Gears of War 3 one of this years most anticipated games, is set to be released in September, with Microsoft set to tip millions into promotions for the hugely popular sci-fi shooter game.

Gears Of War 3, which is exclusive to the Xbox 360, was originally scheduled for release this April. Its release date has now been pushed back five months to allow fans hands-on access to a beta version of the multiplayer on dedicated servers.

There has been no announcement made yet as to when the multiplayer beta will go live. However, Wired Magazine’s website has reported that players can purchase early access to the beta if they buy a copy of Bulletstorm: Epic Edition for the Xbox 360, which is released on February 25th.

Epic Games, the developer of the Gears Of War franchise, says that Gears Of War 3 will be the final instalment in the game’s current story arc that features the character of Marcus Fenix and the Delta Squad, and their battle against the Locust Horde. The developer says fans can expect an enthralling cinematic story that captures players in an intimately intense action game.

Besides the campaign, players can expect a robust multiplayer mode which contains new maps, new match-types, new weapons and allows up to ten players to take part. The multiplayer also includes the new “Beast Mode”, in which players can take on the role of assorted variations of the Locust Horde.

Gears Of War 3 is one of this year’s most anticipated video games. The previous two instalments in the franchise have enjoyed combined sales of over 11 million units. Gears Of War 2 sold over 2 million copies in the first weekend of its release and went on to sell 4 million units during its first two months on sale.