Halo 3 Multiplayer Beta Hits Xbox Live May 16

Microsoft Game Studios and Bugie Studios announced today that the multiplayer beta of 'Halo 3' will be released on the Xbox Live service on May 16 at 5 a.m. PDT. The beta will run through June 6 at 11:59 p.m. PDT.

'Halo 3,' which will be released exclusively to the Xbox 360 in the fall, lets gamers experience Master Chief's greatest battle as he launches a mission to stop the Covenant as well as destroy the impending Flood threat to save mankind.

The beta is made possible through Microsoft's Xbox Live gaming and entertainment service. The multiplayer beta for 'Halo 3' will give Xbox 360 gamers their first chance to get their hands on the new levels, weapons, vehicles, and game times in the new game. Being a beta, it will also provide valuable data to the game's developer, Bungie Studios.

Starting on May 16, gamers who secured their beta admission will be able download the beta via Xbox Live, and battle other gamers from around the world.

Gamers in the beta will be treated to three action-oriented maps, Snowbound, High Ground, and Valhalla. Each represent a mixture of large and medium-scale combat environments and are brand new to 'Halo 3.' Gamers will also be able to test new vehicles such as the Mongoose all-terrain vehicle and deadly weapons such as the new and improved Assault Rifle, Brute Spiker, Spartan Laser, and the all-new Spike Grenades.

"'Halo: Combat Evolved' and 'Halo 2' changed the face of console gaming forever," said Shane Kim, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios. "Gamers from around the world have logged more than 800 million hours on Xbox LIVE playing 'Halo 2,' and years after its launch it remains the No. 1 title on our Xbox LIVE network. Bringing an early look at the multiplayer elements of 'Halo 3' to our passionate fan base is tremendously exciting for us."

Gamers who can't wait to get their hands on the multiplayer beta in May can get an earlier peek at 'Halo 3' through a new, behind the scenes video feature available at bungie.net. The video can also be seen in high definition on the Xbox Live Marketplace.