A word of warning about the Alpha

[Ayo]

To those looking forward to playing or watching others play with the Alpha builds

Don't get your hopes up. It will probably be pretty boring to play initially with nothing much to do. It will crash and bug out on many machines. I'm sure it will put many people off the game.

This is just my attempt to manage expectations, knowing that there will be complaints and people not understanding what Alpha means.

Here is an example of unrealistic expectations.

 

[Telstar2001]

To those looking forward to playing or watching others play with the Alpha builds of E.

Don't get your hopes up. It will probably be pretty boring to play initially with nothing much to do. It will crash and bug out on many machines. I'm sure it will put many people off the game.

This is just my attempt to manage expectations, knowing that there will be complaints and people not understanding what Alpha means

I would think that nearly all Alpha testers should know what to expect, I'm sure this has been mentioned on other threads, but just to echo this : Alpha is ONLY to test the core of the game and to report things, cool:

 

[Variform]

People who will complain about the alpha do not belong here anyway. Alpha will act as a filter to get the children out so that us pappa's have the schoolyard to ourselves.
Most people here are 40+. I think they understand what is going on. I am not worried.

 

[Faerie]

I'm privileged to be a member of the Alpha test team.
I knew from day 1 that the Alpha would (a) not be any kind of complete game. (b) probably be full of bugs. (c) crash my machine.
Alpha - the clue is in the name, see ?

As someone who played the original game back in '84 I consider it almost a duty to help bring Elite: Dangerous to fruition & I feel honoured to be a part of this, whatever happens.

There will be no disappointment or boredom, just a new voyage.

 

[Cmdr Eagleboy]

To those looking forward to playing or watching others play with the Alpha builds

Don't get your hopes up. It will probably be pretty boring to play initially with nothing much to do. It will crash and bug out on many machines. I'm sure it will put many people off the game.

This is just my attempt to manage expectations, knowing that there will be complaints and people not understanding what Alpha means.

Here is an example of unrealistic expectations.

I think there's difference between "Early Access" in Steam, which is indeed very strange thing by itself, but what I do know, and developer offering access of alpha for 200 pounds. However, said that, FD knows this very well, and they call it a demo - so essentially it is polished piece of software as it much as it can be at this state of development.

Biggest problem I think will be that term "alpha" means different things for different people these days. However as long as FD gives very clear instructions and descriptions of deliverables, everything will be alright.

 

[Patrick_68000]

I do not participate in the Alpha, but I hope to see pictures of the game If the videos are not possible, too painful to see, then at least images and comments on forums, many, thank you

 

[Rogehans]

Having been in the PC industry 20+ years I know what to expect, even windows 95 used to BSOD every 15 minutes and that was the retail version!

 

[izzy]

There will have some bugs in alpha but I think there will have some cool video

 

[elpedro21]

alfa release

Hi,

I really wouldn't mind if it crashes every 10 minutes. Just consider it my 2 cents to help making this game become a reality

Elpedro.

 

[natte hond]

To those looking forward to playing or watching others play with the Alpha builds

Don't get your hopes up. It will probably be pretty boring to play initially with nothing much to do. It will crash and bug out on many machines. I'm sure it will put many people off the game.

This is just my attempt to manage expectations, knowing that there will be complaints and people not understanding what Alpha means.

Here is an example of unrealistic expectations.

al do most will realize this I think its good to mention for those who don't.
good post thx.

 

[Silentnight]

One chance in a lifetime to Alpha test Elite i'm so proud to be part of it's development. it may crash on startup, I maybe disappointed.
Then again thats the whole reason i'm here.

Lets help make this game great

 

[Smugallo]

Inclined to agree. Some people have some funny ideas as to what Alpha actually it. This is not the full game experience, just a combat module!

 

[Slawkenbergius]

Half Life alpha:

And we know how that turned out. I'm psychologically primed for what's to come.

 

[Novastar]

FYI
I'm in the alpha and I will try to stream/release some video publicly but I will be cautious to restrict it to stuff that cannot be easily misinterpreted by loud-mouth idiots and cause bad publicity.
I get the impression that most others feel the same way.

 

[Crystles]

I agree with the notion. I disagree with steam's method of implementing alpha's and beta's... Paying for something that never gets even half finished? roger that. Or describes features that are years (if ever) away from being implemented. That whole system is garbage and many devs exploit the user base, throwing out something that sounds awesome, scooping the cash, then canning the project and use the money to move onto the next "early access"...

This is why ED has a very small user base for its alpha. They intentionally set it up so those who pledged for it, were doing so knowing it was a small perk. No incentives are beyond the collectors edition level.

Heck, if all I do is fly around and get to dodge some asteroids, i'll be stoked. If something i contribute makes this game better, in absolutely any way, I'll be ecstatic.

 

[sharpshifter]

FYI
I'm in the alpha and I will try to stream/release some video publicly but I will be cautious to restrict it to stuff that cannot be easily misinterpreted by loud-mouth idiots and cause bad publicity.
I get the impression that most others feel the same way.

Yep

We'll effectively be spokespeople, so when things break I will act as such and refrain from running around with my pants on my head whilst shouting expletives.

 

[Ayo]

Yep

We'll effectively be spokespeople, so when things break I will act as such and refrain from running around with my pants on my head whilst shouting expletives.

Hehe sounds like the alpha is in good hands

I agree with the notion. I disagree with steam's method of implementing alpha's and beta's... Paying for something that never gets even half finished? roger that. Or describes features that are years (if ever) away from being implemented. That whole system is garbage and many devs exploit the user base, throwing out something that sounds awesome, scooping the cash, then canning the project and use the money to move onto the next "early access"...

I really like the trend of early access personally. It will always be a risk for those who participate, but people should understand the risks and check out what they can about the developers beforehand. It's fascinating to me to watch the development of games.

 

[[VR] Shadowman]

Half Life alpha:

And we know how that turned out. I'm psychologically primed for what's to come.

Awesome.

 

[Dr Wookie]

For me, alpha is another way to help make the game as great as possible. I've already spent a decent amount of time nearly every day in the DDF since that opened up.

I think that the limited number of expensive slots was intended to ensure that alpha was in the hands of real supporters. I pledged as much as I did to get the game funded. I'm not sure that I would have coughed up for alpha if I came late to the game though

 

[[VR] Mad Mike]

I have noticed a few comments on the star citizen forum which actually scares me somewhat. Thankfully this forum seems to be generally a bit more clued in as to what alpha and beta actually mean, which is great.

I saw loads of posts about the SC dogfighter module, with people saying

"if it isnt ready then I am glad it is being postponed, I do not want to be playing a buggy game like ..... (insert random buggy game here)

If people really are going into the alpha and beta tests with this mind set then it is a scary thing, as these people will probably moan and complain v loudly when they see the 1st software.

It also sucks becasue I guess it will make the devs possibly pause before releasing to get bugs ironed out for fear of bad publicity, where as those of us who actually understand alpha is alpha etc may end up missing out.

When it comes to launch that is a whole different proposition however!.