Microsoft has reaffirmed its objective with the Halo 3 multiplayer beta, telling gamers "don't call it a demo".
Speaking to MTV.com, Microsoft Game Studios boss Phil Spencer says that the beta is totally different from a demo. "A demo is built to whet the appetite until the retail game comes out, he says. "This is a beta and there might be some seams that are showing at certain points, but we think this is the best way to get ready for Halo 3 launch.
"It's not really a tease," he continues, "we're not using the beta as a way to string someone along in the hope that they might go and buy halo 3 when it finally comes out.We really look at it as a way of testing the technology and a way of making sure that some of our more far-reaching design goals are being met watching people play online."
Bungie also posted an FAQ for the beta on its official website, explaining exactly how access through Realtime World's Crackdown will work.