Blizzard has launched the multiplayer-only beta of StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm.
Blizzard reports that the StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm beta is now live. This multiplayer-only test will initially be limited to a select group of pro-gamers, members of the press (cough), Arcade contest winners, and shoutcasters. But there's no NDA, so expect to see tons of hands-on coverage from here on out.
"We will soon be inviting other players to participate in the beta, so be sure you’ve opted in by clicking on the 'Beta Profile Settings' under the Account Management section of your Battle.net account, the company states. "Signing up from a Battle.net account that’s actively playing StarCraft 2 will help your chances of being selected. Note that opting in doesn't guarantee beta access."
Blizzard also reports that it's currently working with fansites and "community personalities" to provide additional beta access opportunities, so fans need to keep checking back with Battle.net to see where additional keys are being handed out. On that note, we're looking into handing out beta keys here, so stay tuned to this Tom's Hardware news channel for more information.
"For those who are in the beta already, we appreciate your assistance in helping us test the game," Blizzard writes. "If you’re interested in joining the beta, we wish you luck with the opt-in and (future) giveaways, and hope to see you in a match soon! Please note: Customer service representatives are unable to provide players with beta access. Please refrain from contacting them directly regarding beta access."
According to a FAQ, beta testers are chosen according to their system specifications and other factors (including an element of luck) when selecting individuals during each round of invitations – Blizzard is looking for a wide variety of players and system types. Beta participants also don't need the retail version of StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty although chances of gaining access are greater if players have logged some game time with the sci-fi RTS.
"To start off, we will be focusing on the multiplayer experience only. We’ve added an exciting array of new units and abilities to the terrans, protoss, and zerg, and we’d like to have as many eyes on them as possible," Blizzard states.
For now, the number of beta participants will be based on the team's testing needs. Additional opportunities will open up if Blizzard determines that additional players are needed for testing.
To read the full beta FAQ, head here.
Hope this isn't what Diablo 3 suffered.
Hope this isn't what Diablo 3 suffered.
SC2>LoL
People are testing balance and searching for bugs, and Blizz has it right when developing an RTS from the multiplayer point of view.
Up to this moment I like the changes a lot (maybe except for Protoss, IMO)
The guys playing are learning and the matches being casted are quite educational about the whole new units/balance matter.
Then why did you waste your time clicking on this article and commenting on it? You must lead a very sad and boring life.
Because there is a massive anti-acti/blizzard bandwagon and hes hoping to garner attention from them in the form of a thumbs-up.
At least he has a better taste in vidya games
the 'exosuite' is nearly invisible from a distance...
After Diablo 3, i'm not buying on day one. I will wait for reviews.
Knew this would happen when the first word got out about the Activision/Blizzard merger, "we will not *insert any of the lies*" from the press conference - Yeah right!
Its a real shame that a company who always have placed its fans first (and earned top dollar from it) have turned into a greedy selfish company that places any kind of profit first even at the expense of its customers.
R.I.P Old Blizzard
I still play SC1 with loyalty always fun to this day, SCII never seemed balanced.