14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has announced that after no less than 1,400 years of continuous play for a single player, "Halo 3" Multiplayer Beta has come to an end and encouraged gamers to gear up for the game's official launch later this year. Microsoft has counted that in excess of 820,000 individual gamers managed to account for over 12 million hours of online gameplay during the beta testing period. This figure, translated for a unique participant is equivalent with 1,400 years.
"The participation in the 'Halo 3' beta was staggering," said Shane Kim, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios. "Witnessing such a great reaction to a small portion of the game has been inspiring. It's a testament to the fervor and anticipation that surrounds 'Halo 3.' We're confident that on Sept. 25 Halo 3 will drive an unprecedented wave of new gamers to the Xbox 360 platform and Xbox LIVE."
Microsoft is prepared to satisfy the gamers' hunger for Halo 3, until the game will officially launch on September 25, 2007. In this context, the Redmond Company is offering the limited edition "Halo 3"-themed Xbox 360 Wireless Controllers and an Xbox 360 Wireless Headset. Microsoft's offerings are designed to keep the Halo 3 user experience alive and to give hardcore fans something to chew on until September.
"Now that the beta has closed, consumers worldwide can gear up for the game's release with a variety of new merchandise, including two new Xbox 360 Limited Edition "Halo 3" Wireless Controllers designed by Spawn and McFarlane Toys creator Todd McFarlane, as well as an Xbox 360 Limited Edition "Halo 3" Wireless Headset, which lets gamers talk with friends over Xbox LIVE. The controllers and headset will be available starting in early September and can be preordered at select retailers today, allowing "Halo" fans everywhere to prepare for the launch of this year's biggest game," Microsoft revealed.