There will be no normal closed beta for NA\EU?

[Wicked_Edge]

Hmm this really sucks. that means that the "preview" will be more small groups. Well I guess if the game comes out sooner than expected in NA I guess it won't be too bad of an ordeal.

[kieron]

I can't let Ayase take all the heat for the announcement; the US site featured the same announcement moments before it went live on the EU site. I get the feeling that if the situation were reversed, I would be the one being called out. Regardless, here's further information.

Aion has already undergone extensive beta testing and will go through more before the game is released in the US and EU next year. Don't let the fancy name fool you; we will still be asking for community feedback on the game and major issues, not to mention server stress testing and other assistance. With the amount of testing that has gone before, future tests and the Preview events, we are confident Aion will be a polished and complete game when it is released.

[Diablo]

Then why steal even the illusion of a beta by calling it a preview?

[Arrowtaru]

Originally Posted by Diablo

Then why steal even the illusion of a beta by calling a preview?

Pretty much just shot down hopes of a sooon to be beta ; ;

[ILLUSIA]

kieron, thanks for quick answer. you mentioned "future tests" Did you mean Korean future tests or EU\NA tests besides preview events or something else like internal tests for devs only?

P.S. there was an info not long time ago that there`ll be 2 seasons (previews\whatever you name it) for Europe\NA. First - late 2008, second in the beginning of 2009. Does it still actual?

[Ariel]

I am outraged....i was rly hoping to be in beta....
Now all my hopes and drams crshed becuz i hape to be a PAX to get into an "event"

[Mark]

No, they already said there's going to be ways to get into these preview events without showing up at the conventions.

[Ariel]

...But i want in NAO T.T ( spoiled brat voice )
lol ive never done that ^_^

[Rio]

Am I the only one who sees this as a possitive development? It means we are past the CBT stage. Also, I think NCsoft knows that there are lots of ppl in NA/EU who want to try this game before release to see if it is even worth playing and they are compromising by giving us these "previews" I wanted to play in beta as much as the next person but do you guys really expect NCsoft to undergo yet another CBT if it really isnt neccesary?

[Ariel]

Yes cuz NC soft likes tot orture us with their sexy Aion.

[Mark]

Originally Posted by Rio

Am I the only one who sees this as a possitive development? It means we are past the CBT stage. Also, I think NCsoft knows that there are lots of ppl in NA/EU who want to try this game before release to see if it is even worth playing and they are compromising by giving us these "previews" I wanted to play in beta as much as the next person but do you guys really expect NCsoft to undergo yet another CBT if it really isnt neccesary?

Exactly! Plus, if they give us an OB then people would take advantage of it by playing it and then giving it bad reviews because they want to see the game fail.

With these preview events, NCsoft's pretty much guaranteeing themselves that whatever attention they'll get will be positive because the people at the events are real fans of the game and can ****ing wait to try it! They also have the chance to watch and help players interact with Aion's world, instead of getting frustrated, and answer questions. People will leave these preview events unwillingly, probably in handcuffs, because they'll be having too much fun.

[Ariel]

I know....
GIVE EVERYONE @ AIONSOURCE.COM A SPECIAL EVENT KEY!!!!!
Name it...
Aion Source-mania........
Meh i can dream cant I?

[Wicked_Edge]

If I remember correctly for guild wars they had a preview event where for like a whole weekend or a week, anyone and everyone could download and play the game. Don't quote me on that, but I think there were @ least a couple events like that. So I'm assuming that this might be something similar to that (hopefully).

EDIT: OK so I was searching the web and I was right. They did have a worldwide preview event for Guild Wars in 2004.

Blue's News: Guild Wars World Preview Event Starts Friday

[Ariel]

Shhhhh mark is watching....
But yea
+1 to guy above me

[Dominator]

Damn it. I was really hoping for an open beta test, to prove myself that those 2 years of waiting since they announced the game are really worth it!