New World in Conflict Beta Begins July 11

Another beta phase for Massive Entertainment's PC real-time strategy game World in Conflict is set to begin on July 11, publisher Sierra announced today. Said to provide those at home with access to the same content featured at next week's E3 Media & Business Summit, the beta will last through the end of July. Players can sign up for the beta at the official site. Included in the beta are two multiplayer maps--HomeTown and Farmland--along with a tutorial mission and support for up to 8v8 multiplayer. Those who preorder the game at participating retailers will be able to immediately unlock a third map, Riviera. Features enabled since the June beta test include clan matches, clan ladder and rankings, replays, player-uploaded graphics on vehicles, and DirectX 10 features. The new build will also showcase several performance tweaks and additional polish, as well as updates to the sound and video files. As previously reported, the PC version of World in Conflict is scheduled to hit stores on September 18. A collector's edition of the game will be available at the time, packaged with a small portion of the Berlin Wall, a History Channel bonus DVD, and behind-the-scenes video. Swordfish Studios' recently confirmed Xbox 360 version will arrive sometime this fall.