164 replies to this topic

[Sephlock]

[anonymous175]

What the game is classified as is a red herring.

Talking about whether it's beta or not is giving each other the reach-around in a mechanized echo chamber.

So what's PGI and IGP up to? They worry about the product and the business.





What should your efforts be focused on? If you enjoy the game, spread the word and spread the wealth.



1) If this game doesn't cut the mustard for you and you have no hopes for it, don't spend a dime on it. If you're feeling vindictive and spiteful, spread the hate.

2) If this game doesn't cut the mustard for you and you have hopes for it, continue to leave feedback and drop dosh when sales are on or something catches your fancy.

3) If this game is going steady with you but won't put out, wait until Sept when more of CW is in.

4) If this game is still the second coming for you, please stop going door to door (thread to thread) and trying to convert people into Blakist's Witnesses. Capitalism works.

Your time is better spent being an MWOevangelist. Take a look at a few of the free strategies you can utilize to help them acquire customers at no extra cost.

You can bring attention to the game through viral strategies like making your own website about MWO, or making videos highlighting through Machinimas or Playthroughs or Tutorials, create an email list and get a few mailouts about this game.

Or send some feedback to game journalist websites and get the word out that they should have more coverage on this game. But not harassing Chris Grant because you have conspiracies about how Polygon wants to destroy MWO.

If you want to be a wealthy benefactor, buy banner ads linking to the signup page.

If you want to keep it in-house, do like some and curate available info into easily digestible threads or come up with your own original content that is cool.

However this is just a suggestion. It is far more Forumwarrior Fun to continue passive aggressive ex-girlfriend style forum sniping at each other about whether or not ECM is ECM or ECM isn't ECM according to MechJesus Beta.

[Roland]

MWO is actually still in alpha, given that it's far from feature complete at this point.

[Fate 6]

Was expecting rage and illogical arguments.

Was pleasantly surprised.

I clearly don't mind spending money on this game, but I do wish the developers would start treating it like a full game. If they are going to call it a beta, the least they could do is listen to feedback (ECM, I'm looking at you).

Oh, and if it's a beta, they really need to stick to a REAL production schedule, not the "it'll get done when it's done" attitude they have now.

Edited by Fate 6, 04 April 2013 - 04:56 PM.

[Roadbeer]

Fate 6, on 04 April 2013 - 04:53 PM, said:

Was expecting rage and illogical arguments.

Was pleasantly surprised.

I clearly don't mind spending money on this game, but I do wish the developers would start treating it like a full game. If they are going to call it a beta, the least they could do is listen to feedback (ECM, I'm looking at you).

Oh, and if it's a beta, they really need to stick to a REAL production schedule, not the "it'll get done when it's done" attitude they have now.

They did look at ECM, then realized you are all completely out of your minds

[Mawai]

Davers, on 04 April 2013 - 12:52 PM, said:

You may not like the terminology, but the fact is the game is not in a complete stage and is still being actively worked on and added to. Not just content like mechs and maps, but actual core parts of the game. So you can call it whatever you like, but it is an work in progress.

Yes ... and the developers have stated that it will always be a work in progress. New features/maps/mechs/paints/camo/cockpit decorations will always be added ... otherwise how will they generate ongoing revenue?

However, I have to agree with the OP ... the developers are using a very very broad definition of "beta". Given the planned on-going development up to and beyond release there is really very little difference between now and release ... EXCEPT ... there is probably a feature set they would like to see in place before they "release" the game and since they needed revenue before this feature set could be developed they created an open "beta".

[Tezcatli]

They're only hurting themselves by going open beta and letting a host of glitches ruin the experience for new players.

[MischiefSC]

I already beat this ridiculous, irrational, postmodernist and bordering on narcissistic opinion about the head and shoulders

HERE.


In short OP, you're wrong. Irrationally wrong. The sort of wrong that belongs with statements like 'I don't like paying for gasoline for my car, thus it shouldn't be illegal for me to steal it'.

You're pretending that the term 'open beta' doesn't mean what the rest of the literate population has always agreed it meant, what it is defined as and what the term 'open beta' was coined to represent.

