Electronic Arts and Microsoft have teamed up to announce the “Epic Edition” of Bulletstorm, exclusively for Xbox 360, which includes guaranteed early access to the Gears of War 3 beta.

“Epic is poised to break new ground in 2011 with Gears of War 3 andBulletstorm,” said Dr. Michael Capps, president of Epic Games. “With these two highly anticipated triple-A experiences comes a unique opportunity to do something to really excite players, and that’s what we intend to accomplish with the support of Microsoft Game Studios and EA. This is for the shooter fans.”

The “Epic Edition”, which will retail at $59.99, includes early access to theGears of War 3 beta and more. It’ll give players 25,000 additional experience points when playing online and visual upgrades for their leash, Peace Maker Carbine, boots and armor.

http://scrawlfx.com/2010/12/bulletstorm-epic-edition-announced-includes-gears-of-war-3-beta

Yes.....another way of selling a lot of software, tie-in a beta program of a relatively popular game with it.

It shouldn't be surprising if Bulletstorm did a lot more nos. on the 360 now.

this game looks pretty good. but is it only me, or is there hardly any hype around it?

This game has hardly any hype and could really benefit from a demo IMO. That Epic Edition sounds great especially if it is regular price. I don`t like buying limited edition because msot the time they cost $10 or more to get and that money could go to another game purchase or something else entirely. If it is only $60 than count me in!

Indeed.

Yea this makes me happy.  Means I can ensure all my Xlive guys will get it just for the beta haha.

It releases the same day as KZ3 as well, so that might take away sales of KZ3 by multiple console owners. If you own both consoles and have enough cash  for 1 buy at the time. Bulletstorm might do a little damage to KZ3's US sales. 

I've skipped on many betas...and Bulletstorm looks to be a PC centric game (which is the platform I'm getting it on), so I guess this one's a skip as well. Maybe my friend'll get it, and I'll get to try out Gears of War 3 there.

That, or just youtube'll do.

nice move but I kinda expected this to happen. Will help sales and hype. Looks like a good game too

I don't plan on buying Bulletstorm and I don't buy/play demos of games that I'm sure to buy.  My mind is already made up about GoW3 so....yeah.  Good for those who are interested, I guess.  I want to experience all of the GoW3 goodness all at once.  The impact is greater that way.