DICE and Electronic Arts confirmed the release date for Battlefield 3 today during their E3 press conference. Battlefield 3 will arrive on October 25th, which is several weeks ahead of competitor, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. The new confirmed release date is about a week earlier than was originally thought, which will give Battlefield 3 the jump on Modern Warfare 3.

In addition to the release date being announced, DICE and EA also confirmed that a beta will start at some point in September with additional details to be announced. There was talk of an open beta, but we suspect that will be in addition to the VIP beta pass that purchasers of last year’s Medal of Honor release received.

If there is an open beta we expect that will come after the beta is first released to VIP beta pass holders.