We learn some distressing news via WorldofWar.Net, concerning every World of Warcraft fan's dreams. Most of Blizzard's beta tests thus far were followed by an open beta period for everyone to enjoy, but it appears the Burning Crusade will be different. According to Blizzard there are no plans for an open Beta, which means there will be much less people involved in the final phases of testing and the group will be more focused. A special opportunity is opened to the lucky BlizzCon attendees, who have been especially granted a CD-key usable with the next Blizzard Closed Beta event.

Blizzard representative commented: "While we do plan to host a closed beta at some point in the near future, at this time we do not have plans for an open beta, like what was experienced just before we launched classic World of Warcraft. It's always possible that our decision on this matter may change, so your best bet is to periodically check the website for updates, but I'd implore you not to get your hopes up, as it is very doubtful that these plans will change."

Remembering the beta program Blizzard used to put on the table for the initial World of Warcraft testing, I can only say this in-house, closed door policy is highly unusual. Even lowly patches get one month of tinkering on the test realms, available for every living soul to experiment and enjoy. Not to mention the incredulously long periods of time testers played the game in alpha, closed beta and open beta, on highly different timetables in North America, Europe and although the game hit retail for ages, in Asia. Considering how interest in the game exploded to unimaginable proportions, it is true that open beta testing can take the wind out of it, flooding the public with too much detail.