" For those of you who didn’t get a chance to play this past weekend: Do you plan on participating in the final Beta Weekend? Why or why not? "
I didn't play this last weekend but I was already in a month long test back in June/July. I shan't be bothering to participate in the final weekend, even though I have access but I can't tell you why because of the NDA..
The only comment I would make, based on what's in the public domain, is that maybe they only let people test for a weekend because they know they are likely to get a good first impression. Maybe they're scared of what their longer term impressions might be?
The only comment I would make, based on what's in the public domain, is that maybe they only let people test for a weekend because they know they are likely to get a good first impression. Maybe they're scared of what their longer term impressions might be?
Funny, that's exactly what I thought when I first heard about the weekend "beta" tests.
I also participated in the month long test phase in June and I know what you're talking about.
I'm sorry but BW/LA are behaving like total losers. Their obsession with upping pre orders, at all costs, is a clear sign that they have absolutely no faith in their game being a success.
Raking in the cash fast before lifting the NDA seems to be their only objective. This really doesn't bode well for the future of TOR.
Since June I've received like 4 surveys from BW always asking the same thing: which promotional offer might change my mind about not pre ordering TOR. This after I'd already answered several times that I just never pre order games.
The only comment I would make, based on what's in the public domain, is that maybe they only let people test for a weekend because they know they are likely to get a good first impression. Maybe they're scared of what their longer term impressions might be?
Funny, that's exactly what I thought when I first heard about the weekend "beta" tests.
I also participated in the month long test phase in June and I know what you're talking about.
I'm sorry but BW/LA are behaving like total losers. Their obsession with upping pre orders, at all costs, is a clear sign that they have absolutely no faith in their game being a success.
Raking in the cash fast before the NDA is lifted seems to be their only objective. This really doesn't bode well for the future of TOR.
Laughably bad assertion. You beta tested the game in June, and that's how you are judging it? I can tell you that long time general beta testers of this game who have multiple 50s are saying many of the same things about it that the weekend beta testers are saying. And it's been very positive.
An NDA on a game a month and change away from release is suspect in my eyes.
Couple that with a 'the sooner you get your pre order, the sooner you get in early access' crap and you have to wonder the confidence EA has in this game.
Not a full MMO, but look at D3, no release date yet, and no NDA on the beta right now. That's a company confident they have a damn good game if you ask me.
You can invite 50,000 people to test and form their opinions, but keeping the NDA up controls (legally) what can be published in media/Internet. I actually like this approach and would rather form my opinion from a few hours of play than read a plethora of other people's perspectives on their experience.
I'm kind of torn on the lifting the NDA. On one hand it would alleviate any doubts people have on the quality of the game, but then I don't want at every turn to see the spoilers on the story lines, etc.
If it was lifted on the game mechanics portion that would be great, but again you know the day it is lifted the 'guides and how-to' spam is going to be awful.
An NDA on a game a month and change away from release is suspect in my eyes.
Couple that with a 'the sooner you get your pre order, the sooner you get in early access' crap and you have to wonder the confidence EA has in this game.
Not a full MMO, but look at D3, no release date yet, and no NDA on the beta right now. That's a company confident they have a damn good game if you ask me.
I wish I could remember where I read it, but there was an article on the net w/one reviewer commenting on the time between NDA drop and release correlates to confidence in the game. One month was good, and every week after that got exponentially worse. He had a comparison of various MMOs, when their NDAs dropped, and how they were looking at release. It was an interesting read.
Ultimately, regardless of if a company has the most sensible and noble of reasons to want to keep an NDA up as release closes in, too many companies have used it as a cover for a shoddy product. Wait to close to release, and people are going to assume you're trying to cover something up and cash in before the jig is up, no matter what the truth is.
Perception is, unfortunately, often more important than reality. Hopefully EA/BioWare remembers that.
An NDA on a game a month and change away from release is suspect in my eyes.
Couple that with a 'the sooner you get your pre order, the sooner you get in early access' crap and you have to wonder the confidence EA has in this game.
Not a full MMO, but look at D3, no release date yet, and no NDA on the beta right now. That's a company confident they have a damn good game if you ask me.
Much more obviously, I think you need to keep in mind that Diablo is nowhere near level of story-based play that Star Wars: The Old Republic is; thusly, it makes more sense for SWTOR to be kept under a tight lid as to not spoil the possibility of interesting plot twists and the like, whereas Diablo, a glorified dungeon hack-and-slash, would hardly be torn apart by the tale being spoiled.
One is riding very hard on the essence of story, the other could possibly be sold without one.
An NDA on a game a month and change away from release is suspect in my eyes.
Couple that with a 'the sooner you get your pre order, the sooner you get in early access' crap and you have to wonder the confidence EA has in this game.
Not a full MMO, but look at D3, no release date yet, and no NDA on the beta right now. That's a company confident they have a damn good game if you ask me.
Much more obviously, I think you need to keep in mind that Diablo is nowhere near level of story-based play that Star Wars: The Old Republic is; thusly, it makes more sense for SWTOR to be kept under a tight lid as to not spoil the possibility of interesting plot twists and the like, whereas Diablo, a glorified dungeon hack-and-slash, would hardly be torn apart by the tale being spoiled.
