Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Infinite Crisis closed beta begins next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/infinite-crisis-closed-beta-begins-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/infinite-crisis-closed-beta-begins-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/infinite-crisis-closed-beta-begins-next-week/#commentsInfinite Crisis closed beta begins next week Turbine Entertainment's DC Universe MOBA, Infinite Crisis, will begin its closed beta testing next week on Wednesday, May 8, publisher Warner Bros. has announced. Folks interested in participating in the testing initiative should fill out an application, provided they - like us - have sufficiently mastered the art of using a gaming mouse while wearing Batman gauntlets.

Warner Bros. also released some new artwork showcasing Infinite Crisis' multiverse variants of Batman and Wonder Woman. Gaslight Batman is pretty cool, we guess, but did you see that robot? She's like if Wonder Woman were a Persona user.

Gallery: Infinite Crisis (Key Art)

Continue reading Infinite Crisis closed beta begins next week

JoystiqInfinite Crisis closed beta begins next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batmanbetabeta-testclosed-betainfinite-crisisMOBApcTurbineTurbine-EntertainmentWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentWonder-WomanWed, 01 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BattleBlock Theater closed beta starts Feb. 28, still time to sign up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/battleblock-theater-closed-beta-starts-feb-28-still-time-to-si/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/battleblock-theater-closed-beta-starts-feb-28-still-time-to-si/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/battleblock-theater-closed-beta-starts-feb-28-still-time-to-si/#comments
We've been following The Behemoth's followup to Castle Crashers, BattleBlock Theater, for years now - and it's almost, almost ready to play. The Behemoth has announced that the beta, which took signups back in January, will begin two weeks from now on February 28.

Roughly ten thousand players will be allowed in, and The Behemoth says there's still time to become one of them.

A new video of BattleBlock Theater, above, shows what the beta will look like. Count on there being laughter, merriment, and plenty of antlers.

JoystiqBattleBlock Theater closed beta starts Feb. 28, still time to sign up originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battleblockbattleblock-theaterbetacastle-crashersclosed-betamicrosoftplayersreleasesignupthe-behemothxboxThu, 14 Feb 2013 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hawken's final closed beta begins this week, open beta starts Dec. 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/hawkens-final-closed-beta-begins-this-week-open-beta-starts-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/hawkens-final-closed-beta-begins-this-week-open-beta-starts-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/hawkens-final-closed-beta-begins-this-week-open-beta-starts-de/#comments Hawken's final closed beta begins this week, open beta starts December 12Hawken has begun its third and final closed beta event, starting this week and going through until December 6. Players already invited can download the client from the official website, jump in and start shooting. You won't need to re-install, the developer says, if you've played in a previous closed beta event.

Meteor Entertainment has presale packs available for the free-to-play shooter, with boosts and extra equipment available for those who know they're ready to spend some cash. But if you're not yet sold (or haven't gotten a chance to play), the game will go into Open Beta and become available to the public on December 12.

JoystiqHawken's final closed beta begins this week, open beta starts Dec. 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Nov 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closed-betafree-to-playhawkenmeteor-entertainmentopen-betapcpresaleTue, 20 Nov 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hawken deploys second closed beta tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/hawken-deploys-second-closed-beta-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/hawken-deploys-second-closed-beta-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/hawken-deploys-second-closed-beta-tomorrow/#comments Hawken open beta 2Hawken's second closed beta is scheduled to attack November 8 - 13. This expands on the first beta round, which ran October 26 - 29.

To celebrate the second beta, pre-sale bundles of items and customization perks will be on discount for $5, $15, $30 and $60, and if purchased will be in players' garages once the game launches in open beta on December 12. Sign up to play Hawken on the game's main site.

JoystiqHawken deploys second closed beta tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adhesiveAdhesive-gamesbetaclosed-betahawkenmechpcWed, 07 Nov 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dust 514 open beta in early 2013; earn 'Double SP' in closed beta until Nov. 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/02/dust-514-open-beta-in-early-2013-earn-double-sp-in-closed-bet/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/02/dust-514-open-beta-in-early-2013-earn-double-sp-in-closed-bet/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/02/dust-514-open-beta-in-early-2013-earn-double-sp-in-closed-bet/#comments During an online multiplayer session pitting CCP against media, the developer's Chief Marketing Officer David Reid noted that the Dust 514 closed beta will continue throughout 2012.

