Signups for Behemoth’s ‘Battleblock Theater’ Beta Begin

Alien Homonid was one of the most punishing games to come out for the Gamecube with an old school challenge behind it and it quickly put Behemoth on the map. They followed up with Castle Crashers which would go on to become the highest selling independent game up until Minecraft was released. With over $25 million in revenue from Castle Crashers, Behemoth would go on to reveal Battleblock Theater as their next project.

The first playable demo of Battleblock Theater was revealed in 2009 and has been updated for both Comic Con and PAX since but the game’s release date was kept close to the vest. Things look like they may be changing for a 2013 release though

Behemoth has opened registration for a closed beta for Battleblock Theater. The beta will feature 10,000 slots and is expected to take place between February or March. These 10,000 playtesters will be responsible for reporting any bugs or problems with the game that the developers can fix in time for commercial release.

While some betas for games like Resident Evil, Halo and Gears of War are more for commercial attention, a smaller studio like Behemoth can depend on this group to help their QA since their budgets can’t come close to matching Capcom, Microsoft and Epic respectively.

Battleblock Theater is an action platformer with more of a focus on exploration than combat as there was in Castle Crashers. The action takes place on a stage, similar to the presentation of indie darling TwistedPixel’s The Gunslinger, with set pieces and curtains visible. Battleblock Theater, however, has an audience of angry felines who watch the plays put on by Hatty Hattington and his friend (the player) that Hatty has betrayed.

Check out the most recent trailer for Battleblock Theater below, head to Behemoth’s website to sign up for one of these coveted beta spots.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8WDI493w1I&w=560&h=315]