After a limited test, EA launches FIFA World open beta on PC worldwide

Previously only available in a limited fashion, Electronic Arts has extended the ongoing beta for its free-to-play PC game FIFA World to users around the world. Effective immediately, you can play the game by downloading through Origin.

Developed by EA Canada, FIFA World features "HD console gameplay" and will work on "almost any PC," according to producer Alex Grimbley. An "average spec" laptop or desktop should do the trick, EA says. (Full PC specs are below.) There's also support for FIFA Ultimate Team, the massively popular fantasy game mode; and you can use a gamepad, too.

In all, FIFA World has over 16,000 players and 600 clubs from more than 30 officially licensed leagues. Supported languages are: English, German, French, Russian, Mexican, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Polish, and Turkish. Game modes include Seasons, Accomplishments, Tournaments, and Match Invites, where you can play head-to-head against friends.

FIFA World's global beta arrives after EA held four closed beta sessions and a limited open beta for the game. In total, more than 1.5 million people registered to play in that time, EA said.

Recommended FIFA World PC specs:

• Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 @ 2.4GHz / Athlon II X4 600e @ 2.2GHz
• OS: Windows XP SP3 2GB / Windows Vista / Windows 7 4GB
• RAM: 2GB
• Graphics card: DirectX 9.0c, Shader 3.0, GeForce 8800 GT / Radeon HD 3870
• Disk space: 3.96GB (1.96 for the initial download)
• Required Internet connection: 1Mbit/s download, 256kbit/s upload.