While Starcraft II still doesn't have a hard release date, gamers who simply can't wait to play the real-time strategy game sequel no longer need to. Customers who preorder Starcraft II from specialty retailer GameStop can now get access to the game's closed beta.

　　The Terran battle armor is actually pretty spacious, sort of like a walk-in closet with heavy artillery. For instant access, gamers can place their preorders in one of the retailer's brick-and-mortar locations. Those with slightly more patience can order through the GameStop Web site, which promises to e-mail the beta code and instructions on joining to customers within 24 hours of a preorder being placed. (Orders cannot be canceled once the code has been sent out.)

　　The Starcraft II beta program has been running since February and allows players to play a variety of multiplayer match types. While it doesn't include any of the single-player campaign mode, the beta does allow users to take on computer-controlled opponents in the standard multiplayer modes.

　　The first installment in the trifurcated Starcraft II series, Wings of Liberty, will focus on the human Terran campaign in single-player mode. However, the multiplayer component will also let gamers wage interstellar real-time strategy warfare as the hivelike Zerg and technologically advanced Protoss factions.

　　For more on Starcraft II, which is expected to receive a concrete release date soon, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.

　　You need a javascript enabled browser to watch videos.

　　Click To Unmute

　　Starcraft II Video Preview

　　Tears Of The Kingdom Is A Technological Marvel

　　Resident Evil 4 Is A Perfect RemakeHow Alan Wake II Made Me Face My Fear of Horror GamesGameSpot's Top 10 Games of 2023Thompson: The Pop Culture Icon’s Strange Legacy - LoadoutFirearms Expert’s FAVORITE Weapons Of 2023State Of Gaming Handhelds In 2023Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Ichiban Kasuga Character Spotlight TrailerHow Lies of P Cracked the Souls GenreLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Chitose Fujinomiya Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Eric Tomizawa Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Kazuma Kiryu Character Spotlight Trailer

　　Share

　　LinkEmbed

　　Size:640 × 360480 × 270

　　Start at: End at: Autoplay Loop

　　Want us to remember this setting for all your devices?

　　Sign up or Sign in now!

　　Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.

　　This video has an invalid file format.

　　00:00:00

　　HTML5

　　Auto HD High Low

　　Report a problem

　　Sorry, but you can't access this content!

Please enter your date of birth to view this video

　　By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's

　　Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

　　enter