Halo3Beta
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Must the H3 beta roxxorz our boxxorz?
IGN has posted an interesting article claiming that the Halo 3 beta must "rock our faces off." The reason the beta must do this is twofold. One, what we've seen of Halo 3 so far has been unfinished. Bungie repeats this every time they release a snippet of video, but that doesn't stop the intertron from pointing out all the graphical inadequacies. We'd like to point out that the Halo 3 launch trailer was in engine and looked fantastic, something many seem to have forgotten. Still, plenty of Halo fans are waiting for the next graphical "wow." So, the beta will be expected to present that (as unfair as that is).
How Crackdown's Halo 3 Beta Works [update 1]
That screen pretty much sums it up for how the "specially marked boxes" of Crackdown are going to allow downloading the Halo 3 Beta. Simply navigate to the "Downloads" section in the menu, and there's an option to get the Halo 3 Beta. We presume that an Auto Update will take place on the beta's launch and then the message at the bottom of the screen will change appropriately. So, while a bunch of fanboys eagerly await halo3.com to allow them to register, at least they can get a glimpse of their next and final option available in just of 2 weeks.Update: The hosehead blogger responsible for crediting the wrong source has been reprimanded accordingly. Not only was he subjected to 360 lashes by strips of Canadian Bacon, but his following paycheck will be using an embarrassing 1:1 USD/CDN exchange rate.
"Rule of 3" entries today [update 1]
Update: Registry was opened at 1 PM EST. Some people on the HBO IRC are saying they got in at that time. Now the registry page is showing a connection error, either from the heavy refreshing everyone is doing or the 13,333 are done and the site went down after.So, did you get your 3 hours of Halo 2 multiplayer done before 11:59 EST on Saturday? If so, be one of the first 13,333 entrants today to get accepted into the Halo 3 beta this Spring. Well, it's February 5th and the Halo 3 site is the same as it was an hour ago. So, at the moment there is no Rule of Three entry point, though within the next 23 hours and 14 minutes it will have changed and you hopefully caught it within the first 3 minutes or so to get registered, perhaps for the second time. In any case we'll be keeping our eyes on the site and will update this post as soon as we see a change. Good luck, and let us know when you registered and if you got notified whether or not you were of the first 13,333 entrants.
Crackdown Demo climbs up Top Live Titles
Yesterday, Major Nelson released his weekly report regarding the Xbox Live activity, and the results caught us off guard. No, Halo 2 didn't beat out Gears of War due to the Halo 3 beta's Rule of 3 phase. Crackdown's demo came in 2nd for unique users on Xbox Live. It even toppled Rainbow Six Vegas, which is equally surprising. Obviously the game is a lot of fun and people are enjoying the demo, and doesn't need a marketing ploy to sell copies. The thing that we're curious about is how the Crackdown demo compared to Halo 2's unique user count? Then again, perhaps the Rule of Three kept Halo 2 as second overall between Xbox and Xbox 360 combined. So, obviously, some of you must have been playing the demo, have you done anything cool this past week in Crackdown?
Rule of Three: Play Halo 2 with us!
We wouldn't be Xbox 360 Fanboys if we weren't going to try our luck at the "Rule of Three" Halo 3 beta program. As such, we'll be playing a lot of Halo 2 over the next three days. So, keep an eye out for us on Halo 2. We won't necessarily be playing together, but we'll definitely be doing our best to rack up the required three hours. Why not have some fun with our readers while we're at it, right?If you see us online, say hi. We'll play a few matches and have a good time. Who knows, maybe the 360 Fanboy nation will all make it into the beta. See you online.X360F Gamertags:Richard Mitchell -- SenseiRAMDustin Burg -- SuperDunnersDavid Dreger -- Knuckles Dawson
Halo 3 beta: "Rule of 3" starts tomorrow
Just a quick reminder for all the Halo fanboys out there (us inlcuded), the Halo 3 beta "Rule of Three" program begins tomorrow. The "Rule of Three" program was recently clarified by Microsoft (and on our fabulous new podcast, wink wink) and works as follows. First of all, the program is open to US and Canadian residents (age 17 and older) who have a 360 console with hard drive, a valid Xbox Live Gold subscription, and a copy of Halo 2. Starting February 1st at 12:01AM EST and ending February 3rd at 11:59PM EST, you have three days to play three hours of Halo 2 multiplayer over Xbox Live. Then, on February 5th, you must register at Halo3.com. The first 13,333 players to register will be accepted into the beta. We'll repeat that again, you cannot register until February 5th, after the three day window is open.Unfortunately, there are still a few questions left unanswered here. For starters, three hours of multiplayer is a little vague. We don't really know what counts. Is it enough to simply be logged into Live? Does time spent in lobbies count, or does it have to be three hours of actual play time? We're not really sure, but you're best bet is probably to play as much Halo 2 as you can during the three day window.And don't forget, if you don't make it into the beta via the "Rule of Three," you can still pick up a copy of Crackdown.
