The Halo: Reach Beta is going strong with all Xbox LIVE Gold members with Halo: ODST in on the action. The pool of players is set to expand again next week with word from Shacknews that Bungie announced Xbox LIVE Silver members with Halo: ODST will also be able to jump in.
In an unusual move, Microsoft will allow all Xbox LIVE Silver members access to the beta from May 14th at 9:00am PT to May 17th at 9:00am PT. Xbox LIVE silver members typically cannot play any games online, so this is a big departure from the norm. Whether this is a move to simply expand the number of players in the beta to truly stress test the system, or a ploy to get more players to sign up for an Xbox Live Gold membership, it is hard to complain.
Now, even those who don’t want to pony-up the $50 a year for Xbox LIVE Gold can get a taste of what is sure to be one of the biggest releases this holiday season.