A problem with allowing beta and alpha access...

glimmermanglimmerman Join Date: 2004-04-29 Member: 28300Members, Constellation
Well, since the majority of people seem to be buying the SE (well spent $40 btw), one of the problems will be leaking footage... By allowing pre-orders AND beta/alpha access, the game is basically for sale now!

With other games, heaps of hype builds up over it and then everyone rushes out and buys all the copies all at once when it is released. With NS2, since most people who played NS1 (and some who have just seen the new trailer) will already have bought it, there will be less of a rush, and more of a......bump in sales.

Plus most of the game will be spoilt by all the youtube vids and whatnot that would have been out since alpha/beta releases.

Opinions?
«1

Comments

  • TriggermanTriggerman Graphic Artist Join Date: 2004-11-10 Member: 32724Members, WC 2013 - Supporter
    Yes, I agree about the alpha.
    Ideally it should have only been beta, by buying yourself into the alpha you'll get possibly bad hype, and honestly although many of us are dying to get our hands on this game, we may very well make things worse too. Just as you say about YouTube.
    In my opinion the alpha part should have been cut out, and instead offer the developer tools (making levels anyone?) and something to make up for disallowing everyone access to the alpha.
    Just don't let everyone be part of the crucial part in the development process called balancing and experimentation.
  • whoppaXXLwhoppaXXL Join Date: 2006-11-03 Member: 58298Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    But alpha can just mean to "play around with physics in a cut out NS level" right?
    I think they're not giving uns the total Game, that lacks on every corner.

    For me it looks like: You get an simple, small level where you can do something.
    Hope iam right.
  • N_3N_3 \o/ Join Date: 2004-03-12 Member: 27291Members, Constellation
    skulk races, anyone?
  • DejikoSamaDejikoSama Join Date: 2005-06-30 Member: 54996Members
    In the front it's my little skulky followed by nomnom, brown blur, and RAWRRAWRRAWR with omghax bringing up the rear!

    OHHH and brown blur just ate a land mine! we're gonna have trouble cleaning that up!
  • princessprincess Yaaar! Bristol Join Date: 2004-09-11 Member: 31605Members, NS1 Playtester, Constellation, NS2 Playtester, Subnautica Playtester
    As an NSPT I'm really looking forward to messing about with the NS2 alpha.

    Of course there's potential for a bad reputation to be built up around any alpha release, but assuming issues that are brought up by players are listened to, discussed and actioned then there's no reason why we can't all help to make it a super game.
  • FirewaterFirewater Balance Expert Join Date: 2002-12-12 Member: 10690Members, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1708006:date=May 28 2009, 04:25 AM:name=glimmerman)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (glimmerman @ May 28 2009, 04:25 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1708006"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Well, since the majority of people seem to be buying the SE (well spent $40 btw), one of the problems will be leaking footage... By allowing pre-orders AND beta/alpha access, the game is basically for sale now!

    With other games, heaps of hype builds up over it and then everyone rushes out and buys all the copies all at once when it is released. With NS2, since most people who played NS1 (and some who have just seen the new trailer) will already have bought it, there will be less of a rush, and more of a......bump in sales.

    Plus most of the game will be spoilt by all the youtube vids and whatnot that would have been out since alpha/beta releases.

    Opinions?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    While I agree there are some limitations to doing a pre-order for alpha/beta access, I do believe it is in the interest of the developers to do so for a few reasons.

    1) to raise capital. While ZoS is a great game, but probably not selling so many copies anymore; they are probably feeling some of the financial pain from the economy and need to raise some money.

    2) To entice seasoned community members to test the game. Granted a lot of the people who pre-order probably will not become "quality" testers (i.e. they just want to play the game early, not help with development). However, there are some seasoned community members (like myself) who have a huge interest in helping out with the playtesting as much as I can. This could lead to better quality testers than if they were to hire and outside company to balance the game (they may still be doing this).

    3) Capitalize on some hype. A lot of community members have been waiting desperately for SOMETHING. This is definitely the something that the community needed: A nice trailer and the ability to get into alpha/beta testing. My guess is that this testing will probably start in June sometime (I have no proof of this whatsoever; Just speculation).
  • Kouji_SanKouji_San Sr. Hινε Uρкεερεг - EUPT Deputy The Netherlands Join Date: 2003-05-13 Member: 16271Members, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue
    edited May 2009
    Alpha will probably be somekind of tech release, so we can get to see some of the game mechanics and stuff in somekind of test map (oh and perhaps tools, heh one can hope <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />)
  • matframatfra Join Date: 2004-01-10 Member: 25206Members, Constellation
    I purchased the SE version at 40$. Any 1 know when the Alpha will be accessible ...
    Also, I was member of the constallation in NS1. Will I have a Constellation ICON in NS2 ?
  • UnknownUnknown Join Date: 1970-01-01 Member:
    <!--quoteo(post=1708227:date=May 29 2009, 04:03 AM:name=matfra)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (matfra @ May 29 2009, 04:03 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1708227"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I purchased the SE version at 40$. Any 1 know when the Alpha will be accessible ...
    Also, I was member of the constallation in NS1. Will I have a Constellation ICON in NS2 ?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    They have said the alpha will be available this Summer, so my guess is you only have a month or two to wait at most.
    As for your second question, I always thought Constellation was more a UWE supporting thing, and I don't believe it's isolated to just the first game.
    So yes, you should have Constellation recognition in NS2, if they're still doing that.
  • spellman23spellman23 NS1 Theorycraft Expert Join Date: 2007-05-17 Member: 60920Members
    Since I've never made it into a major alpha before, is it typical for playtesters to have to sign some kind of non-disclosure agreement?

