Test Drive Unlimited 2 will have open beta this year

Test Drive Unlimited 2 director Alain Jarniou has confirmed to VG247 that the free-roaming racer will have an open beta this year.

The developer couldn't be specific on platforms and timing for the test as details are still being nailed, but said a beta would be a better way for users to experience the game before it ships this fall.

"Right now, the plan is to have an open beta of TDU2," said the team chief.

"The difficulty of having a demo for a game like this is the fact it’s a huge island, and a huge amount of data. It’s not the best way to show the game. So yeah, for now the plan’s an open beta."

Jarniou said that "technical aspects" prevented him from giving specific details as yet, but platforms for the test would be communicated "soon".

The game's out on PC, 360 and PS3 this autumn, and is being shown at a Spanish Namco event today. Get details here and a full interview with Alain here.