Halo 3 beta in every copy of Crackdown [update 1]
Update: Oops. It looks like IGN didn't quite get it right. Microsoft has contacted us and clarified that the Halo 3 beta will be included in every copy of the initial shipment of Crackdown and that the boxes will be specially marked. So if you want yours, you'd best pre-order. We say again, the Halo 3 beta will only be available in the initial shipment of Crackdown in specially marked boxes.It was revealed by IGN yesterday that the Halo 3 beta will be included with all copies of Crackdown. Previously, it was stated that the beta would be included in specially marked boxes only. Naturally, this means that the Halo 3 beta is much bigger than originally expected. In fact, one might call it huge. Given that the second wave of registration includes 13,333 available spots, the number of participants involved once Crackdown is thrown into the mix could be astronomical. Whatever happens, we say the more the merrier. And if it makes Halo 3 multiplayer that much better as a result, then that's just gravy. We have to wonder though, was the beta planned only to go with only specially marked copies? We get the feeling that someone realized they could sell a lot more Crackdown if the beta was in every box.So, you've got a kick ass demo up on Live and guaranteed access to the Halo 3 beta, is anyone still not interested in Crackdown?[Thanks, dpcough]
Clarifying "Rule of Three" Halo 3 beta entry
It seems that the next phase of the Halo 3 beta registration process needs a little clarification. The original press release was a little fuzzy about registration timing regarding the "Rule of Three" program. We originally reported that the "Rule of Three" required you to play at least three hours of Halo 2 matchmaking between Feb 1st, 12:01AM EST and Feb 3, 11:59PM EST and then register at Halo3.com. This led many to believe that one simply had to play three hours and then immediately register. It looks like it's not that simple, as Halo3.com now clarifies the process. It turns out that registration must occur on February 5, after Feb 3, 11:59PM. In other words, you have three days to play three hours, and then you have to be one of the first 13,333 to register on Feb 5.As our tipster points out, this method doesn't really reward the most dedicated players -- the kind of people who would have registered exactly three hours after the contest began. That's true, but it also gives more people a chance. After all, not everyone can stay up 'til four in the morning just to register for a beta. Hopefully, this has cleared things up for everyone. Just in case it hasn't, we've included the exact text from Halo3.com after the break.
Halo 3 Beta invites sent by Friday [update 1]
Tipster Jonah sent a bombshell to Fanboy Towers: Bungie has announced when the first wave of Halo 3 Beta invites will be sent to lucky fans. According to the official site, participants can expect to receive the key in the mail between today, January 22nd and Friday, January 26th. The beauty of this time frame is that it takes place a week before the 3 hour killtacular option comes into play, and those interested will know ahead of time if they need to re-enlist at 3:01 AM EST on February 1st on the 5th. The site also confirms that those who registered in "Phase 1" and are not emailed by Friday are able to give it another shot for "Phase 2", which will have invites sent out by the end of February.If you're lucky number 13,334 or above, you still have Crackdown as a final attempt to get into the coveted beta test. So, if any of you fellow fanboys get an email this week, let us know. If not, then give your gamertags so we can make a party out of the morning of Feb 1st.[Thanks, Jonah Falcon] Update: Apparently, according to halo3.com, the actual registering for "Phase 2" opens on February 5th. This gives you all three days to amass three hours of actual play time, should lobby time etc. not count towards your tally. It also allows gamers to get proper sleep, rather than playing through the night in an effort to be within the first 13,333 registrants that same morning.