    I agree that this was perhaps their best possible move. $20 to get access to alpha and a black suit of armor is enough of an incentive for the more quasi-interested player to shy away from it. SE buyers are more likely to be the hardcore fans from the days of olde. Thus, alpha testing with these folks, even if it merely comes down to early stress testing, seems completely legit.

    Of course, we have absolutely no definitions for what stage of the game we will see for either alpha or beta. It could be Global Agenda and Civ4 alphas where it's not quite feature complete. Or, it could just be code for early playtesting versus later stress testing. Since the devs haven't notified us of anything like that, it's all mere speculation at this point.
  • SlaughtSlaught Join Date: 2005-02-12 Member: 40780Members
    I'm sure there are quite a few things they can do to track leaked game footage. Though, probably only passive measures. For example: each player has some sort of watermark when playing, and any leaks could be traced back to that player (obviously non-obtrusive and unnoticeable watermark). This might seem a bit un-trustworthy, but it might be in the best interest of UWE to implement something like this to ensure successful marketing closer to the actual full release.
    It would be interesting to hear what they have in mind *nudge dev team*. Then again, would they tell us? ^_^
  • GomezieGomezie Join Date: 2009-05-29 Member: 67534Members
    Man I cant wait to get a sneak peek at all this!

    And skulk races sound like win <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />
  • MammalMammal Join Date: 2007-03-12 Member: 60344Members, Constellation
    Gorge Hook racing could be fun too <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />
  • SentrySteveSentrySteve .txt Join Date: 2002-03-09 Member: 290Members, Constellation
    While NS1 was successful, and while it was somewhat well known, I'm willing to bet there's still a very large majority of players who have no idea what NS is. By allowing a large group of people already familiar with what made NS1 great to have early access and give their feedback UWE has an opportunity to make their game as fun / balanced / well rounded as possible. The reviews, from IGN / Gamestop / etc, could very well be higher because of this alpha / beta phase, even if media is leaked.
  • AvataAvata Join Date: 2009-05-25 Member: 67477Members
    I don't see a problem with leaked game footage... If you look at player made footage on youtube, the emphasis is "Look how awesome fun this game is", not "omg this game is so crap so I recorded it and uploaded it so you could all have a laugh"

    Honestly, I reckon most alpha people will be spending most of their time on forums making fine tuning suggestions.

    As for releasing tools with the alpha.... might be a handy way for players to say "Hey NS2 team... I think you should do this <uploads example from toolset>", NS team says "I like that.... <Copy - Paste>"
  • yEnSyEnS Join Date: 2003-06-26 Member: 17722Members
    More videos in youtube of alpha / beta / game will be better for the NS2 sales... information > all.
  • ScytheScythe Join Date: 2002-01-25 Member: 46NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators, Constellation, Reinforced - Silver
    <!--quoteo(post=1708337:date=May 29 2009, 10:48 PM:name=yEnS)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (yEnS @ May 29 2009, 10:48 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1708337"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->More videos in youtube of alpha / beta / game will be better for the NS2 sales... information > all.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    No such thing as bad publicity. The more people that hear about NS2, the better. You can be fairly certain that the vast majority of coverage will be overwhelmingly positive. Anyone that's been willing to pay the 100% premium to get in on the alpha is someone that's likely to have a rational head about the fact they're playing an alpha.

    --Scythe--
  • oscar5oscar5 Join Date: 2009-05-29 Member: 67536Members
    To be honest, im waiting for it to be fully released. I dont want to destroy the excitment of being able to play the game, and doing so by releasing a beta/alpha will kill some of that excitment because ive already played it a bit. to be hones i think the best thing is leave alpha and beta testing to the devolpers and release the game to the public 100% complete. that we we all players are noobs can learn off one another and grow at getting good as a community of NS2 players. Its like microsoft releaseing windows 7 to the public now, by the time you actually buy it new its not going to feel all shiny and new, its like being second hand yer....
  • badtripbadtrip Join Date: 2008-07-24 Member: 64689Members
    Hey! so I'm not worried at all. The alpha is probably the NS2TR. Also I think things are gonna go that way : NS2TR July, Beta August , Game October.

