The Guild Wars 2 open beta launches in March, ArenaNet has announced.

"We recently finished our first closed beta test, and we're now ready to hold progressively larger events," ArenaNet founder and president Mike O'Brien wrote on the Guild Wars 2 blog (via VG247).

"In February we'll invite select press to participate in beta testing, and in March and April we'll aggressively ramp up the size of our beta test events so that many of you will have a chance to participate."

O'Brien confirmed a 2012 launch for exciting fantasy MMO Guild Wars 2, saying it releases "later this year".

ArenaNet will reveal how you'll be able to get in on the beta in the near future.

"It's been an incredible adventure over the past five years, working with our community and our team of dedicated artists, designers, and programmers to realize this vision," O'Brien continued.

"This year, the seeds of that work come to fruition. We can't wait to play the game with you."