MWO is in open beta. There's no secret or surprise to that. If this idea escaped you or the fact of it ambushed you then, well, there is nothing anyone can say. You have to want to be a better person, aware of your environment and willing to understand what you're talking about before you speak. Nobody can force you.

[Ryvucz]

Appogee, on 04 April 2013 - 12:48 PM, said:

I've been playing MWO hardcore for a week, and reading the forums rabidly when I'm not playing. It's truly remarkable how many threads I've read which feature the same words, over and over...

''But it's a Beta''...

So I'm now going to pop my cockpit, stick my head out of the canopy, and risk you giving me 2 x AC-20s to the face if you think I'm off the mark with the following observations...

MWO is not in Beta. It's time to stop claiming that it is, and using that as an excuse.

I'm a MechWarrior of 29 years experience. And I am loving playing MWO. I'll be buying some MechCredits soon, both to accelerate my acquisition of new tech, and to reward the devs for what they've built so far. However, after a couple of hundred matches, I feel I can also recognise that the game currently has some flaws and omissions. And that, two days ago, some new flaws were introduced, along with the welcome new content. As a fan, I want to see these flaws and omissions addressed post haste, so that this good game fulfills its potential, and becomes great.

That's why I think it's time for everyone - developers, players, fans and critics - to stop using ''but it's a Beta'' as an excuse for leaving longstanding bugs unaddressed, and releasing patches which haven't been sufficiently tested.

MWO is not in Beta...

1. MWO is open for play by anyone who wants to sign up. It already has thousands of players.
2. MWO's developers are selling products - MechCredits - and the game is producing revenue.
3. MWO is not a closed trial of code being tested and readied for launch, with a focus on reporting of bugs, analysis of balance, and incremental patches addressing bugs and balance issues. In fact, MWO's developers are focusing on earning income first, adding new content and features second, and squashing bugs third. (If MWO was a Beta, their order of priority would be reversed.)

MWO is not in Beta. It has launched. It's live. People are playing it, and paying for it. We should stop using ''but it's a Beta'' as an excuse for not addressing longstanding bugs, and releasing code which has new bugs.

By the way, I have no problem with the developers seeking to earn income for their work. In fact, I want them to get rich. I want them to make this game so fantastic, so that it becomes so successful, that they can afford to hire lots more devs to focus on QA, fix the bugs, add more content, and make this game of the year. Nothing would make me happier, or even more prepared to part with my own cash.

But I'd prefer we called ''emperor's new clothes'' on the whole ''but it's a Beta'' gambit. MWO is launched. It's disingenuous - and unnecessary - to claim otherwise. It's time for the devs to step up to production level quality assurance.

It's Beta, bro.

[Sifright]

Ryvucz, on 04 April 2013 - 05:48 PM, said:

It's Beta, bro.

naw it's a released alpha bro.

when product goes to market it doesn't matter what devs call it any more.

product is in the market and will be judged in its current state.

Is the game being aggressively marketed? yes?

is the game in a good state? no?

Does it matter what it's designated as under these conditions? No.

Is the beta tag shielding it from legitimate criticism and reviews? Yes.

Will this stop new players drawn in by the advertising getting frustrated with bugs and not being able to play due to them and quitting? No.

End of story. It is that simple.

[Dreamslave]

Pretty sure it's a beta, since, you now, they are still trying to find a solid foundation for most things, let alone nearly everything is still subject to and probably will be changed at some point. Drastically, even.

[Zero Neutral]

Appogee, on 04 April 2013 - 12:48 PM, said:

I've been playing MWO hardcore for a week, and reading the forums rabidly when I'm not playing. It's truly remarkable how many threads I've read which feature the same words, over and over...

''But it's a Beta''...

So I'm now going to pop my cockpit, stick my head out of the canopy, and risk you giving me 2 x AC-20s to the face if you think I'm off the mark with the following observations...

MWO is not in Beta. It's time to stop claiming that it is, and using that as an excuse.

I'm a MechWarrior of 29 years experience. And I am loving playing MWO. I'll be buying some MechCredits soon, both to accelerate my acquisition of new tech, and to reward the devs for what they've built so far. However, after a couple of hundred matches, I feel I can also recognise that the game currently has some flaws and omissions. And that, two days ago, some new flaws were introduced, along with the welcome new content. As a fan, I want to see these flaws and omissions addressed post haste, so that this good game fulfills its potential, and becomes great.

