The initial round of beta invites for The Elder Scrolls Online will go out to the public later this month, developer ZeniMax Online Studios said in an update today that provides details on the MMO's early testing.

According to an FAQ posted by the developer, early beta invitations will be for scheduled play sessions.

"This means that the game will only be available for play during specific times (provided in the invitation)," the developer writes. "Every beta event will have a clear focus; our developers will be looking for feedback on specific areas, features, or other gameplay elements."

ZeniMax Online expects to hold a few beta gameplay sessions per month, generally on the weekends.

In the first couple months of beta testing, ZeniMax says it will invite "smaller groups of focused testers," but expects to roll The Elder Scrolls Online beta out to a larger group over time, targeting a broad range of applicants.

Signups for the online role-playing game's public beta opened in January. Interested applicants are encouraged to register. For more on The Elder Scrolls Online beta, check out ZeniMax's FAQ.

The full game is planned for release on Windows PC and Mac in 2013.