Halo 3 open beta and new Halo 2 content this spring

(Crap -- I posted this at 6 a.m., but for whatever reason it didn't show on my blog site, so I'm now reposting.)

Xbox 360 gamers will be able to participate in an open (public!) beta of the Halo 3 multiplayer action this spring:

'REDMOND, Wash. — Nov. 15, 2006 — On the fifth anniversary of the release of the landmark Xbox video game “Halo,” Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios today celebrated the milestone by announcing an exclusive hands-on experience with “Halo 3,” one of the industry’s most anticipated sequels. The Xbox Live multiplayer public beta, which is a pre-release version of the multiplayer experience of “Halo 3,” is scheduled for availability in spring 2007 exclusively on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system.'

And this spring will also see new multiplayer content for Halo 2:

'In addition, gamers who have jumped in to Xbox 360 will be able to join legions of Xbox fans next spring in all-new multiplayer maps for “Halo 2” available for download through Xbox Live Marketplace. The exclusive “Halo 2” content will bring new experiences and excitement to the seminal sequel that made entertainment retail history in its first 24 hours — with $125 million in sales — and that boasts more than four billion online matches since its release in November 2004.'

And as far as whetting the mass appetite, there'll be a 60-second teaser for Halo 3 as part of ESPN's Monday Night Football:

'In addition, Microsoft and Bungie confirmed today that consumers will be able to experience the “Halo” universe this holiday season through a one-time airing of a stirring, 60-second “Halo 3” teaser ad.'

Those are big announcements. And the combination of them probably also more points to a November release for Halo 3.

More info over at TeamXbox.com.

Yes, they're timing this announcement intentionally before tomorrow's Sony PS3 launch ...