That's why I think it's time for everyone - developers, players, fans and critics - to stop using ''but it's a Beta'' as an excuse for leaving longstanding bugs unaddressed, and releasing patches which haven't been sufficiently tested.

MWO is not in Beta...

1. MWO is open for play by anyone who wants to sign up. It already has thousands of players.
2. MWO's developers are selling products - MechCredits - and the game is producing revenue.
3. MWO is not a closed trial of code being tested and readied for launch, with a focus on reporting of bugs, analysis of balance, and incremental patches addressing bugs and balance issues. In fact, MWO's developers are focusing on earning income first, adding new content and features second, and squashing bugs third. (If MWO was a Beta, their order of priority would be reversed.)

MWO is not in Beta. It has launched. It's live. People are playing it, and paying for it. We should stop using ''but it's a Beta'' as an excuse for not addressing longstanding bugs, and releasing code which has new bugs.

By the way, I have no problem with the developers seeking to earn income for their work. In fact, I want them to get rich. I want them to make this game so fantastic, so that it becomes so successful, that they can afford to hire lots more devs to focus on QA, fix the bugs, add more content, and make this game of the year. Nothing would make me happier, or even more prepared to part with my own cash.

But I'd prefer we called ''emperor's new clothes'' on the whole ''but it's a Beta'' gambit. MWO is launched. It's disingenuous - and unnecessary - to claim otherwise. It's time for the devs to step up to production level quality assurance.

No matter how much you say that it's not in Beta, it's still in Beta.

We don't even have HSR for projectiles yet...

[Appogee]

El Death Smurf, on 04 April 2013 - 03:37 PM, said:

Come up with valid, or at lest new arguments and feedback that can actually bring about change and you will earn my Like, seeing as that is what brings about your validation.

LOL. You do flatter yourself. But hey, at least you know it's sincere.

[Appogee]

Fate 6, on 04 April 2013 - 04:53 PM, said:

I clearly don't mind spending money on this game, but I do wish the developers would start treating it like a full game. If they are going to call it a beta, the least they could do is listen to feedback (ECM, I'm looking at you). Oh, and if it's a beta, they really need to stick to a REAL production schedule, not the "it'll get done when it's done" attitude they have now.

Thank you for understanding my points.

As I said in my OP, I am going to spend money on this game (well, when the over-zealous payment gateway eventually lets me LOL). My post is intended to encourage addressing of long term bugs, just as would be done for the post-release game that this clearly is

Tezcatli, on 04 April 2013 - 05:19 PM, said:

They're only hurting themselves by going open beta and letting a host of glitches ruin the experience for new players.

Very good additional point. MW already has a steep learning curve. That plus ''where's my reticle gone'' and ''why does the minimap show I'm facing backwards'' are going to turn off new players doublequick.

Edited by Appogee, 05 April 2013 - 12:36 AM.

[Appogee]

MischiefSC, on 04 April 2013 - 05:24 PM, said:

In short OP, you're wrong. Irrationally wrong. The sort of wrong that belongs with statements like 'I don't like paying for gasoline for my car, thus it shouldn't be illegal for me to steal it'.

I am quoting this because any paragraph which which alleges someone is irrational, and then goes on to equate my OP with stealing gasoline, deserves to be immortalised.

Edited by Appogee, 05 April 2013 - 12:34 AM.

