It used to be a game would come out, you'd hear about it, maybe play it at a friend's and consider getting it if you had a system. Then, they started advertising a game before its release, sort of like movies. Then, they added the demo. Then beta testing. Now, you can sign up for the beta testing before it even happens. Soon, you'll be able to sign up on a list that will rss you when the sign up for the beta is about to be open.

Anyway, beta testing is in full swing for EA's DICE title, Battlefield: Heroes. It's a cartoony ad-driven, free game that's targeting the mainstream audience (pc requirements have been scaled down.) You're required to give up some personal info to the Quality Assurance Boss (QABoss.com) but you can always just use your spam email that you use to sign up for stuff.

The full game will be out later in the summer.

eurogamer.net: Battlefield: Heroes beta sign-ups begin