The day has finally come for many of us - entrance to part of the WAR beta. The big news, however, is that this weekend, not only are folks who pre-ordered the Collectors Edition getting in, but also the first 50,000 people to register the keys they get from the Standard Edition.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
This doesn't mean that all of these folks get in this weekend - what it does mean, however, is that you officially get your access flags for when they do open it up to the pre-order folks - also, you *should* be getting the ability to start downloading... it's a considerable download, and it will be very slow. Don't be too shocked if it takes a day to get all of it, but there isn't any need to stress about how long it takes, since you won't be able to play yet anyway =)


Watch HERE for updates. I highly recommend you check there repeatedly Friday morning if you pre-ordered the standard edition, if you want a chance at being one of those lucky 50,000 - I doubt those spots will be available for more than a few hours if the website doesn't get overloaded...

Here's the official bulletin direct from Mythic:



WAR is Coming!

And so we must be ready...

Tomorrow the Mythic Account Center will begin accepting all Open Beta and Head Start Keys allowing all Pre-Order customers to register their accounts and prepare for the weeks ahead.

We'll provide instructions and let you know when it's open tomorrow, but we wanted to announce tonight that up to the first 50 thousand Standard Edition Open-Beta keys registered will be invited to the upcoming Preview Weekend in addition to all of our registered Collectors Edition Pre-Order customers!

While we haven't announced any dates yet be rest assured that the next few weeks are going to be action packed and this is your only way to get into the preview weekend if you missed out on the Collector's Edition.

Stay tuned tomorrow!

And, a clarification bulletin posted shortly thereafter:

Hi all,

I've been floating around the boards this evening and I see there's a lot of misconception about what's happening today (Friday the 15th) and some additional concerns.

Firstly let me just get it out of the way:

Today is not the start of Open Beta nor Preview Weekend. You will have advanced notice to these dates and as of yet we have not announced them. The only thing occurring today is that later on we will be activating all Pre-Order (CE & SE) Open Beta and Head Start codes (hold onto all of your codes though!) This is the first step in preparations towards hosting a live environment and the pre-launch events ahead.

Concerning Preview Weekend:

All CE testers who have applied a code will be invited to preview weekend, regardless of computer specs or association. Please realize that this means there is no assurance that everyone invited can in fact run the game. In addition to CE all current closed beta participants will be participating in Preview Weekend and as an added bonus up to the first 50 thousand SE Open-Beta accounts registered on the Mythic Account Center will also be invited to join us for this stress test extravaganza!

Concerning CE Items and the Head Start EDITED FOR CLARIFICATION:

Any characters created during the head start will have access to the exclusive faces. However, they cannot change their face until the CE Product Key is entered.

The answer will be obvious once you see it in action, but for now let me try to explain. Players will be able to create and play their head start characters, however, during the headstart they will not have access to the in game bonuses provided with the collectors edition. Once a CE product code is associated with their account they will be able to use them post launch, this includes everything from the exclusive faces to the cloaks and everything included within the CE even on characters made during the head start.

What is this new "Mythic Account Center" and is it different from the Beta Center?

The Beta Center and Mythic Account Center are separate tools. In preparation for live we are phasing out the Beta Center. The new Mythic Account Center (current Dark Age subscribers are already familiar with it) will serve as your portal to all your Mythic subscriptions. If you have not done so already you do not need to apply a code to your Beta Center account, all invitations will be handled via the Account Center.

I hope this has helped to answer some of your questions, have a great night and stay tuned for more info. Exciting times ahead, we'll do our best to keep you in the know!