UPDATE: Call of Duty 4 Beta - First Wave Lotto Launched 

Well, it’s finally happened. After days of speculation over when exactly Infinity Ward will be making an announcement on the Call of Duty 4 beta, they do so today, only to have a repeat of the E3 Microsoft presser on their hands - 10 minutes after the information goes up, the Call of Duty 4 website gives up the ghost under the heavy influx of trigger happy Xbox 360 gamers.

Being the awesome guys that we are, we save you the trip to their website and having to wait an eternity for the page to load at a spellblindingly fast speed of 389 bps. Here, then, are all released details of the beta, straight from the horse’s mouth. For those not patient enough to go through the whole thing below, here’s the gist of how you get your ass into the beta. Hit the jump for a whole lotta details.

• You must be 18 years or older to get into the beta. Or, of course, if you don’t give a rats ass about the ratings and how this might affect you in the long run if you are a minor, you can always fake it.
• The tokens will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. You need to head to the CoD4 website, and answer three “trivia questions” correctly. If you complete this task, you will receive a token, which you can redeem on Xbox Live Marketplace just as you would an Xbox Live Gold prepaid card to get access to the CoD4 beta. And no, just like a prepaid card, once the token is used, it can’t be reused. However, if you don’t finish downloading the beta and lose your token, you can retreive it from your account at the CoD4 website.
• The beta will be 1.7 GB in size and will require an Xbox Live Gold subscription to play. (Duh!)
• The beta will be rolled out first in the United States and will expand to include other territories later. No word on when this might happen, but we are guessing that changing your GT to US should fix this problem (or click here to get help with setting up a 1 month free Xbox Live Gold trial) unless of course, the Marketplace Regional Restrictions (you know, the one that snuck up on us with the Spring Update) are in place, making you see the “This download is not available in your current region” message instead of the CoD4 goodness that you expected to see.
• The beta will ship with three maps, Overgrown, Vacant and Crash, which should give all you campers with sniper rifles enough time to kick my ass from here to Siberia in just two seconds flat.
• The beta will not feature split-screen or System Link multiplayer, but the feature will be present in the final version of the game. There will be no co-operative play in the beta or in the final version of the game. Bummer!
• The beta will allow you to invite and play with your friends with the Party Invite option. Or, if you wanna play a Lone Gunman and play with complete strangers (you naughty dog, you) , then you can always let the game pick the best game for you.
• The beta does score and track experience points, even though the beta rankings are limited to Rank 20, Master Sergeant. And yes, there are Leaderboards and extensive stats tracking for those of you that so love to show off your “l337″ skillz0rz! And oh, completing certain challenges gets you rank boosts, experience rewards and weapon add-ons, a la Rainbow Six Vegas and Lost Planet.
• Multiplayer Perks in the beta include Bomb Squad, C4, Claymores, RPGs, “Special” Grenades, Juggernaut (extra health), Sleight of Hand (faster reloads), Sonic Boom (Increased explosive weapon damage), UAV Jammer (undetectable on enemy radar), Stopping Power (increased bullet damage), Deep Impact (deeper bullet penetration), Last Stand (pull out your pistol with a full clip for one last stand against your enemies), Steady Aim (increased hip fire accuracy), Extreme Conditioning (sprint for longer distances) and Martyrdom (drop a live grenade when killed). A lot more perks, including the newly revealed Dead Silence perk, will be available in the final version of the game.
• The beta will feature voice chat over Xbox Live and it is highly recommended that you turn it on and use it. However, the only way to listen to enemy conversations is by triggering the Eavesdrop perk. It cannot be said for certain if Eavesdrop will be included in the beta or not.
• Four gametypes will be included in the beta: Free-for-all (6-12 players / 300 score limit / 5 pts. per kill), Team Deathmatch (6-12 players / 750 score limit / 10 pts. per kill), Team Objective (6-12 players / 150 score limit / 5 pts. per kill), which involves Domination and Search and Destroy, with CTF in Domination (with respawns) and destroying and defending objectives in Search and Destroy (no respawns) and finally, Team Tactical (4-6 players / 500 score limit / 10 pts. per kill)

That’s pretty much the detailed 4-1-1 on the upcoming beta. If you need more information on the beta, keep scrolling down to take a look at all the released images and additional info, including FAQs from the official site. If you are done reading, head on over to the CoD4 website to sign up for the beta, and in doing so, try your hand at winning some exclusive community prizes (Prizes / Info and Rules) as well as read up on the new “Ask a developer” interview, which involves the devs talking about how they used real world gear to help design the night vision in the game. That’s it, I am pooped, and am just going to hang out at the website and try to score a token. See you on the servers, chumps!

Main Menu:

Xbox Live:
Find matches, Create A Class, Check your rankings, review progress on challenges, and play with your friends.

Controls:
Setup the controller to your personal preferences and alter game brightness.

Quit:
This is the option you are never going to want to choose.

