Planetside 2 beta plans

[Higby]

Hey all!

First off, we're really all insanely excited about getting everyone in and playing the game as soon as possible. This has been a long road and it feels like we've all been in it together, having this next phase getting kicked off is a huge thrill for us.

I wanted to come by and give you guys some info about our beta plans and have there be one source of info from the dev team about what we're doing with beta rather than having a bunch of speculation based on tweets. Most of this info has been out there, but in various disconnected posts, so here it is all in one easy to reference spot.

Here is some general info about our current beta plans, what you should expect and when. I'll be sure to update this with more info and answers to more questions as I see them.

1 - Our external testing will be kicking off sometime this week (to be totally clear, I mean the week of July 9th - July 15th) with the technical test that we've been talking a lot about. This test will let us make sure the game runs across a variety of hardware configurations and the people invited will be hand picked based on the requirements in our hardware matrix. We're currently internally evaluating the build we expect to be used for this test and those players who have been selected will be receiving invites as soon as we're ready.

2 - We will be opening up the test in multiple phases or stages, inviting more and more players for each phase. Our priority invitees are those of you who are PlanetSide vets, and those who have priority beta keys (i.e. keys from the PC Gamer magazines), as well as those who received keys from members of the dev teams or at E3. Just so I'm 100% clear, we're not going to be opening the floodgates by inviting all of the thousands of PlanetSide veterans on day 1, but you are still the highest priority to get invites as we expand the testing circle out.

3 - Beta testing will begin with specific pre-determined times, and eventually will open up to being available more often. These testing times will be communicated through email to players who have been flagged for access.

4 - PlanetSide vets do not need a beta key, their accounts will be flagged for beta and they will receive an email letting them know – if you are a PlanetSide veteran, make sure your station account email is up to date.

5 - While we’re making every effort to communicate accurate times & dates to you guys, and get the beta going as soon as possible, if unforeseen circumstances occur and we’re forced to delay testing then we will.

6 - Beta testing is a critically important part of our development cycle on this project, we may be asking you to only play on tanks for a play session, or only play aircraft. Check Big Lots Ad (https://www.weeklyads2.com/big-lots/) and Bilo Ad (https://www.weeklyads2.com/bilo/). We are doing true beta testing, not just a game demo and we implore those of you who are invited to understand and respect that. Check Winn Dixie Ad (https://www.weeklyads2.com/winn-dixie/) and Lowe's Ad (https://www.weeklyads2.com/lowes/). Things will break, the server will be unavailable sometimes, we will cancel scheduled tests when we find something that breaks before the test starts. All of this will help us make a better final game.

Looking forward to shooting you in the face and / or shooting other people in the face alongside you.

-
mh

[Sephirex]

THANK YOU!

[Oryon22]

Let's do this!

[Goku]

Thanks for the update!

[Solidblock]

Exactly what was needed, thanks Higby

[SpamInSpace]

By the gods!

Some sex wee came out.

[willaguy]

Nice hair!

[basti]

Did a sticky before i even read. Good choice. :>


THANKS A TON! :)

Check CVS Ad (https://www.weeklyads2.com/cvs/) on WeeklyAds2 (https://www.weeklyads2.com/).

[IronMole]

+1 for Higby! Thanks for the info!

[haticK]

Thanks for clarification

[diLLa]

Thanks for the heads up!

[bjorntju1]

Thanks Matt for clarifying some stuff! Good to know that the beta starts this week.

But one question, what about us EU people? I also heard some different things about that and I would like to know what's up. I'd rather have a: ''you will get invited later into the beta than US people'' , then getting kept in the dark.

[EightEightEight]

Really appreciate the clear information. With all they Hype it's hard to tell what is really going on.

[Xyntech]

Rock and roll.

[Doxy]

Great! Thanks for update!

[DarkChiron]

So it is written. So it shall be done.

[TerranRoughneck]

Good stuff! Much needed clarity, thanks.

[Rivenshield]

Our priority invitees are those of you who are PlanetSide vets, and those who have priority beta keys (i.e. keys from the PC Gamer magazines), as well as those who received keys from members of the dev teams or at E3. Just so I'm 100% clear, we're not going to be opening the floodgates by inviting all of the thousands of PlanetSide veterans on day 1, but you are still the highest priority to get invites as we expand the testing circle out.

4 - PlanetSide vets do not need a beta key, their accounts will be flagged for beta and they will receive an email letting them know – if you are a PlanetSide veteran, make sure your station account email is up to date.


I'm certain we'll have no trouble jumping through whatever hoops you have set up for us, if it helps polish and refine every component of the game until they fit together as neatly as stones in a *****-rock wall.

We've waited for almost a decade. We've borne the limitations of old graphics and archaic netcode. Seeing a brand-new technicolor Auraxis was something we've all hoped for, but never expected. We can wait a little longer and bear any burden. They will be light on our shoulders.

Thank you for keeping faith with us. Thank you, a thousand times.

[Nightleaf]

Thanks for the information, I love the approach you guys are taking. Keep it up!

[Crator]

Excellent clarification! So, just to be clear, BETA SOON! Right? ;)

[GhostSpartan]

Thanks for the info Higby! I for one am glad you mentioned this being a "test" and not "demo". Here is to hoping people actually submit bug reports and constructive feed back!

[Mirror]

thanks for the update

[Flarestarchild]

Thanks for putting this out there and clarifying a lot of things up. The community really needed a good set of rules, things started to get crazy! :D

[TheBladeRoden]

So it's possible the beta could begin three days ago?

[FIREk]

*snip*What about European players? Will there be an European beta server? If so, will it be opened after a lot of time, or more-or-less as soon as beta starts?

[Redjevel]

God, can't wait.

[HeatLegend]

Nice, thank you Higgybiggy!

You should add a photo of your new hair to the OP.

