Preorder = Open Beta?

WhiteSun · 2002-12-21, 03:37 PM

Something cool that EA/Maxis did for TSO is if you preorder the Charter Edition of TSO you get into exclusive beta for free. Of course, you still have to pay to play after release.

Now TCE of TSO was $75 @ ea.com.

Would you pay an extra $25 to play PS a few weeks earlier than everyone else regardless of whether your character lasted through release or not? I'm leaning that I probably would.

[edit] Changed open to exclusive. I goofed it.

afex · 2002-12-21, 03:43 PM

if beta is only a month long, then no.

i'd do it only if the price/time was less than the monthly cost

Zarparchior · 2002-12-21, 03:44 PM

I'd do it. Otherwise I'd still have to wait even longer.

I'm not the patient type.

WhiteSun · 2002-12-21, 03:49 PM

Originally posted by afex
if beta is only a month long, then no.

i'd do it only if the price/time was less than the monthly cost

I see it like this.

If I get in three weeks early, then it breaks down to $8/week for all the entertainment I'd need. Anything to keep me out of pubs and strip bars saves me money.

Dragoon412 · 2002-12-21, 04:05 PM

Wait, let me get this straight: PAY to play in open beta? Why the hell would anyone do that. Open beta is just that - OPEN - take AC2 or Earth and Beyond for example: anyone with the bandwidth could download the installer and play.

I guess MAYBE if you're on dial-up and have nothing better to spend your money on, but the concept of paying to beta test someone's game is absurd. Beta testers are offering a service to the developers (in theory, anyways) - would you pay someone to let you cut his lawn or wash his car? Didn't think so... so why pay for this?

�io · 2002-12-21, 04:09 PM

That's what i was gonna say, if you mean pay an extra 25$ for exclusive beta then ok now you've got something but the open beta will be available to anybody who wants to download it.

And i'm with Afex, if it costs more than what the full game would cost then i'll just wait. I am a very patient guy.

TG_NightHawk · 2002-12-21, 04:20 PM

Originally posted by Wh|teSun
I see it like this.

If I get in three weeks early, then it breaks down to $8/week for all the entertainment I'd need. Anything to keep me out of pubs and strip bars saves me money.

Not only that but, just think of the less bitchin' you'd hear by staying out of these places as well. Of course you can't please them totally, I'm sure the ol ladies would still bitch about more time spent on PC's rather than them!(with the exception of the ladies here in the forum, of course

)

Zarparchior · 2002-12-21, 04:22 PM

If it's open beta, it's not for sale then - is it?

Flashingfish · 2002-12-21, 04:28 PM

Open beta won't be very long, because it will basically be a stress test and maybe one or two bugs, seeing as internal would have sorted them all out.

So, no I wouldn't pay.

WhiteSun · 2002-12-21, 04:34 PM

Ok ok... I goofed. Exclusive beta.

Zarparchior · 2002-12-21, 04:44 PM

Then yes. Yes I would.

Navaron · 2002-12-21, 09:20 PM

Hey, When *is* open beta? I'm not looking for a date, just gimme a ball park idea

NaV

Cyan8313 · 2002-12-21, 09:32 PM

When *is* open beta?

Within the next 2 years (hopeflly).

C

Navaron · 2002-12-21, 09:36 PM

You sure about that? I don't know about that. I think they are just wanting us all to pre buy the game, and then they'll take the money and run....

Navaron · 2002-12-21, 10:31 PM

Upon further review,

I would totally pay the extra money, even if my charecter wasn't carried over. I want this game so bad.

View Poll Results: Would you preorder and pay an extra $25 to play during open beta?
Yes, I would pay roughly $75 dollars for this game and the ability to play before release.	6	35.29%
No, I'll save my $25 and play when the game is released.	11	64.71%
Voters: 17. You may not vote on this poll