For years, PS3 fans have had to look on in envy as practically every major multiplatform first-person shooter receives an exclusive beta on the Xbox 360. However, those days seem to be over, as EA and DICE have announced a multiplayer beta for Battlefield: Bad Company 2 - one that will initially only be heading Sony's way.

The news comes from PlayStation.blog, which confirms the beta will launch on November 19th, with entry free to anyone who pre-orders the game at GameStop (well, of course). It takes place on the game's Arica Harbour map, and supports up to 24 players battling in vehicles as well as on foot.

However, Sony fans shouldn't think of this as too much of a victory - the beta will be available on PC a month later, and a full-blown multiplayer demo for PS3, 360, and PC will launch next year.

Hit the cut for a trailer for the multiplayer beta.