Possible to sign up for it?

Yay, finally some DX10 / DX11 game... No more DX9, please!

Nope, the Alpha is purely by invitation of EA only.

Here is the full FAQ from their alpha invitation redemption thing:

Question: What is the Battlefield 3 Closed Alpha Trial?

Answer: It is a highly tech focused test period where the main purpose is to do a number of server related tests in preparation for game launch requiring a set amount of players online to ensure the final experience is as much fun and easy as possible.

Q: Is this the Beta promised to buyers of Medal of Honor: Limited Edition?

A: No, this is an Alpha Trial, meaning this software is still not at the "Beta" development milestone. The Open Beta will start in September. The exact date for when Medal of Honor: Limited Edition players can join the Beta will be announced at a later date.

Q: Can I join the Battlefield 3 Closed Alpha Trial?

A: The Alpha is a closed test and by invitation only. If you'd like to have a chance to be called upon make sure to register for our newsletter and ensure your Veteran status is up to date.

Q: What if I don't have an EA account?

A: If you need to create an EA account, please sign up via the EA Profile Page.

Q: Do I need to know anything about the Alpha Trial on the Windows PC before I start?

A: Yes, you'll need to download and install Origin so you can redeem your code, and download the client. Do this first! It'll save you time later, and you'll be able to experience the action that much faster! To learn more about Origin, visit About Origin.

Q: What are the minimum hardware recommendations for the Alpha Trial?

A: RECOMMENDED WINDOWS PC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

OS: Windows 7 or Vista (SP1)
Installed: Origin
CPU: Quadcore @ 2.0 GHz or faster
RAM: 4 GB or more
Hard Drive: 7.25 GB free disk space
Video: 512 MB or greater
DirectX 10 or 11 compatible card with latest drivers (AMD 11.5 or later, nVidia 275.33 or later)
Sound: DirectX 10 or 11 compatible card
Internet: broadband connection

Note that these do not necessarily represent the requirements for the final game.

Q: Are the specs I have seen on the internet the official recommended Windows PC specs for Battlefield 3?

A: We have not announced our recommended or minimum specs so anything at this point is speculation. If you have been invited to the Windows PC version of the Alpha, the recommended specs for this particular test, and thus not reflective of the final version of the game.

Q: How do I launch the Alpha Trial?

A: You can either launch the game from Origin, which will take you to the Battlelog, or you can go directly to the Battlelog site. If this is your first visit to the Battlelog portal, definitely install the prompted plug-in, as it's required for this testing phase.

Q: Why can't I log in to my account? Am I using the correct EA account?

A: If you think you have multiple accounts and need assistance in locating the proper one or you've forgotten your username and/or password, contact us and we'll get you fixed up right away. We can also unify your different EA personas in one account as long as you can validate that you are, in fact, you.

Q: How do I link my old EA account to my new EA account?

A: Electronic Arts has updated its account management system. This new system will help you keep track of your EA accounts and will improve the management of your accounts. "Old" accounts can include Battlefield 2, 1942, and 2142. If you haven't touched your old EA accounts in a while, there's no better time to get everything on the new system.

To link your "old" EA account to your new EA account, perform the steps listed below:

Go to https://profile.ea.com/login.do
Click the Learn More button at the bottom of the screen.
Enter your classic screen name and password in the Upgrade your account section.
You will be brought to a list of names related to the e-mail address associated with each screen name.
Enter the required information and agree to the Terms of Service.
Once you agree, your chosen screen names will be upgraded to EA's new account system.

If you still encounter resistance, please contact EA Customer Support.

Q: Where can I go to discuss the game with other Alpha participants?

A: Once you've redeemed your Alpha code, you can visit the Battlelog to share your experiences, and trade strategies and tactics with like-minded players. You can also fill out survey questions to help us improve the Battlefield 3 experience.


The newsletter link is www.battlefield.com/battlefield3 if you want to try see if you may get an invite.

Thank you.

Goodbye BF3. It was nice looking forward to you, but not if you're gonna be like that.

But you use Steam?

I would not write it off yet. Being alpha, I imagine they are using Origin as their way to deliver the client to gamers in an easy fashion. The final client may or may not require it still, there is still some hope if you are anti-Origin.

Origin really isn't that bad.

I got an invite today. Downloading now.

Strict NDA on it.

Tell me what is your home address, NOW!

Yep, noticed the same thing when I got my invite. Not that its going to stop some people from posting screenshots or videos of it.

123 Johnson St., Macedonia.

They seem a bit lax about enforcing it though. There have been a great deal of videos cropping up on Youtube that have stayed online. Not that I would continue to encourage breaking it though. I will admit myself to being surprised how many people seem to disregard it entirely.

On that note, I also got a key tonight. I hate my internet though, will be a full night of downloading.

Now, I'm violating the NDA saying this, but it's tons of fun.

Yes, for retail-bought Valve games. Nothing else. And I'm not happy about it.