"We'll be in closed beta for the rest of the year," Reid reiteratted to Joystiq following sessions of the free-to-play, PS3-exclusive shooter. "While determining the precise date for commencing open beta definitely will depend on player feedback, we're feeling confident that it won't be much longer after year end."

Reid wouldn't tell us precisely how many users have participated in the closed beta, which had been available to download for PlayStation Plus members earlier this year; however, he said the team has welcomed "hundreds of thousands of people" into the game since launching in August. Users can register for access on the game's website.

CCP seems intent to take its time with the game, with Reid citing the team's desire to run what they "think of as a 'real beta,'" a point expanded upon in our August preview of the game.

"Given the technical complexity of being the first developer to ever connect a console game to a live running PC MMO [EVE Online]. This takes time to ensure we're meeting the quality bar we've set for ourselves and our players expect, and we're committed to doing this right."

To keep Dust 514 closed beta participants locked into the game's large-scale battles, CCP is holding a 'Double Skill Point' event from now until November 8. Servers are online each day of the week at almost 24 hours a day, save for a regular daily maintenance window.

JoystiqDust 514 open beta in early 2013; earn 'Double SP' in closed beta until Nov. 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CCPCCP-Gamesclosed-betadust-514playstationps3Fri, 02 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hawken closed beta runs Oct. 26 - 29 [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/hawken-closed-beta-runs-oct-26-29-open-beta-forthcoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/hawken-closed-beta-runs-oct-26-29-open-beta-forthcoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/hawken-closed-beta-runs-oct-26-29-open-beta-forthcoming/#comments Hawken closed beta runs Oct 26 29, open beta forthcoming Despite what plebeians like us may think, shooting giant robots with other giant robots isn't something you can rush into all willy-nilly. In actuality, there are many, many factors to consider: What if this weapon is more effective than originally planned? With if we've accidentally created a deviously cunning artificial intelligence bent on eradicating the cancer that is humanity from the surface of the Earth?

Thankfully, most evil AI issues can be found through a closed beta test, which Adhesive Games' upcoming free-to-play mech shooter Hawken will be conducting from October 26 through October 29.

"The more that we find wrong now; the smoother open beta will go," said Meteor Entertainment CEO Mark Long in a press release available after the break, though no information was given regarding when that open beta will take place. Anyone interested in signing up for the closed beta can do so here. Just, you know, study up on your paradoxes.

Update: Meteor Entertainment has contacted us to clarify the statement made by Long in the press release. By "open beta," Long was actually referring to the game's previously announced release date of December 12, rather than an additional testing phase prior to Hawken's release.

Continue reading Hawken closed beta runs Oct. 26 - 29 [Update]

JoystiqHawken closed beta runs Oct. 26 - 29 [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adhesive-gamesbetabeta-testclosed-betahawkenMeteor-Entertainmentopen-betapcFri, 12 Oct 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Planetside 2 beta starts next week, new cinematic trailer starts right now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/planetside-2-beta-starts-next-week-new-cinematic-trailer-starts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/planetside-2-beta-starts-next-week-new-cinematic-trailer-starts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/planetside-2-beta-starts-next-week-new-cinematic-trailer-starts/#comments Planetside 2 beta starts next week, new trailer starts right now
Planetside 2's closed beta will begin "NEXT MON OR TUESDAY BARRING ANY UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES," according to an all-caps tweet from SOE president John Smedley. Invitations to the beta, which Smedley refers to as a "real beta" and not a "marketing gimmick," will automatically be sent to everyone that ever subscribed to the original Planetside.

Additionally, anyone without a Planetside history that is interested in testing out the new digs can opt in to the program on its official website. Invites are being sent out in waves, with priority given to active Planetside subscribers, inactive past subscribers and then opt in entrants, in that order. Can we somehow opt in to the beta while opting out of being stabbed by invisible robots? Seems like a downer.

