The Halo 3 Beta is out and is playable to certain people. I haven't worked out the criteria yet but a couple of friends of mine are playing it now.

They got a message through Bungie.net to give them a code to download it.



Everyone check your messages at Bungie.net because they don't know why they were sent it. They said it's awesome though.

But if we aren't on Bungie, then we don't get it?

At the moment I really don't know why they have got the code. It did come through Bungie but why they chose them, I'm not sure. Perhaps because they played a lot of matchmaking recently? That's the only logical reason I can think of.

But I can assure you that at least two people on my friends list are playing it right now.

It's part of the Friends and Family program.

quote Bungie Weekly Update 04/05/07

FRIENDS AND FAMILY FIESTA

You may have heard rumors, tales whispered in dark corners of mysterious taverns. Bearded men speak in icy tones of a legend. A secret level of Public Beta, called ‘Friends and Family.” Aye, such a thing exists. It is the same beta, sent out a few days earlier, to Bungie Friends and Family. We never revealed how you became a friend or a family member, and nor will we. Some of ye already know who you are and how you’ll be getting your invite. Others, in for a rare treat.

A selection of Bungie.net members – regulars all - has been picked using a semi-random process devised by our own Roger Wolfson and Tom “Achronos” Gioconda. Those lucky winners have already been picked and collated. Next week, on the evening of the 11th of May, they will receive a Friends and Family code, delivered to one place and one place only. Their PM mailbox right here on Bungie.net. Spread the word – a small percentage, but still a significant number of Bnet loyalists, are getting the Golden Ticket delivered straight to their Bnet PM mailbox.

For those of you who “win,” congratulations. And for those who find that PM Mailbox empty on the 11th, our commiserations. NOTE: These winners have been picked; the ONLY way to find out is by checking that PM mailbox here on Bnet on the 11th. Do NOT ask us if you’ve won or not. We can’t tell you. Do NOT try to create a new account – it’s already too late. Do NOT spam the forums. The matter is settled.

For everyone else, the same avenues for the normal Public Beta still exist – for most of you, that means playing via specially marked versions of Crackdown (still available in stores) and a few others won contests from their regional Xbox organization.

But it’s all so much. If only I had help.

That's real cool of them.

I get mine Beta version from crackdown, like most people. Is it out on that yet? If not, when?

16th

Yeah and I'm away until the 18th. So when I get to play it, everyone will know where every weapon is and know the way round the maps etc. I hate that