Beta is the be-all and end-all for CCGs, if Hearthstone is anything to go by. Not only the time to polish your systems such that every card is a shiny – but a time to build up enough momentum that all of Twitch is clamouring for booster packs by release.

Kickstarter and PayPal backers for Hex today received a code to redeem their backer rewards from the in-game store – and will find that their alpha accounts have been mirrored on the live beta hardware.

Hi HEXers,” said developers Cryptozoic, because that’s what they call their community, and not HEXy beasts, which seems like a missed opportunity.

“Thank you for everything. This project truly belongs to you, the players, as you made it happen with your support. We look forward to seeing you all in for day one.

“We are dedicated to giving you the game that you, the players, want. Closed Beta is just the beginning of HEX, and we’re excited to have you with us for this momentous occasion.”

Once closed beta players are in the game, they can head to the Card Manager to build decks, or play immediately using the starter decks.

They’ll want to click on Play Now in the navigation bar to try some pick-up games against other players in the Proving Grounds – and probably much later, the Tournaments page.

The rest of us will have to settle for twiddling our thumbs. Or Hearthstone.

In his Joy of Hex preview, our Jules reckoned that the new CCG is “simply tactically richer and more rewarding” than Hearthstone. He’s a heathen, obviously – but do you think he’s onto something?