Artifact beta launches in October

Artifact is going to offer a beta ahead of release, and Valve has just confirmed when to expect it. The game launches late in November, but you’ll be able to play early when the beta launches in October - but we don’t yet know exactly how you’ll get access. Two groups of people are definitely getting keys: attendees at The International 8 and those who play the game at PAX West at the end of the month. In addition to the free copies of Artifact both sets are getting, they will have access when the beta hits in October. No word yet on how anybody who’s not travelling to Vancouver or Seattle will get in, but there’ll surely be a way. (Probably.) That release window comes courtesy of Gabe Newell himself, who hit The International to confirm it. You can see one of those rare public Gabe sightings for yourself on Twitch. The Artifact release date is set for November 28, and will be available for a $20 starter pack price. Of course, this is a card game, so there will be plenty of opportunities to spend more than that with booster packs coming in at $2 a pop.