Evolve Open Beta Hits Xbox One in January, Smaller Tests Planned for PS4 and PC

Evolve is a unique title that pits players against one another in a life and death struggle between alien and man. We're very excited to see what approach developer Turtle Rock Studios has taken when the game releases in February next year.

While the game's official release might not be here quite yet, gamers will have the opportunity to play the game before it's out. In January, it appears that Turtle Rock Studios will be running a myriad of different beta tests. This means that they'll be able to get unfettered access to data taken from live gameplay, and gamers will have early access to the game. It's a totally symbiotic relationship, and one that has become somewhat controversial, as many game developers/publishers have begun using this tactic to simply market their game more efficiently.

The Evolve beta will start on January 15 through Xbox LIVE. Anyone with a 'Gold' level subcription will have access to the test, which features the entire twelve map library that comes packed with the full game release in February. You'll get to face off with a couple different enemy types from the actual game (the Goliath and Kraken), and will be granted access to the title's first eight hunters: Markov, Maggie, Val, Hank, Hyde, Griffin, Lazarus, and Bucket.

Playstation 4 users who had access to the previous 'Big Alpha' test will get invites to a technical test, which differs from an open beta. You'll be missing some key features, but will still get to enjoy Evolve before its release. The same goes for PC users, though the credentialing is a bit different: only gamers who have bought Left 4 Dead or Bioshock: Infinite on Steam will be eligible for the technical tests on PC.

Playstation 4 and PC users should get invites soon.