In honour of Halo’s fifth anniversary today, developers Bungie has announced plans for a multiplayer version of Halo 3.

The beta will be made available on Xbox Live next Spring, although the full release won’t be available until later in 2007. Bungie is asking players to test it with their friends and give feedback so that they can perfect the game before the full release.

In addition, Bungie will release premium multiplayer maps for next spring.

Fans of the first two versions of Halo can watch a high-definition trailer of Halo 3 on the 4 December; it should later be available to watch on Xbox Live Marketplace.

There aren’t any hints yet as to what the plot will be for Halo 3, although the developers note “Master Chief returns to finish the fight, bringing the epic conflict between the Covenant, the Flood and the entire human race to a dramatic, pulse-pounding climax”.