NCsoft today announced preliminary details for the beta test program that will be conducted for its upcoming massively multiplayer role-playing game City of Villains. Specifically, the program will give priority to those who have been subscribed to the game's predecessor, City of Heroes, the longest.

　　Players who have subscribed to City of Heroes for at least 12 months will automatically earn a beta test slot for Villains. (Of course, since City of Heroes has only been out since April, this may be an indication that beta testing will not begin for some time.) Players with at least six months of time spent on the game will also receive priority consideration, though not a guaranteed slot.

　　"It makes sense for us to offer this incentive to our most dedicated players," said Jack Emmert, City of Heroes' lead designer. "Who else would be more capable of assisting us in the beta test than the folks most familiar with the way City of Heroes works?"

　　Developed by Cryptic Studios, City of Villains lets players take the side of evil in a world filled with superpowers, plotting world domination and menacing the populace. The game is slated for release in 2005.