The release date for Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn has been confirmed. On August 27 the game will go officialy live. The next beta phase is promised for this month. You can still sign up for the beta and pre-order the game.
Final Fantasy XIV//A Realm Reborn Release Date Confirmed
Official Square Enix statement:
"FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn (hereafter referred to as FFXIV: ARR) features an all new game engine, server structure, battle system, user interface, and a completely redesigned world. Now that development is nearly complete, official service will begin on August 27, 2013. All players who purchased Version 1.0 will be able to download the client for FFXIV: ARR free of charge. For more information on the various changes in FFXIV: ARR, please proceed to the official website."
FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn Official Site (http://www.finalfantasyxiv.com/)