JoystiqPlanetside 2 beta starts next week, new cinematic trailer starts right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaclosed-betapcplanetside-2SOESony-Online-EntertainmentThu, 26 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Try Phantasy Star Online 2's character creation April 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/try-phantasy-star-online-2s-character-creation-april-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/try-phantasy-star-online-2s-character-creation-april-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/try-phantasy-star-online-2s-character-creation-april-5/#comments On April 5, PC gamers will be able to indulge any cautious optimism they may have about Phantasy Star Online 2 with a character creation demo. Of course, it'll be in Japanese, but we don't anticipate too many problems adjusting hair color on a slider.

That'll be open to all; a beta test held later in April will be capped at 100,000 participants. It might be less exciting to build a character and then not do anything with it, but it's more exciting than being fully shut out of the game.

JoystiqTry Phantasy Star Online 2's character creation April 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacharacter-creationclosed-betademopcphantasy-star-online-2segaMon, 26 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sign up for the Hybrid beta right now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/sign-up-for-the-hybrid-beta-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/sign-up-for-the-hybrid-beta-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/sign-up-for-the-hybrid-beta-right-now/#comments
5th Cell has opened registration for the beta of its upcoming XBLA game Hybrid -- true to its word, shortly after GDC. By going to the Hybrid site and signing up, you get a chance to receive one of a limited number of keys for the closed beta, which begins in "late April." Regardless of whether or not you get in -- or whether or not you sign up -- there's an exciting new trailer above.

The developer must be confident that every beta player won't find obnoxious glitches, because it holds firm to its summer 2012 release window.

Gallery: Hybrid (3/20/12)

Continue reading Sign up for the Hybrid beta right now

JoystiqSign up for the Hybrid beta right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th-cellbetaclosed-betahybridhybrid-xblamicrosoftxboxTue, 20 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's free-to-play Flight lands this spring]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/microsofts-free-to-play-flight-lands-this-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/microsofts-free-to-play-flight-lands-this-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/microsofts-free-to-play-flight-lands-this-spring/#comments
Flight simulator enthusiasts are a very specific, complex subsect of the gaming world. Their passion for checklists and indecipherable user interfaces places them at an almost MMO-level of dedication and persistence, and -- like the popular multiplayer RPGs -- flight sims are starting to make the leap to free-to-play.

Microsoft Flight will bring affordable ailerons and aerofoils to PC pilots this spring, according to an update on Major Nelson's blog. Everyone will have access to free crashes aircraft, though those who sign in with a Games for Windows Live account will receive additional free planes, missions and access to those sweet 'chievos.

The sim will also include the ICON A5, an amphibious, lightweight vehicle which doesn't enter real-world commercial production until the end of this year. Microsoft's PR describes the A5 as "the jet ski for the skies," which sounds like the most terrifying, fantastic way to die.

Prospective pilots can still sign up for that closed beta we mentioned by clicking here, presumably after strapping on goggles and a dashing scarf.

JoystiqMicrosoft's free-to-play Flight lands this spring originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closed-betaflight-simflight-simulatorfree-to-playICON-A5microsoftmicrosoft-flightpcrelease-datesimsspringspring-2012Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gotham City Impostors beta invites are the real deal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/24/gotham-city-impostors-beta-invites-are-the-real-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/24/gotham-city-impostors-beta-invites-are-the-real-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/24/gotham-city-impostors-beta-invites-are-the-real-deal/#comments If you were a keen enough detective and/or a nefarious enough villain to opt in to the Gotham City Impostors closed beta early last month, go check your email and prepare to don your choice of cowl or clown wig: Beta invites are on the move! Now, the beta hasn't actually started yet, but the invitation indicates another announcement "in the coming weeks," which could be any time from now until the heat death of the universe.

