Access to Gamma

[Tilen]

Hi. I seem to recall that, while Beta and Alpha pledgers would have access to the respective development stage, all of the backers will have access to the Gamma phase. I am fairly sure that I've both read (although this could have been changed) and heard (video diary?) it somewhere. Am I the only one that feels that way? I backed at either Kickstarter or the backer's app thing. I think it was the former but I honestly can't recall, though I still have the paypal receipt and I paid in pounds, which was then the only supported currency.

So, what is this about? Have I been wrong in my assumption for months or am I right to feel cheated.

 

[Tilen]

I think so too but I'd like to see if anybody has any actual proof from before this all started. Perhaps an old video diary or something. Because I am really sure about this. I made it a point to be eager to play the game come Gamma.

 

[CaptainKremmen]

If someone asked a direct question four days ago, and got a straight answer from Frontier Developments, surely that would be the one to put more stock in... rather than a line in the "New Beta Benefits" section of the Newsletter.

I'm sure FD will clarify for you.

 

[Turjan]

Frontier Developments have many good qualities, but sadly clear communication doesn't seem to be one of them

I have a friend in the same boat as regards uncertainty of gamma access from a KS pledge, and I'm at a loss what to tell him because the picture painted on the forums, in the newsletter, and at the zaonce store is basically as clear as mud. Newsletter #49 in particular is extremely guilty of such opacity.

Bottom line is, the only way to know for sure is to try and d/l the client on Nov 22nd. You'll either be able to or not - either way at least it'll be a concrete answer, probably the only way to get one actually!

 

[Tilen]

I thought that the newsletter is being supervised by Braben or at least goes through some sort of quality check to see if the statements in there are correct. Especially seeing as in a thread yesterday Brookes said that they are discussing the matter and that tomorrow (which is today) we will get an official statement. I reckon the newsletter is it.

Now what I want to know is exactly when or if (in the event that I've lost my mind) they have backtracked on their promise to open the Gamma phase to all of the backers. I seem to also recall Braben speaking in a video diary of a "prolonged Gamma" which doesn't sound anything like the 22. Nov-16. Dec stretch- so what's up with that?

Either way I believe that I was told there'd be exclusive access which I was looking forward to. Right now all of the nice deals are meant for the Beta and Alpha backers. Well I backed way back when Elite: Dangerous was barely a thing, so how come that's not worth Gamma access?

 

[CaptainKremmen]

I just put it down to newsletter wording not being very clear. Not the first time.

That single newsletter line was in the bit where they are promoting new joiners to buy beta. If you aren't playing now, the only way you can get access to play before Dec 16 is to join Beta.


Surely the "Jonathan Moore" bit referenced above speaks for itself...

 

[Tilen]

I'd like to believe that but from my experience the customer support can give misleading information too. Quite often so, in my experience mind you. And it's not a problem for me to wait and see but by then it will have already been too late if there's anything to be done about this. Say if, for some reason, my account doesn't get access even though it should have. Do you see what I mean? I just want to be sure now.

edit: also if you check the other thread where I believe the above quotes are from, you will see that people have gotten mixed responses from customer support.

 

[Turjan]

I just put it down to newsletter wording not being very clear. Not the first time.

That single newsletter line was in the bit where they are promoting new joiners to buy beta. If you aren't playing now, the only way you can get access to play before Dec 16 is to join Beta.

The bold bit I've highlighted is what I reckon too - the newsletter's sales pitch is aimed at those who've made NO purchases so far. The fact the newsletter only then mentions pre-orders (it says : "If you have already pre-ordered the final game you can still become part of the Beta now and take advantage of the lasting benefits that will give you, by upgrading your account) is a separate pitch, focusing on the "lasting benefits", i.e. additional incentives. My take on that is pre-orders should be getting gamma access already anyway, because the newsletter is trying to sell them on something else.

As I said before though, I think the only way to know for sure is to try a d/l on the 22nd.

 

[Corwyn]

You were cheated. It was just four days ago when someone asked if he was getting into gamma with his non alpha/beta pledge and was told by Frontier that he would. Then today, we get the newsletter saying that only alpha/beta backers will have access to gamma.


Jonathan Moore 4 days ago
Sorry to sound dumb but I just want clarification on Gamma access as the more I read the more conflicting the access gets.
I've pledged £40 last year and have held off getting beta for various reasons. Do I get access to Gamma from the 22nd Nov or is it only available to people who have purchased Alpha and Beta?
I would appreciate a definate clarification please thanks

Frontier Developments 4 days ago
@ Jonathan Moore
You would get access in Gamma - so Nov 22nd.
Michael

Then the newsletter:

We also announce Beta 3.9 is incoming next Thursday!
There are now just 8 more days to become a Beta backer:
Being a Beta backer is the only way you will be able to play Elite: Dangerous until 16th December.

I gather the one's they're talking to are the pre-orders, not the KS backers

 

[MikeB]

I just put it down to newsletter wording not being very clear. Not the first time.

That single newsletter line was in the bit where they are promoting new joiners to buy beta. If you aren't playing now, the only way you can get access to play before Dec 16 is to join Beta.


Surely the "Jonathan Moore" bit referenced above speaks for itself...

This seems by far more likely. Not entirely sure why people are assuming otherwise. Actually both statements are not mutually exclusive once you factor in the implications time has over it. For example, it is not possible to kickstarter back the project any more, so if you want to join the game the only possible way is to become a beta player, which is possible. It does not follow therefore that kickstarter backers do not get access. God, some of you lot really need to get a book on logic. That said, Frontier are not very good at communicating with us, and should have made the whole thing clearer than it currently is.

 

[Tilen]

I shouldn't have to rely on text analysis to figure out this. And also your guess is as good as mine given the "poor communication".

 

[MikeB]

I shouldn't have to rely on text analysis to figure out this. And also your guess is as good as mine given the "poor communication".

No, it really isn't at all. Given that Frontier have promised twice, in the original kickstarter and more recently by email, and have issued no statement that contradicts this in the latest newsletter—the only way for anyone to join the gamma now really is to commit to the BETA, you cannot commit to a kickstarter campaign after it has finished—it's completely unreasonable to assume therefore that you won't get access upon the release of Gamma. So, while you might be right for all the wrong reasons, the body of evidence surely suggests the you will get access on gamma. Do not misrepresent this as a 50%/50% 'your guess is as good as mine' thing, because the evidence does not support that conclusion.