[Bravix]

!!!!!!!!!

[Mod]

Thanks for taking the time to come by and keep us up to date! Might at least slow the rumor mill down a notch ;)

[Vyynn]

Locked and loaded.

[Crator]

July 9th - 15th tech test. That's what I got from it. Then whatever amount of time is needed to fix issues found in tech test then they start inviting closed beta accounts...

[MockZero2]

Lock and Load!

[RSphil]

Great. Can't wait to see what I can try and break :)

[Sabrak]

Thanks a lot for everything Matt!

I feel you guys have given so much to us already that I just want to give you something in return by testing the game and giving you as much feedback as I possibly could.

And if in order to do so I have to beta test the best FPS game ever, so be it! :D

[Carnage]

well, I think this clears up 90% of the questions...

[Rico Suave]

There's a light at the end of the tunnel, a beautiful light that radiantly shines on all of us waiting for beta, and it keeps getting brighter.

Or it's a train...

[TerminatorUK]

Awesome news now where's my email ;)

[MockZero2]

:sniper:Lock and Load! :sniper:

[Rabaan]

this is how excited i am:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/3050354749_8d2ce85f29_o.gif

[Sotonian]

I am guessing that the twitter codes are not priority ones?

[IgloGlass]

Oh god this thread is making PSU crash!

Though it is quite a let down.. Oh well I'll be among the first to get in anyways :shrug:

[Taru]

Winning! Thanks Higby :groovy:

[Landtank]

UASGKUAGSKAG

I'm shaking with anticipation.

[RSphil]

this is how excited i am:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/3050354749_8d2ce85f29_o.gif

Lol. One of the best moments in Scanners. Always remember that bit from the film. Can't wait to do that to the enemy with a round from my rifle :)

[IgloGlass]

I am guessing that the twitter codes are not priority ones?

Twitter codes are priority ones. It has been stated several times over there.

[willaguy]

Nice, thank you Higgybiggy!

You should add a photo of your new hair to the OP.

He hasn't cut it yet, remember 4:00PM PST not EST.

[Xzi]

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Relevant:
Im so happy - YouTube

[Braveliltoaster]

alright thx higgs

Home Alone: Kevin Freakout - YouTube

[kurion]

posting in epic thread.

[Furber]

Higby is the best, thanks for all the clarification!

[JimmyOmaha]

Amazing! Thanks to all you guys! And now the waiting game...

[Led]

I finally wrangled some time off of work, I hope I did not do it in vain!

[SgtExo]

Is it ok if i cry?

[Poser]

So no pre-load?

[DoomBlackDragon]

thanks for the info.

[Nitrouswater]

Thanks much Sir.Higby

My body is ready.

[Death2All]

Yay! Can't wait :love:! Thanks for filling us in...


I'm anticipating lots of angry people when they don't get the first batch of people invited to the beta.

[Gammit10]

Straightforward and bs-free. This is how it's done.

[helioN]

OMGOMGOMOMGOMOMG

Will you invite me first? I have candies.

:D

[QuantumMechanic]

Awesome. Thank you for the transparency, Higby.

[TheApoc]

thanks higby, hope the wife likes your hair cut.. i bet she is like, about dam time..

btw once my vet account gets in all the devs get punch & pie.. trust me :)

[WellWisherELF]

Can't wait to jump in.

Thanks for the update higgy.

[Turdicus]

Higby I don't want to alarm you, but your face is now permanently tattoed on my chest. Its inverted though so when I wake up in the morning I see your face. I may have made a rash decision

[Kayos]

Awesome!

[Surgio]

Unfortunately, the only new information I got out of this post is that my 9 years experience playing Planetside is of equal priority as those spamming cat memes on Twitter to get a key. If everyone is highest priority, none of us are. I must say I'm honestly disappointed.

[Turdicus]

Unfortunately, the only new information I got out of this post is that my 9 years experience playing Planetside is of equal priority as those spamming cat memes on Twitter to get a key. If everyone is highest priority, none of us are. I must say I'm honestly disappointed.

You stink poopy pants

[I SandRock]

4 - PlanetSide vets do not need a beta key, their accounts will be flagged for beta and they will receive an email letting them know – if you are a PlanetSide veteran, make sure your station account email is up to date.


Hey goldielocks,

Will we NEED the email to see we are in beta? My gmail account has been completely denying certain emails recently, not even putting them in junk mail. Can I check if I'm in beta by going to my SOE account once in awhile as well? Or some other testing page to see if my account got flagged?

Thanks

[TheBTron]

Great news, can't wait!

[Exodan]

This coming weekend is the only weekend I have free for the next month. I hope I don't get invited on a weekend where I wont be available to test! :cry:

[Merrakul]

Thank you Higs, Higgles, The Big Hig, Bligsby, Higerette, and your many other names....

In all seriousness... you guys are awesome and thank you for sharing so much information with us. We will do all we can to help make this game epic!

[Nemo]

awwwww, moar wait durn it! This is really testing one's strength of will

[Timey]

Will EU players be let in the closed beta? And if not, will US players with twitter keys be let in the beta before EU players with vet status?

[archaonn]

OH BOY OH BOY OH BOY, finally.

[Crushermcgee]

Awesome

[Snipefrag]

Noice, cant wait !

[Canadian Vanu]

I'm not going to get in soon am I.

DAMN YOU PC GAMER KEY GIVING ME FALSE HOPE!

[TerminatorUK]

Awesome stuff....thanks for the confirmation :)

Hoping the play tests will occur sometime in the 7-11pm GMT time periods though!

Now, where's my email invite ;)

[regisp]

You stink poopy pants

I like this guy.

Thanks Higby! Hope to see you on there sooner rather than later :/

[DrifterBG]

Posting in a legendary thread.

Let's do this.

[Raymac]

This is the post we've been waiting for. Shit just got real.

