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

To learn more about the content update beta test, please see the FAQ below.

Q: I’m a Preview Member, how I do sign up?

A: More details on the program and how to sign up are available with the Xbox Preview Dashboard app on your Xbox One.

Q: Why are you testing the content update in the Xbox One Preview program? Don’t you have internal playtesting for the very same purpose?

A: In recent weeks, 343 Industries has been conducting extensive internal testing of the upcoming content update. However, given the scale of the update, which includes changes to the Halo: The Master Chief Collection matchmaking experience and party system, we are opening it up to members of the Xbox One Preview program to provide additional testing in an “at home” environment to ensure the official release is the best possible experience for players.

Q: What is included in the content update you are testing in Xbox One Preview program?

A: This content update includes changes to the Halo: The Master Chief Collection matchmaking experience and party system. We will have more details to share as we get closer to the official release.

Q: Who will be eligible/invited to participate in this beta test of the next content update for Halo: The Master Chief Collection?

A: 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 will be eligible to participate in this program.

Q: Why are only players within North America eligible to participate in this beta test?

A: Due to the beta testing session times, we are selecting players within North America to ensure optimal population.

Q: How are participants being selected for this beta test?

A: Xbox One owners within North America who are part of the Xbox One Preview program, have a copy of Halo: The Master Chief Collection with the highest levels of engagement are who we are targeting.

Q: When will the beta test of this content update take place?

A: Exact dates/times are subject to change, but the current plan is to test the content update during the evenings of Friday, January 23 through Monday, January 26. Specific session times will be shared with the selected participants.

Q: If I am selected to participate, how will I get access/download the content update? When will it be available?

A: On Friday, January 23 (exact time to be determined) participants selected will be prompted to download the content update automatically when Halo: The Master Chief Collection is started.

Q: If I’m selected to participate, am part of the Xbox One Preview program and have automatic downloads enabled…will I automatically get this update?

A: This is an opt-in opportunity and the content update will only be made available to selected participants within the Xbox One Preview program. On Friday, January 23 (exact time to be determined) participants selected will be prompted to download the content update automatically when Halo: The Master Chief Collection is started.

Q: If I’m selected to participate, how should I report a bug in the content update beta test?

A: If you run into any issues while checking out the beta update, be sure to use the Feedback app on the Xbox One (for Xbox One Preview program participants) to tell us about it. Hold the power button on your controller, then select "Give Feedback" to launch the Feedback app.

Q: What will be the anticipated file size of the content update for this beta test?

A: We are still determining the final file size of the content update, but participants should have 1-2GB of hard drive space available.

Q: Will I still be able to use multiplayer matchmaking against other players that don’t have this content update?

A: No, during the time of this beta test when this content update is installed, you will only be able to be matched with other players that also have the content update.

Q: After the beta test of this content update is over, will I be able to use multiplayer matchmaking against other players without this content update?

A: In the days after the conclusion of the beta test, we will issue a content update that will then allow matchmaking with all players, as it worked prior to the beta test.

Q: When will be the final public release of the content update to all owners of Halo: The Master Chief Collection?

A: We’re currently focused on gathering data and feedback from Xbox One Preview Program members and will have more details to share soon on the public release of this content update.

The release date and game size are listed on Xbox.com as May 29 and 8.1 GB...