Blizzard Announces Final Stress Test

It's coming... Here's the word from Blizzard

In preparation for the upcoming free open beta test, Blizzard will be conducting a final stress test for World of Warcraft. Starting today, November 1, at 1:00 PM PST, players who would like to get a sneak peek of the game prior to the free open beta test will be able to visit FilePlanet, sign up for the final stress test, download the game client, and begin playing. In addition to helping us further test World of Warcraft's server infrastructure under heavy loads, final stress test participants will automatically have their free open beta test slots reserved, and their account and characters will transfer over to the free open beta test seamlessly! For more information, please check out our final stress test FAQ and free open beta test FAQ.

Please note that a subscription to FilePlanet is required in order to join the final stress test. For those who wish to wait until the free open beta starts to join in, we will be releasing information about signups for that in the week ahead. The exact duration of the final stress test has not yet been determined; however, the free open beta test will begin shortly after the final stress test is brought to a close. Please stay tuned to WorldofWarcraft.com for more information.

--NOTE TO CLOSED BETA TESTERS--

World of Warcraft closed beta test participants are already qualified to enter the final stress test. The final stress test client is NOW available for download by testers at WorldofWarcraft.com. Please note that your account and characters are still available and ready to continue where they left off! Also note that the client that you download will NOT be noticeably different from the last version of the beta that you played. In the days ahead, we will provide a patch that will update everyone's game client with the features, such as Paladin and Hunter talents and racial traits for all races, that you've been waiting for.