I am so down to get the friction on.

[LokimDark]

Getting even more excited if its possible !!! :). Th
And for the update

[Joe]

can't wait!!!!!!!!! :D

[Necrondo]

Thankyou higby! Tuf loves you!

[SurgeonX]

Cheers for the update Higby :D

[MacXXcaM]

Will EU players be let in the closed beta?

Why should they not? If you have a key, you're in.

[Dragonien]

Thanks Higby :D

[Pimsley]

Unfortunately, the only new information I got out of this post is that my 9 years experience playing Planetside is of equal priority as those spamming cat memes on Twitter to get a key. If everyone is highest priority, none of us are. I must say I'm honestly disappointed.

Say what you want about the guy that posted this, but the argument is valid from a paying veteran's perspective. If every key is priority as well as veterans, then no one really has priority at all. The point he made about being a nine year veteran (paying vet) vs. a guy that spammed twitter with crap is spot on as far as I am concerned. You may or may not feel the same, but outside of beta starting, I see nothing here that says veterans will truly get first dibs. Yay for it starting, boo for the way they select people.

[Zulthus]

Thanks for the info! Can't wait :)

[Greeniegriz]

Good to know. Thanks Matt!

Cheers,

GG

[ChipMHazard]

It's good to see an actual beta plan.
I would still like to know more about the fate of european testers.

[dnaRIP]

Leeeerrrrooooyyyyy Jjjjeeeennnnnkkkkiiinnnsss!!!

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/3880/ripls.jpg

[Talented Maori]

So soon? K.

[JPalmer]

Say what you want about the guy that posted this, but the argument is valid from a paying veteran's perspective. If every key is priority as well as veterans, then no one really has priority at all. The point he made about being a nine year veteran (paying vet) vs. a guy that spammed twitter with crap is spot on as far as I am concerned. You may or may not feel the same, but outside of beta starting, I see nothing here that says veterans will truly get first dibs. Yay for it starting, boo for the way they select people.

QQ Both of you.

Not everyone who signed up has a key we are going to get in before many people.

[Carnage]

Leeeerrrrooooyyyyy Jjjjeeeennnnnkkkkiiinnnsss!!!

OH, MY, GAWD, I was just thinking this!

[Raymac]

Say what you want about the guy that posted this, but the argument is valid from a paying veteran's perspective. If every key is priority as well as veterans, then no one really has priority at all. The point he made about being a nine year veteran (paying vet) vs. a guy that spammed twitter with crap is spot on as far as I am concerned. You may or may not feel the same, but outside of beta starting, I see nothing here that says veterans will truly get first dibs. Yay for it starting, boo for the way they select people.

Maybe you don't understand. You know when you go to the Planetside 2 website, and there is that big button on the right side that says "Sign Up For Beta"? Well all those people that clicked that and signed up have not received beta keys. The people that do have the priorty beta keys are from PC Gamer, twitter, E3, etc. then of course vets don't need keys. So it is a "priority" over the tons of people that have signed up and don't have keys. Make sense?

Plus, beta wouldn't be as helpful if it was ONLY PS1 vets.

And yeah, the guy's argument was somewhat "valid", but it was still lame and pathetic in my humble opinion. "i know i'm special, but I want to be even more specialer" :rolleyes:

[Hamma]

Matt is going to make me lose my hair.. and it won't be by scissors. ;)

[FPClark]

Wooop Woooooop!

[SnipeGrzywa]

Thanks a lot for the precise info for once (yes, even without dates. I'll have my date when I have my email). All these cryptic tweets and haircuts was confusing everyone. lol

[RawketLawnchair]

I really, really hope you guys don't screw this beta up.

In order to properly test the game you have created, full time testing needs to be a priority. When you test only during specific days (ie weekends) you really don't give people enough time to test your game. Its more of a demo. Now I'm not forgetting hardware testing and all that but seriously, don't just do technical testing for hardware/servers like other companies do, let people actually test your game so that when it releases we don't have another Diablo 3 launch in the industry.. Because if this game fails, and the poplock is too much to bare alongside mechanics never truely being worked out, I'm either going to join the military, drill my brains out, or take a dive off a bridge. I'm sick and tired of major companies hyping the shit out of their games only to deliver just that. Shit.

On a side note: I have faith in this development team. I'm sure they wouldn't want to be cast aside in a dumpster alongside games like Brink.

[SKYeXile]

I take it nobody has received invites as of yet?

[Hamma]

Unfortunately, the only new information I got out of this post is that my 9 years experience playing Planetside is of equal priority as those spamming cat memes on Twitter to get a key. If everyone is highest priority, none of us are. I must say I'm honestly disappointed.
Goodbye then!

:lol:

[DirtyBird]

So the hair comes off for the Tech test and then later on its a back, sack & crack wax for the actual beta start?
Will make for an interesting stream....

[Pimsley]

QQ Both of you.

Not everyone who signed up has a key we are going to get in before many people.

Who is QQing? I simply said the guy had a valid argument. Nine years of veteran status should mean more than some random twitter spammer. If you don't agree with an argument, surely you can do better than QQ? Kids these days...

[counterlogic]

I take it nobody has received invites as of yet?

I can say this, I was not invited to technical beta testing, but I do know others that for sure got e-mails for it last week. Don't know why people think otherwise.

[Merzun]

Hey all!
...


There have been some problems with the granting of the 30 free days to veterans and some of us didn't receive the
survey mail. Can we be sure that our veteran status is flagged correctly. Maybe you could send out a round of test
mails and those who won't receive it can contact the support?

[Shadow Blades]

I look forward to shooting you in the face too. Nothing personal but when someone shoots me in the face I intend to return the favor.

[Hamma]

SOE doesn't owe you a beta key you are lucky to get priority at all. I wish there was a way to flag the complainers to never get into beta.

