The Halo: Reach PC betas have started this week, and abusers wasted no time do what they do best. According to Tyler Davis of developer 343 Industries, the first beta test was "illegally distributed online" just after release.
While Davis says this type of illegal activity isn't really a surprise to 343, he did let off a warning saying that those who download or play the illegal copy of the game will have their accounts banned. Furthermore, there's a pretty good chance they will be blocked from future betas.
"We knew this was something that likely would happen with our early flights," Davis said. "We are prepared for how to handle it on our ends, and this is just more so a reminder warning to people that if they circumvent it, there are consequences."
The flight test stared June 28 and should be done by July 1. While the leak is controversial enough, 343 is also being questioned by some fans who believe that the studio gave preferential treatment to content creators or streamers.
Davis denies the accusations, and says that five out six individuals who have been given beta access were chosen based on the configs of their PC hardware. The rest, indeed, had been "close friends" of 343, which included pro gamers who had already worked with Microsoft prior to the Halo: Reach PC beta. According to 343, no one can ever stream footage of the test online as stipulated on the terms.
343 is prepping up to expand the Halo: Reach for PC beta tests over time in order to get more involved and provide access to different areas of the game. In its blog post, 343 wrote: "Just know that we are going to continue to invite more over time and get as many people in and providing feedback as possible but it's going to take some time so please hang in there."
As for the next beta test, 343 hasn't said anything yet other than the vague "at some point" release window. There will be Xbox One beta tests as well, and again, no word is out yet when it might begin. For those interested, you need to sign up for the Halo Insiders program for a shot at getting in.
Microsoft is also gearing up for the pre-release beta tests for Halo: Infinite on PC and Xbox One. We're also waiting for the release date on that.
