Just two months after Valve announced a reboot of its card game Artifact, news has broken that the beta will launch later this month. In today's announcement, the company outlined the strategy and terms of participation for the beta.

For the latter, here's what you need to know: you must already own the original Artifact. If so, you will receive an email by next week to participate in the beta lottery system. This lottery will determine how early you can participate: if you participate in the lottery, you will eventually have access to the beta before it is released to the public. Nevertheless, the chance for early access will only be given to those who purchase the game by March 30.

The beta period is also likely to last a while. Valve said, "The original game's beta started too late and was too short."

"We decided to approach things a little differently this time, by gradually inviting people in while it is still 'under construction'."

For those who gain access immediately, Valve warns that they should expect bugs, placeholder art, and the possibility of data resets early in the beta. Access will be limited at first, but updates to titles will be made public and those who have access can share whatever they like.

Interestingly, the beta version appears to have access to the Artifact campaign. Balance, hero and color identities, social features, card unlocks, ranked battles, spectating, and replays are listed among other testing priorities. In addition, cards and card packs will not be available for purchase, but other in-game purchase ideas are being explored.

As Andy pointed out last month, the artifact "reboot" is beginning to look like a whole new game. Cards will no longer be bought and sold, placements will be radically rethought, and the game's heroes will be more exciting.