14 DAY TRIAL // Valve has confirmed that Dota 2, its long in development free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena experience, is out of beta and can be downloaded by almost all Steam users worldwide, although access into it will be offered in batches, so that the server infrastructure won't buckle under the pressure.
Dota 2 has been in development for some time now and Valve has kept it in closed beta for a very long period, despite access being granted to over 3 million Steam users.
Now, after a stealth release a few weeks ago, Valve has confirmed that almost all Steam users can download Dota 2 for free via the digital distribution service.
The only exceptions are for users in China or South Korea, as Valve's local partners, Perfect World and Nexon, respectively, will regulate access into Dota 2.
However, while users can download the title, most of them won't be able to play until Valve gives them access, as the studio, in order to keep its servers from crashing, will let gamers play in batches.
"Like we mentioned before, the launch of Dota 2 is going to take on a different shape than products we've shipped in the past," the studio said in its official announcement.
"Our thinking is that we want the existing audience to have uninterrupted access during the launch, in addition to bringing new players into Dota 2 in a way that isn't frustrating. Simply put, we want to smooth out the traditional launch spike, but at the same time allow anyone to come in and try out Dota 2."
Those who get the game will be entered into a queue and, once their turn comes, will receive an email from Valve letting them know that their accounts can access the game.
"Dota 2's user base is already larger than any game we've ever made, and it continues to grow. Knowing this launch moment was coming, we've spent the past year working on getting both the backend infrastructure and new user experience into a state where we can welcome in anyone that wants to give the game a try. With that work now complete, it is time for us to invite anyone and everyone to come play."
Given Dota 2's popularity was already quite high in the closed beta, the game is now set to truly take on other popular entries in the MOBA genre like League of Legends.