Thursday October 27th is when we plan to release Beta 4.

It will be available to all users who pre-ordered the game.  Beta 4 will be the official start of the main beta stage of the game.  That is, when the game is starting to come together.  Major new features can't be added at that stage but tons of playability features can still be added. And often, what makes a good game great are little touches.

Beta 4 is going to have the diplomacy in it. It will also have the fleets and fleet battles and hopefully the full starbase implementations in them.  There will hopefully be a few custom maps in it as well as a couple of custom scenarios.

There will be regular updates to Beta 4 going into Christmas.  Users who are particularly helpful will be given access to private beta and content that we especially need constructive feedback on.

The campaign, "Dread Lords", won't be in the public beta since the surprise ending is a major issue we don't want to spoil.