Worlds in Motion recently spoke in-depth with Nexon America's Min Kim, who among many topics discussed KartRider, the multiplayer online racing game in closed beta ahead of its move to US shores. Now comes the official announcement -- Nexon America has given the green light for KartRider open beta testing scheduled for October 2nd.

KartRider features oldschool kart racing with a variety of personal customization options for character personalities and cars. It prioritizes accessibility and convenience, aiming to make the controls easy and the gameplay oriented for bite-sized sessions, a mechanic increasingly called for in appealing to casual audiences. There is already a very serious overseas userbase for KartRider, though -- Nexon says over 30% of the South Korean population has played the game before.

KartRider's open beta will offer a choice of several characters and multiple race courses; beta testers can have two different carts, paint jobs and license plate modifications, and a "My Garage" feature that lets users socialize with friends, show off their kart modifications and check out new pit stop items.

Open beta testers can also try different single and team race modes including "item mode", which featuries the use of creative items used to gain an edge, and "speed mode", a test of driving skill focusing solely on speed and drift.

Nexon adds it's planned promotions, contests and in-game events geared to coordinate with the launch schedule as things unfold.