Following a successful PC beta test for their upcoming shooter Evolve, Turtle Rock Studios announced that the title will enter live beta exclusively on the Xbox One starting in January. The news was revealed during Microsoft’s Gamescom 2014 conference earlier today.
Pitting four human characters against one ever-growing monster, Evolve is the first non-mobile title from Turtle Rock Studios since the release of Left 4 Dead 2 DLC back in 2010. With the full might of publisher 2K Games behind it, the title received rapturous praise this past E3, and is one of the more highly-anticipated titles set for release in the coming months.
To coincide with the announcement of the beta, Microsoft also debuted new footage from Evolve that showcased a brand new level. Titled “Distillery,” the new map features “dynamic snowstorms, large altitude changes and secret waterfall routes,” and will be playable during the title’s beta. Microsoft also announced that the Xbox One will be receiving future DLC for the title first.
While I’m a bit disappointed to hear that the beta will only be available to Xbox One owners, I am intrigued by the new level. Previously revealed levels all followed a similar theme and were more typically centered around jungle environments. However, “Distillery” looks far different from what I have previously witnessed and appears to be quite gorgeous as well.
Evolve is currently set to be unleashed on February 10, which, while not the closer October release many gamers hoped for, isn’t too far off. The multiplayer shooter will be available on the Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Windows PC.