Those lucky enough to receive an invitation to Monolith's 6-on-6 vigilante shooter are urged to register at the game's official forums. You can still dress up like Batman and fight crime even if you didn't get an invitation, we suppose, but real-world vigilantism never works out the way you think it will.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Continue reading Gotham City Impostors beta invites are the real deal

JoystiqGotham City Impostors beta invites are the real deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbetabeta-invitesclosed-betagotham-city-impostorsmicrosoftMonolithMonolith-Productionspcplaystationps3warner+brothersWarner-Bros-InteractivexboxSat, 24 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkspore goes into beta on Steam, available as 3-for-4 preorder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/darkspore-goes-into-beta-on-steam-available-as-3-for-4-preorder/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/darkspore-goes-into-beta-on-steam-available-as-3-for-4-preorder/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/darkspore-goes-into-beta-on-steam-available-as-3-for-4-preorder/#comments The beta client for Maxis' Darkspore is now available on Steam -- you can click through on the preorder page to install and check it out. We liked the look of the game both in the intial preview and in our look at PvP, so if the idea of taking some Spore creatures out for a Diablo walk appeals, go give it a shot. The beta features both four-player co-op and either 1v1 or 2v2 PvP as well.

Steam is also offering a deal on preorder -- if you buy four copies of the game, you can get them all for the price of three. So if you've got three buddies who enjoy playing the beta with you, you can all get the final game for a nice discount when it hits.

JoystiqDarkspore goes into beta on Steam, available as 3-for-4 preorder originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaclosed-betaDarksporeeamaxispreorderpvpsteamMon, 28 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield Play4Free closed beta granted 'access' to 600K participants; Mac version doubtful]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/battlefield-play4free-closed-beta-granted-access-to-600k-parti/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/battlefield-play4free-closed-beta-granted-access-to-600k-parti/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/battlefield-play4free-closed-beta-granted-access-to-600k-parti/#comments Battlefield Play4Free senior producer James Salt told us this week at GDC that the game's closed beta granted access to 600,000 participants; who obviously weren't all online at the same time. He explained that's why for the open beta, starting in April, Easy studio is planning a staggered launch, to avoid a massive "day one" spike of concurrent players that would crash the game.

Asked about a Mac version of the free-to-play title, Salt said the game runs on the fifth generation of the Battlefield engine, which was designed for PC. Even if a Mac version could be ported, the update schedule required for a title like this would necessitate a seperate Mac team at Easy for the game -- which isn't currently in place.

"It still might happen," Salt added. "But it's going to be quite a fight to make it be [on Mac]."

Gallery: Battlefield Play4Free

JoystiqBattlefield Play4Free closed beta granted 'access' to 600K participants; Mac version doubtful originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-play4freebetaclosed-betaEAEasyeasy-studiosElectronic-Artsgdc-2011macpcThu, 03 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[APB Reloaded closed beta to start in February]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/03/apb-reloaded-closed-beta-to-start-in-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/03/apb-reloaded-closed-beta-to-start-in-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/03/apb-reloaded-closed-beta-to-start-in-february/#comments The official Twitter account for APB Reloaded, the free-to-play relaunch of the troubled MMO shooter by GamersFirst, says that the closed beta of the new version will begin as soon as next month. Information will reportedly be sent out to interested parties (presumably including former APB players, though you can sign up on the official site as well) this week. Then, in February, closed beta servers will come back online as the game gets its second chance to succeed.

GamersFirst told Joystiq recently that its first priority is to "get the game up and live again" and then drop an unreleased patch, open up some of the zones originally locked to free players and, finally, institute microtransaction plans and offerings like premium accounts. The company also plans to target new markets with the game, specifically Brazil and South America. Here's hoping the second go-round turns out better than the first one did.

JoystiqAPB Reloaded closed beta to start in February originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>APBapb-reloadedbetaclosed-betagamers-firstgamersfirstpcMon, 03 Jan 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield Play4Free launches closed beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/battlefield-play4free-launches-closed-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/battlefield-play4free-launches-closed-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/battlefield-play4free-launches-closed-beta/#commentsIf you've been waiting patiently for a free-to-play Battlefield game ... what's the deal? Battlefield Heroes has been available since last June. But if you've been waiting for a different free-to-play Battlefield game, the freemium Battlefield 2/Bad Company 2 hybrid Battlefield Play4Free has started its closed beta. The game is set to launch for real in the spring.

