Fileplanet, Gamespy, IGN, all owned by News Corp and as such, won't see one Efin' dime from me. I'm more than willing to use their free crap when I can't find a better source, but pay them? Not a chance in any of the nine hells. Rupert Murdoch can blo me.
FWIW, I'll know by next week if I give a damn or not.
No big surprise. I won't pay to beta test a game, but this doesn't affect my decision to purchase the game if reports are solid once the NDA is lifted. Honestly, I don't see why anyone gets upset over a corporation trying to make some money off of a beta, when apparently there are people willing to pay for a chance at an opportunity to test.
Fileplanet obviously paid them a whole wedge of cash to 50k beta keys with the understanding that Funcom wouldn't object with fileplanet letting keys out to subscribers only.
But to all the people who are defending this, do we want a business model based on micro transactions, EA has been going down this path for some time now and on the Xbox they had the cheek to try and charge to unlock 5 guns that were already on the disc.
EA backed down after the massive kick up but the fact that they were willing to try it shows how close we are to having this forced on us by the game publishers.
The game companies have to recoup the money it cost developing but I do not agree with the whole micro transaction thing on a pay to play game that has a retail price of £36, in my mind that is just takeing the mic and if we allow this to happen we could see it appearing in games, $5 for that epic sword or nice looking mount anybody?
Fileplanet obviously paid them a whole wedge of cash to 50k beta keys with the understanding that Funcom wouldn't object with fileplanet letting keys out to subscribers only. But to all the people who are defending this, do we want a business model based on micro transactions, EA has been going down this path for some time now and on the Xbox they had the cheek to try and charge to unlock 5 guns that were already on the disc. EA backed down after the massive kick up but the fact that they were willing to try it shows how close we are to having this forced on us by the game publishers. The game companies have to recoup the money it cost developing but I do not agree with the whole micro transaction thing on a pay to play game that has a retail price of £36, in my mind that is just takeing the mic and if we allow this to happen we could see it appearing in games, $5 for that epic sword or nice looking mount anybody?
this is beta we are talking about and that also $15 for quarterly subscription worse it doesnt guarantee the key
no one needs to "make a living" off from an open beta. If it was a guarantee to get a gey by subscribing, that would be one thing. But it's a CHANCE to get a key. Pay for something you might not even get? HA! I prefer a nice torrent. See, I never wait in line for downloads either, and it doesn't cost me anything for the privilege. Plus, considering FUNCOM distributes their AO client via torrent.....hmm....something doesn't add up.
Does FP own AoC?
What does Fileplanet do?
The guys at Fileplanet still have to make a living/profit. You can go on through life wanting everything for free, yes it would be nice. The reason things can't be free is because to many people would be lazy and not pull their end of the load.
Anyway, as I said earlier. Why don't you go in a grocery store and try to walk out with the food or just for some reason quit paying your rent. How about you go into work and next time it's your paycheck, well ummm, you don't get one.
Do you still not see the problem with what you are saying?
I do not know this for a fact, but I'm pretty sure it is mainly a trade-off for advertising time on their sites. If they do not trade out, what do they have to do? PAY THEM, which I'm sure they already will still have to do.
This way Funcom can still let people in beta and cut down on some of their expenses. What is so wrong with that?
I don't know about all of the drama. It feels like i'm sitting at the High School cheerleader's lunch table while browsing these board, but i'm really excited to try out all the different classes and finally settle on one...
no one needs to "make a living" off from an open beta. If it was a guarantee to get a gey by subscribing, that would be one thing. But it's a CHANCE to get a key. Pay for something you might not even get? HA! I prefer a nice torrent. See, I never wait in line for downloads either, and it doesn't cost me anything for the privilege. Plus, considering FUNCOM distributes their AO client via torrent.....hmm....something doesn't add up.
Does FP own AoC?
What does Fileplanet do?
The guys at Fileplanet still have to make a living/profit. You can go on through life wanting everything for free, yes it would be nice. The reason things can't be free is because to many people would be lazy and not pull their end of the load.
