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Age of Conan open beta? soon?
Teiman
Member Posts: 1,319
I am waiting for the open beta to jump into conan.
As I don't read the official and unofficial forums, I have no idea if that data has ben disclosure, or some gueses can be made.
Comments
A few weeks before launch is standard. But we've don't know for sure. If the closed beta turns out well they should start stresstest the servers.
______________________________
The Sceptics, yes they're special but we've need them to.. I guess.
And if they're put more effort MMORPG.com can create a 'Team Sceptic'
and send them to the Special Olympus.
There will most likely not be an open beta for AoC given the way they are doing the beta test. They just don't need the flood of people who won't actually "test" the game.
Open Beta sounds like ..... ??..... Oh no it's another MMo...10000000000003 served today (chuckles)
Ground control to Major Tom..........
.
May.
Mark it on your calendar.
My guess is that OB will be a Closed Beta on a larger scale. Invites only but that they will send invites to a larger chunk of registered forum users, say 1,000 versus the current 500 (or whatever the actual numbers are) and limit them to certain times/areas to simulate the release to market stresses associated with mass logins.
What ive seen in past MMO's when there is no open beta there are problems that are hidden form the paying public.
MAGA
and that's why we need a open beta test,
supposedly Amazon AOC preorders will get to play the game a 3 days early for a small fee of $5.00
media-service-na.amazon.com/media/M1BGNYMMOK56RW
plenty of time for "the non-preorder public" to hear feedback
EQ2 fan sites
Most developers will tell you that these days, open beta's are nothing more than a showcase to prospective buyers. Stress testing on servers is all done in house anymore (using bots/scripts) so I agree with the statement that no open = bad, bad, things about the game.
I'm not letting any times or dates get to me. MMO releases and beta always change and I've been in a few. I spent most of my week end posting and reading forums, and I think it was because I felt like being lazy and sit around the house. This is how I work it:
A) never pre-order
C) If I don't get in beta I'll wate untill game is released to see how it is, In the case of AoC I'll have to wait untill most get out of solo content and see how it goes before I purchase.
I need an MMO to play as bad as the next, but I can't let things drive me up the wall becaues it's all a GUESS. If I get apprehensive I'll look at the stack of bad video games I have on my shelf. It's not only the money but its also the time and energy i put into bad games that is part of my sickness. Come on most of you, face it your like me !
/Agree
As one poster mentioned, there will be a three day grace period for those people who pre-order the game.
There is nothing wrong with the "try before you buy" take on open beta, unless the company fears the game is a dud, in which case they want to get as many box customers as possible before the word really gets out.
If the game is good and has great commercial potential, there is no downside to open beta. Ideally, the game will be so much fun that many more people will "try and buy" than those who will "try and pass". MMORPG fans have become very cynical about new releases. Like many, if I see a game is not going to offer a full Open Beta, I'm much more likely to stay away from it.
Want to know more about GW2 and why there is so much buzz? Start here: Guild Wars 2 Mass Info for the Uninitiated
The problem with a truly open beta is the need to screen for age. I don't think filling out an age declaration like you do at most web sites will qualify. So fill out the closed beta application, make sure you're over 18 and hope for the best. I'm sure that's what everyone else is doing.
There's nothing wrong with wanting to try something before you buy it to be sure. Which I think is why the Collector's Edition of the game comes with FIVE buddy keys and the Standard Edition comes with one. Also, if you pre-order the game, then you are entitled to this:
"With your pre-order Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures, you will be able to participate in the 3-day Early Access Program. Early access period starts on May 17, 3 days before the commercial release on May 20, 2008. You may begin downloading the game client files and installing as early as May 14. With early access, there is a nominal fee of $5, which covers the cost of the download and includes 10 days of additional game time."
So if you don't like the game, then you can return it, but not after playing for almost a full two weeks. Sounds like a good deal to me.
