'Call of Duty: Black Ops 3' beta release dates confirmed: What to expect

Publisher Activision has confirmed that before the release of the full version of "Call of Duty: Black Ops 3," it will have a beta stage first. Announcing the development on the official company blog, Activision promises that developer Treyarch will be discussing more details on how the beta phase will roll out, and what the testing stage will encompass.

The beta's release schedule will differ, with those playing on the PlayStation 4 having an early sneak peek from Aug. 19 to 23. Xbox One and PC players, on the other hand, will be given beta access starting Aug. 26, running for five days up to Aug. 30.

Accordingly, Activision said that not all will be able to participate in the beta release for the upcoming installment in the "Black Ops" series of the "Call of Duty" franchise. The beta access will be given only to those who pre-order the title prior to the beta dates.

Writes Scott Lowe, communications manager for Activision: "The multiplayer beta is available to anyone who pre-orders Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 on PS4, Xbox One, or PC from a participating retailer, as well as the PlayStation Store, Xbox Live Store, and Steam." 

Although the publisher has not provided any details on how huge the beta stage will be or what mechanics and gameplay will be shown, Activision said that the beta phase will give players a general idea on how the upcoming title will feel and look like.

Lowe adds, "During the beta, fans will have an opportunity to try the new momentum-based, chained movement system, find the perfect Specialist to fit their play style, get a feel for the new multiplayer maps, and more."

"Call of Duty: Black Ops 3" is scheduled for a November release across all platforms. However, there will be some features that will not be present on the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the title. 

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