One of the most anticipated free-to-play games of the year, Runes of Magic, will be expanding it’s closed beta numbers to 30,000 says publisher Frogster AG.  Frogster is planning on running 2 stress tests on game servers over the October 30th/November 1st weekend, and if all goes well, the free-to-play fantasy RPG will enter Beta Phase 3, and allow more players in.  The publisher will make the choices by random from their already over 100,000 person registration pool.  If you’re not chosen directly by Frogster, fear not, as a number of large gaming portals have also been privy to beta keys from Frogster, and are planning a number of giveaways and promotions.

With such a wide range of features and customization options Runes of Magic borrows a number of great features from other popular MMOs and combines them into one highly addictive and playable MMORPG.  With over 600 quests already waiting for players upon entering the RoM world, this free-to-play is on target to redefine and change opinions about what a free-to-play title is, and what it should be.

Players can choose from six main classes, and six secondary classes, thereby offering players a total of 36 unique and individual rolls to play within the game.  All characters have unique combo attacks based on their primary and secondary choices, and may use mounts to speed travel later in the game.  One of Runes of Magic’s hallmarks is it’s unique home furnishings option.  Here, players can customize their own home with furnishings, shields and swords to hang above the fire mantle, etc.  All items are made available via the in-game microtransaction malls.

Runes of Magic doesn’t stop at housing with it’s customization.  Learning a number of things from 3rd party developers of addons, Runes of Magic developers have made the game play interface 100% customizable.  Almost every key on the keyword may be mapped to correspond to any number of spells, attacks, defense, etc. that the player so chooses.  Players may create as many action bars as they want, and move them freely around the screen.  Each action bar is customizable via drag and drop.

While Frogster plans on upping the world population shortly after the 1st of November, the open beta is planned for December 2008.  The open beta should launch under the title “Runes of Magic: Chapter 1: Rise of the Demon Lord”.  The German version of Runes of Magic should drop before Christmas, while the English version will follow shortly thereafter.  Taiwanese developer Runewaker will provide new content and challenges for players every three to four months via free updates and addons.

For more info and to sign up for the beta, visit Runes of Magic at www.ruinsofmagic.com.