Halo was first launched on the original Xbox consoles as an exclusive title, and it essentially took the world by storm, determining Microsoft to transform the title into one of the most successful game franchises in gaming history. Oddly enough, Microsoft only released two of the Halo titles (Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2) on the PC, preferring to keep all the sequels “console-bound.” However, as the Redmond giant is now looking to merge its Xbox and Windows platforms in one big gaming hub, Microsoft has just announced its intentions to finally release all the FPS Halo titles on PC.
The news was revealed on Microsoft’s own Inside Xbox stream, where it was specified that Halo: The Master Chief Collection will be available not only through the more restrictive Windows 10 Store, but also through the Steam platform, which is a huge surprise. Microsoft is planning to release all the FPS titles of the franchise, however, not all at the same time. First to get released will be Halo Reach, followed by the original Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, 3, ODST and 4. The package itself will include six campaigns, of which 2 are remastered versions, plus the classic multiplayer support. Microsoft will also be adding advanced PC features like seamless mouse and keyboard controls with remappable key bindings, as well as support for different FOVs, resolutions and aspect ratios.
Microsoft did not provide an exact date for the release for now. The new collection will also be targeted at the esports crowd (more info to be released at SXSW on March 17), and we also know that Halo Infinite and possibly even Halo 5 are coming soon to Xbox and Windows.
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I first stepped into the wondrous IT&C world when I was around seven years old. I was instantly fascinated by computerized graphics, whether they were from games or 3D applications like 3D Max. I'm also an avid reader of science fiction, an astrophysics aficionado, and a crypto geek. I started writing PC-related articles for Softpedia and a few blogs back in 2006. I joined the Notebookcheck team in the summer of 2017 and am currently a senior tech writer mostly covering processor, GPU, and laptop news.
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Bogdan Solca, 2019-03-13 (Update: 2024-08-15)