14 DAY TRIAL // It seems that Blizzard and GameStop are making the StarCraft II beta a bit more open. All those who are interested in picking up the game and place a preorder with the retail chain will be getting a code that can then be used on Battle.net to grant them access to the beta stage. Those who are interested can choose between the standard edition of StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, which costs 59.99 dollars and the Collector's Edition, which comes with goodies like Jim Raynor's dog tags as a USB drive that will set them back 99.99 dollars.
There are three distinct ways of getting the beta code. Players can go up to the local GameStop store and reserve their preorder so that they can get a receipt, which will have the beta access code.
Players can also preorder StarCraft II online and then head to a store to get the code. Those who do not have a brick and mortar store anywhere close can preorder the package online and wait for an email featuring their beta code. GameStop says the special offer is only available until supplies last.
All those interested in the offer should take a look at the so-called “fine print,” which says “Reserve StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty and receive an invitation to the StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty beta. Available online and in-store while supplies last. Once you receive your Beta Code your order cannot be canceled.” So, players should make sure that they are really interested in StarCraft II before putting down the money.
The beta stage for StarCraft II has been going on since February and Blizzard has been delivering constant patches for it, signaling that it is still working on balancing the game. Initial reports suggested that the beta could go on for as many as six months and StarCraft II does not, at the moment, have an official release date.