Closed Beta FAQ for Path of Exile: The Awakening

Why run a Closed Beta? Why not let everyone in?

We need the ability to get fresh impressions, clean feedback and data from sets of users who haven't yet played The Awakening. By staggering entry into the Closed Beta, we can ensure that there are always new users who we can get good data from. That way we have fewer users when we need early general impressions and more users when we need detailed balance feedback.

Controlling the population of the Closed Beta allows us to test various systems in a precise way. In addition, the Beta content is likely to be incomplete and buggy. We'd rather have most people join it later when it's closer to release.


What if instead of slowly allowing players in, you don't proceede otherwise?
I mean, allowing the majority of signed ins and slowly increasing the content introduction?
Starting off with low new content, making all the people focusing on that areas, wouldn't it even be more productive without having to limit access?

Another idea is, to make the beta an entire 6 to 8 week* event, likewise racing, where the race mods going accordly to the testing needs; beeing it time events, 3 hour parties, or any other relevant one. This way you can maximize online hours (Different time zone events) over specific content to be tested and player interest in given tasks. Level progression is also the focus on the race itself. Different players would sign in to be drafted and added to each race everytime, so it would be fair and give everyone the chance to play.
The model works after 11 seasons.

Having said^

All this situation is banana's, and not the most sustainable way to conduct business. Have you guys even thought about the side view of an active player that doesn't get in? As in and starting, all the way back to Torment/Bloodlines press release half a year ago?
Can you trace yourselves the way you handled things since then, honestly assume and say you are correct? That this is the most fair way to treat the future?

"

Weißenberg wrote:

How do I withdraw my interest in closed beta?

I really don't like the "totally" random extraction but I suppose you know what you are doing!
Hours played / post on forum / number of high level character / etc... should give a higher chance of get into the beta.

Will the new Item Filter Script be in the beta?

"

joerocket10r wrote:

Chris, can you guys make beta keys drop in game

If they are on par with the rarity of eternals or mirrors - I wont miss them (never had them drop yet, either) ;)

"

Are certain accounts more likely than others to get in? I've played PoE for 3000 hours.

All accounts have an equal chance of being selected. It's important that we get a mix of new players and veterans. Their feedback and data is equally useful.

"

I'm a popular Streamer. Can I get access?

Possibly. Our community manager Bex will reach out to some streamers over time and will invite them into the Beta. If you have a lot of channel views (more than a million) then get in touch with her.

Aha Cris. So Everyone's got an "equal chance" being selected for closed beta but on the other hand streamers should get in touch with Bex.

For not being an unemployed guy who's playing / streaming 24/7 I'm being disadvantaged? Are you fk kidding me? This is discrimination!

Also not a single word regarding new trading system. Disaapointing.

"

maikanafufaika wrote:

"

Are certain accounts more likely than others to get in? I've played PoE for 3000 hours.

All accounts have an equal chance of being selected. It's important that we get a mix of new players and veterans. Their feedback and data is equally useful.

"

I'm a popular Streamer. Can I get access?

Possibly. Our community manager Bex will reach out to some streamers over time and will invite them into the Beta. If you have a lot of channel views (more than a million) then get in touch with her.

Aha Cris. So Everyone's got an "equal chance" being selected for closed beta but on the other hand streamers should get in touch with Bex.

For not being an unemployed guy who's playing / streaming 24/7 I'm being disadvantaged? Are you fk kidding me? This is discrimination!

Also not a single word regarding new trading system. Disaapointing.

Its better to give a beta key to someone with million views because more people can see the content. This is not discrimination. You need to put a lot of effort to get that much views. Stop beeing envious.

sounds great! thanks for the update!
good luck to all and congrats to those who will get selected :)

"

maikanafufaika wrote:

"

Are certain accounts more likely than others to get in? I've played PoE for 3000 hours.

All accounts have an equal chance of being selected. It's important that we get a mix of new players and veterans. Their feedback and data is equally useful.

"

I'm a popular Streamer. Can I get access?

Possibly. Our community manager Bex will reach out to some streamers over time and will invite them into the Beta. If you have a lot of channel views (more than a million) then get in touch with her.

Aha Cris. So Everyone's got an "equal chance" being selected for closed beta but on the other hand streamers should get in touch with Bex.

For not being an unemployed guy who's playing / streaming 24/7 I'm being disadvantaged? Are you fk kidding me? This is discrimination!

Also not a single word regarding new trading system. Disaapointing.

Giving access to streamers is more than beneficial, I'm sure you know that.

"

maikanafufaika wrote:

Are you fk kidding me? This is discrimination!

Not gonna lie, if that's not a joke, I.. I just don't know.

Real shame.

"

maikanafufaika wrote:

For not being an unemployed guy who's playing / streaming 24/7 I'm being disadvantaged? Are you fk kidding me? This is discrimination!

You could be discriminated against, if you had some actual right to be in the beta. But it's not like we bought access to it and now could demand anything.

And, as someone already mentioned before: It's a BETA. It's not a "you get to play in advance, so you win". GGG invites people into the beta to test broken stuff. To help them fix bugs. To give feedback. I think most people here just want to get in to be able to play the new content earlier - which certainly is the wrong way to approach a beta.

Thank you for the update Chris; best of luck with the beta testing.