Don't bother asking the developers at ArenaNet when Guild Wars 2 will roll out the door -- "when it's done" is the best you'll get about the upcoming subscription-free online role-playing game. But the news isn't all vague: According to lead designer Colin Johanson, rabid Guild Wars fans can still expect a closed beta to launch within the calendar year.

At this year's Eurogamer Expo, Johanson told Eurogamer representatives that Guild Wars 2 is currently in its closed alpha phase. "We're going to go into closed beta by the end of this year. Based on the outcome of the closed beta, that will determine our open beta schedule. Based on the outcome of the open beta, that's going to determine our release date," Johanson said, adding that "How we're going to announce [the open beta] and how to get into it -- we haven't decided that yet either."



Sounds like a lot of things are still up in the air. One thing's for sure: When the time comes, Guild Wars 2 certainly won't have any shortage of willing beta participants!


Spy Guy says: So let me get this straight: I might be playing Guild Wars 2 -- even in beta form -- before the end of the year? Sorry, guys, but you might need to hire a Spy Intern for a few weeks (or months) while I'm glued to this game!