In short: You guys are arguing to argue. Enough with that crap in this thread.

[Boogster]

Who is QQing? I simply said the guy had a valid argument. Nine years of veteran status should mean more than some random twitter spammer. If you don't agree with an argument, surely you can do better than QQ? Kids these days...

Oh man, shut the fuck up, honestly.

Cheers for the update, Higby. Excited!

[Surgio]

Maybe you don't understand. You know when you go to the Planetside 2 website, and there is that big button on the right side that says "Sign Up For Beta"? Well all those people that clicked that and signed up have not received beta keys. The people that do have the priorty beta keys are from PC Gamer, twitter, E3, etc. then of course vets don't need keys. So it is a "priority" over the tons of people that have signed up and don't have keys. Make sense?

Plus, beta wouldn't be as helpful if it was ONLY PS1 vets.

And yeah, the guy's argument was somewhat "valid", but it was still lame and pathetic in my humble opinion. "i know i'm special, but I want to be even more specialer" :rolleyes:

Let's please not devolve into name calling; keep it civil. I was not claiming I was "special" for an arbitrary reason. Many veterans have committed hundreds of dollars each as paying customers supporting this franchise and for the company to respond to that dedication by brushing them off as of equal importance as anyone with a beginner's knowledge of MS Paint is mildly insulting to me. I still appreciate the frequency of community interaction this development team has displayed the last couple of years, and I still definitely look forward to testing PS2. But I am trying to look at this post critically as a skeptical consumer and will not get caught up in the hype.

[Daffan]

Thanks for this Higby. Much appreciated :)

[Hamma]

If you guys want to complain about the semantics of Higby's post find another thread to do it. People will start receiving bans and infractions if you continue to derail the topic with entitled banter.

[Axios]

I am going to shoot Higby square in the face. And hair.

[ExplodingSilver]

Excellent news. Excellent day.
Let the fun times roll

[DirtyBird]

If say a friend of mine had been invited to the Tech Test and it hadnt officially begun yet, there is no actual NDA on him telling me or others that he is in?

[ITOS]

Higby's posted Beta plan is pretty much what I expected but it's nice to get things confirmed. So much speculation flying around as people get excited. :)

I hope the times for tests will be somewhat friendly to the ROW (Rest Of the World). I would like to participate and I also believe that testing how the game reacts to long distance players is a good idea seeing how many people have expressed interest in playing on US servers.

[Surgio]

If you guys want to complain about the semantics of Higby's post find another thread to do it. People will start receiving bans and infractions if you continue to derail the topic with entitled banter.

I'm merely expressing my interpretation of Higby's post (the topic of this thread). This in no way derails the thread, considering that I am directly discussing the topic. But if my opinion is creating such angst in this thread, I will silence myself if need be.

[IgloGlass]

THE HAIR IS SOON BEING CUT https://twitter.com/PS_TRay/status/223546856016330752/photo/1

[DarkChiron]

If say a friend of mine had been invited to the Tech Test and it hadnt officially begun yet, there is no actual NDA on him telling me or others that he is in?

Tell your friend to ask himself this:

Is it worth risking getting kicked out of the testing just to let people know?

Registering for beta with a key included an agreement you wouldn't talk about beta outside the official SOE Planetside 2 beta forums. Take that as you want.

[Johari]

Watching the stream waiting for it to go live for the official beta start hair cut.

Thank you so much for the update and hopefully I'll get into beta soon.

SOON.

[Drentz]

This made my day. You guys are awesome. Can't. Freaking. Wait.

[JxP]

Thanks for the update! Very exciting stuff! :D Please keep us posted

[LtHolmes]

Much love MH!!! Thank you for your continued dedication to the players and more importantly to planetside 2.

I hope we are helpful and remember to first and foremost help make the launch better due to our feedback in beta.

[Hamma]

I'm merely expressing my interpretation of Higby's post (the topic of this thread). This in no way derails the thread, considering that I am directly discussing the topic. But if my opinion is creating such angst in this thread, I will silence myself if need be.

That's fine but it's something that has been debated Ad nauseam in 20 other threads there is no reason to derail this one with it.

[Sephirex]

Goodbye then!

:lol:

Harsh!
But, speaking as a vet, I feel at least SOME mix of old blood and new blood is the best way to test.

[Brusi]

loveit, thanks Matt!

[SniperSteve]

That. Is a well written post. Normally I feel like: "Hmm, he said within the next week. Which week does that mean?" Not this time! And yes. Excited for a true beta test, unlike BF2142 where it was basically a game demo. *puts on hardhat and gloves*

[cryosin]

Beta?

Zero chance against me.

[NePaS]

Can not find a link to the stream,been searching all over this site,think I am getting lost,anyone want to point me in the right direction?

[Crator]

http://www.twitch.tv/planetside2

[NapalmEnima]

Can't wait to see (and participate!) in a really big battle. The E3 footage was amazing, but no one was particularly organized, and there weren't THAT many people involved.

Bounce-bounce-bounce.

[NePaS]

http://www.twitch.tv/planetside2

Cheers!!!

[Greenthy]

What are u guys talking about, it's explained in the first post:
Priority > twitter/facebook >= regular sign-ups

How it exactly works is not detailed, but that shouldn't be a major concern.
Say it's like 80% prio-users per wave, 15% and 5% priority-levels one down...
That'll still mean your average vet will get in first.

Even if it's 100% priority users first, with the wave system in place it'll still be up to luck how much earlier u get in as a vet.
With amount of factors going into your possible spot, the way it exactly works will not influence it largly. (Unless they break their word and go like 20% prio-users, rest = free for all random)

edit: apperantly need to F5 before posting ^^

[Goku]

Hair is laggy >.>

[Crator]

Too many VS! Must be a Cali thing! :lol:

[helioN]

What are u guys talking about, it's explained in the first post:
Priority > twitter/facebook >= regular sign-ups

How it exactly works is not detailed, but that shouldn't be a major concern.
Say it's like 80% prio-users per wave, 15% and 5% priority-levels one down...
That'll still mean your average vet will get in first.

