Source: http://www.4gamer.net/games/092/G009287/20121227001/

This article is just confirming what was on the beta road map.


From the details on the road map, the beta test that will be on going until relaunch of ARR FFXIV (service start) is split up into 4 phases. Phase 1 to 3 being closed beta test and the 4th being open beta test. Phase 1 and 2 for PC version only and starting from phase 3 the PlayStation 3 version's test will be done parallel.

The first phase of beta test is planned for mid February, 2013. Information regarding tester application is said to be released at beginning of January. Just as announced yesterday at Nico Nico Nama Housou (Nico Nama Live Broadcast), all those players with Legacy account are selected from beta test phase 1. For others with FFXIV service accounts they will be able to participate from phase 3 onward.

On the road map, it states the test details for each phases such as phase 1 having the 'Full Active Time Event', and at phase 2 'Enlisting in Grand Company'. You can see at what stage the changes and testing will occur. So for the testers wondering about certain feature should check and see at what phase you can test them out, at the same time see what types of tests will be done.

Also, the 8th alpha version play demo was released this day which presented the 'Instanced Dungeon'. Party play footage and gimmicks used in the dungeon is recorded so check it out along with the road map.