As it turns out, there’s even more good news for the upcoming PC release and new Reach content patch for Halo: The Master Chief Collection. The game will have free access to multiplayer functionality on PC, unlike the paid versions for consoles.
We wouldn’t have expected Microsoft to screw this up, though, as paid multiplayer access is something that only exists on consoles, as many developers can work with third-party server providers on PC. There have been many agreements between game publishers and third-party hosting providers that have allowed games to use their servers in exchange for in-game advertising. Another way to get around this problem is to use peer-to-peer networks, although in recent years consoles have also increasingly used this technology.
Console games almost always rely on the existing server infrastructure of companies like Sony and Microsoft, and this access comes at both a cost and a loss of control. That’s because if Microsoft or Sony want to change anything about Xbox Live or Playstation Network, developers and gamers alike are at their mercy.
Gamers will still need a free basic Xbox Live account to link their Microsoft account to their PC profile, which is understandable. There are probably a few technical reasons for this, but one of them is probably that the company wants to be on the lookout for cheaters. It’s possible that cheating in the PC version of Halo: The Master Chief Collection will also result in a full Xbox ban, and vice versa.
Xbox Live Gold is Microsoft’s premium subscription to its Xbox Live service on Xbox consoles. This service offers online multiplayer and community features, as well as access to free games and other digital services as an incentive.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is coming to PC, and the existing version will be updated with a revamped version of Halo Reach for modern consoles. And of course, Reach will also be coming to PC, marking the first time in years that a Halo title has been released for that platform.
Get Halo: The Master Chief Collection now on Amazon. Get some Xbox Live Gold while you’re there, too.