Gamers interested in trying out ArenaNet's massively multiplayer online role-playing game Guild Wars 2 can apply to join the March-dated beta today, the developer has announced. Gamers can sign up for the beta now and cross their fingers about getting in.

　　Eager gamers will need to act rather quickly if they wish to have a chance for a spot in the trial, as the beta sign-up page will close this Friday, February 24, at 1 p.m. EDT.

　　Players will need to submit their PC hardware specifications to ArenaNet when applying for a spot in the beta and must sign a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) if granted access to the trial. ArenaNet will notify applicants via email if they have been chosen to participate in the beta.

　　The sign-up page is currently experiencing technical trouble, but the developer said it is aware of the issues and is working to resolve them.

　　The Guild Wars 2 beta will begin in March, with the full game expected to be released during 2012. The team at ArenaNet has a small group working on a console version of the game, but no announcements have been made concerning Guild Wars 2 arriving outside of the PC.

　　Guild Wars 2 puts players into a persistent fantasy word that is driven by a range of dynamic events. When Guild Wars 2 launches later this year it will cost a fee up front but will not require a monthly paid subscription to continue playing.

　　For more on Guild Wars 2, check out GameSpot's latest preview and coverage of developer discussions from Comic-Con 2011 and PAX 2011.