Halo 4 bypassing beta test

343 Industries is not planning to mark the 2012 return of Master Chief with a multiplayer beta, the developer confirmed in its latest Halo Bulletin.

The news was first hinted at earlier this week by Halo franchise manager Frank O'Connor, who suggested the developer would instead focus on shipping and polishing the game.

343's statement today echoed that sentiment and again made clear that the developer is testing Halo 4 at a "significant scale."

"While we are testing Halo 4 code, gameplay, and systems at significant scale to get excellent data, input, and feedback, we are focused on polishing and shipping our experience for the duration of the year, and splitting resources to manage and build a beta is not on our schedule," reads the message.

Halo 4 is due out for the Xbox 360 this holiday. It is a direct sequel to 2007's Halo 3 and stars supersoldier Master Chief.