As with most betas, the feedback and data gathered from the open test will be used to correct or tweak the game's online competitive modes before the game is eventually released in Fall 2011. According to Shacknews, this test is a direct result of Gears 3's well-publicized five-month delay. Epic simply wouldn't have had the time to implement changes based on beta feedback if the game were to hit this April as it was originally planned, nor would it have offered one in the first place.
Details are thin at the moment about what modes or features will be present in the just-announced beta. And while that's a bummer, here's something to look forward to: The final game will also use dedicated servers, ensuring that the host's shotgun will no longer be the best shotgun in the match. Previously, the dreaded "host advantage" gave the player acting as the game server a distinct leg up in multiplayer matches.
Gears of War's competitive components are generally not well received by fans that like to, you know, play a game straight. Bugs and glitches that grant cheaters special game-breaking abilities plagued the first two titles, and that's in addition to shaky netcode. With this beta, it's quite possible we'll get the cleanest Gears of War release yet, and delay or not, that's definitely something to get excited about.
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