Anyway, as I said earlier. Why don't you go in a grocery store and try to walk out with the food or just for some reason quit paying your rent. How about you go into work and next time it's your paycheck, well ummm, you don't get one.
Do you still not see the problem with what you are saying?
I do not know this for a fact, but I'm pretty sure it is mainly a trade-off for advertising time on their sites. If they do not trade out, what do they have to do? PAY THEM, which I'm sure they already will still have to do.
This way Funcom can still let people in beta and cut down on some of their expenses. What is so wrong with that?
The only problem is that this is still in beta. It would be like paying rent on an apartment that isn't finished being built. Would you pay rent if your apartment had no bathrooms, or wait until all the work was done? I have participated in several betas and worked (while having fun) for free, but I won't pay to do it.
However, I think we're still looking at it the wrong way. You can't look at it like they expect people to sign up for FP memberships just to beta AoC. Rather, it's a benefit to those who are already paying members of the site. It's like a bonus, and if you choose to sign up, you may receive similar benefits for other opportunities down the road.
I'm sure FP paid FC for the rights, but I doubt it was as much to incite a swarm of new site members as it was to reward current subscribers. Some will sign up no doubt, but I think it'd be naive to think 50k people will pay to beta test a game with a low lvl cap for a couple weeks. Rewarding loyal customers sounds more likely to me.
no one needs to "make a living" off from an open beta. If it was a guarantee to get a gey by subscribing, that would be one thing. But it's a CHANCE to get a key. Pay for something you might not even get? HA! I prefer a nice torrent. See, I never wait in line for downloads either, and it doesn't cost me anything for the privilege. Plus, considering FUNCOM distributes their AO client via torrent.....hmm....something doesn't add up.
Does FP own AoC?
What does Fileplanet do?
The guys at Fileplanet still have to make a living/profit. You can go on through life wanting everything for free, yes it would be nice. The reason things can't be free is because to many people would be lazy and not pull their end of the load.
Anyway, as I said earlier. Why don't you go in a grocery store and try to walk out with the food or just for some reason quit paying your rent. How about you go into work and next time it's your paycheck, well ummm, you don't get one.
Do you still not see the problem with what you are saying?
I do not know this for a fact, but I'm pretty sure it is mainly a trade-off for advertising time on their sites. If they do not trade out, what do they have to do? PAY THEM, which I'm sure they already will still have to do.
This way Funcom can still let people in beta and cut down on some of their expenses. What is so wrong with that?
The only problem is that this is still in beta. It would be like paying rent on an apartment that isn't finished being built. Would you pay rent if your apartment had no bathrooms, or wait until all the work was done? I have participated in several betas and worked (while having fun) for free, but I won't pay to do it.
However, I think we're still looking at it the wrong way. You can't look at it like they expect people to sign up for FP memberships just to beta AoC. Rather, it's a benefit to those who are already paying members of the site. It's like a bonus, and if you choose to sign up, you may receive similar benefits for other opportunities down the road.
I'm sure FP paid FC for the rights, but I doubt it was as much to incite a swarm of new site members as it was to reward current subscribers. Some will sign up no doubt, but I think it'd be naive to think 50k people will pay to beta test a game with a low lvl cap for a couple weeks. Rewarding loyal customers sounds more likely to me.
How does FP pay for the bandwidth?
I do understand your analogy about an unfinished apt. The fact still remains that they are having to pay, so it gets passed on to us.
The only thing that really pisses me off about the situation, is that they went and raised the sub fee. Now that does show some greed. Actually the same thing happened to me when I got my FP membership the second time.
So I'm not saying they aren't a lil greedy, but someone's got to tote the bill in the end.
Ick, capping an open beta at level 13 really makes it look like the beta leakers and warnings were on to something... I wonder if that's Funcom's way of hiding the fact that there's no content in the upper levels.
Yea you god damned doomsayers always have something to say.
First it was ZOMG NO OPN BETA YAT GAME IS FAIL"11.
Now even open beta isn't good enough for you...
