SEGA's upcoming real-time strategy PC game Universe at War: Earth Assault is opening its limited public beta today, and the first 8,000 gamers to sign up on SEGA's Web site get access to the futuristic RTS.

The closed public beta test uses "near-final" code, SEGA said, and lets players test out the game's multiplayer mode. The beta will test gameplay and balance from August 17 until September 16. Universe at War: Earth Assault is set in a near-future when factions from across the galaxy have come to Earth to wage war.

The game is scheduled for an October release on PC and a first-quarter 2008 release on Xbox 360.

Check the beta application form here