Blizzard announced today that the closed beta test for StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty has begun. Thousands of lucky gamers have been selected for inclusion in the beta and have received invitations to check it out and provide useful feedback on the multiplayer balance and revamped Battle.net system, which will launch alongside the game (including new features and enhancements).

In case you didn’t know — StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is the sequel to Blizzard Entertainment’s 1998 hit StarCraft. StarCraft II will once again center on the clash between the protoss, terrans, and zerg, with each side deploying legions of veteran, upgraded, and brand-new unit types.

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is scheduled to ship in the first half of 2010 (but that can change if necessary).