What does the word "beta" mean when pertaining to video games? like halo

[asoka]

3 beta or halo reach beta? Does it mean you get to play a demo of the game?

 

[LeoFTL]

beta tester.. they are selected to test out the game for any glitches or needs some improvements before the game is launched

 

[PurpleCow]

Beta means that it's not the final version released for sale to the masses. For example, the Halo 3 beta wasn't exactly like the final version and it only included 1 or 2 maps. It's used as both a teaser and a tool for testing pre-release versions of the game.