Microsoft's Bungie Studios has put the call out for beta testers of the next installment of the Halo game series for the Xbox 360 console, set to offer for the first time a multiplayer aspect of the game through Xbox Live. Halo 3 is slated to come out in 2007, and Microsoft says it is offering the beta to allow gamers to become part of the development process. Feedback received would be used to refine the final product, it said.

Those interested can sign up through the Halo 3 Web site. It is open to North American gamers with an Xbox 360 and hard drive, and an Xbox Live Gold subscription. Additionally, gamers must be 17 years or older. Microsoft plans to eventually offer the beta in Europe, and it advised gamers there to watch their local Xbox sites for more details.