343 Industries and Microsoft have announced a project collaboration with their friends Saber Interactive and Innova Systems: Halo Online, an all-new, free Halo multiplayer PC experience that will launch in spring, only in Russia for a closed beta.
Halo Online is powered by a highly modified version of the Halo 3 engine and optimized for smooth performance on lower-end PCs. While there is no campaign mode, Halo Online is set on a secret UNSC space installation called Anvil, where Spartan-IV soldiers train together in war exercises to sharpen their battle skills and test experimental technology, which backs up major ideas in the current lore.
This will only be available to select users in Russia. The Halo Online Closed Beta is mostly likely to restrict the initial audience, and see how the game is received by fans. This release is currently only on PC and not planned on any console at this point in time. There is nothing confirmed regarding a western release, however does seem likely in the future, even possibly with Windows 10. Stay tuned for more updates!
Here is a Q&A that was posted to Halo Waypoint:
Q: What type of game is Halo Online?
A: Halo Online is a free multiplayer-only PC experience that we’re launching as a closed beta test in Russia.
Q: Does Halo Online represent your future plans for the franchise on PC?
A: Halo Online is a learning opportunity for us as we explore ways to welcome new fans to the “Halo” universe. We’re excited to release a “Halo” multiplayer-only PC experience tailored for Russian gamers.
Q: When will Halo Online be available?
A: Halo Online is a learning opportunity for us as we explore ways to welcome new fans to the “Halo” universe. There is no definitive launch date at this time as we proceed in our closed beta period in Russia.
Q: Are you planning on bringing Halo Online to the Xbox One?
A: Halo Online was built from the ground up specifically for the PC. There are no plans to bring Halo Online to the Xbox One.
Q: Will gamers in other regions like North America and Europe be able to play Halo Online?
A: Right now our focus is on learning as much as we can from the closed beta period in Russia. Theoretically, any expansion outside of Russia would have to go through region-specific changes to address player expectations.
Q: Are you planning to officially launch this year?
A: Halo Online is a learning opportunity for us as we explore ways to welcome new fans to the “Halo” universe. There is no definitive launch date at this time as we proceed in our closed beta period in Russia.
UPDATE: An image has been leaked online of the menu system, which shows the Halo Online menu, and how the lobby may look at this point. The image shows a spartan and includes a brief view of the ranking system, credit system, and many notices/UI features. However this is in Russian, which we cannot translate here! If any community members could, it would be much appreciated!
Discuss this on our forums!
