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Halo 3 in September

Multiplayer beta today.

Microsoft and Bungie have anounced that Halo 3 will be released in North America on 25th September, with the European release a day later on the 26th.

News of the release comes on the day that Microsoft launches the beta testing of Halo 3 over Xbox Live, allowing gamers to play through multiplayer maps for the hotly anticipated shooter.

Microsoft has just confirmed that the beta will go live today at 1pm, UK time. We'll be sat there refreshing Crackdown's menus at 12.59, same as you.

The beta will end at 7.59am on 7th June.

"Halo 3 is much more than a videogame release: it's the biggest entertainment event of the year," commented Peter Moore, corporate VP of Microsoft's game business.

"On September 25 we intend to deliver a finale that will go down in entertainment history and leave people around the world with an experience that will be shared and enjoyed for years to come."

Microsoft has also announced the release of a limited edition Zune digital media player to go on sale next month, featuring Halo 3 videos, soundtracks, trailers and artwork.