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There IS going to be an open beta....RELAX
Hengist
Member RarePosts: 1,316
Now that it's Monday, the no-open beta question has been addressed by Funcom
This from Shannon "Pharamond" Drake, Community Manager Funcom
Looks like there was a miscommunication/misunderstanding at the show.We are planning to have an open beta for the game as we get closer to launch, however, it will be through specific partners and require an application/registration process, much like most of the other betas for most other games.
We will be limiting the number of keys we release to a manageable number at any given time, rather than subjecting people to queues and loading screens and so on. By "a manageable number," we mean tens of thousands, not just a handful.
Were also ramping up some of our tech test betas, and, of course, well be doing key giveaways, inviting forum veterans, and inviting more people to the current, closed stage of beta as we ramp up for launch.
So, yes, there will be a wider-scale open beta, but it will require an application/registration process and wont be as simple as press button, get key, which is what we wanted to say.
Sorry conspiriacy theorists.
Comments
Nice one mate :-)
Hate to ruin the 9 threads speculating on why, and how it's bad and on on....but figured it was worth posting, even if it kills the hottest conversation topic on the forums here.
LOL
Nice save Funcom
i didnt understand if this application process is a new one, or just the old one that most people are applied to
if its the old one, then its just an expanded closed beta
if its a new one then cool, it just shows that people who are following the game close enough to know about the new beta application will be the ones invited
Just when you think you have all the answers, I change the questions.
Oh c'mon. It was such a joy to watch people crying the doom is here. Now you spoiled it.
HAHA thanks for that mate, was starting to get kinda anoyed by all the No AOC beta threads tbh
What sucks, is that they kinda kill all the threads where anything about the game itself is being discussed. Hope we can all get back to arguing the merits of what is, and isnt in the game now!
If you re-read it, and catch the part about "specific partners" I wonder if it'll be one of those that Fileplanet subscribers will have access to, and other sites like that. To me, it looks like something new, but again, while being suggestive, it's not 100% clear.
Eh, I'll take it. I don't think they'd do something lame like FP subscribers or something, those tend to be either for lame games, or for minor things (exclusive videos, etc.).If you re-read it, and catch the part about "specific partners" I wonder if it'll be one of those that Fileplanet subscribers will have access to, and other sites like that. To me, it looks like something new, but again, while being suggestive, it's not 100% clear.
Anyway, its great that its having an open beta, and I wholeheartedly endorse this move. To any company looking to release their MMO without an open beta (even if its only 2 weekends)... don't.
In every country and in every age, the priest has been hostile to liberty. He is always in alliance with the despot, abetting his abuses in return for protection to his own.
-Thomas Jefferson
What sucks, is that they kinda kill all the threads where anything about the game itself is being discussed. Hope we can all get back to arguing the merits of what is, and isnt in the game now!
If AOC is anything as complicated as Anarchy Online is, which Funcom made also I sure will try the game. But I am not going to wait around for some freeride to play it, the game does not cost that much and I think the developers will be happy for their work then, even if I am not going to continue playing. And I really love the 18 years old to play thing, which means less whiny kids (hopefully) hows that for discussion ?
http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php?unid=807
Lol!
Yes, much better conversation!
We need to get more threads like that going, anything beats the conspiracy theorists.
If you re-read it, and catch the part about "specific partners" I wonder if it'll be one of those that Fileplanet subscribers will have access to, and other sites like that. To me, it looks like something new, but again, while being suggestive, it's not 100% clear.
It's pretty much guaranteed North American beta spots will go through Fileplanet. There is an equivalent site for Europeans (can't remember the name, but LOTRO used it).
It really has shown the maturity of the games audience.
If you re-read it, and catch the part about "specific partners" I wonder if it'll be one of those that Fileplanet subscribers will have access to, and other sites like that. To me, it looks like something new, but again, while being suggestive, it's not 100% clear.