EA distributed beta invites to fans who submitted videos detailing their desire to play. An email form on the site is available for those who want to try out the new game but who didn't feel like putting together videos -- and haven't received an invite yet.

Gallery: Battlefield Play4Free



[Thanks, Bradley]

JoystiqBattlefield Play4Free launches closed beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-play4freebetaclosed-betaelectronic-artsfree-to-playpcTue, 30 Nov 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm closed beta has begun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-closed-beta-has-begun/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-closed-beta-has-begun/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-closed-beta-has-begun/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Blizzard has just announced that the closed beta test for the next World of Warcraft expansion has begun. Invites are going out now to players around the world who've signed up on Blizzard's Battle.net service, although there's no indication yet of just how many invites are out or how big the beta will be. If past tests are any indication, Blizzard will likely start it small and expand over time -- that's how the StarCraft 2 beta played out.

This also means that information about the new expansion will start appearing online -- rumor has it that there is no NDA for the closed beta experience, so players who see the new content will be able to tell us all about it. Cataclysm will completely revamp the old World of Warcraft world, in addition to adding five more levels of content at endgame. The Wrath of the Lich King beta also began in early July, and showed up in stores in November a few years ago, so it's reasonable to assume the same timeline for Cataclysm.

In the meantime, if you want to play, make sure your Battle.net account is set to opt-in and keep an eye out for a beta notice in your inbox. Good luck!

Gallery: World of Warcraft: Cataclysm (BlizzCon 2009)

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft: Cataclysm closed beta has begun originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardbattle-netbetablizzardblizzard-entertainmentCataclysmclosed-betapcWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmWed, 30 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[APB enters closed beta, virtual crime rates spike]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/apb-enters-closed-beta-virtual-crime-rates-spike/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/apb-enters-closed-beta-virtual-crime-rates-spike/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/apb-enters-closed-beta-virtual-crime-rates-spike/#comments Almost three weeks after Realtime Worlds CEO Gary Dale teased us with the chance to go hands-on with APB, the developer's marketing head, John Davies, has confirmed to VG247 that the first wave of closed beta invites for the pseudo-MMO have been sent out. We realize this news will either find you unsurprised (i.e., you already received an invite) or disheartened (i.e., you didn't), but we thought we'd pass it along regardless, as crushing your spirits is one of our very favorite pastimes.

Aww, don't cry. Now you're just bringing us down. Hey, you can still apply to join the APBeta on the game's official site. Who knows, you might just get accepted instantaneously. There might be an invite in your inbox right this second! Just ... just buck up, okay?

JoystiqAPB enters closed beta, virtual crime rates spike originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apbbetaclosed-betammorealtime-worldsTue, 20 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Register to beam aboard the Star Trek Online closed beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/register-to-beam-aboard-the-star-trek-online-closed-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/register-to-beam-aboard-the-star-trek-online-closed-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/register-to-beam-aboard-the-star-trek-online-closed-beta/#comments
If you didn't guarantee yourself a spot by buying a lifetime membership to Champions Online, your second chance to join the Star Trek Online closed beta just veered into scanning range. You can find the link to the necessary form right here. It's still not a sure thing, mind you, as participants will be randomly selected from those who register.

Considering its checkered past, we're a little bit nervous about STO, but we really hope it's good, if only to keep this cat off suicide watch.

JoystiqRegister to beam aboard the Star Trek Online closed beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribetaclosed-betacryptic-studiosmmostar-trekstar-trek-onlineFri, 04 Sep 2009 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony conducting MAG beta, you'll never get in]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/sony-conducting-mag-beta-youll-never-get-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/sony-conducting-mag-beta-youll-never-get-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/sony-conducting-mag-beta-youll-never-get-in/#comments
With the grand scope of the battles featured in Zipper Interactive's MAG, you'd think it'd require a hefty, server-straining beta test. For now, though, it seems Sony's keeping it small -- a few people have seen their PSN friends participating in a MAG beta (as evidenced by the image above). All of these friends have something in common -- they're all on Sony's payroll.

