Microsoft suggests no beta for Halo 4

Halo 4 is due out this holiday season, but it's unlikely gamers will get their hands on a prerelease beta for the new shooter, judging by comments made by Halo franchise director Frank O'Connor.

In an Official Xbox Magazine video interview (leaked to MetaCafe), O'Connor said a Halo 4 beta would be a "huge interruption" to the development process at 343 Industries.

As for what a Halo 4 beta would be interrupting, O'Connor said the developer's focus presently is on polishing and shipping the game.

Though fans may not have a chance to play Halo 4 before its release, O'Connor made it clear the developer was "definitely testing the game at scale."

If Halo 4 does not offer a public beta, it will mark a departure from core installments in the series, Halo: Reach, Halo 3, and Halo 2, which all offered prerelease trial periods.

For more on Halo 4, check out the game's newest developer video diary, embedded below.