News Premium Beta access update

[Juniper]

I do enjoy combat, although I prefer some kind of progression with it, like earning credits to upgrade my ship with new fittings and eventually purchasing a new shiny ship.

As of today though, the SP build offers none of the above that I want, which is why I'm holding off until it does. I know 12 days isn't a long time, but I'm bored of my current games and would like something to do until then. And like you said, the current Beta build probably won't fill that 12 day gap unfortunately.

You get to fly other ships in the current premium beta build, but you have to complete the earlier scenarios first & you're stuck with the load outs they give you.

Also worth remembering that even during beta, "progress" is going to be very transitory. There will be regular resets. Hopefully we'll get a few weeks of playtime in between though.

I would have purchased the Alpha version right now if I could, even though I'd only be able to play it for 12 days until the beta is released. I'm guessing no one knows a way to get hold of a copy (legitimately of course!) of the Alpha version even though they stopped selling it in their store?

Like, would it perhaps be possible to "upgrade" to the Alpha version today if I purchase the Premium Beta first?

Nope, not possible I'm afraid, and they've removed the option to buy alpha now.

I know it sounds kind of desperate but, well, yeah, I'm desperate - I'm bored of all other games I own.

Well, it's up to you. The current build is fun, but it's not Elite. Alpha 4 is much more like it, but you have to wait 12 days for that.

Flip a coin.

 

[Teefur]

No, I would happily pay €240 for 12 days of Alpha. Now, I can understand why they closed Alpha purchases so that people wouldn't feel "ripped off" if they paid that much for only a month when Beta was €120 cheaper.

However, I'm well aware of the current situation so I was hoping it'd be possible to make it happen somehow anyway.

To be honest, from what you've said in this thread so far, I'm not sure getting into premium beta, or possibly even standard beta, would be right for you anyway. It sounds like you want a game you can just pick up and play. Remember, this is still beta testing, where the goal is to test the game systems, mechanics, and balances, look out for interesting ways to break them, and report these findings back to Frontier in a clear and diagnostic manner. There will likely be several resets during this period at which time any progress you have made will be wiped.

Maybe getting involved around gamma would be better for you as that is more of a release candidate type phase where it should essentially be the full game with few, if any, major changes.

 

[nu1mlock]

To be honest, from what you've said in this thread so far, I'm not sure getting into premium beta, or possibly even standard beta, would be right for you anyway. It sounds like you want a game you can just pick up and play.

Oh, that's absolutely not the case. I'm sorry if it came out that way - English isn't my first language.

I'm well aware of what an Alpha and Beta is, I've been alpha and beta testing games since Lineage 2, long before "paying to test" a game became a thing - back when you'd actually have to sign a proper NDA agreement and send it back to the developer/publisher.

What I want is something new and exciting. And to me, a game in development with all its resets, bug reporting and issues and everything else it "requires" of me, is often more exciting than the complete game itself.

 

[Chimpo]

Thank you all for your replies, it helped a lot! Unfortunately, I won't be purchasing the game at this time but instead wait until next month.

Just a random question, what difference does it make if you buy the beta now and have to wait 12 days to play it, or wait 12 days to buy it, and then play it.

It seems to me that either way it will cost the same, and either way you have to wait the same amount of time.

Just a thought, i guess the only reason i can think of is it gives you 12 days to change your mind?

I originally just bought the Beta, then i grew so impatient that i upgraded to the Premium Beta. Longest 12 days ever...

 

[nu1mlock]

Just a random question, what difference does it make if you buy the beta now and have to wait 12 days to play it, or wait 12 days to buy it, and then play it.

Well, unfortunately for me I don't have a money growing tree or unlimited funds to put towards games every month.

I'm already purchasing Wolfenstein and Transistor tomorrow and Watch Dogs the 27th. And who knows what else I come up with during these 11 days that are left.

Purchasing the Premium Beta today doesn't really get me anything for my money and I'd rather wait until it does (the 30th) - or purchase the Alpha (which I can't) which would get me something for my money.

That's why I'm fine with purchasing the Alpha right now but not the Premium Beta. Does that make sense?

 

[Chimpo]

Hey Nu1mlock,

This part makes sense, so i can totally see a valid reason here.

Well, unfortunately for me I don't have a money growing tree or unlimited funds to put towards games every month.

But to me this part doesn't make sense.

Purchasing the Premium Beta today doesn't really get me anything for my money and I'd rather wait until it does (the 30th) - or purchase the Alpha (which I can't) which would get me something for my money.

I guess we just see things differently, but the way i see it, you are getting the exact same thing for your money. Whether you buy it now, or in a month. You get the Premium Beta. Pre-purchasing it before it is launched doesn't mean you get any less for your money. And waiting to buy it doesn't get you any more.

It seems that your objection is partly that you would buy something and then have to wait to use it. But to me the fact that, no matter what, i'll have to wait to use it make the purchase date irrelevant.

Like buying a ticket for some new years event. I'll have to wait until Dec 31st to use the ticket. But there's no benefit in waiting until December to buy it.

Or like buying a ticket to a movie that showing on Friday night. The movie is at a certain time on a particular day. And when i bought the ticket doesn't change the movie or it's value to me.

Maybe i just like planning ahead. I often buy things and not use them for months. I have bought games last year and even the year before that i have yet to install or play. (i'll get round to you Max Payne 3 just you wait!)