First off chill - people simply stating facts. You think this forum is bad you should see the beta forum war
To sum it up:
1. Open beta for FilePlanet Founder status accounts - aka pay for annual subscription for a chance to get in
2. 50,000 cap on Open Beta participants
3. Level cap set to 13 - cant disclose the reason without breaking NDA
4. Paying for FP membership doesn't guarantee a spot in beta
Ick, capping an open beta at level 13 really makes it look like the beta leakers and warnings were on to something... I wonder if that's Funcom's way of hiding the fact that there's no content in the upper levels.
Yea you god damned doomsayers always have something to say.
First it was ZOMG NO OPN BETA YAT GAME IS FAIL"11.
Now even open beta isn't good enough for you...
First off chill - people simply stating facts. You think this forum is bad you should see the beta forum war
To sum it up:
1. Open beta for FilePlanet Founder status accounts - aka pay for annual subscription for a chance to get in
2. 50,000 cap on Open Beta participants
3. Level cap set to 13 - cant disclose the reason without breaking NDA
4. Paying for FP membership doesn't guarantee a spot in beta
Sure you can. The reasoning was posted by FC in a public letter.
LVL 13 is when the Destiny quest / system begins. They're saving that morsel for release.
AmazingAveryAge of Conan AdvocateMemberUncommonPosts: 7,188
Can we all remember that lvl 13 is still on noob island,quite pathed, instanced in places and designed to get you familiar with the combat and the storyline. So I expect no end of upset from people thinking the whole game is like this.
Ick, capping an open beta at level 13 really makes it look like the beta leakers and warnings were on to something... I wonder if that's Funcom's way of hiding the fact that there's no content in the upper levels.
Yea you god damned doomsayers always have something to say.
First it was ZOMG NO OPN BETA YAT GAME IS FAIL"11.
Now even open beta isn't good enough for you...
First off chill - people simply stating facts. You think this forum is bad you should see the beta forum war
To sum it up:
1. Open beta for FilePlanet Founder status accounts - aka pay for annual subscription for a chance to get in
2. 50,000 cap on Open Beta participants
3. Level cap set to 13 - cant disclose the reason without breaking NDA
4. Paying for FP membership doesn't guarantee a spot in beta
Sure you can. The reasoning was posted by FC in a public letter.
LVL 13 is when the Destiny quest / system begins. They're saving that morsel for release.
That is the reason FC released to the public, yes. But...
If the concern is really destiny quests, why not raise the level cap and just disable the ability to get the quest? Remove the npc that starts the quest string? A lot of ways to avoid giving away 'that morsel for release'. Very easy ways.
So, are you still sure thats the reason?
Waiting for: A skill-based MMO with Freedom and Consequence. Woe to thee, the pierce-ed.
AmazingAveryAge of Conan AdvocateMemberUncommonPosts: 7,188
Originally posted by Grunties
Originally posted by Wharg0ul
Originally posted by Euthorus
Originally posted by Psiho246
Originally posted by Lokero
Ick, capping an open beta at level 13 really makes it look like the beta leakers and warnings were on to something... I wonder if that's Funcom's way of hiding the fact that there's no content in the upper levels.
Yea you god damned doomsayers always have something to say.
First it was ZOMG NO OPN BETA YAT GAME IS FAIL"11.
Now even open beta isn't good enough for you...
First off chill - people simply stating facts. You think this forum is bad you should see the beta forum war
To sum it up:
1. Open beta for FilePlanet Founder status accounts - aka pay for annual subscription for a chance to get in
2. 50,000 cap on Open Beta participants
3. Level cap set to 13 - cant disclose the reason without breaking NDA
4. Paying for FP membership doesn't guarantee a spot in beta
Sure you can. The reasoning was posted by FC in a public letter.
LVL 13 is when the Destiny quest / system begins. They're saving that morsel for release.
That is the reason FC released to the public, yes. But...
If the concern is really destiny quests, why not raise the level cap and just disable the ability to get the quest? Remove the npc that starts the quest string? A lot of ways to avoid giving away 'that morsel for release'. Very easy ways.