Even if it's 100% priority users first, with the wave system in place it'll still be up to luck how much earlier u get in as a vet.
With amount of factors going into your possible spot, the way it exactly works will not influence it largly. (Unless they break their word and go like 20% prio-users, rest = free for all random)

edit: apperantly need to F5 before posting ^^
Misinformation all over again.

Twitter/Facebook are also PRIORITY KEYS.

[NePaS]

Maggie-what have you done!



EDIT:Notice how Higby is hanging back!

[SKYeXile]

Oh well nothing here, guess Arenanet loves me more.

[Sephirex]

Oh well nothing here, guess Arenanet loves me more.

With their weekend only closed Betas? I think you mean Arenanet is closer to launching their title.

[SKYeXile]

With their weekend only closed Betas? I think you mean Arenanet is closer to launching their title.

Weekend only is for the scrubs.

[Raymac]

Oh well nothing here, guess Arenanet loves me more.

Nobody loves you. ;)

[Sephirex]

Gotta admit I'm a little frustrated to be leaving today with no more info then I started with.
Tech test this week. Beta sometime later.

And I see the Twitter vs PC Gamer key is still apparently unsettled by some.

[Goku]

Higby say hes going in @ 5 PM PST?

[helioN]

Higby say hes going in @ 5 PM PST?

Yup.

[NePaS]

Did they just say 79k people watching?

[Sephirex]

Did they just say 79k people watching?

I'm seeing 83k right now, so I think so.

[helioN]

There are 3,457 people watching atm.

[NePaS]

I'm seeing 83k right now, so I think so.

Highest views for a haircut in history?


If nothing else,its a nice little obscure record to have!

[Carnage]

I'm seeing 83k right now, so I think so.
yeah I was just working that value out, apparently it's the total number of views, and the coloured person is current viewers... it does not display guest views... so who knows how many are actually watching...

[DarkChiron]

There are 3,457 people watching atm.

This is correct. The little guy is the # viewers, the little eye is the total number of channel views.

[Inverness]

That is not the number of people watching, that is total views. There are 3,326 on now.

[TheRagingGerbil]

Thank you higby!

Can we have this set as an auto reply to any post containing the words "BETA?"

[Gonefshn]

STOKED. GET THAT HAIR OFF NAOW!

Vanu!

[Sephirex]

That is not the number of people watching, that is total views. There are 3,326 on now.

Good lord, how does 3000 people generate 80000 views?

[Delkaes]

Good to hear that it will be a real beta test !

[LegioX]

Where you go to see it?

[Baron]

Will contribute all I can to help you guys improve the game. Will contribute a little more (monies, bribes, puppies) if you improve the game the way I want it ;)

[Creezey]

Where you go to see it?

Check out the stream located here: http://www.twitch.tv/planetside2


Looks like a fun event. When Higby was going around and asking team members what type of haircut they were getting he asked some guy "how about going for the bat, balls, and dugout?" LOL

[Led]

Short hair is much more attractive than longer derpy hair. Get a buzzcut!

[Sabot]

Sweeet... aaaalmost as good as beta actually starting!

Non-beta realated question though... Higby. How do you feel about all these people watching you get a hair cut? Do you feel:

a) Flattered, and are blushing like a little boy how got asked to the school dance?

b) Freaked out, scared and it feels like it'll be a month or two before you actually dare to outside when it's dark again?

c) All giddy and full of anticipation from all the money you're going to make off of ebay..? You know, like Britney.

[NCLynx]

Good lord, how does 3000 people generate 80000 views?

It's total amount of views since the channel was created.

[Hamma]

Yea highest I've seen is about 3500.

[MasterChief096]

PlanetSide veterans will not need a beta key?

Does this explain why (even though I punched in a beta key WAY before we even had a trailer for this game) my account still says [PlanetSide 2 Beta - Inactive]?

I'm worried about this, anyone else in the same boat? 9 year vet right now and I totally want to be in as soon as possible. Played beta of the original, definitely want to be in this one.

[Sephirex]

It's total amount of views since the channel was created.
Ah, that makes much more sense. Thank you.

[god free]

Here we go!!!

[Xyntech]

It has begun!

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/5221/betahair.png

[Sephirex]

4K viewers now.

[SmallBird]

Higby has the best canned laugh.

[Crator]

The hair has been slain folks!

[Bags]

The hair has been slain folks!

but it rose from the grave http://i.imgur.com/riP6F.png

[Carnage]

:D
http://i.imgur.com/976TZ.png

[IgloGlass]

:D
http://i.imgur.com/976TZ.png

Poor Carson!

[Papagiorgio]

Does anyone know which email address SOE will be using to send out information so we can add it to our spam whitelists? There's a lot of game-related spam and phishing scams out there. Thanks.

[Carnage]

Does anyone know which email address SOE will be using to send out information so we can add it to our spam whitelists? There's a lot of game-related spam and phishing scams out there. Thanks.

prolly [email protected] or at least %something%@station.sony.com

[IgloGlass]

Does anyone know which email address SOE will be using to send out information so we can add it to our spam whitelists? There's a lot of game-related spam and phishing scams out there. Thanks.

[email protected] I think

[NePaS]

OK, Carson I am running away from,that haircut suits him too well,Higs appears to have a TR buzz(fine by me),only thing is,what happened to Maggie?

[ChipMHazard]

And here is was half hoping that Higby would throw his hair at T-Ray... Poor hair, now without a host:(

[DarkChiron]

OK, Carson I am running away from,that haircut suits him too well,Higs appears to have a TR buzz(fine by me),only thing is,what
happened to Maggie?

