We are doing very limited network tests now to make sure that what we currently have works stably when played with multiple people across multiple types of devices/hardware.
Once that is done and we are comfortable that we have tested our network layer and are confident it can support our game features we move on to the bulk of the content creation.
Right now it isn’t possible for us to say “its going to be ready for beta release on this date” because we just don’t know how long all the content will take to make.
Once we are have enough to show the game off we plan on doing so, we just need to make sure that the first impression we make is a great one.
A mediocre reception to what we have planned for our next game will only hurt our ability to make our plans a reality.
So we will release that info when we feel it is great…not just “good” or “passable”.
Sorry for the long winded non answer but I would rather describe reality, not bank on wishful thinking.