The Division is high on the list of most anticipated games for 2016, and with good reason. It promises a unique blend of third-person shooting, RPG elements and open-world multiplayer that we haven't really seen before.

A beta for the game was set to begin this month, giving players their first real glimpse at how The Division plays. Turns out that won't be happening, as Ubisoft has announced the closed beta for the game has been delayed until early 2016.

There is a silver lining, however. A closed alpha for a select few Xbox One players will begin this week, and will be the first time players have gotten their hands on more than just the "Dark Zone" PvP areas of the game.

"This exclusive Xbox One alpha testing phase in December will be the first time the public gets to play a version of The Division that includes more than the Dark Zone PvP enabled areas," Ubisoft writes in a blog post. "This means the moment you and other players sign into the game, you'll be giving us valuable insight into how our infrastructure performs under pressure that we can't replicate internally or at a tradeshow. This process allows us to monitor and gather additional feedback on other aspects of The Division[,] as well."

The closed alpha will take place from Dec. 9 to 12, but unfortunately, those who play will have to sign a non-disclosure agreement before being granted access. This means you shouldn't expect to see videos, blogs or articles about the content of the alpha, as Ubisoft is looking at keeping a lid on how the game plays until a later date.

Players who preordered The Division on Xbox One have a chance of being granted access to the alpha on an "as needed basis." The alpha will be a hefty 23.2 GB download, so if you do get access, you'll want to start downloading as soon as possible. Players who preordered on any platform will be granted access to the closed beta when it begins in 2016.

The Division is currently scheduled to release on March 8, 2016 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC.