About the "upgrade to alpha" offer

[Penthux]

I received an email today: "If you want to take part in the ongoing Alpha, we've made it even easier and have applied an additional discount just for you. For a limited time you will be able to upgrade to Alpha access, including the multiplayer build coming next week, for just £50. As well as giving us even more valuable financial support, you will experience Elite: Dangerous immediately and start influencing the rest of the game's development."

Now, far be it for me to be the fly in the ointment, but having just received this "JOIN THE ALPHA - CLICK HERE TO PAY" email I'm becoming more than a little disillusioned as of late. I'm actually waiting for the Beta. If I wanted to pay for alpha access I would have done so back in December 2012/January 2013. I stopped £20 short of Alpha access because I believed in what was laid out initially and decided Alpha access was not something I was interested in taking part in. Now I read it's going to cost me £50 (LOL?!?!) I understood Frontier had a plan to release the Beta around this time. However, any work flow issues or other obsticles considered, that plan seems to have been superseded by the "JOIN THE ALPHA" tactic.

I'm not interested in taking part in the Alpha. I'm certainly not interested in paying EVEN MORE money into this project when deadlines have been substituted or moved. Yes, Frontier need to do this right and they need the time and space to do it. They already have the money to do it so why bother making any kind of offer to people to "JOIN THE ALPHA" for an extra payable fee? The kickstarter was phenomenal and raised way more than most people's expectations. Obviously that wasn't enough. More is still required to "play" Elite: Dangerous. More time, more money, more waiting. Where (exactly) does this end, if ever? By any coincidence, does Frontier Developments have Delta, Epsilon <snip> Omega phases planned after Gamma? Will people be required to pay a fee to take part at every stage until the eventual release of the game? It wouldn't surprise me if that was the case.

It's my opinion that Frontier Developments should concentrate on delivering that which was promised and cease with these money spinning schemes which are pitched at convincing people to part with more money in order to "experience Elite: Dangerous immediately and start influencing the rest of the game's development." I feel any more delays will only serve to diminish any existing and future reputations. I also feel any further offers of ploughing more money into this project (for whatever reasons) will only create rumours that the company is in financial trouble or greedy, and possibly more.

I believed David Braben when he said "We're making the game that I want to play." but I'm wondering, at this rate, will an official release ever see the light of day this year? This was supposed to be the Beta period and all I'm seeing is offers to join the Alpha for more money. It's disheartening, disconcerting and (it saddens me to say it) totally expected! PAH!

 

[psykokow]

I empathise with you... I however have taken it as a cheaper chance to get my son alpha access... upping him from his beta.

So he is well chuffed... £50 is a lot easier than £100.

I however understand your feelings, I don't quite feel the same 'money grabbing' feeling from it.. just trying to pitch the upgrade correctly to allow the no alpha backers getting in to the alpha.

Communication could be better... but it still happens.

 

[Slythe]

I've done computer games development, it really isn't like a production line where you can predict how long each stage will last. Any dates they announce are nothing more than estimates, so you should be prepared for significant slippage (note that I am in the same boat as you, waiting for the 1st round of beta). This is especially true as it is clear that they are trying to make sure than their alpha releases are as polished and bug free as possible (presumably so they can get useful feedback on the actual gameplay elements rather than just lists of bugs they already know about).

 

[Cmdr Eagleboy]

Where (exactly) does this end, if ever? By any coincidence, does Frontier Developments have Delta, Epsilon <snip> Omega phases planned after Gamma? Will people be required to pay a fee to take part at every stage until the eventual release of the game? It wouldn't surprise me if that was the case.

Anyone backing for copy of the game and preordering game will play gamma, and no other phases are planned. I understand your frustration, beta is coming much slower than we would like to admit, however I would like to dismiss your claims about artificially delaying beta and caching in for upgrades. They were just too optimistic about alpha length during Kickstarter and that's all. Also I kinda expect things to pick up from phase 2, as two most important parts of the game will be already tested.

It's my opinion that Frontier Developments should concentrate on delivering that which was promised and cease with these money spinning schemes which are pitched at convincing people to part with more money in order to "experience Elite: Dangerous immediately and start influencing the rest of the game's development." I feel any more delays will only serve to diminish any existing and future reputations. I also feel any further offers of ploughing more money into this project (for whatever reasons) will only create rumours that the company is in financial trouble or greedy, and possibly more.

Not exactly. Since opening preorder shop people were disappointed about missing the boat with upgrade to alpha. There have been tons of threads about this.

While there is considerable delay, things move forward. Not with the speed I like I would admit, but still...I really don't see any "money spinning schemes" here. People wanted to upgrade to alpha, they asked for it for whole January.

I believed David Braben when he said "We're making the game that I want to play." but I'm wondering, at this rate, will an official release ever see the light of day this year? This was supposed to be the Beta period and all I'm seeing is offers to join the Alpha for more money. It's disheartening, disconcerting and (it saddens me to say it) totally expected! PAH!

