SimCity 5 Beta Release Date: Gameplay Begins Feb. 16 in Second Closed Beta

SimCity is launching a second closed beta this weekend.

"From Saturday, February 16th at 6 a.m. Pacific (9 a.m. Eastern), until Sunday, February 17th at 6 a.m. Pacific (9 a.m. Eastern), folks lucky enough to nab a beta code will be able to play an hour of the game," writes IGN.

Registration for the beta closed on Feb. 11, but gamers who registered for the first beta in January didn't need to register again. Not everyone who registers will be able to play, though.

"Selected testers will receive an email on February 16th with a beta key and instructions on how to redeem them," writes CinemaBlend. "Only a small number of players will be chosen, though, so don't get your hopes up. Players chosen for the first test won't automatically get access. The test supports multiple languages but is for PC only. If you want a guaranteed spot in the beta, you'll have to pre-order through Origin."

"The beta allows players to try out a small portion of the full game. First, they'll be able to play through the tutorial and learn the ropes. Then they'll have an hour to construct their own city. You can create as many cities as you want, complete with public transportation, multiple power options, and other basic services. Beta 2 has an updated build based on feedback from the first beta."

The beta only supports PCs, but there is support for multiple languages.

The January beta was two days long, but according to the SimCity FAQ, "This Closed Beta was created specifically to test the server. We will only need a 24 hour period in order to do it and we chose a day that will allow for a largest number of players."

SimCity hits shelves on Mar. 5 for PC. Mac versions come later this year.