Haven't been accepted yet...?

[admdrew]

It seems as if a huge majority of posts here are people who haven't been accepted into the beta and are awaiting their acceptance. Some are patient, others not so much. What I'm tired of is all the speculation regarding who gets accepted, who doesn't, how long does it take, etc, etc... I know that even I am guilty of this, but this fact remains:

This is a beta test.

It is not a commercial game that has been released, played by paying customers on a company's game server. If that were the case, then everyone here would have a *right* to complain and ask why they haven't been let on. But this is not the case.
Does anyone remember the Diablo beta tests (I and II)? Those filled up within minutes and never allowed additional people to sign up...

I really understand people's frustration here, but I can't stand anyone who says "Atari's system is messed up!" or say that they're "too good" for this beta and then decide to leave. Regardless of why some people are being picked and why some aren't, the fact is beta testers are not picked to get free play time, but to test the software and hardware of a product to ultimately make it better for the consumer.

I really hope everyone here does get a chance to be accepted, but don't get angry if you don't. It's just a game.

[Andyindy]

Yeah I agree. Patience is a virtue. Atari is a huge company and there a lot of Beta Testers. just wait your turn. You will be accepted sometime.

*Andy*

[Overseer]

Couldnt say it better myself...

Overseer The Almost_Beta_Tester

[Pyros]

Don't forget, at the moment, the system is completly random. If there's a lot of people being pooled in, it increases your chance. If there's not a lot, and tons of signups, you may have to wait for a bit. You're not signing up to preview or play the game, you're signing up to test it.

Thanks for you support guys.

I can say that this is going to be a new resource for me. We will be looking to these forums for mature and productive players. So if you are active here, I can say that is will likely increase your chances to get into the beta test you want.

Remember this area is for both you and us at ATARI to work together and improve this process. However as I learned in the military you will never make everyone happy.

Thanks
Michael Gilmartin
Atari, Inc

[Andyindy]

Yeah, thats a good idea about using the forum to see who is more mature for the Beta Tests.

And like you said, you can't make evryone happy. So, everyone, just wait for Atari to call for us.

Hope you all get the Beta's you want.

*Andy*

[Overseer]

Hmm... You dont have to wait untill the european test comes up... At least thats what the admin told me... *lower his head*

Overseer The European

[Andyindy]

I live in Europe too so I am going to have to wait aswell.

*Andy*

[y2kviper]

I support you admdrew!

Stop whining. It's free to beta test, it's not like you've bought a subscribtion or anything like that.

- I consider beta testing a honor, but I won't whine or cry if I don't get considered for one of the products that I would like to test.

[Andyindy]

Well put y2kviper. I couldn't agree more.

*Andy*

[Pyros]

Originally posted by mgilmartin
So if you are active here, I can say that is will likely increase your chances to get into the beta test you want.

A great idea. Often, community members who are active in this section prove they have the talent and interest in making games better. They're also usually dedicated and trustworthy, playing to help Atari, not just for a free game. I hope that many of the regulars in this section become more prominent in games. Great idea.

[Andyindy]

A lot of people sign up and wait for a pecific game and then play it and don't report anything back to Atari. Basically for them its a cheap way to get a look in on the new games.

It shouldn't be like that. We're here to help create better games.

*Andy*

[Aredhel]

It's kind of funny, what beta tests turned into over the last few years (from the perspective of many players), especially with more and more MOGs coming up.

There are a lot of people that just use it as a free preview and play the game, then say it sucks, because there are still bugs in the coding.

In the last few years I worked in technical support for a software company (financial software) and in this postion was doing a lot of QA (Quality Assurance) work, may it be a new release or just a simple patch.
One thing I can tell you, most of that QA work was just grabbing a to-do list and working in down, point for point on several client / server operation system configurations. Then write a report and in case of bugs, return it to the dev for corrections.

One thing people must realize is that beta testing is in no way a ticked to play the game for free, but it's one of the most important steps within the development of a software (may this be a game or business software doesn't really matter).

This said, a software company of course will pick those beta applicants that they think will most suit them in actually testing the software. May these in the criteion of the hardware (the PC) they have or the experience of the person with hard-/software or PCs in general.

Good luck to anyone that wants to get into a beta, just remember what a beta is actually done for

[Andyindy]

Well that's what I was trying to say really in all my messages. lol.
But Aredhel has explained it in one. Thanks.

Your here to test and report bugs for the games.

*Andy*

[Khaelum]

Not counting those posters who appear to want nothing more than "free game time" and/or a "free sneak preview", most of the current community here seems very sincere with the common goal of wanting to help Horizons become a success.

I for one hope Horizons continues to be selective in their manner of betatester selection and hope mature folks get to assist with this project.

It's truly a pleasure to be part of this kind of a community, and a much needed break away from the typical childish ignorance I find posted on websites for other games.

-Khaelum

[Andyindy]

It's nice to know people apriciate the real meaning of Beta Testing.

*Andy*

Hehe, so many regged 2003 members on this thread.

Patience is a virtue! (At least that's what I tell my kids - lol)

[Mazumi]

think most of you have said great things in this thread.

Specially the one that said beta testing have changed alot thru the years now.. more people knows about it.. due to more people have internet cable or such = more people sign up, but the thing is like 85% of them dont consider what beta testing is about... most think they will be able to play the game before everyone els and hoping to get in and when they dont.. they start whining on the system = Wrong!

Beta is free = You have no reason to complain. You are there to help Atari make a Great product so more people can enjoy it after, inclusive yourself.

Myself is pending aswell but..
I've already Pre-Ordered my copy, and for those that really want to play the game and are frustrated gets my good tip of the day: do as me

See you in the game at release or earlier. patience
(forgive my English, I am swedish)

[Andyindy]

Nicely said there Mazumi.

Oh and you English seems fine.

*Andy*