Microsoft is apparently counting on the Halo series to drum up more customers for the lossmaking Xbox One, announcing a dedicated ‘Halo Channel’ that incorporates both gaming and TV.

The company described the channel as an “interactive network” for both Xbox and Windows allowing players to broadcast and view others stream on Twitch, as well as watch the live-action Halo: Nightfall TV series created by Ridley Scott.

Players who purchase the Master Chief Collection for the Xbox One will have access to the channel, the first four Halo titles and the multiplayer beta for Halo 5: Guardians. Microsoft say gamers will be able to play straight through the series from start to finish or play on one of the 100 multiplayer maps spread across the title.

Microsoft also unveiled more details for the Halo 5 multiplayer, with the beta offering seven maps, three game modes and eleven weapons. The beta will open on December 29 through to January 18 next year, offering four-on-four arena based maps in smooth 60fps.

We still don’t know much about the singleplayer campaign for Halo 5 but a trailer released at E3 last year shows that it will at least continue the story of Master Chief rather than introducing a new character.