Gamescom 2014: Microsoft Teases Halo Announcements for Gamescom -- What Are You Hoping For?

If you're a Halo fan, you'll want to pay attention to Microsoft's Gamescom briefing next week. Microsoft's Halo development team, 343 Industries, teases in a blog post that it will make "some new announcements" during the event, which kicks off at 5 AM PDT on August 12. Thankfully for fans, this year's briefing will be streamed live, unlike past years when it was a private affair.

Gamescom will also serve as the first time Halo 2: Anniversary, included with the Halo: The Master Chief Collection, will be playable to the public. If you visit the Microsoft booth (and wait in line), you'll get to play a 4v4 match on Ascension, as well as a yet-to-be-announced map. Multiple gametypes will be available.

"We're excited to watch you play and hear your thoughts on the anniversary treatment we've given to Halo 2 multiplayer," the studio said.

Microsoft's Halo plans for Gamescom don't end there, however. On August 13 at 2 AM PDT (get your coffee), 343 Industries key developers Bonnie Ross (studio head), Dan Ayoub (executive producer), and Kiki Wolfkill (executive producer) will show off some never-before-publicly-seen content through Twitch.

In addition, Microsoft has partnered with competitive gaming league ESL and Twitch for a 4v4 "showdown" Halo 2: Anniversary tournament at Gamescom. Think you're the best? You can put your skills to the test by competing in the open tournament, which includes a $10,000 prize pool. Details on how to participate in the tournament are available at the 343 Industries website.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection launches November 11 for Xbox One. In addition to the remastered version of Halo 2: Anniversary, the show-stopping bundle includes updated versions of Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 3, and Halo 4 together for $60. The collection also includes access to Ridley Scott's Halo: Nightfall and lets you get into the beta for Halo 5: Guardians.

In other Halo news, UK retailer GAME has listed a pair of Halo: The Master Chief Collection collector's editions, the first of which is a limited edition that sells for £52.99 ($89), and includes a steelbook case, physical map book, and a special "Grunt Funeral" skull. Meanwhile, the unpriced MJOLNIR edition--which is currently sold out--includes everything from the limited edition, as well as a foot-tall Master Chief statue. Both are available only through GAME. Microsoft has not said if these will be available outside of the UK.