Microsoft is partnering with Saber Interactive and Innova Systems to develop a Halo Online for the PC, but right now, it's a closed beta only available to Russian players.
There's no campaign mode in Halo Online, which uses a "heavily modified" version of the Halo 3 engine so it'll run on lower-end PCs.
Here's the setting, for those interested in the possible lore impact:
Halo Online is set on a secret UNSC space installation called Anvil, where Spartan-IV soldiers train together in war exercises to sharpen their battle skills and test experimental technology.
The company isn't releasing any official screen shots or video of Halo Online just yet, but Russian press, such as Kanobu, are apparently playing the game at an event right now.
As part of a Q&A, the company answered what are probably some of your first questions:
Could this come to America, Europe, and elsewhere?
Right now our focus is on learning as much as we can from the closed beta period in Russia. Theoretically, any expansion outside of Russia would have to go through region-specific changes to address player expectations.
Will it ever be playable on an Xbox One?
Halo Online was built from the ground up specifically for the PC. There are no plans to bring Halo Online to the Xbox One.
Is this supposed to represent the future of Halo on the PC?
Halo Online is a learning opportunity for us as we explore ways to welcome new fans to the "Halo" universe. We're excited to release a "Halo" multiplayer-only PC experience tailored for Russian gamers.
When might Halo Online actually be finished?
Halo Online is a learning opportunity for us as we explore ways to welcome new fans to the "Halo" universe. There is no definitive launch date at this time as we proceed in our closed beta period in Russia.
Well, this was certainly unexpected!
You can reach the author of this post at patrick.klepek@kotaku.com or on Twitter at @patrickklepek.