Final Fantasy XIV Online beta sign-ups are open and all European and North American humans can apply.

You must be over 18 years-old to take part and can do so on the FFXIV website.

This beta test is for PC only and applications will be considered for each phase, so there's no need to reapply. "Details regarding recruitment for the PlayStation 3 version will be released at a later date," the website states.

There's no beta-test start date mentioned, by the way.

Square Enix surprised an E3 2009 audience by not only unveiling Final Fantasy XIV but by announcing an ambitious 2010 release date to go with it.

FFXIV, an MMO, will follow-on from FFXI, although Square Enix has made a pioneering move to dump levelling and experience points altogether this time around. That's one of the reasons FFXIV is one of the most interesting MMOs in development.

Apply here: http://entry.ffxiv.com/eu/