The downside to open beta is that it takes time away from doing other things that are important for the developers. If you are concerned about trying before you buy, then you absolutely can for just $5 for almost two weeks of gameplay.
Yes, many of us ARE cynical about new releases. However the game has been in closed beta for quite some time and everything that I have heard says that not only has the game made incredible progress over the last few months in terms of both content and FPS, but that also the developers are actually listening to what the beta testers have to say. That's two good marks in my book that for me, perfectly justify the $90 I've spent on pre-ordering the Collector's Edition.
Just alittle side note, ive purchused and fully paid for the CE, prima guide, key set for my zboard. I asked a question on the Conan forums about release needing or was going to be moved again instead of May 20th and i got threatend and a warning. You can see of my concern, something is not right with the game. Im not in the beta but feel that because ive already bought the game i should be able to ask a few questions. Or at least i thought i shoud.
MAGA
AOC are always filled with trolls and spammers saying the game will be delayed again....they probably just thought you where one....no harm done
You were probably user number 56,981 to ask that same question in the past 3 or 4 months, and they've repeated replied, "it is shipping on May 20th, count on it." Its understandable that they are getting a bit tired of people speculating about the release date when the answer has been clearly given.
But understand, one disadvantage of company sponsored forums is they tend to be heavily moderated (WOW was an exception) and if you say 'anything' the company doesn't like (ask any NCSoft game player) you can expect harsh and even permanent forum bans. (they'll still keep taking your sub fees though)
You bought the all the merchandise (something I wouldn't have done at this time) great, now just sit tight and wait for May 14th, (1st day to download the client) because that will be your first real confirmation if they are truly on schedule or not.
"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
Well thanks for the decent replys i was expecting worse, Im retired retired and mmo's are my hobbie now plus im one of those who read all the hype and usually buy into it and get dissapointed later ie: Vanguard.
MAGA
In relation to the 3-day thing, I noticed on Gamestop.com it only listed it as a bonus for the regular version of the game - there was no mention of the 3 day offer on the CE edition. Anyone who pre-ordered a CE from Gamestop.com might want to email them and find out for sure though.
"Death is a dignitary who when he comes announced is to be received
with formal manifestations of respect, even by those most familiar with him."
- Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce
I already did that. Here is the reply:
"Dear Customer,
Thank you for contacting GameStop.com.
We have some great news regarding Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures. The
manufacturer has just released an additional bonus for a 3 day early
entrance into the game. All pre-exisiting orders, original and CE, will
be applied towards the 3-day head start. Here is what you need to know
to join in on the fun!
We will e-mail you your access code as soon as we receive them from the
manufacturer.
With your pre-order Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures, you will be able
to participate in the 3-day Early Access Program. Early access period
starts on May 17, 3 days before the commercial release on May 20, 2008.
You may begin downloading the game client files and installing as early
as May 14. With early access, there is a nominal fee of $5, which covers
the cost of the download and includes 10 days of additional game time.
Any additional information we receive from the manufacturer will be
posted on our website.
Best Regards,
Valerie
Customer Service Agent"
Cheers!
Which Final Fantasy Character Are You?
Final Fantasy 7
So if we need to try the game we'll have to buy the game before.
Brilliant.
Thanks guys.
Hope a beta program is open. Or a trial, I will be happy with a trial.
Where did you get that idea? The Early Access Program is just a bonus for pre-ordering, giving you a headstart over those who buy it in the store. *shrugs* It's got nothing to do with Open Beta or Trials that will (most probably) be offered.
Which Final Fantasy Character Are You?
Final Fantasy 7
From what I can see I very highly doubt there will be an open beta. Your open beta will be the 3 day pre-order play time. If they do an open beta it will just turn off most of those people to the game as many many many of the promised features are not in the game atm. No crafting (which means no player cities), no border kingdoms (which means no PvP), no spell weaving, Just a zone fest with lots of quests atm. The game will release extremely unfinished and get vanguard reviews.