I know this sounds like a bit of a rant over nothing. Please know that i'm not trying to start an argument over something that's an opinion. I am just curious about the thinking.
:smilie:

 

[Chimpo]

Can someone tell me the difference between these two smileys?

: ) and :smilie: : smilie :

i'm sure there must be a difference....

:S

 

[Chimpo]

Purchasing the Premium Beta today doesn't really get me anything for my money and I'd rather wait until it does (the 30th)

Hey i think i get it now.

It's an opportunity cost thing.

While spending the money on the Premium Beta now and next month get you the same beta at the same time. NOT buying the beta now means you can buy your second choice now, so in this way you are getting something now, and can still buy the beta next month.

If you bought the Beta now, not only would you wait for the beta, but would have to wait to buy your second choice, whatever it may be.

What you said did make sense i just didn't comprehend what you were saying at the time. Took a re-read for it to sink in.

 

[Chimpo]

Elite Dangerous App

Do any of you guys have the Elite: Dangerous countdown app?

I have the 30th of May Programmed into it and i can check how many days minutes and hours away we are from Premium beta goodness.

It also has heaps of Elite Dangerous wallpapers for your phone.

 

[ElGuappo]

I umm-ed and ahh-ed over the Premium Beta even while the Alpha was extended. In the end I went for it because 1) the chances of me not liking ED was laughable and b) all further expansions in the price.

Doesn't get much immediately but, if you're confident the game's for you, is worth the investment over the longer term.

Still kicking myself for not stumping up for ED from the get-go.

 

[Juniper]

Do any of you guys have the Elite: Dangerous countdown app?

Yup... it had an update recently too to default to 30th May for PB1. Before that I think it was using the Kickstarter estimates? I changed it to the alpha 4 date, and now that's passed, it's back on PB1.

The Blue Danube chime as it changes wallpaper (even if on standby and half way across the room) always freaks out the wife. So, a winner in my book.

 

[Chimpo]

I thought about taking the 30th off work to get stuck into the beta, but as we are 12 hours ahead of UK time here i'd probably be waiting all day for it to be the 30th in the UK.

Living in the future can be really frustrating sometimes. Release dates are usually in US time and we never get things when they are advertised to be available. I think we are like 20 hours ahead of US time give or take a few hours coast to coast.

 

[nu1mlock]

It's an opportunity cost thing.

Exactly! That was precisely what I was trying to say (but apparently couldn't ).

I would have purchased the Alpha right now if it was possible though, because that would give me something more than just the current combat scenarios. The combat scenarios most probably won't keep me occupied until the 30th while the Alpha would.

So like I said in an earlier post, I still might purchase the Premium Beta the 30th depending on how many other games I've purchased until then (which, so far, probably will be at least three).

I'd preferred to play the Alpha now though and skip the other games but it doesn't seem like it's possible.

 

[Michael Brookes]

Exactly! That was precisely what I was trying to say (but apparently couldn't ).

I would have purchased the Alpha right now if it was possible though, because that would give me something more than just the current combat scenarios. The combat scenarios most probably won't keep me occupied until the 30th while the Alpha would.

So like I said in an earlier post, I still might purchase the Premium Beta the 30th depending on how many other games I've purchased until then (which, so far, probably will be at least three).

I'd preferred to play the Alpha now though and skip the other games but it doesn't seem like it's possible.

Try contacting store support, they may be able to sort something out.

Michael

 

[Chimpo]

I would have purchased the Alpha right now if it was possible though,

I would love to have bought the Alpha but my missus would KILL ME if i spent two hundred pounds on a game.

She'll probably kill me if she finds out the Premium Beta cost one hundred pounds (was about NZ$150). but hey, she once paid $400 for some boots! This game will be way more rewarding than boots!

I'm actually regretting not buying the Alpha now... Oh well 1 week 3 days 14 hours 41 minutes to go.

 

[Slawkenbergius]

I'm already purchasing Wolfenstein and Transistor tomorrow and Watch Dogs the 27th. And who knows what else I come up with during these 11 days that are left.

Make sure to wait for some reviews of Wolfenstein to come out... Pre-release sweetener plus review embargoes can often mean there's a major problem with the game. Rumour has it that the AI is borked, as there's a video showing some screwy behaviour. I'm hoping it's not true.

 

[Chimpo]

I'd preferred to play the Alpha now though and skip the other games but it doesn't seem like it's possible.

Try contacting store support, they may be able to sort something out.

Michael

haha tell them Michael sent you.

 

[nu1mlock]

Make sure to wait for some reviews of Wolfenstein to come out... Pre-release sweetener plus review embargoes can often mean there's a major problem with the game. Rumour has it that the AI is borked, as there's a video showing some screwy behaviour. I'm hoping it's not true.

I will, I rarely pre-purchase games (Elite: Dangerous would kind of be an exception) and I'll wait for reviews before purchasing those.

Try contacting store support, they may be able to sort something out.

Michael

I've created a ticket for them to read, hopefully they'll be able to help me before the 30th.

haha tell them Michael sent you.

I did actually.

 

[usernametaken]

What will be the method for us premium betas to report bugs, concerns, constructive criticism, etc? I'm assuming the alpha backers have a method of doing that. Some of those might be better aired through a forum, but probably not bug reports.

 

[Michael Brookes]

What will be the method for us premium betas to report bugs, concerns, constructive criticism, etc? I'm assuming the alpha backers have a method of doing that. Some of those might be better aired through a forum, but probably not bug reports.

The ticketing system will be available for bug reports, there will also be a beta forum for general discussion.

Michael