Find Game:
Essentially the Beta’s ‘Go’ button. When you are ready for action, select this option, choose a game type, and unleash your skills.

Create a Class:
Build your custom classes. (See: Classes\Create A Class)

Barracks:
Check your rankings on the Leaderboards and your progress through Challenges, choose your Clan Tag, and even review your basic player statistics.

Party Invite:
Invite your friends to your party.

Message of the Day:
Check this section for important Beta updates.

Leaderboards:
Compare yourself to other players in the Beta in Score, Wins, Kills, and Accuracy. You can view the Global rankings, or limit your view to Friends.

Challenges:
Check your progress on various challenges. Complete these challenges to gain XP rewards and Weapon add-ons.

Stick Layouts
Default – Pictured below.
Southpaw – Switches functionality of the left and right thumbsticks.
Legacy – Swaps vertical functionality of the left and right thumbsticks.
Legacy Southpaw – Switches left and right thumbstick functionality of the Legacy layout.

Button Layout
Default – Pictured below.
Tactical – Switches functionality of the right thumbstick click and the B button
Lefty – Switches functionality of the left and right shoulder buttons and triggers.

Sensitivity Options
Low
Medium
High
Very High

Players also have the option to invert their joystick controls and enable/disable vibration.

Default Classes:

Perks:
Perk 1

Perk 2

Perk 3

Gametypes:

Maps:

Weapons:
Attachments

Grenades

Sniper Rifles

Shotguns

Sub-machine Guns

Sidearms

Assault Rifles

Light Machine Guns

FAQs:
General:

1. How do I get a token to download the Public Beta?
Tokens to download the Beta will be distributed on a first come first serve basis. To be eligible to receive a token, you must be 18 years of age or older, as well as answer three trivia questions correctly. The Beta will be available on Xbox 360. The Beta will begin in the United States. We’re still finalizing what territories it will be available in, so please check back in for updates.

2. How do I redeem my token for the COD4 beta?
To participate in the beta, users must have an Xbox Live Gold membership based in the United States. Once a token has been used, that token can’t be used again. However, the user who redeemed the token can attempt to re-download the content that the token pointed to; here are the steps:

1) Sign in to Xbox Live
2) Go to the Marketplace blade
3) Select Redeem Code
4) Enter the token
5) The Xbox Guide should open and point to the beta
6) Download the beta

If you have any issues, please visit Xbox 360 Support.

3. How much space will the Public Beta take on my hard-drive?
Approximately 1.7 gigabytes. Xbox Live will notify you if you don’t have the space required. Try and make sure you have at least 2 gigs free before attempting to download the Beta, you don’t want HD to chug at all.

4. Once the Public Beta is downloaded, do I need to install anything? How do I begin playing?
After downloading the Beta, you are ready to play. Go to the games blade in the Xbox 360 dashboard, select Demos and More, select COD4:MW MP BETA, select Launch.

5. How many maps are included? What are they called?
We’ve got three different maps for you to wreak havoc on: Vacant, Overgrown, and Crash. You can go study them in the Maps section. And we recommend you do so…you don’t want to be walking around looking lost, do you?

6. Can I play split-screen? What about system-link?
Not in the Beta, but look for split-screen and system-link in the final release.

7. Where can I share my ideas and feedback regarding the Beta?
Go to www.charlieoscardelta.com. Click on Boards. Scroll to the Public Beta category. Click the applicable thread and then type away, cause we love reading.

8. How can I delete the Beta off of my Xbox 360’s hard-drive?
Go to the games blade in the Xbox 360 dashboard, select Demos and More, select COD4:MW MP BETA, select Delete.

9. Do I need an HDTV to play? What resolution does the game play at?
You don’t need an HDTV, but if you want to experience the full glory of the beta, try and play on one. If you are running component cables the resolution will be 1280 x 720. Composite runs at 640 x 480.

10. I lost my Token code before I downloaded the Public Beta. What now?
Go to www.charlieoscardelta.com. Click into the Beta Section and then “Enter Now”. Your code will appear. We’re pretty sure it’s magic. That, or some damn good interns.

11. So tell me: am I looking at Infinity Ward’s final product? Is this the final set of weapons, perks and attachments? What about graphics? Audio? How does the Public Beta differ from the game?
It’s a beta. Everything is subject to change. The full game will have more maps, and functionality, not to mention it will also have an extensive Single Player campaign. Also, any grayed out section that you see is either yet to be unlocked, or is locked for the Beta.

12. Who can I contact if I have any questions?
If you are having a problem with the Call of Duty 4 multiplayer beta, please submit a question to Customer Support at http://activision.custhelp.com or send us an email in the Charlie Oscar Delta help Section.