Halo 3 Beta notices this week, phase one registration closed
The first wave of Halo 3 Beta registrants will be notified of their acceptances this week, bringing phase one of Bungie's registration process to a close. A brief statement posted on Halo3.com reads: "If you have been selected to participate, congratulations and stay tuned for an email notification on the week of January 22-26, 2007." Anyone expecting? Two additional registration phases will follow, beginning with the "Rule of Three" Halo 2 playathon (Feb. 1). The final invitations to join the beta will be granted through the purchase of specially-marked retail boxes of Crackdown, which releases February 20. In related news, Microsoft has confirmed that the Crackdown demo, which will not offer access to Halo 3 Beta, will launch on Xbox Live tomorrow, January 23 (2:00 A.M. PST). [Via Xboxic; thanks, Jonah & Mr. Dude]
Crackdown w/ Halo 3 beta for $53.99 (sort of)
Buy.com currently has Crackdown (including a certain beta invite) for the low, low price of $53.99. It's a decent price, sure, but shipping will add $4.40 to the transaction, bringing the total up to $58.39. Still, you'll grab the game (and the beta invite) for a dollar off and tax free to boot. You could certainly do worse. And don't forget, if you're still unsure of Crackdown's non-beta related merits, a demo is expected to drop this Thursday. You can bet we'll be checking it out. How about you?[Via 360-Deals. Thanks, Fargo]
Play Halo 2, get invited to Halo 3 beta
Having failed miserably at obtaining entry into this Spring's Halo 3 beta program, you'll no doubt be pleased to learn of yet another opportunity to partake in first-person shooting and having your sexuality questioned by obnoxious brats. In fact, there are 13,333 such opportunities -- all you need to do is endure three hours of Halo 2 online. It's easy. Play Halo 2 online for three hours between Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007, 12:01 a.m. EST and Feb. 3, 2007, 11:59 p.m. EST. If you survive, rush to the official Halo 3 website and be part of the first 13,333 gamers to register in the "Rule of Three" program. If, however, you end up being number 13,334 ... well, you'll have to buy Crackdown. As previously reported, copies of Crackdown will contain invites to the Halo 3 beta program. Releasing on February 20, the game disc will act as a key to download the required data from Xbox Live Marketplace. Microsoft promises to release further information regarding the program for each region, though NTSC importers stuck in exotic countries may wish to consider the Crackdown route in the meantime. [Full press release after the break.]
Announcing two new gateways to Halo 3 beta
digg_url = 'http://www.digg.com/gaming_news/Two_new_ways_into_the_Halo_3_beta_announced'; Microsoft today announced two new ways for gamers to gain access to the Halo 3 beta. The first wave of the beta registration took place in December, and these two additional ways seem to be the only remaining methods for hopeful players to register. The first -- which we've already reported -- is to buy a specially marked copy of Crackdown. Revealed in the press release is the fact that the Crackdown disc itself will act as your key to download the beta from Xbox Live Marketplace. Crackdown is scheduled to hit the US February 20, Asian territories February 22, and Europe February 23.The second new method is called rule " Rule of Three." In order to qualify, Xbox 360 owners must participate in at least three hours of Halo 2 multiplayer sessions over Xbox Live between February 1 and February 3. Once this is accomplished, players must then register at Halo3.com. The "Rule of Three" program is open only to US residents age 17 and older. The first 13,333 players to register will be accepted into the beta.Please note that 360 owners must have a hard drive and a valid Xbox Live Gold subscription to apply for either of these methods.
Rumor: Brutes are playable in Halo 3, video on Dec. 20th [update 1]
digg_url = 'http://www.digg.com/gaming_news/Brutes_are_playable_in_Halo_3_video_on_Dec_20th'; Update: Bungie's Frank O'Connor, under his NeoGAF alias, Stinkles, has debunked part of this rumor (twice). According to Frankie, Brutes will not be playable characters. The video may still come to pass, though. We'll just have to wait and see. We get tips from time to time, some of them small and some of them big. The tip we received this morning, however, is a doozy. Coming from the blog of YLA G -- creator of the kickass Google application, GooMGC -- the info goes something like this: Brutes will be playable in Halo 3. Not only that, but a video confirming this fact should hit Marketplace on December 20th (I knew Bungie wouldn't forget my birthday). The video is supposedly seven minutes long and gives us backstory on the Brutes and tells us what skills they will have at their disposal. Even better, 2 and a half minutes of the video should be actual gameplay. This is strictly a rumor at this point, as the article has no source listed, but it wouldn't surprise us if it's true. In fact, it makes perfect sense considering how many new Brute weapons have been announced for Halo 3. Playable Brutes opens up many questions of course. Will they have berserker attacks? Will they still have their dome protecting, headshot deflecting skull caps? Will Brutes be in the beta? Does this mean that Elites are no longer playable? Oh the possibilities. Assuming this is true, what do you want to see from the Brute class? [Thanks, lollersticks]
Microsoft warns Euro sites against selling Halo 3 beta codes
