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Shall we discuss "Beta Test"?
pdizzlyfresh
Member, Neverwinter Beta Users, Neverwinter Guardian Users Posts: 17 Arc User
Webster dictionary defines Beta Test as...
"a field test of the beta version of a product (as software) especially by testers outside the company developing it that is conducted prior to commercial release."
It seems simple enough, but am I the only one who feels insulted every time I see the current "release" called open beta? It comes across as a publicity stunt being utilized in hopes that the majority of the player base are simple-minded cultists taking the word of the "almighty" as fact. If this is "open beta," what is release??? Is release the point in time where PW decides, "OK, the forums aren't filled with complaints, let's tell the masses the game is now in its release form"?
The truth is, the game is in its commercial release people. This is NOT a beta test! If I tell you my PC is Santa Claus, it doesn't mean it actually is!
Disclaimer: I am a founder, still play it and think it's a great game. However, I do not agree with the smoke and mirrors they call "Open Beta Test."
"a field test of the beta version of a product (as software) especially by testers outside the company developing it that is conducted prior to commercial release."
It seems simple enough, but am I the only one who feels insulted every time I see the current "release" called open beta? It comes across as a publicity stunt being utilized in hopes that the majority of the player base are simple-minded cultists taking the word of the "almighty" as fact. If this is "open beta," what is release??? Is release the point in time where PW decides, "OK, the forums aren't filled with complaints, let's tell the masses the game is now in its release form"?
The truth is, the game is in its commercial release people. This is NOT a beta test! If I tell you my PC is Santa Claus, it doesn't mean it actually is!
Disclaimer: I am a founder, still play it and think it's a great game. However, I do not agree with the smoke and mirrors they call "Open Beta Test."
Post edited by pdizzlyfresh on
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Comments
so you're saying if NWO was a release like WoW and not an open beta, then you'd be ok with server outages?
I think everyone sees you're point. You're just a little disgruntled that it's a bad one.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
It is basically done to shut up all the people making the lame argument about X or Y is missing.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
What is "full, official release"? For the entire life of a game, it will have bugs, etc. The very clear definition of beta (stated in my initial post) sums it up. Taking pre-purchase payments allowing beta access as a perk is one thing. This is full commercial release.
Maybe it is just me, but I really do take slight offense to calling this an open beta (yes, even if the game was flawless to this point).
Full official release will be at some point when every class has 3+ pathways to level and we have a fair number more classes and races in. Also more quests, etc. Until then calling it beta seems perfectly reasonable.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Really not trying to prove anything. I like the game, and really do want it to be successful. However, this tactic does bother me (on a personal level). The purpose of the post was to vent and educate (both somewhat pointless I suppose).
Not here, because there would a fancy little Law-Suit if all the paying customers would lose real money for items they bought.
So yeah, i agree with the OP.
It would seem like "commercial release" was more aimed at a physical launch of a product.. and I don't think I've seen any copies of Neverwinter at Gamestop.
However, it is what it is. I hope the entire gaming industry doesn't make this shift. Unfortunately, some of these replies show that their tactic actually works...
I will eat my words if they do anything as drastic as changing the power unlock system or crafting/zen store interaction, but I'm not holding my breath. I want to craft, but after a few days I've realized that most of my efforts are pointless unless I shell out to the zen store. I'll never have four bags, I'll never respec more than once, which means my character will stagnate. I've always hated the "It's just beta" excuse as it is, since if you don't give feedback about bad features they're going to go live. The playerbase wasn't given proper time to look at the crafting system and now the current one is probably the worst I've ever seen in a game.
Nah, I get it man. I'm just saying that there might be a bright side to it, and that is an increase as opposed to a decrease in player base after launch. I have no idea if the gimmick will work, but I am just being hopeful. You are totally right about how the player base is perceiving this current outage. Very smart on Cryptic's part. Just admire the sheep, sit back, and enjoy the ride. Bully for you for seeing through the sham though. But all I care about, like you, is if this is a good and fun game or not. I need one thing to take my mind of the current craphole of the world and the disgusting behaviors of corporations, even if I am being a hypocrite and enjoying the product of said evil corporations.
I told you I would report you for posting that quote you lifted from another player if you posted it yet again. This makes what the 7th+ time you have posted the thing?
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
You, my friend, get it...
However, I feel some people are posting random things that make no sense. I've said it a couple times that my post has nothing to do with issues that have happened. I've also said that I am a founder (meaning I paid money for the game), and I will continue paying money to the game as long as it's fun. Perhaps some people don't even read the posts... Maybe they just read the title, jump to a conclusion and start throwing out rants.
The internet can be an entertaining place
It's been my experience nuance and the internet don't work. Like you said, a lot of conclusion jumping going on and misunderstanding.
If it was in 'beta' why are we having to pay real, actual dollars for anything in the store? If the zen market was in any kind of test phase, wouldn't players be bankrolled a certain amount of zen to test the things that you can get from there? Or some situation like that?
For example, if you were beta testing a subscription based game, should you be expected to pay commercial subscription price for the privelage?
The reason I ask is, you can for example play on the world of Warcraft public test realms even if you don't have an active subscription. Given that this game is monetised through its zen market, should the zen market cost money while it is in beta?