Halo Master Chief Collection update enters beta testing

In a rather unusual move, 343 Industries will beta test the next major update for Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

The upcoming patch, which is delayed from its originally planned release last week, will introduce long-awaited fixes for the game's multiplayer matchmaking and party systems. But before it is released it will be thoroughly tested by US beta participants.


"In recent weeks, we have been conducting extensive internal testing of an upcoming content update for Halo: The Master Chief Collection," said the developer.

"Given the scale of the update, which includes changes to the matchmaking experience and party system, we are expanding testing to include select members of the Xbox One Preview program to ensure the official release is the best possible experience for all players.

"The content update beta test is open to Xbox One owners within North America who have a copy of Halo: The Master Chief Collection and have opted-in for Xbox One beta testing as part of the Xbox One Preview program," it goes on to explain.

"This is an opt-in opportunity and the content update will only be made available to selected participants within the Xbox One Preview program, based on the highest levels of engagement with Halo: The Master Chief Collection. On Friday, January 23, participants selected will be prompted to download the content update automatically when the title is started."

We posted a full list of the planned changes in a report on Monday.


Patch notes:

Matchmaking:

Improved matchmaking search success rates.
Made an update to reduce instances of "Awaiting Privileges" matchmaking errors.
Made an update to ensure player counts more reliably match the expected numbers for each playlist.
Fixed an issue where player would sometimes appear to be searching in an incorrect "FIND GAME" screen.
Added countdown sound effect to the voting timer.

General multiplayer:

Made several improvements to party joining through the in-game Roster.
Made an update to ensure that the mute icon is visible while in Matchmaking.
Fixed an issue in Halo 4 where players could equip the same weapon as their primary and secondary weapons.

General campaigns:

Made several improvements to stat tracking for Halo: CE, Halo 2, Halo 3, and Halo 4.
Made changes to Halo 3 and Halo 4 scoring to ensure that players are not penalized for destroying empty vehicles.

General menu:

Lowered the music volume level in multiplayer menus.
Fixed an issue where friend emblems in roster would show up as default when exiting a game session.
Made updates to UI and menus to improve multiplayer status messaging, such as when a player joins your lobby.

Control layouts:

Made an update to the Halo 2: Anniversary "Legacy" Stick Layout.

Stability:
Made stability improvements across multiple titles for campaign and multiplayer.


Source - CVG