Gears of War 3 Getting Public Multiplayer Beta In Mid-April

Just one day after confirming a September 20 U.S. release date for anticipated third-person action title Gears of War 3, Microsoft today announced a public multiplayer beta for the title will be available in mid-April. The first public beta test for the series will include three new versus modes on four new maps, according to Microsoft, as well as classic maps chosen by fans voting on the game's Facebook page. Microsoft and Epic Games originally announced the existence of the beta test, without a specific date, late last year, promising support for dedicated servers as well as centrally hosted servers for ranked matches. Those who purchase the "Epic Edition" of Epic's recently released Bulletstorm will reportedly receive early access to the beta, though the specific timing of that availability is currently unknown. The mid-April window for the beta test matches the originally planned final release window for the title, which was delayed last October due to what the company called a "business decision between partners, and not a quality issue." The first trailer for the title premiered last April during a special interview with developer Cliff Bleszinski on NBC's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.