One is riding very hard on the essence of story, the other could possibly be sold without one.
Since I was in before I'd have to say I'd do it again but a good point was made about this being somewhat of a spoiler. It certainly taints your view when you see things that make it difficult to truly enjoy the game because you're essentially trying to crash it and find flaws.
The people using D3, you do realize they said the beta will not show anymore of the game because they do not want to spoil the plot? So they don't have a NDA for the first act, which is like 5% of the game...Just like everyone pretty much has seen the first 5% of swtor :P
No, I don't plan on participating mainly because I've recently decided that I'd rather go into a game blind than to have spoiled myself "testing" a game. I've been involved in several betas over the last 3 years and it has really taken a toll on my overall enjoyment of those games. I'd rather not do that again.
edit: I also have a very limited bandwidth to work with. I'd have to camp Mcdonalds to download this beast.
I played in one beta and kinda wish I hadn't because I wish I could try the game out fresh again. I'll probably turn down any further beta invites, though Bioware has nothing to fear as I've already pre-ordered the game.
Pretty sure they've stated they will not, and will never remove the NDA. It's to protect them from the many failures they've had during the beta process, or so I'm told. I got to test it this past weekend and thoroughly enjoyed my time in TOR. Looking forward to launch, but I wouldn't get your hopes up on the NDA being lifted, ever.
But I like hearing what a game went through during the beta test! It's interesting to learn about the creation of a game.
Not worried about the NDA, they're giving me something better. A chance to find out for myself whether I want to play or not. I'll disregard any lag or crashes, since it's a stress test.
I am convinced there is only one way to eliminate these grave evils, namely through the establishment of a socialist economy, accompanied by an educational system which would be oriented toward social goals.
They're having the next best thing to an open beta this weekend, those who want to know more about it can try it out for themselves... However, I would think that having people come out and mass-post guides, builds, pvp/flashpoint videos, etc. would drive up interest for BW. Doubt story spoilers are reason enough to keep up the NDA as they're going to have to deal with that upon release anyway, and folks can choose not to watch/read them if they don't want it ruined.
Yes I plan on participating in the next event. No, I do not plan on buying the game. But I definitly want to get a small taste of the game so I can confirm 90% of what I have read on other....not so NDA friendly sites. Regardless of how much of a "wow clone" it is or isnt I wish the game well. I dont want to see for myself what others are saying so I can come here and be like most trolls and bash the game. I hope TOR does well honestly. For thoes who enjoy a basic themepark MMO with a solid story they really need something other than WoW at this point. I just want to see for myself so I know I'm making the right personal choice not to spend the money on it.
As for the NDA. Like you said, its pointless to keep it up......unless they have something to hide. AoC could have lifted the NDA for Tortage and everyone would have talked about how good the area was (and it was unlike everything else). But no, they kept the NDA up and people saw why and where pissed. The "We dont wanna ruin the story." excuse is just that. A bullshit excuse for hiding something past the early game. People who do not want to spoil the game simply wont look at "My beta experience review" posts.
On a side note. I simply wont get an MMO at launch ever again unless I get to beta *test*. Been screwed a few to many times now. I am looking forward to GW2 but if I dont get in beta or there isnt an open beta I simply wont buy it till there is a free trial or I try it at a friends house.
If the open beta is this weekend, no one will get to try it, they'll be downloading until monday morning.
I haven't gotten a download link yet either, just a heads up that I'm going to get a key to try it. I hope it goes out tomorrow, my download speed could be better!
I am convinced there is only one way to eliminate these grave evils, namely through the establishment of a socialist economy, accompanied by an educational system which would be oriented toward social goals.
Comments
" For those of you who didn’t get a chance to play this past weekend: Do you plan on participating in the final Beta Weekend? Why or why not? "
I didn't play this last weekend but I was already in a month long test back in June/July. I shan't be bothering to participate in the final weekend, even though I have access but I can't tell you why because of the NDA..
The only comment I would make, based on what's in the public domain, is that maybe they only let people test for a weekend because they know they are likely to get a good first impression. Maybe they're scared of what their longer term impressions might be?
i agree it's almost month from launch and good amount players have tested so yeah NDA should be removed now.
rofl. That was great.
Funny, that's exactly what I thought when I first heard about the weekend "beta" tests.
I also participated in the month long test phase in June and I know what you're talking about.
I'm sorry but BW/LA are behaving like total losers. Their obsession with upping pre orders, at all costs, is a clear sign that they have absolutely no faith in their game being a success.
Raking in the cash fast before lifting the NDA seems to be their only objective. This really doesn't bode well for the future of TOR.
Since June I've received like 4 surveys from BW always asking the same thing: which promotional offer might change my mind about not pre ordering TOR. This after I'd already answered several times that I just never pre order games.
Their desperation is pathetic.
Laughably bad assertion. You beta tested the game in June, and that's how you are judging it? I can tell you that long time general beta testers of this game who have multiple 50s are saying many of the same things about it that the weekend beta testers are saying. And it's been very positive.
