Microsoft looks to Halo 3 to boost Crackdown sales

Interest in upcoming free-roaming adventure Crackdown should soar on release this February, with the game disc including a key to download a beta test of Halo 3.

The initiative is one of three different methods that consumers can try to enter the multiplayer program, and is sure to boost sales of the first-party title in development from Scottish team Realtime Worlds.

As well as paying to access the beta key on specially marked packaging, Microsoft and Halo 3 developer Bungie are also running two other initiatives to gain access to the prestigious testing program.

By playing at least three hours of Halo 2 multiplayer games over Xbox Live between February 1st and 3rd, and being one of the first 13,333 to registers at the upcoming Halo 3 website, players will receive an invitation, as will those lucky enough to be selected by simply registering on the website.

The multiplayer beta begins this Spring, when Bungie will also mark the fifth anniversary of the original Halo with the release of Xbox 360 exclusive multiplayer maps for Halo 2, still one of the most popular online titles for Microsoft.