Halo Reach Forge, Theater Modes Not Available At Launch For PC

Halo Reach is coming to PC as part of the Master Chief Collection, with a beta already underway. However, a few of its most popular features, the Forge and Theater modes, won't be coming on PC until sometime after launch. The studio hasn't committed to a timeline yet but has explained its rationale behind the delay.

In a note on Halo Waypoint, 343 explains that the Forge and Theater tools will hit the Xbox One version when it migrates to MCC, but the PC version will have to wait a little longer. It also explains that maps and game types will be split into two separate migration days, but screenshots and clips won't make the trip.

"When you look specifically at Forge and what it truly is, it is a 3D editing tool that was built completely for console," lead producer Michael Fahrny explained. "In some cases, it's built to have mouse and keyboard support, and in some it's not--And that's one of our biggest challenges right now with the feature."

He goes on to say that creating a "PC first experience" with full mouse and keyboard support creates an undetermined amount of work right now, and the studio is still looking into how much work it will be and how the team should prioritize it alongside their other development goals. He says they suspect it will be a lengthy process, so they're aiming to get the game itself to PC players quickly and then the Forge and Theater will come later through working with Ruffian and Splash Damage.

"Basically, our goal is to get them out as quickly as possible with each title," he said. "While I can't commit to a timeline right now, the underlying goal is a high-quality experience that it will empower PC players to create the content they want to."

The beta for Reach just kicked off, and immediately sparked illegal copies circulating. 343 Industries warned that this could result in account bans. As announced recently, each Halo game in the PC version of the Master Chief Collection will cost $10 a la carte, while ODST will be $5. But each game will also be available through Game Pass on PC for $10 per month, or $15 for the Ultimate version that includes Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold.