'Halo: Master Chief Collection' April Update Will Improve Multiplayer With Quit and Betrayal Penalties

"Halo: The Master Chief Collection," or "Halo: MCC," had one of the worst launches in the recent past. The game was plagued with technical difficulties and many gremlins with the online multiplayer component. The situation was bad enough for Microsoft to apologise for the debacle and appease gamers with free DLC content and a complimentary copy of "Halo 3: ODST."

The complications primarily arose out of juggling the multiplayer component for four next-gen ports within a single game. However, since the shaky launch, "Halo: MCC" has received many patches, which have made the game playable. The latest April update comes on the heels of the March one, which was aimed at "normalising and improving" the matchmaking component. With the game largely stabilised, this month's update seeks to add more features and balance out the multiplayer experience.

The information released by developer 343 Industries is a bit thin at the moment, but comprehensive patch notes are expected to be released soon enough. The developer's official blog post has Community Manager Andy "Bravo" Dudynsky detailing the primary additions that the upcoming update will bring. IGN reports that these include specific tweaks to the ranking system for the multiplayer component, which should add a competitive edge to the multiplayer playlists for the four "Halo" games in the "Master Chief Collection."

"Based on results and feedback, we'll be looking to update team sizes and player counts across existing and upcoming playlists, including Team Doubles, as we get closer to the next update," 343 Industries wrote through a blog post, according to a Gamespot report. "Lastly, SWAT and Team Snipers will both make a return into the rotation in the near future, and we'll continue to evaluate playlist data to determine which playlists become permanent additions."

In addition to the addressing "a variety of issues across the game," the update will enforce a sense of fair play within the community by imposing penalties on gamers who betray their teams or quit the game midway in a team-based multiplayer event. These penalties should ensure enough of an incentive for most gamers to follow good team ethics. Further tweaks to team sizes will also be assigned with the update with the intention of streamlining the multiplayer playlists across all four titles in "Halo: MCC."

To report problems or leave feedback on this article, email: nachiketpg13@hotmail.com.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection (Credit: Halo YouTube channel)