Bungie to roll out Halo 3 multiplayer beta on May 16

Chicago (IL) - Bungie today announced on its website that it will release the Halo 3 multiplayer beta on May 16 at 12:00 am PST. The beta will run until June 6 11:59 pm PST.

Bungie noted that, while this version of Halo 3 will "look somewhat close to the final game," it is a beta game that will contain "quirks" and "rough edges." However, the developer believes that the multiplayer beta will provide N "exciting taste of what’s to come in Fall."

The game will include three maps (Valhalla, High Ground and Snowbound), which are promised to look better than in initial screenshots and which will be playable in Matchmaking only. There are new weapons such as a new grenade type that is described to be a "completely different class of weapon." Bungie also mentioned that gamers will be able to try new vehicles and gameplay features. One section allows users to meet the multiplayer developer team and watch a level get built from concept to completion.

The beta will available through Xbox Live Gold accounts for users who purchased specially marked copies of Crackdown, or won a spot in the beta through the "Rule of Three" or other regional promotions.