So, are you still sure thats the reason?
I am sure. In Tortage you have the day / night singleplayer element. Just after lvl 13 an Epic moment happens in your storyline allowing the way the quest is done, (partly in single player) in game to be presented in a way that could only happen in your single player part. Remember those pictures of burning buildings etc. Well there is no point in ruining the story for people. Its quite pivitol for your level. And its also class dependant (the destiny quests)
The game is all about the story too. All those voice actors.. there would be much point in skipping parts because when the player brought the game that would think its just like it was in the beta. No point giving people false impression.
You cant get off Tortage until you have done the pivitol quest, there is no point is skipping it as things wont make sense later on.
People have 12 classes to play around with up to level 13, most are different from each other in the way you do the quests.
There are a whole bunch of important quests between lvl 15-20, skipping them is like taking a chunk out of the game away.
Comments
So if I pay for a new Harddrive to be able to play AoC....can I be in Open Beta?
Total time played: 9125 Days, 21 Hours, 29 Minutes, 27 Seconds
Time played this level: 39 Days, 1 Hour, 24 Minutes, 5 Seconds
no one needs to "make a living" off from an open beta.
If it was a guarantee to get a gey by subscribing, that would be one thing. But it's a CHANCE to get a key.
Pay for something you might not even get? HA!
I prefer a nice torrent. See, I never wait in line for downloads either, and it doesn't cost me anything for the privilege.
Plus, considering FUNCOM distributes their AO client via torrent.....hmm....something doesn't add up.
Fileplanet, Gamespy, IGN, all owned by News Corp and as such, won't see one Efin' dime from me. I'm more than willing to use their free crap when I can't find a better source, but pay them? Not a chance in any of the nine hells. Rupert Murdoch can blo me.
FWIW, I'll know by next week if I give a damn or not.
No big surprise. I won't pay to beta test a game, but this doesn't affect my decision to purchase the game if reports are solid once the NDA is lifted. Honestly, I don't see why anyone gets upset over a corporation trying to make some money off of a beta, when apparently there are people willing to pay for a chance at an opportunity to test.
Actually non paying members can access open beta too, its just that paying costumers will have a better chance of entering.
Maybe I got it wrong.
Absolutely Its disguisting that the beta also has a price attached
Everyone wants to make a quick buck.
Game is coming on the 20th the beta should have been free
But no , sign up for Fileplanet membership shell out $15 for quarterly subscription and even after that
AOC beta key is not guaranteed Its on 1st come basis
So what if I am at work that time
As a principle I am not going to pay a penny on file planet or for that any other beta
I just spent $10.50 on ebay and bought a ROBOTSAPIEN (used one) instead
I will play with that till 20th May rather than shell out to fileplanet What a rip off
First come basis
So if u happen to be in school /work /etc u are screwed $15 for quarterly subscription gone down the drain with no key
Fileplanet obviously paid them a whole wedge of cash to 50k beta keys with the understanding that Funcom wouldn't object with fileplanet letting keys out to subscribers only.
But to all the people who are defending this, do we want a business model based on micro transactions, EA has been going down this path for some time now and on the Xbox they had the cheek to try and charge to unlock 5 guns that were already on the disc.
EA backed down after the massive kick up but the fact that they were willing to try it shows how close we are to having this forced on us by the game publishers.
The game companies have to recoup the money it cost developing but I do not agree with the whole micro transaction thing on a pay to play game that has a retail price of £36, in my mind that is just takeing the mic and if we allow this to happen we could see it appearing in games, $5 for that epic sword or nice looking mount anybody?
this is beta we are talking about and that also $15 for quarterly subscription worse it doesnt guarantee the key
What does Fileplanet do?
The guys at Fileplanet still have to make a living/profit. You can go on through life wanting everything for free, yes it would be nice. The reason things can't be free is because to many people would be lazy and not pull their end of the load.
Anyway, as I said earlier. Why don't you go in a grocery store and try to walk out with the food or just for some reason quit paying your rent. How about you go into work and next time it's your paycheck, well ummm, you don't get one.
