Strategy gamers will be ecstatic over Microsoft Game Studios’ plan to release one thousand Rise of Nations beta copies. Fans can sign up at the official Website to participate in the Preview Beta Contest starting Friday, February 14. Winners will automatically enter the official beta test.

The beta version will contain 10 playable nations, three tutorials, and the „Conquer the World” campaign.

Rise of Nations is in development with Big Huge Games. The real-time strategy title ships in the US on April 22 and in Europe on May 2.