Wow, you're really going to blow a semantic this far?
The problem here is that it's not a semantic argument at all. I was wrong earlier. We're not quibbling over the definition of beta, you're choosing to ignore the definition of beta.
I don't see having a larger pool size makes a game go from alpha to beta. Would it be any different if they kept the game alpha status and added in more people? No. That should be obvious.
Those are the first 4 google results for "definition of beta test" and while they differ slightly, they all agree that it doesn't just mean making it a larger pool, it means opening up testing to external testers. So yes, it would be different than just adding alpha testers.
They are throwing the project in beta stage to move along with their projected outline. In my opinion, it was the announcement of the Mesmer profession.
You've been arguing that there's no difference between alpha and beta, but you agree they announce beta to coincide with finally getting the mesmer to where they feel it's good enough to show us? Don't you see the contradiction there?
Whether or not they do feel the need to make big changes in the future, they at least for now feel for the first time that everything is at least in a form where it might be finalized.
It's obviously been in the game for a while now. And before releasing it to the larger pool, it was heavily tested by their then current testers. So beta, if we're going by the game version, did actually start. The version had been played, had been tested. Now it's just opening up to more people.
A different game version is not a requirement of beta. Opening the game up to external testers is. They announced beta would start today. We know they're opening it up to more testers today. Therefore beta hasn't started before today. Isn't it arguing semantics to suggest otherwise in the face of this evidence?
I should also point out that your entire argument is based on having insider information that ArenaNet is not treating alpha and beta any differently on their end. That information becomes irrelevant when you use this apparently widely accepted definition of beta.
I think I'm done with the thread though. OP has been answered and this is just wasting space
If you or anyone else thinks this is a pointless waste of time or space, by all means don't read it.
"Gamers will no longer buy the argument that every MMO requires a subscription fee to offset server and bandwidth costs. It's not true you know it, and they know it."-Jeff Strain, co-founder of ArenaNet, 2007
If you or anyone else thinks this is a pointless waste of time or space, by all means don't read it.
Wouldn't it be great if that was actually possible to, you know, know the quality of the content before you wasted your time reading it? (Didn't read the last post btw. Just saw this stand-out sentence at the end.)
If you or anyone else thinks this is a pointless waste of time or space, by all means don't read it.
Wouldn't it be great if that was actually possible to, you know, know the quality of the content before you wasted your time reading it? (Didn't read the last post btw. Just saw this stand-out sentence at the end.)
In general, I agree, it's not possible. But you were complaining about this particular discussion that we're having. You had made up your mind that it wasn't worth your time. I like to think I meaningfully contribute to the discussions around here, but in this particular case, if you see my name, you can skip it knowing it's more of the same "pointless" argument about what constitutes beta.
But if you like, I could append a disclaimer to all my future posts in this thread that this discussion might be a waste of a person's time.
"Gamers will no longer buy the argument that every MMO requires a subscription fee to offset server and bandwidth costs. It's not true you know it, and they know it."-Jeff Strain, co-founder of ArenaNet, 2007
Cali it is a waste of time because that person you are arguing with clearly stated int he fist post he knows a freind that has a friend in Anet.
/end sarcasm
p.s - I wouldnt have posted after that know a friend content he had to share.
The truth may be puzzling. It may take some work to grapple with. It may be counterintuitive. It may contradict deeply held prejudices. It may not be consonant with what we desperately want to be true. But our preferences do not determine what's true.
Comments
And the award for the absolute most pointless argument goes to.... actually nevermind. This hasn't even been worth an award.
"Gamers will no longer buy the argument that every MMO requires a subscription fee to offset server and bandwidth costs. It's not true you know it, and they know it." -Jeff Strain, co-founder of ArenaNet, 2007
Wouldn't it be great if that was actually possible to, you know, know the quality of the content before you wasted your time reading it? (Didn't read the last post btw. Just saw this stand-out sentence at the end.)
In general, I agree, it's not possible. But you were complaining about this particular discussion that we're having. You had made up your mind that it wasn't worth your time. I like to think I meaningfully contribute to the discussions around here, but in this particular case, if you see my name, you can skip it knowing it's more of the same "pointless" argument about what constitutes beta.
But if you like, I could append a disclaimer to all my future posts in this thread that this discussion might be a waste of a person's time.
"Gamers will no longer buy the argument that every MMO requires a subscription fee to offset server and bandwidth costs. It's not true you know it, and they know it." -Jeff Strain, co-founder of ArenaNet, 2007
Cali it is a waste of time because that person you are arguing with clearly stated int he fist post he knows a freind that has a friend in Anet.
/end sarcasm
p.s - I wouldnt have posted after that know a friend content he had to share.
The truth may be puzzling. It may take some work to grapple with. It may be counterintuitive. It may contradict deeply held prejudices. It may not be consonant with what we desperately want to be true. But our preferences do not determine what's true.
Carl Sagan-