Soma beta test expected to start in four weeks

The good news is that Soma, Frictional Games' follow-up to the horror hit Amnesia: The Dark Descent, is only about a month away from beta testing. The bad news is that you can't take part.

"If all goes according to plan the beta for SOMA, our upcoming sci-fi horror game, will be done in 4 weeks," Frictional revealed on Facebook. "It feels both exciting and scary that the game is really nearly completed now. After several years of hard work, release is finally a clearly visible milestone."

Alas, this will not be an open beta, so unless you've already been admitted behind the velvet rope, you're going to have to wait with the rest of us for the full release. "Note that we already have all the testers we need, so no need to make requests," the message continues. "Game is still incomplete so just hang in there a little longer, and you'll get the polished and proper version to immerse yourself in!"

We confirmed with Frictional that "done in 4 weeks" means that the beta version will (hopefully) be ready to roll out in a month. There's still no solid launch date for Soma, but assuming the beta isn't a complete disaster, it will be out later this year.

Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.