had and still has since launch, developers have decided that major updates should be tested publicly by players, so that they could be released as bug-free as soon as possible.

The next update for Halo: The Master Chief Collection is very important and 343 Industries has decided to expand the testing to include members of the Xbox One Preview program as well. That way, they want to make sure the update will offer the best possible gameplay experience to players.

Basically, some players will be invited to test a major update for a game that's already been released. It's the same method many other developers use before launching a major update, including Blizzard.

Only players in North America are eligible for the beta testing

Anyway, the content update 1.23.15 for Halo: The Master Chief Collection will be available to select Xbox One owners within North America who own the game and have opted for the beta testing, beginning January 23.

According to developers, the update includes changes to the Halo: The Master Chief Collection matchmaking experience and party system. More details on the exact contents of the update will be disclosed closer to the official release though.

In case you're wondering why only players in North America are eligible for the beta testing, here is what 343 Industries has to say on the matter: “due to the beta testing session times, we are selecting players within North America to ensure optimal population.”

Even though exact times are subject to change, the current plan is to test the content update during the weekend starting Friday, January 23 through Monday, January 26.