    If you wanna see what is a "TR" I've found a nice video about the NS1TR : <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKWYGTwGctI&feature=channel_page" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKWYGTwGctI...re=channel_page</a> As you can see there is not a lot to show.
  • AdmirableAdmirable Ireland Join Date: 2003-08-31 Member: 20410Members, Constellation
    Sounds like a bonus to me!
    The people that jump on the "OMGNS2SUCKS" bandwagon after seeing some leaked alpha footage are the ones I'd rather not have to play with when the game is released <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=";)" border="0" alt="wink-fix.gif" />
  • glimmermanglimmerman Join Date: 2004-04-29 Member: 28300Members, Constellation
    Ok you've all convinced me <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />
  • descendantdescendant Join Date: 2009-05-30 Member: 67547Members
    I hope that people who have purchased the special edition, doesn’t expect that the alpha version will be the full version. This would, as stated, probably make some people leave, which I think is never good in the beginning. "Unknown Worlds" need as much publicity as possible, which is why everyone also should join the Facebook group etc. (a little promotion). I do believe that this is already the case.

    I do, nevertheless, also expect that people who have purchased the special edition wants to help build a better game. I read on another post that 95% bought the SE. Where is it possible to find such numbers?
  • KerostasisKerostasis Join Date: 2005-01-07 Member: 33056Members
    One of the Twitter posts said that orders so far were 95% special edition. They aren't posted automatically anywhere.
  • willkillforfoodwillkillforfood Join Date: 2003-03-29 Member: 15029Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1708435:date=May 30 2009, 08:45 AM:name=Kerostasis)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kerostasis @ May 30 2009, 08:45 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1708435"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->One of the Twitter posts said that orders so far were 95% special edition. They aren't posted automatically anywhere.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    I wonder how many total they've sold. I'm guessing in the hundreds or lower thousands, in which case they might have themselves a nice capital injection to keep on trucking <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />. I do remember them having angel investors though.
  • KalabalanaKalabalana Join Date: 2003-11-14 Member: 22859Members
    I don't think the constellation icon will be implemented in NS2, as it was a support system for a free game.

    Since we are paying for NS2, constellation will most likely no longer show up. Especially since doing so would make the developers look kind of chincy, in that people who bought the game will feel they are not getting the whole experience unless they fork over MORE cash.
  • w0dk4w0dk4 Join Date: 2008-04-22 Member: 64129Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
    <!--quoteo(post=1708453:date=May 30 2009, 03:51 PM:name=Kalabalana)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kalabalana @ May 30 2009, 03:51 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1708453"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I don't think the constellation icon will be implemented in NS2, as it was a support system for a free game.

    Since we are paying for NS2, constellation will most likely no longer show up. Especially since doing so would make the developers look kind of chincy, in that people who bought the game will feel they are not getting the whole experience unless they fork over MORE cash.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    What?

    I donated especially to make NS2 happen, so why is the Constellation Icon no longer valid? And what does an icon have to do with more game experience?
    I mean, I dont really care about the icon anyways, but it surely feels odd when a large factor in UWEs company history (fans donating) just gets forgotten.
  • daidalosdaidalos Join Date: 2004-05-23 Member: 28854Members, Constellation
    When you donated money to UWE you kind of did them a favour because they supplied you with such an awesome, free mod.
    In return you got an icon in that particular game.
    But I don't see why this should be valid for Natural Selection 2 since it's a different game. The concept may be basically the same but it's neither a mod nor is it free.

    I wouldn't mind my Constellation Icon showing up in Natural Selection 2, too, but it would be totally understandable if it didn't.
  • ThaldarinThaldarin Alonzi&#33; Join Date: 2003-07-15 Member: 18173Members, Constellation
    I bought the SE not for the alpha or beta access, but as others like Kouji may have, purely to be allowed to tinker around with mapping tools and so forth. It would be nice to get back in to mapping and as it isn't the Source engine I can see myself getting hooked once again.

    MMORPG's are classic for allowing the majority of their pre-launch fanbase in to open beta's; it's a business strategy.
  • FirewaterFirewater Balance Expert Join Date: 2002-12-12 Member: 10690Members, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1708482:date=May 30 2009, 11:53 AM:name=daidalos)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (daidalos @ May 30 2009, 11:53 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1708482"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->When you donated money to UWE you kind of did them a favour because they supplied you with such an awesome, free mod.
    In return you got an icon in that particular game.
    But I don't see why this should be valid for Natural Selection 2 since it's a different game. The concept may be basically the same but it's neither a mod nor is it free.

    I wouldn't mind my Constellation Icon showing up in Natural Selection 2, too, but it would be totally understandable if it didn't.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->


    Yeah I have to agree, that constellation was for NS1, not for NS2. Either way if you donated then you will have supported the developer team, and you will have your constie icon for NS1.
  • weclockweclock Join Date: 2009-05-28 Member: 67506Members
    I'd be seriously upset if they slapped a NDA on this.
    I spent $40 and there was no mention of a Non-Disclosure Agreement.
    If it is the case that there is a NDA then I'm sorry, I may not play this game at all. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" />
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