Sony confirmed to CVG that an internal MAG beta is being conducted. Sure, this news has no bearing on you (unless Kaz Hirai signs your paychecks) -- still, it looks like we're that much closer to getting to play the game ourselves.

JoystiqSony conducting MAG beta, you'll never get in originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaclosed-betafpsmagonlinezipperThu, 30 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE's Free Realms closed beta now open]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/14/soes-free-realms-closed-beta-now-open/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/14/soes-free-realms-closed-beta-now-open/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/14/soes-free-realms-closed-beta-now-open/#comments
As per Sony Online Entertainment's word, the free-to-play MMO unironically named Free Realms has opened the doors of its closed beta to the world. Aside from the kart racing and pet raising, we imagine users will start flooding into the online world and immediately partake in our time-honored tradition of Quincying. (Go, Joystiq Hive Mind!)

Like most betas, this one's asking its users to keep quiet on the inner workings of the game, though, ironically, SOE is asking participants to blabber on to their hearts content on the game website's public forums. For those of you looking for hot scoops on Free Realms, now you know where to go. And did we mention we have a tips box that guarantees anonymity?

JoystiqSOE's Free Realms closed beta now open originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaclosed-betafree-realmskart-racingmmopet-raisingquincysoesony-online-entertainmentTue, 14 Apr 2009 21:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms closed beta begins, open beta in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/free-realms-closed-beta-begins-open-beta-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/free-realms-closed-beta-begins-open-beta-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/free-realms-closed-beta-begins-open-beta-in-april/#comments
Sony Online Entertainment's free-to-play MMO, Free Realms, has just entered closed beta. Unlike its previous efforts, EverQuest and PlanetSide, SOE is trying to target a very casual market, promising a "kid-safe" experience that offers "something for everyone." Players aren't locked into individual classes, for example, and will be able to partake in a number of non-violent activities, such as pet raising and kart racing.

The beta is currently available on PC only, although a PS3 version of Free Realms is also in the works. The closed beta appears to be rather limited, with invites extended to press (you know, the big kids) and "a few selected players." Those that are interested in the open beta, which begins in April, will want to pre-register at freerealms.com.

JoystiqFree Realms closed beta begins, open beta in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaclosed-betafree-realmsopen-betasoesony-online-entertainmentThu, 26 Feb 2009 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield Heroes beta rolling back into action]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/battlefield-heroes-beta-rolling-back-into-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/battlefield-heroes-beta-rolling-back-into-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/battlefield-heroes-beta-rolling-back-into-action/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Things have been quiet on Battlefield Heroes' front lines since Electronic Arts first called for a ceasefire last November, halting the game's release and sending scores of pastel-colored grunts back to their bunks. Now EA has reopened beta sign-ups, giving the boys in green another chance to enlist.

Still, it's unknown how many players will be admitted into the beta, and greenhorns eager to taste the free-to-play shooter's cartoon action could be left in their barracks. Seasoned vets, however, will get first dibs, and do not need to get back in line, as any players who were already in the beta or had previously signed up will automatically receive an invite to report for duty. As for when soldiers can expect the call to action, EA is saying only to watch for more announcements in the "coming weeks."

[Via Massively]

JoystiqBattlefield Heroes beta rolling back into action originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-heroesbattlefieldheroesbetaclosed-betaeaelectronic-artselectronicartsPCFri, 23 Jan 2009 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Home beta down Thursday morning for mall stock taking]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/home-beta-down-thursday-morning-for-mall-stock-taking/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/home-beta-down-thursday-morning-for-mall-stock-taking/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/home-beta-down-thursday-morning-for-mall-stock-taking/#commentsFiled under:

As we inch ever closer to Home's open beta phase, when the PSN's unwashed masses finally gain entrance, it's clear that preparations are being made for the big day (whenever that may be) behind the scenes. Home producers both sides of the pond have revealed that there will be some server downtime tonight, as they do some jiggery-pokery. The downtime will occur between 2am and 9am EST (7am to Midday GMT).

