With the completion of its closed beta testing for the virtual world, KingsIsle Entertainment has announced an open-to-the-public beta for Wizard101, its teen and 'tween-targeted magic-themed virtual world.

Wizard101 allows users to customize outfits and accessories for their wizard avatars, play puzzles and mini-games, adopt magical pets, and learn from seven different schools of magic. Players will also be able to engage in collect cards and engage in card duels alongside and against other players.

Having been under development for three years, the game is expected to officially launch within the next month and will be free to play, offering a monthly subscription option for advanced play content.

Said KingsIsle Ceo Elie Akilian: "We more than doubled our anticipated beta audience for Wizard101. It turns out that the solid game mechanics and whimsical fantasy environment appeal even beyond the tween audience. We've had a great response from testers that included everyone from grandmas who play with a grandchild sitting in their lap to twenty-something traditional gamers."