Paying to beta test?

[Jon.Topps]

I'm so disappointed...
It's going into early access in a few days. I was stoked. But I just read the stuff on the page and it says the only people able to play during early access will be people that buy the founder's pack. So basically you have to pay to beta test a free to play game...

[iosefe]

FUll release will be later, yes. Many games have gone through early access periods. this one will only be around 6 months. Things will be ironed out thanks to player feedback, and they'll have the founders rewards as a thank you. thankfully the lowest cost is only $20, and i imagine is six months one could find enough enjoyment to justify that

[.:SeeD Squall:.]

remember the olds day when you got payed for beta testing? ,times have changed ,huh

[Jon.Topps]

Originally posted by iosefe:

FUll release will be later, yes. Many games have gone through early access periods. this one will only be around 6 months. Things will be ironed out thanks to player feedback, and they'll have the founders rewards as a thank you. thankfully the lowest cost is only $20, and i imagine is six months one could find enough enjoyment to justify that

Yeah this would be perfectly normal. The thing I'm saying is, you cannot even play the game during Early Access unless you buy the Founder's Pack. Correct me if I'm wrong there, I really hope I am, but that's what it says on the store page. So, you have to pay for the privilege to play a FREE game during it's Early Access. You are paying to beta test it. As SeeD Squall said, people used to get paid to beta test, but now we have to pay to be the beta testers. Terrible design here.

Also, I don't even know if I like the game yet, how am I supposed to make an informed decision about buying a pack?

[Frettman]

Originally posted by Jon.Topps:

Also, I don't even know if I like the game yet, how am I supposed to make an informed decision about buying a pack?

The same way you would do it with any other game? Risk it or wait for reviews. You have 6 months to decide if you want to get or upgrade your founder's pack. If you're not interested in anything those packs have to offer (the exclusive stuff is mostly what you're paying for here, not for playing an unfinished game), just wait for the actual release. You'll have a better experience then.
If you're not already confident enough that you'll like the game (not even for the cheapest pack), they'd rather have you check it out when it's actually ready for prime time to make the best impression.

[ManaKeen]

Originally posted by Jon.Topps:

I'm so disappointed...
It's going into early access in a few days. I was stoked. But I just read the stuff on the page and it says the only people able to play during early access will be people that buy the founder's pack. So basically you have to pay to beta test a free to play game...

I mean you pay with your time regardless as to whether or not you decide to pay now or play for free later. It's pretty simple you have multiple avenues to watch content on early access at launch to see whether or not you can justify the purchase or not.

You just want a excuse to whine that you can't play for free and that's fine. However though I don't appreciate what the kind of practices these devs/publishers use to gain money. It has been a practice used in multiple games and it ain't going away anytime soon.

You're options are pretty cut and dry, If it bothers you so much to make this post you already have you answer.

[Explicable]

Originally posted by Jon.Topps:

I'm so disappointed...
It's going into early access in a few days. I was stoked. But I just read the stuff on the page and it says the only people able to play during early access will be people that buy the founder's pack. So basically you have to pay to beta test a free to play game...

I always find this hilarious as someone who works in QA for a living. So many gamers willing to pay to test games when really they should be being paid to test the game.

[Joshh]

Originally posted by Jon.Topps:

I'm so disappointed...
It's going into early access in a few days. I was stoked. But I just read the stuff on the page and it says the only people able to play during early access will be people that buy the founder's pack. So basically you have to pay to beta test a free to play game...

Cry more

[Krimzun]

Lol your acting like this is new welcome to the last 15 years of gaming.

[Misguided]

Originally posted by AtomicGinger:

Lol your acting like this is new welcome to the last 15 years of gaming.

Shoot, with most games that crowdfunded, you have to pay more to get alpha/beta access. I’m interested in having a voice in how the game develops, personally.

[Cry]

it says early access like the other 3090000 games you always have to pay for early access

[Jon.Topps]

Originally posted by Cry:

it says early access like the other 3090000 games you always have to pay for early access

Yes, but this is a free to play game. It's odd to allow people to have the game for free, but make them pay for EA. At least in my experience, maybe there have been games that did this before.

[Krimzun]

This isn't even close to the first f2p game to offer premium access early, its not like your not getting compensated for your money. Your getting character unlocks, skins, mounts, premium battle pass time etc etc.. either you want those things or you wait to play when its full f2p.