Halo 4 - Microsoft seeks European mega-fans for exclusive preview

Halo 4 comes out next month, but you could get your hands on it earlier, and chat with developer 343 Industries, thanks to a mysterious competition hosted by Microsoft.

According to OXM UK, Microsoft will gather 20 fans from around Europe - including five from the UK - in some sort of top secret preview location. You've got to be 18 to enter, mind.

The competition appears to be in its early stages, as although hopefuls are asked to fill out an enlistment form at a dedicated mini-site, the URL goes absolutely nowhere at the moment - this might only apply to Australians, I guess.

Anyway, Microsoft promises that "snippets of information will be released via Xbox's social media channels over the coming weeks to hint at the twists and turns of the quest". Follow hashtag #halo4experience to keep track of whatever the heck is that's going on.

Halo 4 launches on November 6, exclusively for Xbox 360.