Do you still not see the problem with what you are saying?
I do not know this for a fact, but I'm pretty sure it is mainly a trade-off for advertising time on their sites. If they do not trade out, what do they have to do? PAY THEM, which I'm sure they already will still have to do.
This way Funcom can still let people in beta and cut down on some of their expenses. What is so wrong with that?
I don't know about all of the drama. It feels like i'm sitting at the High School cheerleader's lunch table while browsing these board, but i'm really excited to try out all the different classes and finally settle on one...
What does Fileplanet do?
The guys at Fileplanet still have to make a living/profit. You can go on through life wanting everything for free, yes it would be nice. The reason things can't be free is because to many people would be lazy and not pull their end of the load.
Anyway, as I said earlier. Why don't you go in a grocery store and try to walk out with the food or just for some reason quit paying your rent. How about you go into work and next time it's your paycheck, well ummm, you don't get one.
Do you still not see the problem with what you are saying?
I do not know this for a fact, but I'm pretty sure it is mainly a trade-off for advertising time on their sites. If they do not trade out, what do they have to do? PAY THEM, which I'm sure they already will still have to do.
This way Funcom can still let people in beta and cut down on some of their expenses. What is so wrong with that?
The only problem is that this is still in beta. It would be like paying rent on an apartment that isn't finished being built. Would you pay rent if your apartment had no bathrooms, or wait until all the work was done? I have participated in several betas and worked (while having fun) for free, but I won't pay to do it.However, I think we're still looking at it the wrong way. You can't look at it like they expect people to sign up for FP memberships just to beta AoC. Rather, it's a benefit to those who are already paying members of the site. It's like a bonus, and if you choose to sign up, you may receive similar benefits for other opportunities down the road.
I'm sure FP paid FC for the rights, but I doubt it was as much to incite a swarm of new site members as it was to reward current subscribers. Some will sign up no doubt, but I think it'd be naive to think 50k people will pay to beta test a game with a low lvl cap for a couple weeks. Rewarding loyal customers sounds more likely to me.
What does Fileplanet do?
The guys at Fileplanet still have to make a living/profit. You can go on through life wanting everything for free, yes it would be nice. The reason things can't be free is because to many people would be lazy and not pull their end of the load.
Anyway, as I said earlier. Why don't you go in a grocery store and try to walk out with the food or just for some reason quit paying your rent. How about you go into work and next time it's your paycheck, well ummm, you don't get one.
Do you still not see the problem with what you are saying?
I do not know this for a fact, but I'm pretty sure it is mainly a trade-off for advertising time on their sites. If they do not trade out, what do they have to do? PAY THEM, which I'm sure they already will still have to do.
This way Funcom can still let people in beta and cut down on some of their expenses. What is so wrong with that?
The only problem is that this is still in beta. It would be like paying rent on an apartment that isn't finished being built. Would you pay rent if your apartment had no bathrooms, or wait until all the work was done? I have participated in several betas and worked (while having fun) for free, but I won't pay to do it.However, I think we're still looking at it the wrong way. You can't look at it like they expect people to sign up for FP memberships just to beta AoC. Rather, it's a benefit to those who are already paying members of the site. It's like a bonus, and if you choose to sign up, you may receive similar benefits for other opportunities down the road.
I'm sure FP paid FC for the rights, but I doubt it was as much to incite a swarm of new site members as it was to reward current subscribers. Some will sign up no doubt, but I think it'd be naive to think 50k people will pay to beta test a game with a low lvl cap for a couple weeks. Rewarding loyal customers sounds more likely to me.
How does FP pay for the bandwidth?I do understand your analogy about an unfinished apt. The fact still remains that they are having to pay, so it gets passed on to us.
The only thing that really pisses me off about the situation, is that they went and raised the sub fee. Now that does show some greed. Actually the same thing happened to me when I got my FP membership the second time.
So I'm not saying they aren't a lil greedy, but someone's got to tote the bill in the end.
First it was ZOMG NO OPN BETA YAT GAME IS FAIL"11.
