SYDNEY, Australia. – Jan. 24, 2013 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) and award-winning developer Crytek GmbH today announced an open multiplayer beta* for the premiere sandbox shooter experience, Crysis®3, will be available starting January 29th for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PC. Including two team-based modes and two maps, the extensive beta will give players an opportunity to master the superpowers of the Nanosuit. The Crysis 3 multiplayer beta will be available for two weeks and give players the chance to get a leg up on the competition before Crysis 3 launches on February 21 Australia and February 22 in New Zealand.

“With Crysis 3 we are delivering the deepest, most robust Crysis multiplayer experience yet,” said Cevat Yerli, CEO of Crytek. “We have listened closely to our fans and have evolved the multiplayer in Crysis 3 by adding a host of new gameplay features including the unique Hunter mode, deadly new weapons like the Predator bow, deeper loadout and unlock options, enhanced upgrade systems and more social features like the New York Feed. Top it all off with the ultimate weapon in the Nanosuit and you have a multiplayer experience that is unlike anything else out there.”

Beginning on January 29 and ending on February 12 the Crysis 3 multiplayer beta will feature two of the eight modes included in Crysis 3. In Crash Site, players must secure and defend specific locations, earning points along the way for kills and their ability to hold those locations. The exciting, all-new Hunter mode makes its debut in Crysis 3. This asymmetrical, time based mode pits two players vs. ten (two vs. 14 on PC) in matches that begin with two cloaked hunters stalking 10 opposing CELL troopers. Armed only with enhanced Nanosuits and the lethal Predator bow, hunters must systematically stalk and kill the CELL operatives, who in turn must work together as a team as they fight to stay alive before the round ends. The twist is that once a CELL trooper is killed, that player will then respawn as a hunter, joining the others in their attempt to eliminate the remaining CELL operatives before the clock strikes zero. The Crysis 3 multiplayer beta will also showcase two of the game’s twelve visually stunning maps, Airport and Museum. Both will provide players a taste of the lush, urban rainforest and tactical sandbox that awaits them under the Liberty Dome of New York City.
Also included in the Crysis 3 multiplayer beta is the New York Feed, a brand new in-game social feed that will showcase the accomplishments of gamers and their friends while offering dynamic challenges to complete. Crysis 3 multiplayer also contains exciting new gameplay features including Rip & Throw, which allows players to interact with the elements of the environment to use as weapons or shields as well as the chance to control the Pinger, a fearsome alien tripod war machine that can be used to devastating effect.

Powered by Crytek’s proprietary CryENGINE 3, Crysis 3 advances the state of the art with unparalleled visuals and dynamic shooter gameplay. Players take on the role of ‘Prophet’ as he returns to New York only to discover that the city has been encased in a Nanodome created by the corrupt Cell Corporation. This dangerous new world demands advanced weapons and tactics, including the Nanosuit. Equipped with superhuman powers including cloaking, armor and enhanced visor abilities, the Nanosuit is the ultimate tool that allows players to assess, adapt and attack whatever the 7 Wonders throws at them. In addition to the Nanosuit, players will wield the powerful Predator bow and devastating alien weaponry to become the deadliest hunter on the planet.

Fans who pre-order Crysis 3 before launch will receive an automatic upgrade to the Crysis 3 Hunter Edition, as well as a free digital download to the game that started it all, Crysis**  for Xbox 360, PS3 or PC. The Crysis 3 Hunter Edition gives players tools to become the ultimate hunter in multiplayer with instant access to the new signature Predator bow and its attachments plus the Hunter Nanosuit module, which adds additional power and functionality to the super-suit. Owners of the Crysis 3 Hunter Edition will also have a head start when playing online with a bonus XP boost up to level 5, a unique Predator bow skin and three exclusive dog tags to hunt in style. The Crysis 3 Hunter Edition is available on Origin.com ($79.99) and other participating retailers for $89.99 – $109.99.

Crysis 3 will be available in Australia on February 21, 2013 and in New Zealand on February 22 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation3 computer and PC.