The free-to-play closed beta for the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) "WildStar" has now been officially released.

The arrival of the closed beta was announced by the game's developer, Carbine Studios, and the game's publisher, NCSoft, according to Gamespot.

With the game going from a subscription-based model to what will soon be a completely free-to-play game, the closed beta is a necessary step that will help to iron out any problems that may emerge.

All players who are already "WildStar" subscribers will automatically be granted access to the new closed beta, while those who may be thinking of trying out the game for the first time can simply head over to the game's website, sign up for a closed beta key, and then get started from there.

According to WCCF Tech, the decision to change "WildStar" from a subscription-based game to one that will now be free-to-play was done in part to help the game itself continue to grow.

The good news is that even with the move to the new free-to-play model, players will still be able to enjoy new features set to be introduced to "WildStar."

Some of the new features include a new reward system that will help players turn small investments into something of greater substance within the game.

"WildStar" will also be featuring a new character introduction system that will enable players to choose what starting point they want to try out based on what they know about MMORPGs.

Since it is a closed beta, players who will be trying it out should expect to encounter some bugs along the way. The folks behind the game will also be using the closed beta as an opportunity to see just how well "WildStar" transitions from its old model to the new free-to-play one.

The revamped and free-to-play "WildStar" game will be released this fall.