See for yourself:

http://yfrog.com/hwwmbwhj

She's a punk rocker now!

[willaguy]

"the invites for the tech test haven't gone out yet but will by sometime tomorrow." - j_smedley via Twitter!

[Aaron]

I'm ready to do my part in developing Planetside 2!

[Yetskii]

I really, really hope you guys don't screw this beta up.

In order to properly test the game you have created, full time testing needs to be a priority. When you test only during specific days (ie weekends) you really don't give people enough time to test your game. Its more of a demo. Now I'm not forgetting hardware testing and all that but seriously, don't just do technical testing for hardware/servers like other companies do, let people actually test your game so that when it releases we don't have another Diablo 3 launch in the industry.. Because if this game fails, and the poplock is too much to bare alongside mechanics never truely being worked out, I'm either going to join the military, drill my brains out, or take a dive off a bridge. I'm sick and tired of major companies hyping the shit out of their games only to deliver just that. Shit.

On a side note: I have faith in this development team. I'm sure they wouldn't want to be cast aside in a dumpster alongside games like Brink.

They did the exact same thing in PS1 beta, only had it at certain times to start out with, for the first couple of weeks...I was there...it was during the evening hours. It was to test server stress more than anything...

[rTekku]

I like Maggie better with the long hair =(

[haticK]

i thought maggie was just going for that look where half of the head is shaved then the rest is long, not straight up short

[xSquirtle]

Alright looking to test out BF4!

[SixShooter]

See for yourself:

http://yfrog.com/hwwmbwhj

She's a punk rocker now!

Looks awesome:cool:

[TurboTurtle]

I think the hair apocalypse was great. Seemed like it was a lot of fun. Hell I would have been there except I live in the Great White North.
Now I there are going to be some folks screaming about not getting in to the Beta immediately but look at it this way guys IT HAS BEGUN! We will all get in eventually. Be patient and look forward to being able help make this one of the greatest games ever.

[Hydra]

Alright looking to test out BF4!

http://i46.tinypic.com/2s0fxxk.gif


:rolleyes:

[Razicator]

Question: Will there be an NDA for the tech test or for beta? I'd imagine so, but how extensive? No talking about beta at all? Or can we talk about it, but no media? Of course, outside the beta forums.

[Hydra]

Question: Will there be an NDA for the tech test or for beta? I'd imagine so, but how extensive? No talking about beta at all? Or can we talk about it, but no media? Of course, outside the beta forums.

Under NDA you can't talk about anything dealing with beta outside the designated forums they will provide when actual testing begins-ALL tests.

[willaguy]

I think the hair apocalypse was great. Seemed like it was a lot of fun. Hell I would have been there except I live in the Great White North.
Now I there are going to be some folks screaming about not getting in to the Beta immediately but look at it this way guys IT HAS BEGUN! We will all get in eventually. Be patient and look forward to being able help make this one of the greatest games ever.

Actually it hasn't. According to j_smedleys tweet "the official beta will immediately follow the tech test. How long will the tech test be? Hopefully very short but we can't be sure"

And "the invites for the tech test haven't gone out yet but will by sometime tomorrow."

[Crator]

Question: Will there be an NDA for the tech test or for beta? I'd imagine so, but how extensive? No talking about beta at all? Or can we talk about it, but no media? Of course, outside the beta forums.

For more info: NDA Non Disclosure Agreement PS2 (http://www.planetside-universe.com/showthread.php?t=44965)

[Graywolves]

My avatar is ready.

[NePaS]

See for yourself:

http://yfrog.com/hwwmbwhj

She's a punk rocker now!


Damm! she still looks good(tbh,she looks awesome and slightly "Kick ass" with that cut,maybe my Aliens fetish cutting in).


BUT I will say that Higby looked about 12 with that haircrop,truly epic!

[Hamma]

Wow no replies in over an hour to this? You guys ok? :P

[Luieburger]

Sweet! Real beta testing, not just the same old stupid demo for 6 months like Diablo 3.

Excited!

[Goku]

I think everyone is playing beta currently is why.

[Crator]

I'm thinking everyone either logged into PS1 or passed out over too much excitement. Not sure which.... ;)

[PoisonTaco]

Meh I figure that there's no stressing out over it. Beta's starting but I probably won't get in right away, even with a PC Gamer key. I'll get in when I get in but in the meantime I've got a campaign in Shogun 2 to win.

[Exmortius]

thanks higby along with the rest of the devs. you guys are awesome. and the haircutmageddon was hilarious to watch. good times. take care guys see you in beta soon :D

[Hydra]

Since Beta is FINALLY starting, all of the inane arguments and trolls trolling trolls will calm down a bit, what you are experiencing now is a "peace" until the Planetside is ready for everyone to play, then we can have new things to argue about!

Hooray!

[Kevin D Lee]

Wow no replies in over an hour to this? You guys ok? :P

My guess would be now that everyone has the dates (kind of) they are either satisfied or pissed about not getting more details... because honestly we didn't get much of anything at all in terms of new information.

We already knew Beta was coming.

[SniperSteve]

I feel like everyone must be out playing PS2..

[Kashis]

Squirrel!

[Jamini]

Well, confirmation is nice. Thank you Higby.

[Erudite]

1 - Our external testing will be kicking off sometime this week (to be totally clear, I mean the week of July 9th - July 15th) with the technical test that we've been talking a lot about. This test will let us make sure the game runs across a variety of hardware configurations and the people invited will be hand picked based on...

I think some people understood Higby wrong. "External testing will kick off this week with the technical test." Beta isn't starting this week, tech test is (even though the lines between tech test and "beta" are blurred enough to where some people still consider it beta testing)

At any rate, can't wait to get in! Should prove to be an amazing time, and thanks to the community for sticking with it for so many years!

