Googled it "Dota 2 Test, announced February 2nd, 2012, is an experimental version of Dota 2 where upcoming changes are tested before being implemented into Dota 2 - ensuring the stability of Dota 2.[1]"
ok cool. that's what i thought. downloaded the first one. i don't really want to be assed with the whole test thing. how'd you get these passes anyways? o_o
Honestly? I have no clue. I just signed up to play the game sometime earlier this year, got it, and then randomly my friends and I were given extra copies recently. I guess this is how the game is spread out?
Could be. I would just assume they would only give it to those who signed up for the beta, but I guess not everyone's heard of it. I only learned of it recently. Good on Valve. Sucks for people who are impatient and pay $30 to play.