[Balfor]

Appogee, on 04 April 2013 - 12:48 PM, said:

I've been playing MWO hardcore for a week, and reading the forums rabidly when I'm not playing. It's truly remarkable how many threads I've read which feature the same words, over and over... ''But it's a Beta''... So I'm now going to pop my cockpit, stick my head out of the canopy, and risk you giving me 2 x AC-20s to the face if you think I'm off the mark with the following observations... MWO is not in Beta. It's time to stop claiming that it is, and using that as an excuse. I'm a MechWarrior of 29 years experience. And I am loving playing MWO. I'll be buying some MechCredits soon, both to accelerate my acquisition of new tech, and to reward the devs for what they've built so far. However, after a couple of hundred matches, I feel I can also recognise that the game currently has some flaws and omissions. And that, two days ago, some new flaws were introduced, along with the welcome new content. As a fan, I want to see these flaws and omissions addressed post haste, so that this good game fulfills its potential, and becomes great. That's why I think it's time for everyone - developers, players, fans and critics - to stop using ''but it's a Beta'' as an excuse for leaving longstanding bugs unaddressed, and releasing patches which haven't been sufficiently tested. MWO is not in Beta... 1. MWO is open for play by anyone who wants to sign up. It already has thousands of players. 2. MWO's developers are selling products - MechCredits - and the game is producing revenue. 3. MWO is not a closed trial of code being tested and readied for launch, with a focus on reporting of bugs, analysis of balance, and incremental patches addressing bugs and balance issues. In fact, MWO's developers are focusing on earning income first, adding new content and features second, and squashing bugs third. (If MWO was a Beta, their order of priority would be reversed.) MWO is not in Beta. It has launched. It's live. People are playing it, and paying for it. We should stop using ''but it's a Beta'' as an excuse for not addressing longstanding bugs, and releasing code which has new bugs. By the way, I have no problem with the developers seeking to earn income for their work. In fact, I want them to get rich. I want them to make this game so fantastic, so that it becomes so successful, that they can afford to hire lots more devs to focus on QA, fix the bugs, add more content, and make this game of the year. Nothing would make me happier, or even more prepared to part with my own cash. But I'd prefer we called ''emperor's new clothes'' on the whole ''but it's a Beta'' gambit. MWO is launched. It's disingenuous - and unnecessary - to claim otherwise. It's time for the devs to step up to production level quality assurance.

''BUT IT'S A useless Thread'' O RLY...?


Yes O Rly....

A Programm is BETA unless the Developers say it isn´t.
So, are you an MWO Developer? No?

So: MWO is rly (o rly) BETA and stays BETA as long as the Devs say it is so.....

[Zaptruder]

Welcome to F2P beta.

Open to play, open to spending, but still full of bugs and still with many features to come.

***** and moan as much as you want or don't want. It is immaterial to how much faster the game will be developed, and how many players will join the game, leave the game, or pay for content & extras in the game.

[Appogee]

Zaptruder, on 05 April 2013 - 12:15 AM, said:

Welcome to F2P beta. Open to play, open to spending, but still full of bugs and still with many features to come.

Seems fair comment.

Zaptruder, on 05 April 2013 - 12:15 AM, said:

***** and moan as much as you want or don't want. It is immaterial to how much faster the game will be developed, and how many players will join the game, leave the game, or pay for content & extras in the game.

Yeah, they should shut down the forum altogether, because clearly any discussion about the game is pointless, right...?

[Ralgas]

ui 2.0. host state rewind for all weapons. community warfare. All pre-beta announced mechs (here's a hint, highlander was announced in oct!!).

Yeah, it's finished and live . You don't like it, go play something else till launch then tell us it's the same game it is now.

Edited by Ralgas, 05 April 2013 - 12:48 AM.

[Zaptruder]

Appogee, on 05 April 2013 - 12:35 AM, said:

Yeah, they should shut down the forum altogether, because clearly any discussion about the game is pointless, right...?

I'm just saying that arguing over the semantics of the word beta isn't really going to affect the developmental realities that underpin the things that people are complaining about.

I mean... are they not going to fix bugs if people don't complain? Well... I suppose if they don't know about them. But once it reaches a point where, yes, they are indeed aware of the problem... what else can be done to fix it faster? Hire more people? Aren't they doing that already?

But the unfortunate truth of that is, sometimes you can't even just throw cooks at the problem; too many cooks in a kitchen can ruin a dish and all that. In game development terms, it means that people need to be trained up to understand the codebase, which takes time, and it's a difficult thing to have everyone on exactly the same page when coding all the time - too many different solutions and perspectives ends up with developmental and design fragmentation, which in itself causes problems.

So... the game can only be improved at the rate at which it is been improved, regardless of how much angst there is or isn't on the forums.