[Haro]

My body is ready!

[VOWS Flawless]

Wow no replies in over an hour to this? You guys ok? :P

We are all currently contemplating on which steam sale/s to jump in on...


http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/mike433/flawsigbanner1.jpg

[NCLynx]

We are all currently contemplating on which steam sale/s to jump in on...


http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/mike433/flawsigbanner1.jpg

And by contemplating which steam sale/s to jump in on, he means refreshing our email.

[Top Sgt]

they Lied! to me.. Everyone is out playing PS2 beta and I am not I am pissed!

What a cruel world :)

[Deathwalker]

Wow... After all this wait, I left town today for a week and this news comes out, just my luck

On the bright side... BOUT DAMN TIME! K:lol:

[EVILoHOMER]

5 accounts with PC Gamer keys, three of them veteran and no invite :( I even have a 670SLI system and every option on the survey I was max in.

[DarkChiron]

5 accounts with PC Gamer keys, three of them veteran and no invite :( I even have a 670SLI system and every option on the survey I was max in.

They aren't even emailing out invites until tomorrow so.....

[Tapman]

Thanks for the heads up Higby! I've been paying attention for a while now for the most part so the only thing that really stood out was EXTERNAL TESTING BEGINNING THIS WEEK SQUEEEEE.

I feel bad for using the PC Gamer key on my account though, I would have given it to a friend that never played before if I had known at the time.

[Erudite]

SQUEEEEE.

Are you.... a fellow Brony?

[Karth]

5 accounts with PC Gamer keys, three of them veteran and no invite :( I even have a 670SLI system and every option on the survey I was max in.

Personally, I doubt a godly computer guarantees an early invite. They're probably pulling systems all across the spectrum.

Otherwise: I'm quite pumped, I want to put some holes in some TR and VS.

[Sifer2]

Awesome news. Though I dunno why they had to do it during Steam sale. Past few boring weeks would have been great. Now I just splurged an bought some new games an you want to drag me away from them to test Planetside 2. At least I hope you will drag me away from them. :D

[SKYeXile]

Are you.... a fellow Brony?

say what?

[Rago]

Glad to hear this :)

[OnexBigxHebrew]

Say what you want about the guy that posted this, but the argument is valid from a paying veteran's perspective. If every key is priority as well as veterans, then no one really has priority at all. The point he made about being a nine year veteran (paying vet) vs. a guy that spammed twitter with crap is spot on as far as I am concerned. You may or may not feel the same, but outside of beta starting, I see nothing here that says veterans will truly get first dibs. Yay for it starting, boo for the way they select people.

Ever think that maybe the opinions of vets aren't the only ones that matter? Look, they have to listen to everyone, and I think having fresh faces with modern outlooks will produce results that benefit everyone.

Besides, for every guy that got a twitter key, there's several hundred more who took one minute to sign up on the site who WONT get in before all of us. You should be happy that your game is now a legitimate proof-of-concept for something potentially great, and honestly be happy that anyone gives a damn at all. The devs loved seeing all the fan art, and rewarded it with consideration to get in early. When someone hasn't ever played your product and is already grabbed by the lore and what you've shown, enough to make a twitter account and beg for entrance for days or create fan art and join the communities this game has, that's a powerful thing. Let's all celebrate the joining of a new generation of planetside fans - if we weren't here waiting to be tapped, then none of you would have a sequel to something you love, and if you weren't the pioneers we wouldn't have a proof-of-concept for something spectacular when technology caught up.

Thanks to higby, for being a smart business person and having a vision of something that doesn't settle for anything outdated, and yet doesn't make compromises to destroy the soul of the game. See you guys on auraxis!

[Nefarion]

Are you.... a fellow Brony?

I don't know about him, but I am.

[Shadowrath]

Thanks so much for this post!

[outsider]

good post, thanks Higby.

uhm.. though now you #2'd your hair.. you might want to do something to the eyebrows.. mebe get some tips off Tray.

Just sayin' ...

[Budsmkah]

I cant wait to own you NC and VS Scum!

[Akrasjel Lanate]

Hell yea

[EnergeticStupid]

We are doing true beta testing, not just a game demo and we implore those of you who are invited to understand and respect that. Things will break, the server will be unavailable sometimes, we will cancel scheduled tests when we find something that breaks before the test starts. All of this will help us make a better final game.
mh

my little grinch gamer heart
http://i.imgur.com/kBljJ.gif

[The Loverator]

I cant wait to own you NC and VS Scum!

And ' I ' can't wait to help the NC out even if i play Vanu and help them to take as many T.R.'s out as possible, no matter how often i get shot by N.C. Player's. :D

You could see it this Way that i am only there on a Map so the N.C. can have at least one Soldier over the Faction-Limit and one Vanu lesser fighting against them. :-P
So i can combine my favourite Technology- and Look-Choice with kicking the Sorry A**es of the ones who abandoned being Human long ago - only to become ruthless, mindless Machines in a inhuman Machinery of a Society.

Better dead than Red >: 3




greetings, LV. :wave:

[iTax]

You terrorist and fanatical scum. The Republic will squish you beneath our boots!

[XenocX]

Feels like ages since I've been in a beta which has actually been a proper beta.

Good on you for doing it properly. Can't wait to get stuck in.

[Xaine]

Je suis excite.

[Tatwi]

We are doing true beta testing, not just a game demo and we implore those of you who are invited to understand and respect that

-
mh

Thanks man, that is fantastic news!

It's crazy how some MMO companies brand their game demos "beta tests" or they don't bother to include a /bug command in the client (heck, even Microsoft did that for Windows 7 - and they read them all too, because the head dude of the project replied to one of my submissions!). Yes, I am pointing my finger at the Diablo 3 "beta" and the Mist of Pandaria beta. Granted, Blizzard did specifically ask folks to test some of the dungeons recently. However, they have yet to reply to a single thread regarding their "Professions" in the last 2 expansion betas I've been in. Items yes, professions, no. Disappointing, because things are broken and crappy, no one knows if that's the way it's supposed to be. :bang:

Anyhow, it's nice to know that we'll have some direction and actual purpose/impact in the PS2 beta.

