NCSOFT announces an official launch date for the free-to-play version of WildStar, saying Carbine's sci-fi MMORPG will relaunch without subscription fees on September 29th. Here's word on the launch, and how to try to get into beta testing in the meantime:

NCSOFT® and Carbine Studios™ announced today that sci-fi MMO WildStar’s free-to-play update will launch 29th September, 2015. Additionally, the second phase of the closed beta test started this week, focusing on fine-tuning the update’s changes prior to release.

More than just a business model conversion, the free-to-play launch will be the title’s biggest game update yet thanks to new content, enhanced game systems, and countless quality of life improvements. Titled WildStar Reloaded, the upcoming content update is the culmination of months of improvements and tweaks that make the game bigger and better than ever. New players will enjoy a greatly streamlined starting experience, while veteran players will be handsomely rewarded for their loyalty. As an added perk, all players with active subscriptions at the time of the free-to-play transition will also receive exclusive items as a bonus.

While the first phase of the closed beta has been focused on testing the improved player experience—including new content and tutorials—phase two will ensure that the economic aspects of the free-to-play transition are launch-ready. The second phase also offer invited players a risk-free opportunity to test the new in-game store by buying NCoin—a real money currency that is all new to WildStar. All NCoin purchased during the second phase will be copied to players’ beta characters, allowing them to test the entire purchase process and the purchased NCoin will then be transferred in full to their live characters once the transition officially happens.

The free-to-play closed beta is accessible to all current subscribers, as well as non-subscribers who have been invited and redeemed a closed beta key. Anyone can sign up for a closed beta key by visiting the official WildStar site and clicking the “Sign Up For Beta” button.