A little over two weeks ago, Halo fans were treated with a double dose of uber-news. Not only would there be new Halo 2 maps in spring of 2007, but that Microsoft of Bungie would welcome feedback from it's core audience on the highly anticipated sequel in the form of an open beta.

A media alert this morning from Microsoft PR about a 60 second Halo 3 trailer airing on ESPN December 4th had something of a hidden agenda. The previously announced Xbox Live multiplayer public beta for the game will be limited, though details were absent on how many will be accepted to the program. Starting Monday December 4th, potential beta testers should visit http://www.halo3.com and register for the opportunity to be selected. Only North American players will be accepted, provided they can get through to the page once the call goes out.

I have to admit, it takes some charity to publish this article, since I'd rather less people knew about it so that I'd have a better chance, but there's that journalistic integrity thing to adhere to.

Actual testing is expected to begin late spring of 2007.