13. Can I play any time I want?
Yep. Anytime Xbox Live is up and running, you can play on the Beta.

14. Is there co-op in the Beta?
There is no co-op in the Beta, nor will there be when the game ships.

Networking:

1. I have a compatible wireless router, but it’s sort of flaky. Help?
Wireless routers can be fickle pieces of hardware. First off, make sure your router is in a central location with nothing nearby that will interrupt the signal, such as large metal objects and walls. If this didn’t help, check your router and Xbox 360’s settings to make sure everything is turned on, then search out additional help here:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/wirelesstips.mspx

2. What on earth is NAT and why should I care?
To take it down to extremely simple terms, NAT is short for Network Address Translation and it helps determine how your router will interact with the internet. If your NAT settings are set to be restrictive, that means you are probably restricting your connection to other players. To check these settings, go to the Xbox 360 Dashboard and test your connection. At the bottom of the test results, you will see your ‘NAT Type.’ You want it to read ‘Open.’ If it says ‘Moderate’ or ‘Strict,’ you may experience some problems playing online.

3. Do you recommend any particular routers for use with the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Public Beta?
The official list of Xbox Live-compatible networking equipment can be found here: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/connecttolive/xbox360/homenetworking/equipment.htm.

Specifically, look for routers that are specially marked as ‘Windows Vista compatible’ or ‘Xbox LIVE compatible.’ These routers have passed a special test by the team at Microsoft team to ensure they work with Xbox Live games. A good substitute, if you can’t find one of these, is to find a router that is marked ‘UPnP’ or ‘Universal Plug and Play.’ Just remember to check configuration tools to make sure Universal Plug and Play is actually turned on. In addition, some routers require a firmware upgrade to function properly with Xbox LIVE; check your router manufacturer’s website for details and/or downloads.

4. What connectivity do I need to play online in the Call of Duty 4 Beta?
Xbox Live requires a broadband connection. The faster connection you can get your hands on, the better. Unlike web browsing, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare’s Multiplayer uses both downstream and upstream bandwidth. While the best thing you could do is get a military-grade fiber-optic cable run into your living room, the best might also be a bit difficult. DSL is a solid choice. Cable modems work well, but they are known to have poor or unreliable upstream bandwidth.

5. Will using a router inhibit me from playing Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare online? What about a wireless router?
Using a router will not stop you from playing CoD4:MW online, even if it is wireless. However, if your router is improperly or poorly configured, it could prevent you from joining games with other players, even if you can log into Xbox LIVE. Unfortunately we cannot address all the potential user errors here in this FAQ. If you are unable to connect to other players, check in with your internet service provider or router manufacturer. Also, keep in mind that wireless connections have a tendency to be less reliable than wired connections.

6. Thank you so much! Can I get any more words of wisdom?
Of course you can! Always remember that you are sharing your bandwidth with everyone else on your connection. If someone on your router is downloading large files or playing an MMO, it will affect your experience playing the Public Beta. In addition, appliances that operate on the 2.4GHz spectrum - like some cordless phones - can affect your wireless connection, even if they are active outside your house. Say, by your neighbor, for example. If you are experiencing any inexplicable problems, try changing the channel on your wireless router and appliances. You can also go out and buy replacement appliances, specifically those that won’t share your Xbox 360’s frequency, such as 900MHz for cordless phones.

Voice:

While Voice Chat is not required for the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Public Beta, it is strongly recommended. With Voice Chat enabled, you will be able to converse with other players, both in the lobby, and once the game begins, in the heat of battle. That said, the only way to hear enemy players in the game is by triggering the Eavesdrop Perk (read more by clicking here).

The only required equipment for Voice Chat is an Xbox Live headset. If you are feeling adventurous, a cellphone microphone will also work, but note that the quality will be diminished. If using a headset, make sure that it is plugged into your controller, un-muted, and the volume is turned up. Keep in mind that when you first plug in your headset, it will move the voice chat audio into the headset and off of the speakers. Remember, once the headset is plugged in, others will hear you. Make use of the mute button if you don’t want to be heard.

Note: It is very important to remember that all changes made in the Xbox 360 Guide override any game settings. This includes Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. So if something seems strange while you’re playing, or settings in the menu don’t seem to be going into effect, double check that you don’t have a conflicting setting activated in your Xbox 360’s Guide.

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By N2H

• the ANGRY pixel blog » Call of Duty 4 Beta Announced Says:
  August 4th, 2007 at 9:52 pm

  [...] for more information on the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Multiplayer Beta on the Xbox 360, visit this page for the latest information, including information on signing up for the beta and other related [...]

• the ANGRY pixel » Call of Duty 4 Beta: Patience, Iago! Says:
  August 19th, 2007 at 3:00 am

  [...] how much chaos and confusion can be caused by the slightest of events. We all know the Call of Duty 4 beta is coming, and Infinity Ward has been kind enough to tell us that when the time is ready, they will announce [...]

• the ANGRY pixel » Call of Duty 4 Beta This Week Says:
  August 21st, 2007 at 12:58 pm

  [...] being right! After convincing people over and over again that they’d have to wait for the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare beta until the Leipzig Games Convention begins, word finally comes down from developers Infinity Ward [...]