Wow! SE has opened Final Fantasy XIV to beta testers (for the PC at least).  You can send your applications to access the Final Fantasy XIV beta via this sign up page. The requirements, they’re right here:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have plenty of hard drive space
• An internet connection (ever played an MMO without connecting to the net? :D)
• You must be fluent in Japanese, English, French or German for the purpose of bug reports
• Have a Square Enix ID account. You can get one by signing up 😀

Do note that this beta is for the PC version of Final Fantasy XIV, if you want to opt in on the PS3 beta, you need to wait awhile as Square Enix assures that it’s coming along. If you somehow didn’t get picked for the beta, don’t worry. SE says there will be “several rounds of tester selection, with the total number of participants increasing each time.” All you need to do is wait like patient little kids 😀

If you do decide to hit the registration link, please bear with the stability of the server. Everyone seems to want a shot at playing the beta 😀

Below is the newsletter that announced the opening of applications for Final Fantasy XIV beta.

The purpose of this site is to recruit dedicated individuals seeking to take part in the Beta Test phase of FINAL FANTASY XIV. Participants will be testing game balance and mechanics prior to the launch of official service, as well as submitting bug reports.

All individuals are invited to apply, regardless of their past MMORPG experience. Before doing so, please take the time to read through the below information.

Applicants must fulfill all of the following requirements:

* Be at least 18 years of age
* Possess a Square Enix ID account
* Click here to register for a Square Enix ID account.
* Possess an internet connection
* Be capable of downloading large amounts of data
* Be capable of submitting bug reports in either Japanese, English, French, or German

Selection of Beta Testers

* Tester selection will be based solely upon the content of applications. Selected individuals will be contacted via e-mail.
* Priority will not be given to applications based on order of submission.
* There will be several rounds of tester selection, with the total number of participants increasing each time.
* Once selected, participants will be able to continue in their role until the end of the Beta Test phase.
* Submitted applications will be considered for each round of tester selections. It is not necessary to reapply.

The Fine Print

* The current tester recruitment is for the Windows version of the FINAL FANTASY XIV Beta Test only. Details regarding recruitment for the PlayStation 3 version will be released at a later date.
* The game to be tested is under development, and may differ significantly from the commercial release.
* Applicants may apply only once. Repeat submissions from an individual will invalidate all of that individual’s applications.
* Inquiries regarding the selection process and/or its results will not be answered.
* For more details, see the FINAL FANTASY XIV Beta Test Application FAQ here.
* Application contents cannot be changed once submitted.