Well, speed is not perfect, but frankly I didn't expect beta to start in January either. It was quite clear in December that Alpha will take more time than estimated during KS. However I didn't expect it to take that long. But well...things change.

 

[Penthux]

Grant, I understand you completely. For those who cannot wait and are desperate to climb into their cockpits the offer is there... for an additional fee. lol

Slythe, I used to write my own games on the old 8-bit machines (C64, Spectrum, Amstrad C464) and Amiga A1200 (16-bit) back in the day and I would spend weeks perfecting them, cleaning up the code, getting rid of bugs, etc. I know how it goes in that respect. That being said, it was a hell of a lot easier to deal with back then and these days it's a world away in terms of technology, man hours, and effort required. Still, delays are expected. Unforeseen problems arise and need to be solved. New ideas/concepts need implementing correctly. This all takes time.

It's looking to me that the Alpha/Beta/Gamma phases are going to take a hell of a lot longer than anybody ever anticipated and all the while we're being asked for MORE money with enticements to draw us in. It's slightly unprofessional in the way that it's being handled and very annoying, in my view. The more I see , read, and hear about this "JOIN ALPHA FOR A FEE" offer the more I am inclined to feel disgruntled at all of it.

If it makes Frontier an extra few quid, mission accomplished. I hope those paying the extra fee to join the Alpha don't feel that it's an attempt at being taken advantage of, because I do. I just want to see development advancing at a progressive rate and I do not want to think the release is going to be prolonged because Frontier will make an extra £50k (or whatever amount it might be) by trying to entice people into paying more money into this project in order to take part early.

You're right about the lack of information. There's been hardly any lately compared to previous months and yet Frontier are asking for more money based on what? People's hunger to play the game, so it seems. Well, I say, "Crack on with releasing the damned game instead of asking for more money then!" Frontier seem to be depending on the impatience of people to play the game who are willing to fork out more cash in order to do so.

How long will this "golden-goose" Alpha phase last? As long as people keep paying why should it end?

<edit>
@Pecisk: Yes, things change, don't they? lol

The initial announcement was, "Pledge £200 to qualify for Alpha testing" so people who wanted to take part found that amount of money. The idea was that if you couldn't afford it, tough! You missed out. Now, you are able to join Alpha and not miss out after all.. for an additional fee. Plans have changed and the goal-posts have been moved but nothing that Frontier are dangling in front of me makes me want to reach for my credit card. It's just making me cringe a lot.

 

[[VR] Mad Mike]

I sympathise dates slip, hell look at the dfm of star citizen. Truth is as much as it crossed my mind about the temptation to deliberately stretch alpha a little, I actually trust them not too.

Loads of people asked for alpha to be reopened and so that is what they did.

One the other hand the way I see it, and I think this would have probably made alpha backers moan, the kick starter promised a month of advanced access.

Rather than at the time beta backers were gearing up to get beta access asking them to upgrade, what they could have done IMO is said, as each new alpha module is released, beta players get to see the old one.

That way everyone gets their hand on elite at the dates suggested at the beginning. I am not gonna lose sleep either way however..... so long as the game comes out in a reasonable time frame (not a duke nukem or even GTA v type delay)

 

[Slawkenbergius]

Letting people upgrade their pledge to join the alpha isn't exactly the most cynical move in the world. And they can't let people join the alpha without paying, because that would be a slap in the face to those who did pay. They got a load of complaints about Founders being overcharged to join the alpha, so did something positive about it and...

There's always someone who'll find a reason to complain.

Bear in mind, they'll want to get to market some time before Star Citizen, but after they've reached a reasonably bug-free state. I can't really see them stretching this out artificially as a way of making money. It doesn't make any sense looking at the long-game.

 

[dannysquid]

Wasn't the invite sent in response to lots of people complaining that it was too expensive to upgrade to alpha under the new system? I think it was done to help people in need rather than rip them off. Although obviously a bit of ripping off probably won't hurt!

 

[Kroy]

To the disgruntled OP, don't quote me if it doesn't work, but there are options to unsubscribe from the communications. In the shop.

Note, under UK laws

The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 cover the sending of email marketing. This legislation says that organisations must only send marketing emails to individuals if you have agreed to receive them, except where there is a clearly defined customer relationship.

http://ico.org.uk/for_the_public/topic_specific_guides/online/spam_emails

Clearly defined customer relations would be "Your order is ready", so I'm guessing that if you unsubscribe it would remove the more, let's say... speculative... of FDev's emails.

 

[Dr Wookie]

Remember, that FD have thrown out their original plan for in system travel at the behest of the DDF, and come up with a much better new one. That took time to think up, and I wouldn't be surprised if it added a substantial amount to the development time.

Penthux, I've not seen you round much of late, so you might not have seen the large number of posts asking for the opportunity to upgrade to alpha at a price that reflects their previous backing level. I can see that if the only context you have is FD sending invitations to join alpha at lower and lower prices, it would seem like a money grab!

 

[The Space Pirate]

Nah, I'll pass. £100 is more than twice as much as I've ever put into any given game, so I'll wait for the beta.

 

[Penthux]

Penthux, I've not seen you round much of late, so you might not have seen the large number of posts asking for the opportunity to upgrade to alpha at a price that reflects their previous backing level. I can see that if the only context you have is FD sending invitations to join alpha at lower and lower prices, it would seem like a money grab!

And you would be right, my friend. I occasionally pop onto the forums to see what the latest news is. There's not been anything to grab my attention in the past few months so I tend to visit less and less frequently. I listen to Lave Radio a lot but mainly when I'm working doing other things so I listen to each episode with increasing repetitiveness!

The latest Dev Diary is hmmm 2 minutes 11 seconds long and that includes the intro. LOL!!!!!!! So that's the state of affairs with E: D right now? Enough said I think.

 

[TheOohChild]

I understand wanting to see a finished release, but your imagination and frustration are getting the best of you.

 

[Patrick_68000]

Alpha is the central point actually. In the emails and also in the last newsletter. Frontier needs time to make the best game possible. In passing Frontier take the opportunity to improve its commercial business and render service to those who wish to engage in the alpha. Read Penthux raises the question of premeditation. To be or not to be ? that is the question. Perhaps a little of both. It does not bother me. Nobody forces me to buy the alpha. And for the dates, they was only estimates. For me, no problem

 

[Penthux]

I understand wanting to see a finished release, but your imagination and frustration are getting the best of you.

The desire to voice my opinion is what's getting the better or me. It has nothing to do with frustration or imagination. LOL

Maybe you're painting me with the same brush that 99% of other Elite fans were painted with, or at least the ones who requested being able to pay-to-play the Alpha phase. I'm not one of the "I want it now!" crowd. If I were, I'd have pledged that extra £20 required to be part of the Alpha a long time ago. N'est-ce pas, mon ami?

 

[SAB380]

Could be worse. They could be concentrating on the latest limited 'for this week only!' ship instead of building the game

 

[Dejay]

Could be worse. They could be concentrating on the latest limited 'for this week only!' ship instead of building the game

I wouldn't actually mind that. I basically WANT to give FD my money, but it has to have some kind of symbolic value All the ships presold for SC can be bough in ingame currency, it's totally insane to buy them now. But who cares? The heart wants what the heart wants.
That's the reason I don't upgrade to alpha. In KS you would have gotten various Cobra MKIII as a starting ship. I can't "buy" a ship in the store anymore. And that might be actually useful in Ironman mode.

 

[Squicker]

I don't think it's a cynical cash grab from FD, but they certainly have made an utter pig's ear of transitioning from KS mode to 'shop' mode. They have tried to please all of the people all of the time, and found out it is of course impossible.

FD should most definitely have thought all this through FAR better, as I personally think it's getting them a lot of negative coverage. On the other hand, there have been lots of people requesting the ability to upgrade to alpha, and FD have now obliged.

Personally I think they should have kept it simple and once KS backing was shut, it was shut, that's it. If you did not buy in at alpha (I am like you and purposely did not) then tough *******, life goes on, the world still spins. But there was a LOT of noise on the forums from people who regretted that decision once they realised alpha was in fact more like a beta!

C'est la vie. The game will be what it will be.

 

[ATARI.]

I think the OP has valid points and it makes me smile when people say 'it isn't a cash grab' or 'that is how game dev works' - truth is none of us have any idea what goes on behind the closed doors at FD HQ

I'm not saying that FD are cashing in, just I wish some people would come down from their rainbows for a while.

The OP is right in saying that the beta was due sooner rather than later, and that since it is now obvious that won't be the case (based on more alpha stages planned) all we're hearing 'louder than other news' is that you can "JOIN THE ALPHA for £XXX!!!!11!!1" ...on repeat.

"Hey you, I know we said you couldn't be in the alpha, but guess what!? *cheeky wink* you can now (for a limited time *cheeky wink*) extra £50 and its yours... you know you want to....*grin*"

Just wait till the beta...

 

[Moriarte]

I think the OP has valid points and it makes me smile when people say 'it isn't a cash grab' or 'that is how game dev works' - truth is none of us have any idea what goes on behind the closed doors at FD HQ

I'm not saying that FD are cashing in, just I wish some people would come down from their rainbows for a while.

The OP is right in saying that the beta was due sooner rather than later, and that since it is now obvious that won't be the case (based on more alpha stages planned) all we're hearing 'louder than other news' is that you can "JOIN THE ALPHA for £XXX!!!!11!!1" ...on repeat.

"Hey you, I know we said you couldn't be in the alpha, but guess what!? *cheeky wink* you can now (for a limited time *cheeky wink*) extra £50 and its yours... you know you want to....*grin*"

Just wait till the beta...

Selling Alpha access is actually more profitable than selling the actual game (makes sense, eh?), so why rush?

Luckily, i have new battlefield to keep me occupied for another couple of months, until the beta 1 knocks on the door.