Hi-Rez Studios has announced that the first closed beta test for Global Agends is scheduled to begin July 24 at 3 p.m. EDT for new beta players. The phase will end on July 27 at 6 a.m. Current alpha players will then jump in and test the game on July 27 from 6 p.m. to midnight.

You can read the full announcement regarding the closed beta test after the jump. The information came from the recently updated Answer Center FAQ, which can be found here.

Ok. Great. When does Closed Beta Begin?

The exact timelines for Closed Beta Testing Phase 1 (CBT-1) could change based on Hi-Rez’s assessment of the games’ readiness. But, at present, the plan calls for Closed Beta Phase 1 to begin on July 24th, 2009.

Testing for CBT-1 will unfold over a series of short testing windows, each labeled CBT-1A, CBT-1B, etc. The servers will only be available for testing during the specified times for each test. The first weekend of testing, CBT-1A, will have separate test windows for "NEW BETA PLAYERS" and "CURRENT ALPHA PLAYERS".

NEW BETA PLAYERS will test from FRIDAY JULY 24th AT 3 PM EASTERN DAYLIGHT TIME through MONDAY, JULY 27 T 6 AM EASTERN.

CURRENT ALPHA PLAYERS will test on MONDAY JULY 27 FROM 6PM EASTERN to MIDNIGHT EASTERN.

The dates and times of subsequent CBT-1 testing phases will be released as we progress further. However, generally, testing will be concentrated during extended weekends (FRIDAY THROUGH MONDAY).

When and how will I know if I made it into Beta?

Invitations for Closed Beta Phase 1 (CBT-1) will be sent in groups.

The first group was sent in late June and was primarily directed to existing Alpha testers. Subsequent invite waves will be sent during the weeks of July 8 and July 15, 2009.

In order to participate in the Beta, players that receive an Invite must RSVP by visiting the Global Agenda website and following the instructions in the invitation. Each invitation will include a date by which a player must confirm their participation prior to the invitation expiring. Once a player confirms their participation, additional information will be sent regarding the test program.