'The Crew' launches console beta test

Ubisoft's open-world racer "The Crew" is holding a beta test starting on September 30 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Ubisoft's open-world racer 'The Crew' is holding a beta test starting on September 30 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Earlier tests for the game's Windows PC version were held in July and August, allowing players to cruise around 'The Crew' and a portion of its compressed United States well ahead of a planned November launch.

Those were held during the week, rather than following traditional testing models that include weekends, and with this console test starting on a Tuesday, it's expected to follow suit.

As a closed beta, entry is not guaranteed, but the willing and curious are encouraged to sign up via the game's website.

And with 'The Crew' co-developed by French studio Ivory Tower and the British team at Ubisoft Reflections, returning fans will be hoping for something that lifts the best bits from previous years' 'Test Drive Unlimited' and 'Driver: San Francisco.'

Come its release on November 11, 'The Crew' will be joining a seasonal glut of games that includes fellow four-wheeled racers 'Forza Horizon 2' on Xbox One and Xbox 360 (September 30), 'DriveClub' on PlayStation 4 (the week of September 7), and 'F1 2014' (w/o October 21), as well as 'MX vs. ATV Supercross' (October 28) and 'MotoGP 14' (from November 4); multi-platform circuit racer 'Project CARS' hits console and PC on November 18 following extensive testing for the computer crowd.