Sierra Opens Empire Earth Beta

Sierra and Stainless Steel Studios are looking for beta testers to uncover bugs in the upcoming Empire Earth, a real-time strategy game spanning human history. The beta will primarily focus on preparing Sierra's severs for the game's massive multiplayer component. Registration is open to applicants from all over the world, and end on August 13. Those chosen will be notified via e-mail and required to download the approximately 450 MB beta.

According to the preview beta site, "All participants will enjoy entry to the exclusive Empire Earth Beta forum where they can share messages with members of the development team."

Empire Earth emerged from the mind of Rick Goodman, lead designer for Microsoft's extremely popular Age of Empires, and promises to bring strategy gaming to a new level. Empire Earth boasts incredible 3D graphics and stunning landscapes intended to immerse players.

Perhaps most intriguing is Earth's multiplayer capabilities and ability to create custom campaigns and scenarios - with the same tools used by developers. Moreover, "players can create their own movies by building sets of landscapes and buildings, controlling camera angles, and directing any of the more than 300 units available in the editor."

Set for a full debut this Fall, Empire Earth has already received very high marks from critics given an early look.

Earth enthusiasts may apply to join the preview beta program at empireearth.sierra.com until August 13. Testers will be chosen at random from the pool of applicants. Those not so lucky, however, can still receive a second chance at certain retail stores starting in September.