As promised (story), the Age of Mythology Website now offers the details on plans to accept 10,000 participants to alpha test Ensemble Studios' upcoming RTS sequel. Here is the plan:

Microsoft Game Studios and Ensemble Studio today announced that 10,000 gamers will be invited to participate in Ensemble's online multiplayer test of Age of Mythology. Between Friday, June 21 and Sunday, June 30, gamers will be able to sign up for a chance to be among the first to experience the wrath of the gods. This alpha version of Age of Mythology will contain two of the nine civilizations that will be available when the game is released this October. Up to four players will be able to compete head-to-head as a follower of either Zeus or Poseidon on one of two multiplayer maps. This limited alpha version of the game will be available to qualified testers in early July.

For more information, and to sign up (starting Friday, June 21), please visit the official Age of Mythology site at http://www.microsoft.com/games/ageofmythology/, or the Ensemble Studios site at http://www.ensemblestudios.com/aom/index.html.