GAMES IN BETA TESTING(2010 June 14)

[Lonesome Cowboy]

Games in Beta Testing
It seems to be the nature of gamers to always be eagerly anticipating the next big thing. These are games in (or near) the beta testing phase, during which developers get feedback and put finishing touches on the game before official release. Whether you want to become a beta tester or not, all of these titles are a sign of things to come in online gaming.

StarCraft 2
The StarCraft 2 Beta FAQ now has all the information you need to apply for the beta test of Blizzard's upcoming RTS sequel. You'll need a Battle.net account to opt in, and you'll also need to send in a snapshot of your system specs.

Lego Universe
The Lego Universe site is now accepting applications to beta test their upcoming online building block game. You'll be able to share your creations with hundreds of other players, as well as make your own Lego minifigure and explore a large collection of your favorite Lego worlds and themes.

APB: All Points Bulletin
Realtime Worlds has announced that they are accepting beta applications for
APB: All Points Bulletin, their upcoming GTA-inspired persistent world game. It will be a modern day cops and robbers sort of affair, with players choosing to become either a Criminal or an Enforcer, after which they will shoot it out on the streets of a virtual city called San Paro.

Star Wars: The Old Republic
Bioware has started accepting beta test applications for Star Wars: The Old Republic, their upcoming MMORPG set in the "Star Wars" universe. Interest in this game is extremely high, in part because of the success of Bioware's previous "Star Wars" titles.

Atriarch
A MMORPG which plans to offer customized player construction, empire building, dynamic quests, and a round world with no zones.

FreeWorld Alpha
This is an upcoming MMORPG which is promising highly varied worlds and quests. There will also be no level cap on characters.

PlaneShift
One of a few upcoming MMORPGs that aims to give free access to everyone, with no monthly fee. Features a fully 3D environment and 12 player classes to choose from.

Wurm Online
A fantasy MMORPG being developed in Java. "Wurm Online will neither have levels nor hitpoints. Instead, you have a set of skills that define your character, and a list of any unhealed wounds the character has."

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