As we reported, NHN is currently working on its first MMO, a 3D free-to-play fantasy game called Karos Online. Well, NHN just released information on the game's first closed beta schedule, as well as the races and classes you'll be able to play once the game launches in English in the fourth quarter of this year. Karos Online will also be released in German and Turkish.

The closed beta test is scheduled to be held from Aug. 21-23, and players can register on the game's official Web site to apply for a spot. During the event, you'll be able to choose between three different races: humans, Shadows and Seroines. Two more races will be made available during the open beta.

As far as classes as concerned, each race will have access to one class during the closed beta test. Classes can specialize twice during the course of the game. For more information on the races and classes, check out the full announcement below.

Seoul, Korea –Friday, 14th August, 2009 – NHN revealed today more details about the closed beta schedule for its upcoming MMORPG Karos Online. Players registering at www.karosgame.com can apply for access to the first Closed Beta Weekend Event, which will take place from Friday, August 21st until Sunday, August 23rd. The precise times when the servers will open will be announced on Karos Online official website, www.karosgame.com. There will be more Closed Beta Weekend events, dates to be released later. Access to any Closed Beta Weekend event also grants access to the following ones. The game is scheduled to be released in English during Q4 2009, followed by versions in German and Turkish.

In the first Weekend Event, players can choose from three different character races, with each race offering one class. Classes can specialise twice during the course of the game, a choice of four focused sub-classes. During the first phase of Closed Beta, only the first specialisation will be available.

Races and classes in Karos Online:

• Humans are the dominant race in the world of Asmara. Although their physical forms offer little advantage, Humans are highly adaptable and adept at survival. Their intelligence and cunning sense of diplomacy have enabled them to spread quickly across Asmara, developing a wide variety of languages and cultures.

• The Human Blader is a valiant melee fighter, who specializes in wielding two-handed weapons. He specialises first into a Swordsman or Spearman.

• The proud, handsome race of Shadows are easily distinguished by their pale blue skin and fine figures. They come from the remote Eastern Regions of Asmara, and have only recently come to friendlier terms with Humans after centuries of open hostility. The Shadows have a very sophisticated native culture, and their blood carries a unique type of magic, which has passed down through many generations.

• The Shadow Rogue is a deadly master of deception, expert in wielding dual weapons for maximum damage. He can specialise in either Daggers and their critical attacks, becoming an Assassin, or Swords and the art of Evasion, becoming a Duelist.

• The Seroines are a beautiful half-human, half-elemental race who are very closely bonded with nature. Seroines have interacted with Humans for a long time, have no appetite for conflict or politics and pursue balance in everything they do. They are very gifted with magic, and can communicate with the natural spirits.

• The Seroine Bowmistress is a skilled expert in ranged combat. She can specialise in either stunning and mesmerising opponents as an Archer, or long-range, high-damage attacks as a Ranger.

Two more races and six more classes will be revealed and made accessible to players during the Open Beta and after Commercial Launch.