When they come back up the Mall (or Shopping Centre, in Europe) will be full of purchasable items. While they're technically pay-for items, they will be free to grab for everyone in the closed beta for a limited period and will carry over into the open beta. We have no idea when that will be, so make sure you go ahead and grab them ASAP, just in case. We're assured that if you miss out on getting these items for free, their full price will be pretty cheap and they will "continue to have free items in Home on a regular basis."

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqHome beta down Thursday morning for mall stock taking originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closed-betahomeWed, 03 Dec 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield Heroes beta in ceasefire until early '09]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/battlefield-heroes-beta-in-ceasefire-until-early-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/battlefield-heroes-beta-in-ceasefire-until-early-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/battlefield-heroes-beta-in-ceasefire-until-early-09/#commentsFiled under: ,


Get back behind the sandbags, soldier! No, not those, they're far too realistic. These, more cartoony bags are much better suited to protect your rounded corners and chiseled jaw while waiting for Electronic Arts to decide when Battlefield Heroes will roll onto the front lines. EA once more postponed the official release of its free-to-play shooter, while the closed beta will soon go dark until sometime next year.

James Salt, senior producer on Battlefield Heroes, broke the news on the game's website, writing that the beta will close down Friday night at 6pm CET so the team can focus on "polishing the backend." In the meantime, we expect many brokenhearted, animated grenadiers to keep polishing their oversized rifles until early 2009.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqBattlefield Heroes beta in ceasefire until early '09 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-heroesbattlefieldheroesbetaclosed-betadelayeaelectronic-artselectronicartsPCThu, 13 Nov 2008 14:44:00 EST<![CDATA[DICE: Battlefield Heroes 'already out', closed beta to expand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/23/dice-battlefield-heroes-already-out-closed-beta-to-expand/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/23/dice-battlefield-heroes-already-out-closed-beta-to-expand/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/23/dice-battlefield-heroes-already-out-closed-beta-to-expand/#commentsFiled under: ,


Battlefield Heroes is a fairly unconventional game, especially when measured against other installments in the Battlefield franchise. It's an odd chimeric blend of some of our favorite shooters, with the cartoony style and sense of humor of Team Fortress 2, the character advancement of Call of Duty 4, and the free-ness of America's Army. As such, one couldn't expect the game to be released in a conventional fashion. Were the title gracing store shelves, we'd half expect the discs to come not inside a box, but rather, baked inside of a cake.

Unfortunately for pastry fans, the title will only be available via digital distribution upon its release -- though the term "release" seems to have come under scrutiny from Ben Cousins, executive producer for DICE, Battlefield Heroes' developer. According to him, the title, which is currently in closed beta, is already technically "released", and won't have the "big splash release" one expects from an Electronic Arts title.

Cousins explained that DICE simply plans to increase the size of the closed beta "to the point where every hardcore gamer in the world will probably be able to get a key if they want to," leading up to a time when the game will eventually "sneak out." We've never known a title to be well-served by a surreptitious launch, but we imagine the rules could be different when your game costs bupkis.

JoystiqDICE: Battlefield Heroes 'already out', closed beta to expand originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Aug 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-heroesben-cousinsclosed-betadiceeaElectronic-ArtsPCSat, 23 Aug 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft extends more EndWar beta invitations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/ubisoft-extends-more-endwar-beta-invitations/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/ubisoft-extends-more-endwar-beta-invitations/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/ubisoft-extends-more-endwar-beta-invitations/#commentsFiled under:


Feeling down because you weren't selected to participate in Ubisoft's closed beta of Tom Clancy's EndWar? Well, pucker up soldier! Today Ubisoft has released more beta codes to gamers who have yet to hear back regarding the test, which ends on July 7. Still shrouded behind a curtain of NDA mystery, the RTS console title began initial online testing of its multiple modes and three multiplayer maps on June 17 with a rumored 15,000 players. No word on whether Ubisoft plans to release a third wave of codes for the beta or if the NDA will lift prior to the end of the test. Tom Clancy's EndWar is scheduled to release fall.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

JoystiqUbisoft extends more EndWar beta invitations originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaclosed-betaendwartom-clancytom-clancys-endwarTue, 24 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST