Those in North America can gain access to the PlayStation 3 beta by pre-ordering the game from GameStop, with those in Europe and Asia told to be on the lookout for "local opportunities." The December-due PC beta, meanwhile, was described in the announcement as an "open beta" that "DICE will invite players to participate in."

But that's not all, as a downloadable multiplayer demo will hit PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 "early next year," presumably before the shooter's retail release on March 2.

The beta includes one map, Arica Harbor, as seen in the below trailer:

And here's what DICE had to say about Arica Harbor:

Up to 24 players can compete in one of the game's four intense multiplayer modes called Rush. This new map displays a superb balance of vehicle and infantry combat, as the American assault unit attacks the Russian army base with full force, advancing further through a beautiful desert town and towards the industrial area in a desperate attempt to overtake the Arica Harbor. Heavy vehicle warfare on the first bases gradually turns into an intense infantry fight as the level progresses, showcasing this best-in-class online war experience.