Should Betas Be Pre-Order Incentives?

Pixel Gate writes:

''The Destiny Beta is already solid, heck even the Alpha was, but is it solid enough to sell it to the masses? The general reaction is positive, with most people coming over to the concept of the MMO like nature of Bungie’s next big thing. The confusion that surrounded Destiny has seemingly been eradicated as a result of both the Alpha and the Beta. As more and more people become aware of exactly what Destiny. This has led to a few curious questions over the new role of Betas, both in terms of the game and it’s marketing.''

[admiralvic]

I don't see the problem with betas being a "pre-order" incentive. For starters, you don't need to actually fulfill your preorder to get in the beta and something isn't being removed, so it doesn't hurt. The beta also gives you an idea if the order is worth holding, so in some ways (ignoring word of mouth and such) can only have a negative impact on sales, since at best you're keeping your order and at worst you cancel / numbers drop. It's also a better incentive than nothing (what you get with most preorders), so again, I really don't see the issue.

[GamerEuphoria]

It's more to do with the notion of that people are treating the as demos rather than betas e.g. not giving feedback, reporting bugs or broke mechanics. That being said...there's a sneaky suspicion that most of these betas are more closer to demos e.g. 99% complete. But that's just guess work :)

[admiralvic]

"It's more to do with the notion of that people are treating the as demos rather than betas e.g. not giving feedback, reporting bugs or broke mechanics. "

There are different types of betas too. Some of them, like I suspect Destiny (and to a degree the "alpha" too) are simply to test the network or other aspects (like the Destiny stuff on the official site) in a less controlled environment. You can usually tell the difference by how much focus they put on the data collection.

"That being said...there's a sneaky suspicion that most of these betas are more closer to demos e.g. 99% complete. "

I can almost assure you that beta has or slowly will be a marketing term to mean demo. Just something about hearing the word "beta" sounds more intriguing than "demo" and lets be perfectly honest here... it's almost impossible to want in the Destiny beta (same with a few others) and not get in it.

Every code gives out 3 codes.
Sony sent out 2 to select people.
You can literally preorder it from Amazon, get the code within seconds and then cancel your order to get in.
etc.

Activision is also well aware of this and creates a certain amount of hype by making it "invite only," (as in you just can't download it from the store) but open to the point where it's like a stones throw from being an open beta.

[joab777]

I get that companies take advantage, but what is wrong w/ inventing pre orders? If anything, those that pre ordered can decide if it is worth their money or not.

[Matt666]

you should be allowed to play so much of it first, then you should be allowed to decide weather you want to pre-order it or not

[Gazondaily]

"you should be allowed to play so much of it first, then you should be allowed to decide weather you want to pre-order it or not"

I get what you're saying but a beta is not strictly a demo (although in reality it kind of operates as one).

In any case, I did what, I suspect a lot of people did, and that's pre-order the game, redeem the code, cancel the pre-order. Took about 5 minutes. No harm done.

[KingE5]

Hey can i pesase get a code for ps3 pelase i am really looking forward this Gáme pelase

[C-H-E-F]

E2HL-A2NM-QD5K

this was posted by XtraTrstrL recently...goodluck with it.

[KingE5]

Admiralvic can i get a code for ps3 for destiny pelase
Aka a beta code

[e-p-ayeaH]

For great games like this one why not

[LOOK_AT_THIS_I]

The extra codes they sent me turned 2 people who were not interested in the game to now be waiting for the 9th to come with cash in hand for the game.

I don't mind the beta pre order incentive for this because then people who will buy this will be the ones who help shape the design and direction the game will take. I think that maybe you should have to actually purchase instead of do the cheap preorder get code then cancel copout however. I'd prefer people test the game who are actually interested in it and invested in it rather than a cod drone looking for a free rental.

A few months before release would be nice for these "betas" rather than a few weeks in order to actually test servers and functions of the game before it is finalized. I hate the 3 week before release demo that is disguised as a beta many companies use nowadays.

Destiny is going to be awesome

[stavrami-mk2]

Where do I startI'll start with the pros . Well 1st I like to say I don't like fps but playing this beta has opened my eyes to a absolutely wonderful game.

Now the cons the addictiveness is so bad I wash rushing in between cooking dinner to get back to my game to not let down the team on devils nest, that I kicked the bed on the way back in and broke my toe. Pre order cancelled. Game over :-/

[MajorGecko]

Lol wasnt interested in this game but since its a toe breaker il check it out

[stavrami-mk2]

Honestly I don't like fps although on vita I don't mind borderlands I generally only play 1st person with things like skyline,thief,fancy 3,dishonoured etc. Won't touch cod or battlefield or anything like that. And all I can say is the graphics are awesome and gameplany is so so smooth. Rpg tree seems big enough not huge but enough to keep interest and online is just so easy to join or be joined a real fun game. Will definitely be getting it

My predictive text is absolute wank

[joab777]

What? Breaking ur toe is great, now u have more time to play, lol!

[OrangePowerz]

No issue with Betas as pre order inventive for me, many games don't even get a demo so it's good to get the chance to play early. That way you can cancel your pre order if you don't like what you play.

[averagejoe26]

Yes. A beta is much better than giving someone content over others because they pre ordered. When people buy the game... Everyone should get the same game.

Something like a beta just gives people a chance to play early and even helps with the game development.

[PrinceOfAllSaiyans]

Funny how I got the beta even tho I didn't pre order. Good guy Sony sent me a code via email.

[Funantic1]

I wanted to see what the hype was all about. I would have played the beta on PS4 if it were free. I'm too unsure about Destiny to preorder first.

[ShaqSoda]

They really shouldn't but I already know what I'm getting into when I pre order a game.

[Mithan]

No issues with them being pre-order incentives at all.

If the line gets blurred between demo/beta/network system test, who cares.

[SnakeCQC]

I have a massive problem with the mislabeling of these demos.

[Deathdeliverer]

I think how developers want to deliver incentives is up to them and fine. Exclusive content for preordering, Alpha/Beta access, soundtracks, ect. It helps with day one sales and it causes that guy that says, "I will wait and see reviews or what my friends say" to go ahead and get off the fence. Enough of all that though. Here's a PS4 destiny code (NA). A536-P9NE-EJNT. All I ask is that who ever gets it says thanks.

[stuna1]

No a Beta shouldn't be used as an incentive as for one looking to pre-order digitally, there is no guarantee you'll even like the game! And at this point in time, digitally downloaded games require full purchase, which are hell to get out of if you change your mind.

[mochachino]

Every online focused game should have a beta to test the net code in a real world setting. People that pre order should definitely get beta access to ensure the game their buying works at launch...ahem bf4 err