It's official, Kojima Productions’ Metal Gear Online 'Premiere Beta' for Europe will be made available via the PlayStation Store on April 17th.

The beta will run from the 21st of April to May 6th - all ready for the release of Metal Gear Solid: Guns of the Patriots on June 12th.

According to Konami, "The beta program will offer players a unique chance to sample the innovative multi-player experience of Metal Gear Online, which emphasizes cooperative team-based play. Those downloading the beta will be invited to explore two maps – 'Blood Bath' and 'Groznyi Grad' – each of which requires unique strategies in order to achieve victory.

"Up to 16 people can play simultaneously, with game worlds created using Guns of the Patriots incredible 3D engine. Retaining the classic stealth combat gameplay of the Metal Gear series, players are dropped in a series of war zones wherein different challenges await. Five game modes await players on stages that span the globe and the history of MGS: Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture and Base and Sneaking missions."

Metal Gear Online will launch as part of Guns of the Patriots in June as a Starter Pack, comprising five unique stages: 'Ambush Alley' where trenches and sandbags litter an arena built for close and medium range combat; 'Blood Bath' a two-tier battle setting; and 'Groznyi Grad', the expansive Shagohod development complex from Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater which features human catapults that propel players to different areas of the environment. Rounding out the five stage set are the dusty, Middle Eastern alleyways found in Guns of the Patriots entitled 'Midtown Maelstrom' and the rooftop settings of 'Urban Ultimatum'."

Konami is committed to the release of additional Expansion Packs to be released throughout the year."

So, there you go then...