The Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 multiplayer beta begins on 19th August 2015, developer Treyarch has announced.

That's for PlayStation 4 only. As revealed at E3, publisher Activision has switched allegiances from Xbox to PlayStation following years of Microsoft-related timed exclusivity.

It means downloadable add-ons will launch on PlayStation platforms 30 days before other platforms.

The multiplayer beta will launch on other platforms, but after PS4, Activision stressed. The company said it will announce release dates for the beta on other platforms soon.

We're excited to announce that the #BlackOps3 Multiplayer Beta will begin on 8/19 starting on PS4. More information coming soon!

— Treyarch (@Treyarch) July 8, 2015

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To get in on the beta you have to, shock horror, pre-order or pre-purchase the game. Redeem your code on the Call of Duty website.

Black Ops 3 Campaign Co-op and Multiplayer gameplay - E3 2015 Sony Conference Watch on YouTube