Intended to be given away in promotional contests, several codes that allow entry into the Halo 3 beta were distributed between participating European fansites in Microsoft's Xbox Community Network. Unfortunately, the intended use came into stark opposition with one website's more greed-oriented approach, namely selling the codes for a quick profit. According to BritXbox, the offending site hasn't been named, but their actions were enough to make Microsoft wag their fingers and type a scolding e-mail for all members of the network."If your site is found to be one of the offenders you will not receive any beta codes and will be removed from the XCN with immediate effect," it says. "We will also ensure that Microsoft will no longer have any involvement with your site." It concludes by underlining how "shocked" Microsoft is by the site's money-grab. Really? They're shocked by a couple of human beings biting the hand that feeds them and cashing in on one of the most anticipated games of 2007? Or is that being too cynical?While we're asking so many questions, let's put this one out there: Would you pay for a guaranteed spot in the Halo 3 beta? How much do you think it's worth?[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy, Hexus]
Euro 360 site caught selling H3 beta codes
digg_url = 'http://www.digg.com/gaming_news/European_360_site_caught_selling_Halo_3_beta_codes'; We brought you the news before on how to get into the European Halo 3 beta, in which several sites within the XCN (Xbox Community Network) were granted codes that allowed access to the beta. These codes were to be distributed by each site, in most cases as part of a promotional contest. It seems, however, that one of these sites saw the codes as an opportunity to make some Euros, and decided to sell them instead. Britxbox is reporting that they received an email from Microsoft today, issuing a warning to all the sites in the XCN. While the site guilty of the act has not been made public, we do know that Microsoft will cut off all contact and support for any offending site. The XCN is officially supported by Microsoft and the sites within it are promoted directly by Xbox.com. Members of the XCN are naturally disappointed that one of their own would abuse an opportunity in such a way. Britxbox is understandably concerned that such an act could damage future interactions with Microsoft altogether. Here's hoping the offending site will be punished and that will be the end of it. [Via Hexus]
Halo 3 website is (sort of) live [update 1]
Update: Many of you have already seen it, but it looks like the link to the registration page has been found. Click here for more info.Halo3.com, the mysterious place where registration for the Halo 3 beta will take place, is now active. Before, it would merely redirect you to Bungie.net, whereas now it features the Halo 3 logo and a message to "Check back 12.04.06." We can't help but notice that today is 12.04.06. Also, we had a little trouble opening the page in Firefox -- it asked us to install Flash, which is already installed ... weird. Still, the site is up, and hopefully it will open for business later today.[Thanks Glenn and Zack]
Sign up for Halo 3 beta today, commercial
Lest you forget, we thought it prudent to remind you that the long awaited half live action, half CGI Halo 3 commercial is set to debut tonight on Monday Night Football. The commercial should air between 5:50 and 6:20pm PST. Right now, we don't know too much about the commercial -- which is typical for Bungie projects -- but of course we have our expectations, and then Bungie has given us a few clues, too. And in case you're too busy making sure your soufflé doesn't fall when the commercial airs -- it's a fact, football fans love soufflé -- it will be available on Marketplace and Xbox.com "soon."Don't forget that this is also the first day you can sign up for the worldwide Halo 3 beta. At least, it's supposed to be. We tried logging into Halo3.com -- where we were told registration would be held -- and were redirected to Bungie.net. Either we have to wait until the commercial airs, or we have to wait for the boys in Washington state to wake up (it's still early on the west coast). Rest assured, we'll let you know the minute it goes live (and we're sure you'll tip us off, right?).
Never fear, H3 beta is not US only
Yesterday, Microsoft set us up the bomb that sign up for the Halo 3 beta will begin on Monday. Unfortunately for the many, many Halo fans around the world, the beta was open only to American participants. You can relax, overseas fanboys, it looks like someone at MS made a mistake, as the Halo beta will be open to players worldwide. It's a good thing too, because we enjoy nothing more than some good international fragging. So, give a cheer and let your voices be heard in the comments.[Via HBO]
Sign up for the Halo 3 beta next week
Halo 3 fanboys rejoice! Sign up for the Halo 3 public beta begins Monday, December 4th. Beginning Monday, American 360 owners will be able to register for the beta at Halo3.com. And of course many of you will recall that December 4th is the day that the new Halo 3 commercial will air during Monday Night Football on ESPN. If football isn't your thing, know that the commercial will air sometime between 5:50 and 6:20pm PST. The commercial is only airing once on television, though it will be made available on Xbox.com and 360 Marketplace afterwards. First the Shadowrun beta opens, and now the Halo 3 beta is following right in its footsteps: it's good to be a 360 gamer. Here's hoping that Microsoft continues this trend with future 1st party online titles. Oh, we have so many questions! Is the needler worth anything now? What about the new assault rifle? How many Brute weapons can we try out? For that matter, will we even be selected for the beta? Anyway, tune your browsers accordingly and get your Tivos ready, Monday is right around the corner. See the full press release after the break.