It's pretty much guaranteed North American beta spots will go through Fileplanet. There is an equivalent site for Europeans (can't remember the name, but LOTRO used it).
And why, pray tell, is it guaranteed to go through Fileplanet? Let's see, they could do it through Games for Windows, Live!, Xbox Live!, mmorpg.com, mmosite, AoC forums, etc., etc., etc. Fileplanet is not the end all/ be all for beta distributions.
It really has shown the maturity of the games audience.
Nice save , is an old D&D term. I was trying to add a bit humour. Shame you didnt understand.
But to tell the truth. I do not see here nothing else than
1. Funcom planned not to have open-beta
2. Mmorpg site posts this information
3. Game community goes in mad fit over this
4. Funcom quickly changes their minds before they lose credibility points
Once again. My dear community we show that we do HAVE THE POWER !
So keep bieing constructive. Keep being critical. And always demand more
And more is what we will get !
Linkage
Sorry conspiriacy theorists.
I hope they do have one.
A real one, not a phony one like EQ2 had.
We shall see.
Seems kind of late in the game to make this announcement when there seems to be nothing in place yet anywhere to indicate that anything like what is described is ready to go.
Remember, it takes at least 30 days (maybe more) to master gold release disks into a product to ship to stores. That would mean the Open Beta would pretty much have to be going on right now for them to get feedback and correct any issues before going Gold.
So, I am somewhat sceptical that there will be an Open Beta that really means anything.
So uh... I was thinking that I want my AoC to be free, perhaps a Collector's Edition with a naked barbarian chick cuffed into it. Who's with me?
Oh, to hells with the Collector's Edition, I just want the chick!
Or...you could take a much more reasonable, sensible approach to it...
1. MMORPG Posted this with a couple of hours to go before Funcom offices close on a Friday.
2. Funcom decides it is not important to rush into the office, have a meeting, discuss, and issue a statement, because 1% of the population who will play is upset.
3. They address it first thing Monday morning, by offering up fact.
It funcom marketing team thought this is not important enough to break their sunday nap , than they are more incapable than anyone would give them credit for.
Which they are not. So i guess my theory still stands
It funcom marketing team thought this is not important enough to break their sunday nap , than they are more incapable than anyone would give them credit for.
Which they are not. So i guess my theory still stands
Eh, it wasn't worth it. Why? Because in a month or two no one will remember this. I don't know what happened personally (frankly I still think Funcom is out of cash) but I can't see this being a huge issue in the long run. Since its not a huge issue in the long run, running into the office would just be catering to a small segment of their market. There's a difference between marketing and catering, and you don't want to cross that line.
In every country and in every age, the priest has been hostile to liberty. He is always in alliance with the despot, abetting his abuses in return for protection to his own.
-Thomas Jefferson
And why, pray tell, is it guaranteed to go through Fileplanet? Let's see, they could do it through Games for Windows, Live!, Xbox Live!, mmorpg.com, mmosite, AoC forums, etc., etc., etc. Fileplanet is not the end all/ be all for beta distributions.
Games for Windows, Live? Haven't tried that site. Isn't that those rejects from the failed mag, Computer Gaming World? Anyone used that for betas?
Xbox Live? Give me a break.
AoC forums? Nope. Not a 'partner'.
mmosite? Again, used by who?
Fileplanet, brutal as it is, is still the No. 1 beta distributor. I'd take bets on it.
Well, I think its great news, regardless whether this was "always the plan" or not.
And I agree, I suspect File planet or some similar distributor will be used to manage open beta participation.
"True friends stab you in the front." | Oscar Wilde
"I need to finish" - Christian Wolff: The Accountant
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
Which they are not. So i guess my theory still stands
Because you think the rantings of 1% of the population of a site like MMORPG should motivate Funcom to do something about it?
If you are that hard up to pat yourself on the back. I suppose, but if you need to feel good about yourself, I suggest a pet might be far more rewarding.