Gamers will now have the chance to play the new multiplayer beta version of "Halo 5: Guardians" without the need to buy "Halo: The Master Chief Collection" or be invited by Microsoft to participate in the Xbox Preview Program. They can simply head to the nearest Best Buy store on Jan. 3 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. to try the new game. 

Best Buy announced last Wednesday that free play will be offered in more than 50 Best Buy outlets across the United States. Moreover, all stores will be gifting consumers who will pre-order "Halo 5: Guardians" until Jan. 3. These gamers will receive a Best Buy-exclusive art book when they pick up the game in fall. 

There is no catch to this promotional stint. This is the store's way of attracting consumers to buy the new "Halo" game. 

The beta version of "Halo 5: Guardians" enables gamers to try out the new features of the upcoming multiplayer game. The feedback solicited from beta testers will allow the developers to improve the different aspects of the game to make it ready for its official launch this fall. 

There are two ways to get the beta version of "Halo 5: Guardians." First, select Xbox One users who applied for the Xbox Preview Program will receive an invitation from Microsoft. The company is targeting selected users and it reminds beta testers not to share their codes for access to other players. Second, gamers who purchased "Halo: The Master Chief Collection" will have a code to access the beta version of the game. The beta trial will run until Jan. 19. 

There are speculations that Microsoft will offer the beta version of "Halo 5: Guardians" to the public, but the company has not confirmed the rumors yet.