Star Trek Online beta now underway

The Star Trek Online closed beta has begun, as you can see from the PR after the break.

It's been running for two days, in fact.

If you want to get involved, you can still sign up here.

The game's out early next year.

Los Gatos, CA (October 22, 2009) – Atari, one of the world's most recognized videogame publishers, and Cryptic Studios, developers of Champions Online and Star Trek Online, announced today that Star Trek Online will enter its Closed Beta phase on October 22, 2009. The public will finally be able to log into Star Trek Online and go where no one has gone before.

"We’re pleased to begin sharing our addition to Star Trek’s legendary story with the public," said Craig Zinkievich, Executive Producer of Star Trek Online. "We know fans of Star Trek, and fans of MMOs, will be incredibly impressed by what they see when they play Star Trek Online.”

Star Trek Online boasts a combination of space and ground gameplay and for the first time ever, bringing to the table Cryptic’s penchant for unrivaled customization, players will be able to truly become a captain by designing a unique character and heavily customizing their own ships. In addition, gamers will be able to create their own unique alien races, outfit and captain a succession of ships throughout their careers, lead their own away teams in planetary exploration, and battle Klingons, Romulans, Cardassians and more.

Star Trek fans will soon be able to join Starfleet, defend the Federation and promote peace within the war torn Alpha Quadrant. Closed beta is a particularly exciting time during the development of a game; the Cryptic team of developers is looking forward to getting user feedback.

To sign up and participate in the Star Trek Online Closed Beta, please visit:
http://www.startrekonline.com/preview_application