Call of Duty 4 was not playable at E3 this year, but a semi-public multiplayer beta was announced at the show. Details about how to qualify were sketchy (Register at http://www.charlieoscardelta.com to learn more), and now it looks as though it won't be a world-wide beta, at least initially. Activision spoke about the start of the beta to CVG, confirming it should begin sometime in August, but made a remark that upset a lot of the Xbox 360 audience.

The publisher has confirmed with CVG this morning that the beta test WILL BE for US residents only.

However, further discussion with Activision made it clear that this was only the initial plan for the beta, and a world-wide release was not completely ruled out.

"In order to get started, and kick off the beta we will begin in the United States, but are looking to go International and currently sorting out those details."

Unplayable versions at E3 upset some journalist (at least this one), and now outright shunning of a lot of the community is putting Activision in a bad light. Better explanations of why these decisions are being made would help appease the myriad of gamers looking forward to a non-WWII shooter.

CoD 4 multiplayer beta US-only [CVG]
Call of Duty 4 beta may still extend beyond U.S. [Joystiq]