Microsoft/FASA Open Shadowrun Beta Registration

Following recent news of a spring 2007 release for an advance public beta of Bungie's Halo 3, Microsoft and FASA have announced that pre-registration has begun for a public beta of online multiplayer shooter Shadowrun. Long-rumored before being officially unveiled at E3 this year, Shadowrun is a joint effort between FASA and Microsoft Game Studios, which brings the traditional "pen and paper" RPG's blend of magic, technology, and weaponry into an arena based online shooter. Xbox Live official blogger Major Nelson has posted the full directions and confirmation codes to enter the beta on his site, which requires registration at connect.microsoft.com, and on FASA's Shadowrun messageboard, as well as participation in a short survey. The beta is also only open to those with a 'gold' level Xbox Live account. Though the beta is open to the general public, the site warns that a completed application and registration is no guarantee of enrollment, as testers are being added based on select criteria. The beta is set to open early to mid December 2006 and run through March 2007.