It seems that the next phase of the Halo 3 beta registration process needs a little clarification. The original press release was a little fuzzy about registration timing regarding the "Rule of Three" program. We originally reported that the "Rule of Three" required you to play at least three hours of Halo 2 matchmaking between Feb 1st, 12:01AM EST and Feb 3, 11:59PM EST and then register at Halo3.com. This led many to believe that one simply had to play three hours and then immediately register. It looks like it's not that simple, as Halo3.com now clarifies the process. It turns out that registration must occur on February 5, after Feb 3, 11:59PM. In other words, you have three days to play three hours, and then you have to be one of the first 13,333 to register on Feb 5.
As our tipster points out, this method doesn't really reward the most dedicated players -- the kind of people who would have registered exactly three hours after the contest began. That's true, but it also gives more people a chance. After all, not everyone can stay up 'til four in the morning just to register for a beta. Hopefully, this has cleared things up for everyone. Just in case it hasn't, we've included the exact text from Halo3.com after the break.
"Rule of Three Program
The 'Rule of Three' program is currently planned for gamers (17 years and older) in the 50 United States (includes District of Columbia) and Canada who have access to an Xbox 360 Pro console or an Xbox 360 Core console with hard drive, a valid Xbox Live Gold subscription and the Halo 2 game.
It is a two-step process:
1. Participate in at least three hours of Halo 2 multiplayer sessions on your Xbox 360 console via Xbox Live during the three (3) day period beginning February 1st at 12:01 am EST and ending February 3rd at 11:59 pm EST.
2. After the three day window is over, head back over to www.halo3.com on February 5th and register.
If you are one of the FIRST 13,333 to do this (and meet the above requirements) you will receive an invite notification in February to participate in the Halo 3 Beta.
Please note that if you registered to participate in the Halo 3 Beta during Phase One and were not selected, that does not preclude you from registering again for during Phase 2."
[Thanks, Evan Brower]
