Gamers will be able to get their hands on Blizzard's upcoming real-time strategy sequel for the first time at sold-out fan event.

Despite a $100 asking price, tickets for Blizzard Entertainment's fanfest BlizzCon sold out just three days after going on sale earlier this month, according to event organizers. However, Blizzard ratcheted up the hype another notch today, as the company announced that attendees of BlizzCon will be able to get their hands on a playable version its long-awaited real-time strategy sequel Starcraft II for the first time.

The game will be featured in demo kiosks at BlizzCon, and attendees will get the chance to try out some of the sequel's new units and gameplay features in multiplayer matches. In addition to the chance to play Starcraft II, attendees will receive a sampling of other Blizzard-related schwag, such as an in-game Murloc suit for World of Warcraft, and a beta key for an upcoming--but unspecified--Blizzard Entertainment game.

Scheduled for August 3-4 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, BlizzCon is taking place at the same time as other popular PC game fan festivals. Doom maker id Software is hosting QuakeCon August 2-5 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas, while Sony Online Entertainment will hold its annual Fan Faire August 2-4 at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas.

For more on BlizzCon, check out the official Web site.