Final Fantasy XI: Public beta available in Japan, Dec 10

In Japan, beta testing for Final Fantasy XI, the Xbox 360 version of Square Enix’s hugely popular role playing game, will commence when the console is launched on December 10 2005. An FFXI beta disc will be available from retail outlets free of charge for Japanese gamers when the Xbox 360 hits retailers’ shelves in Japan.

The FFXI beta disc is a limited edition, and once supplies run out, the offer ends.

It’s not clear at this stage whether the disc will be bundled with the limited edition Xbox 360 console, priced at ¥39,795, or whether gamers will need to obtain the disc separately.

FFXI will be the first game to attempt to merge Xbox 360 and PC gamers into the same game world, using Microsoft’s Xbox Live service and Square Enix’s PlayOnline. One of the main aims of the beta testing is to test the interaction between Xbox Live and PlayOnline, and iron out any wrinkles before the final version of FFXI is released for the Xbox 360.

Beta testing will only be available for gamers in Japan, and those wishing to participate in online beta testing for Final Fantasy XI will be required to subscribe to Xbox Live Silver and sign up for an account with PlayOnline, Square Enix’s online gaming service.

Both services are free, providing Japanese gamers the opportunity to be the first to experience FFXI on the Xbox 360.