[Karrade]

Thanks for being honest about dates and intent to let people in. For me I am off playing and spending money in APB, looking at tribes ascend now. Plenty of other fish out there people, go and give them a look while you have time.

I am asking this for those that are concerned:

I know the admin asked us not to discuss when people are getting in here and take it to other threads, but so far those threads are being closed down, how can we then take it to other threads?

Apologies if that ruffles feathers, not my intent, just seems to be a problem.

[Exodan]

Thanks for being honest about dates and intent to let people in. For me I am off playing and spending money in APB, looking at tribes ascend now. Plenty of other fish out there people, go and give them a look while you have time.

Try out Blacklight Retribution, its awesome!

[Jonny]

Thankyou, can't wait!

Tribes ascend till I can help you make a better game!

[stalkish]

If you guys want to complain about the semantics of Higby's post find another thread to do it. People will start receiving bans and infractions if you continue to derail the topic with entitled banter.

Why do you run a forum if your not willing to listen to peoples point of view, hope i get banned from this shit, infact, closing my account. Do me a favour and look up zimbardo hamma, you might learn something about yourself you didnt know.

[snaffe]

Thankyou, can't wait!

Tribes ascend till I can help you make a better game!

Yepp, amen to that.

I am stupidly excited, and I didn't even play PS1. Seems to have the best bits from the Battlefield series with big ass maps with flying stuff and tanks and stuff (not counting BF3) - coupled with some serious hatred between factions and possible dent in my wallet depending on system specs and juggling it with soon becoming a dad - I probably shouldn't play this game, but I must....I must...

By the way, leaning towards NC as it's got the colours of my homeland. Ah, patriotism mixed with faction hatred.

I AM EXCITED AND OVER 30. AM I ALLOWED!?!

[bjorntju1]

Any info about when EU people get into beta?

[Otleaz]

Any info about when EU people get into beta?

I believe the EU representative mentioned that the Europeans will have the same priority as NA players.

[Zapalot]

Any info about when EU people get into beta?

You wouldnt get that info, even if they where.

NDA etc...

Im from EU and i dont think i will get in at the early phases of beta, even tough im a "vet"...

[bjorntju1]

I only want to know if we get in at the same time. Brollywood told us a while ago we do get in at the same time. But someone messaged him a few says ago and then he wasn't sure about it. Also smedly said a few days ago on twitter that the european beta starts "very SOON" Ugh, just tell us if we get in later or not and an estimate of how much later. That is all I want to know... :(

[IgloGlass]

It is of my understanding that all beta participants will be treated equally regardless of area :shrug:

[Karrade]

Try out Blacklight Retribution, its awesome!

Thanks I am downloading now, isp is throttling speed after 3 gigs :/ but will get to try soon enough, looks quite nice.

[Timey]

I only want to know if we get in at the same time. Brollywood told us a while ago we do get in at the same time. But someone messaged him a few says ago and then he wasn't sure about it. Also smedly said a few days ago on twitter that the european beta starts "very SOON" Ugh, just tell us if we get in later or not and an estimate of how much later. That is all I want to know... :(

I even made a twitter account just to ask higbies & smed about euros and tech/closed.. They didn't answer, which is understandable due to tons of tweets they probably get, but... Meh.

[Kevin D Lee]

I have a concern.

When I log into one of my two accounts with Beta Access one still asks me to take the survey I have 10 times already. The other does not seem to.

What's the deal? Does the survey still pop up for you guys?

[bjorntju1]

And I am almost sure they read the messages of us asking about EU beta but they don't respond. Why? Probably because the info they have is bad news and they don't want a shitstorm. And if they don't know it for sure, than just say that, rather than saying nothing.

[DarknessOne]

I can't wait!

[Coreldan]

And I am almost sure they read the messages of us asking about EU beta but they don't respond. Why? Probably because the info they have is bad news and they don't want a shitstorm. And if they don't know it for sure, than just say that, rather than saying nothing.

I expect there not to be one, except perhaps some small one just to ensure the server works properly (perhaps done internally) and to see that the things theyve changed (like currency) works etc.

If there is one, thats a positive surprise, but I'll just think there wont be one and wont even be disappointed. I'll manage on NA servers till launch.

[Timey]

I'll manage on NA servers till launch.

That would be IF europeans even get to play in the closed beta. :/
I don't give a damn if there's a euro beta server or not. I do, however, give a damn if us euros can't play in the beta.

[Necroe]

i figure they wouldn't discriminate against region which would allow for around the clock testing.

[Coreldan]

Now that I would mind about too, but I believe they have said several times that being from EU does not make you lower priority for the beta.

[Jonny]

Yepp, amen to that.

I am stupidly excited, and I didn't even play PS1. Seems to have the best bits from the Battlefield series with big ass maps with flying stuff and tanks and stuff (not counting BF3) - coupled with some serious hatred between factions and possible dent in my wallet depending on system specs and juggling it with soon becoming a dad - I probably shouldn't play this game, but I must....I must...

By the way, leaning towards NC as it's got the colours of my homeland. Ah, patriotism mixed with faction hatred.

I AM EXCITED AND OVER 30. AM I ALLOWED!?!

Same here to all that stuff apart from the bits about being a dad/homeland. :)

You should join NC and embrace the blue and gold! They appeal to me the most with their big ass abrams style tanks and hard hitting/more accurate weapons. Also like their art style for the most part.

And yes it is allowed!

[Tapman]

Are you.... a fellow Brony?

...

No.