An NDA on a game a month and change away from release is suspect in my eyes.
Couple that with a 'the sooner you get your pre order, the sooner you get in early access' crap and you have to wonder the confidence EA has in this game.
Not a full MMO, but look at D3, no release date yet, and no NDA on the beta right now. That's a company confident they have a damn good game if you ask me.
You can invite 50,000 people to test and form their opinions, but keeping the NDA up controls (legally) what can be published in media/Internet. I actually like this approach and would rather form my opinion from a few hours of play than read a plethora of other people's perspectives on their experience.
I'm kind of torn on the lifting the NDA. On one hand it would alleviate any doubts people have on the quality of the game, but then I don't want at every turn to see the spoilers on the story lines, etc.
If it was lifted on the game mechanics portion that would be great, but again you know the day it is lifted the 'guides and how-to' spam is going to be awful.
Proud member of Hammerfist Clan Gaming Community.
Currently playing: RIFT, EQ2, WoW, LoTRO
Retired: Warhammer, AoC, EQ
Waiting: SWToR & GW2
I wish I could remember where I read it, but there was an article on the net w/one reviewer commenting on the time between NDA drop and release correlates to confidence in the game. One month was good, and every week after that got exponentially worse. He had a comparison of various MMOs, when their NDAs dropped, and how they were looking at release. It was an interesting read.
Ultimately, regardless of if a company has the most sensible and noble of reasons to want to keep an NDA up as release closes in, too many companies have used it as a cover for a shoddy product. Wait to close to release, and people are going to assume you're trying to cover something up and cash in before the jig is up, no matter what the truth is.
Perception is, unfortunately, often more important than reality. Hopefully EA/BioWare remembers that.
Much more obviously, I think you need to keep in mind that Diablo is nowhere near level of story-based play that Star Wars: The Old Republic is; thusly, it makes more sense for SWTOR to be kept under a tight lid as to not spoil the possibility of interesting plot twists and the like, whereas Diablo, a glorified dungeon hack-and-slash, would hardly be torn apart by the tale being spoiled.
One is riding very hard on the essence of story, the other could possibly be sold without one.
You just hit the nail on the head.
Bah, who am I kidding, hell yeah I would lol
Leave the NDA up. Too many people are nosey.
I self identify as a monkey.
I played in one beta and kinda wish I hadn't because I wish I could try the game out fresh again. I'll probably turn down any further beta invites, though Bioware has nothing to fear as I've already pre-ordered the game.
But I like hearing what a game went through during the beta test! It's interesting to learn about the creation of a game.
Not worried about the NDA, they're giving me something better. A chance to find out for myself whether I want to play or not. I'll disregard any lag or crashes, since it's a stress test.
I am convinced there is only one way to eliminate these grave evils, namely through the establishment of a socialist economy, accompanied by an educational system which would be oriented toward social goals.
~Albert Einstein
No idea why there is an NDA anymore,the game is very stable.
Unless they are worried about story spoilers.
They're having the next best thing to an open beta this weekend, those who want to know more about it can try it out for themselves... However, I would think that having people come out and mass-post guides, builds, pvp/flashpoint videos, etc. would drive up interest for BW. Doubt story spoilers are reason enough to keep up the NDA as they're going to have to deal with that upon release anyway, and folks can choose not to watch/read them if they don't want it ruined.
If the open beta is this weekend, no one will get to try it, they'll be downloading until monday morning.
I got the entire game in about 6 hours. It's all about your own bandwidth because they are dishing it out as fast as possible.
Yep.
Yes I plan on participating in the next event. No, I do not plan on buying the game. But I definitly want to get a small taste of the game so I can confirm 90% of what I have read on other....not so NDA friendly sites. Regardless of how much of a "wow clone" it is or isnt I wish the game well. I dont want to see for myself what others are saying so I can come here and be like most trolls and bash the game. I hope TOR does well honestly. For thoes who enjoy a basic themepark MMO with a solid story they really need something other than WoW at this point. I just want to see for myself so I know I'm making the right personal choice not to spend the money on it.
As for the NDA. Like you said, its pointless to keep it up......unless they have something to hide. AoC could have lifted the NDA for Tortage and everyone would have talked about how good the area was (and it was unlike everything else). But no, they kept the NDA up and people saw why and where pissed. The "We dont wanna ruin the story." excuse is just that. A bullshit excuse for hiding something past the early game. People who do not want to spoil the game simply wont look at "My beta experience review" posts.
On a side note. I simply wont get an MMO at launch ever again unless I get to beta *test*. Been screwed a few to many times now. I am looking forward to GW2 but if I dont get in beta or there isnt an open beta I simply wont buy it till there is a free trial or I try it at a friends house.
I haven't gotten a download link yet either, just a heads up that I'm going to get a key to try it. I hope it goes out tomorrow, my download speed could be better!
I am convinced there is only one way to eliminate these grave evils, namely through the establishment of a socialist economy, accompanied by an educational system which would be oriented toward social goals.
~Albert Einstein
Just keep trying:
http://www.swtor.com/tester
When it lights up you can do what you need to do.