The runes are strong with this one.

According to the Runes of Magic official website, their closed beta has attracted more than 95,000 registered users. While that may not sound like an epic number of gamers compared to the numbers we saw from Warhammer Online, it does mean that there is quite a bit of interest in this upcoming free to play title. Here's the official word:

*Drum roll*
Hear Yee Hear Yee! The OPEN BETA is coming!

The success we have already had, with over 95,000 registered players paves the way to the open beta.
This is reason enough for us, to start the second phase of the closed beta, (CBII) on October 9th, 2008!
In the course of the following phases we will allow a further 30,000 players into the world of Taborea!

On Tuesday, Dec 9th, 2008 we're going to really get things going!
The magical seal to the gates of Runes of Magic will be broken, opening the path to the open beta!
Storm Taborea together with many of the other 100,000 registered players, and dive into the adventure!

Get ready for it!

You can read the full announcement by clicking here!