Forget the days of console exclusives, Call of Duty is charting new waters with the first-ever cross-platform beta for Black Ops 6 . Traditionally, PlayStation players have had first dibs on Call of Duty previews, giving them early access to the game – but this year the playing field is levelled. That's right, PC and Xbox players will get to sample and shape the new entry in the blockbuster franchise at the same time as their PlayStation brethren.
Is this the end of the console wars or just a smart marketing ploy? Either way, gamers are about to have their say. Here’s how you can sign up to take part in the Black Ops 6 beta when it kicks off later this month. Plus, a neat tip on how to get early access for absolutely free.
Budding players will be able to play the new Call of Duty, which looks like an explosive espionage thriller set during the first Gulf War, almost two months before its October 25 release date. Focusing on the game’s multiplayer mode, these tasters offer an early peek at the game’s new features, from the “omnidirectional” movement to new maps and weapons. In gaming parlance, “beta” traditionally refers to a crucial stage in a game’s development process that allows players to mould the final product with their feedback.
While betas were once primarily used for bug testing, they're now also viewed as a great way to drum up hype and anticipation for a new release. This strategy has worked wonders for Call of Duty maker Activision Blizzard . The gaming company released its first ever Call of Duty beta for 2008’s World at War on Xbox 360 and PC.
Fourteen years later, the Modern Warfare 2 beta became the biggest in the franchise’s history, with more players playing for more hours than ever before. This time round, things will be a bit different. Following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard , all platforms will now have equal access to the beta at the same time, eliminating the previous exclusivity model for PlayStation.
Unlike a timed demo, the Black Ops 6 beta will give players the chance to play the game’s multiplayer mode for an extended period across two phases. First up, the early access beta runs from August 30 at 6pm in the UK to September 4 at 6pm, and is available to those who pre-ordered the game or have subscriptions to any Xbox Game Pass plan barring the budget Core tier . Eager recruits have several ways to secure their place on the virtual battlefield.
For those opting for the physical pre-order route, keep your eyes peeled. Your beta code is likely to be printed directly on your receipt or sent via email. Don’t worry if you’ve accidentally deleted it: Before the beta kicks off, you'll receive a final confirmation email containing an Early Access Beta token specific to your chosen platform (PC, PlayStation or Xbox).
Once you have it, head over to callofduty.com/betaredeem to register for early access. Don't forget, you'll need an Activision account to redeem the code.
For Game Pass subscribers and those who digitally pre-ordered the game, no code is required. You'll be automatically registered for early access and be able to download the beta when it starts. Want to play Black Ops 6 first without purchasing a pre-order or Game Pass subscription? EE is running a free prize draw for 100,000 early access beta codes.
For a chance to win, simply register or sign in to the EE website , fill out a short form and then wait for your code to arrive before the first beta weekend. Participants will also automatically be entered into a competition to win an Xbox Series X bundle featuring the console, an Elite controller and £100 worth of gaming vouchers. For everyone else, the open beta kicks off on September 6 at 6pm and ends on September 9 at 6pm.
No codes, pre-orders or subscriptions are required..