Now even open beta isn't good enough for you...
First off chill - people simply stating facts. You think this forum is bad you should see the beta forum warTo sum it up:
1. Open beta for FilePlanet Founder status accounts - aka pay for annual subscription for a chance to get in
2. 50,000 cap on Open Beta participants
3. Level cap set to 13 - cant disclose the reason without breaking NDA
4. Paying for FP membership doesn't guarantee a spot in beta
FUNCOM - putting the FUN in disFUNctional !
First it was ZOMG NO OPN BETA YAT GAME IS FAIL"11.
Now even open beta isn't good enough for you...
First off chill - people simply stating facts. You think this forum is bad you should see the beta forum warTo sum it up:
1. Open beta for FilePlanet Founder status accounts - aka pay for annual subscription for a chance to get in
2. 50,000 cap on Open Beta participants
3. Level cap set to 13 - cant disclose the reason without breaking NDA
4. Paying for FP membership doesn't guarantee a spot in beta
Sure you can. The reasoning was posted by FC in a public letter.LVL 13 is when the Destiny quest / system begins. They're saving that morsel for release.
Can we all remember that lvl 13 is still on noob island,quite pathed, instanced in places and designed to get you familiar with the combat and the storyline. So I expect no end of upset from people thinking the whole game is like this.
First it was ZOMG NO OPN BETA YAT GAME IS FAIL"11.
Now even open beta isn't good enough for you...
First off chill - people simply stating facts. You think this forum is bad you should see the beta forum warTo sum it up:
1. Open beta for FilePlanet Founder status accounts - aka pay for annual subscription for a chance to get in
2. 50,000 cap on Open Beta participants
3. Level cap set to 13 - cant disclose the reason without breaking NDA
4. Paying for FP membership doesn't guarantee a spot in beta
Sure you can. The reasoning was posted by FC in a public letter.LVL 13 is when the Destiny quest / system begins. They're saving that morsel for release.
That is the reason FC released to the public, yes. But...
If the concern is really destiny quests, why not raise the level cap and just disable the ability to get the quest? Remove the npc that starts the quest string? A lot of ways to avoid giving away 'that morsel for release'. Very easy ways.
So, are you still sure thats the reason?
Waiting for: A skill-based MMO with Freedom and Consequence.
Woe to thee, the pierce-ed.
First it was ZOMG NO OPN BETA YAT GAME IS FAIL"11.
Now even open beta isn't good enough for you...
First off chill - people simply stating facts. You think this forum is bad you should see the beta forum warTo sum it up:
1. Open beta for FilePlanet Founder status accounts - aka pay for annual subscription for a chance to get in
2. 50,000 cap on Open Beta participants
3. Level cap set to 13 - cant disclose the reason without breaking NDA
4. Paying for FP membership doesn't guarantee a spot in beta
Sure you can. The reasoning was posted by FC in a public letter.LVL 13 is when the Destiny quest / system begins. They're saving that morsel for release.
That is the reason FC released to the public, yes. But...
If the concern is really destiny quests, why not raise the level cap and just disable the ability to get the quest? Remove the npc that starts the quest string? A lot of ways to avoid giving away 'that morsel for release'. Very easy ways.
So, are you still sure thats the reason?
I am sure. In Tortage you have the day / night singleplayer element. Just after lvl 13 an Epic moment happens in your storyline allowing the way the quest is done, (partly in single player) in game to be presented in a way that could only happen in your single player part. Remember those pictures of burning buildings etc. Well there is no point in ruining the story for people. Its quite pivitol for your level. And its also class dependant (the destiny quests)
The game is all about the story too. All those voice actors.. there would be much point in skipping parts because when the player brought the game that would think its just like it was in the beta. No point giving people false impression.
You cant get off Tortage until you have done the pivitol quest, there is no point is skipping it as things wont make sense later on.
People have 12 classes to play around with up to level 13, most are different from each other in the way you do the quests.
There are a whole bunch of important quests between lvl 15-20, skipping them is like taking a chunk out of the game away.