As we reported a few days ago, Cryptic Studios has officially set the date of August 17 for the beginning of the open beta test for Champions Online, their next generation MMO. Now new details about how that beta test will work have been revealed. As it turns out the open beta won't quite be as open as we first thought.

Starting on August 4, FilePlanet will have the open beta client available for download ahead of the start of the beta test. 50,000 keys to the open beta will be given out on a first come, first served basis. It sounds like the only way to assure entry in the beta test is to pre-order the game itself. Champions Online is still scheduled for its official launch on September 1.