Call of Duty: Elite beta now drafting PS3 users

It has been more than two months since Activision first began inviting Xbox 360 owners to test its newest social and stat-tracking platform, Call of Duty: Elite. But with Modern Warfare 3's November 8 launch date quickly approaching, it's better late than never for PlayStation 3 owners.

Today, Activision confirmed that the Call of Duty: Elite beta-testing phase for the PS3 has begun. Activision will be sending beta-test invites to those who registered to participate in the testing period in waves, with the first batch going out today. Gamers will be able to access the beta through a copy of last year's megahit, Call of Duty: Black Ops.

The Call of Duty: Elite beta tests a number of features that will be included in the Beachhead Studio-developed service, including stat tracking, custom player groups, competitive events, and video sharing.

Elite will officially launch alongside Modern Warfare 3 on November 8. The service will have free features and a premium component that is priced at $50 a year and comes included with the $100 Hardened edition of the game. Those who subscribe to Elite will gain access to all 20 pieces of downloadable content that will be released for the game--a $60 value.

That's not all, though, as premium Elite members will also be able to participate in competitions for prizes of both the real and virtual sort. Paid members can also level up clans and receive eight times more video-capture capacity. They'll also receive video content including strategy and analysis from some of the best competitive players in the world, as well as Elite TV episodic content from talent like Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and directors Ridley and Tony Scott.

Those who have yet to register for the Call of Duty: Elite beta test can still do so through the official Call of Duty website. Check out GameSpot's impressions of Call of Duty: Elite for more information on the service.