When do you think the Beta will start?

[Uzor]

So, any guesses on when beta will start or when keys will be handed out?

I'm guessing we'll hear something more about the beta January 18th. That's exactly one month after beta sign ups started if I remember right.

SE said they wanted the FFXIV beta last longer than the FFXI one, and the FFXI Japanese beta lasted for 8 months if I remember right.

As such, assuming FFXIV will be dated for a November or December release, that leaves us with a February-March start date at the latest. So I don't think its entirely unlikely to guess that beta sign-ups will end around January 18th, with a beta start date of February 15-22nd, as that leaves them roughly a month to sort through applications and pick beta testers, as well as sending the invites out to people.

 

[JP]

It started December 16th (the sign up).

But I'm thinking Mid-Feb.

 

[Rips]

I'm guessing March. I have no merit to it, just throwing it out there. Shortly after FFXIII NA release.

 

[chrono fantasy]

I have a question about the beta.

Let's say it lasts for 8 months or a year or however long it lasts, and in that length of time, you do quite a lot with the character you have chosen. Would we perhaps be able to keep our character into the full version whenever it's released?

I was never around for FFXI beta testing or around during the start of FFXI, so I'm not sure if it was the same for FFXI, but I'm wondering if anyone here knows whether or not it was.

 

[Libara]

All beta's ive played in you cant keep your character for the full game, have to start over.

 

[Uzor]

The general rule of betas is that it gets wiped for release, as well as occasionally in-between beta phases.

 

[Icewolf]

Which makes perfect sense. I mean the reason for the beta is to find any glitches, exploits, etc. Things wrong with the game. If you happen to find a really easy way to make a ton of money/exp.. then you would definitely have an unfair advantage over everyone else that started the game at release date.

That and the people that didn't get into the beta would bitch non-stop that this group had a jump start towards end game because of the time they put in before hand. Because after ffxi I'm sure alot of linkshells are going, "lets reform this linkshell on ffxiv when it's released, and be the first to the best gear in the game!". Like when nid/faf would prance around the aery, uncontested.

 

[Raesvelg]

Basically.

Even for people who don't blitz to the level cap, there are a LOT of advantages to be gained just by starting early. Crafting, for one example.

 

[Westyle]

Hopefully not soon as I am currently unable to play it D:

 

[Begen]

SE said they wanted the FFXIV beta last longer than the FFXI one, and the FFXI Japanese beta lasted for 8 months if I remember right.

I thought I saw in an interview that the creators said the FFXI beta was only like 3-5 months, and they wanted to make it longer like around 8 months? It was a video interview with the two creators. I may be mistaken though, I watched them months ago.

 

[Hexx]

Word on the street (i.e. other forums) is that the first group of people for the closed beta have already begun testing the game. Of course, this is all word-of-mouth so it could be pure bullshit on that person's part.

 

[Kurgon]

I predict that I will be in the beta around Feb. 12th. If this is true, look forward to a nondescript post by me.

 

[lvcgangsta]

I thought I saw in an interview that the creators said the FFXI beta was only like 3-5 months, and they wanted to make it longer like around 8 months? It was a video interview with the two creators. I may be mistaken though, I watched them months ago.

I remember the 11 beta being about three months for me (on the PS2 version), and I think the PC users did get started a month or two earlier, so yeah, that's about right.

As for carryovers, we were given the chance to keep our names if we started with the PC version (it came out in November, with PS2 not hittin til the following March). Because I couldn't play until the PS2 version, I didn't even get to keep my name...part of the reason why everytime I see the elvaan PLD Greg, I /slap him.

Oh, and I got a free copy of the game ($100 value at the time); you listening, SE?

 

[Uzor]

Word on the street (i.e. other forums) is that the first group of people for the closed beta have already begun testing the game. Of course, this is all word-of-mouth so it could be pure bullshit on that person's part.

The first closed beta started a while ago and was for SE employees and their friends/family only.

I remember the 11 beta being about three months for me (on the PS2 version), and I think the PC users did get started a month or two earlier, so yeah, that's about right.

You're talking NA beta though. Japanese beta was longer, and is the one they talked about.

 

[Hexx]

The first closed beta started a while ago and was for SE employees and their friends/family only.

Right, but this guy was saying he was one of the ones picked out from the applicants that signed up on the FFXIV site. Again, take it with a grain of salt though.

 

[Uzor]

Oh, him? Let me guess, it was the post on BG?

Yeah, I remember that. He couldn't provide a screenshot, it was told over MSN, and the test he wrote was "Congratulations, you have been picked to participate in the FFXIV beta", and to top it of, he couldn't provide the rest of the letter.

Basically, it was a hoax, as I highly doubt SE would be unprofessional enough to include the word "Congratulations", as well as be unprofessional enough to write "FFXIV beta"

I'd guess they would write it more like

We are pleased to inform you that you have been specifically selected to take part in the beta version of Final Fantasy XIV.

Beta testing is an important part of development where you - the players - provide feedback. Final Fantasy XIV is your game, and it is only with your input that we can continue to provide you with the best and most enjoyable experience.

And then provide some more information about the beta, what you will be testing, where you can report bugs etc. as well as the start time, end time, where to download and register, and that the first rule of beta is "You do not talk about the beta" and that the second rule is "If in doubt, refer to rule No. 1"

Basically, if anyone ever include the word "Congratulations" when they claim they've been selected for a beta, they are bluffing. Congratulations is a very unprofessional word, and is only ever used in a professional way when you actually win something. You don't win anything when you get selected for a beta, as you are there to help them out, it isn't a prize.

 

[Hexx]

I dont go to BG lol, but yeah sounds about right. I heard this from someone else on the dreams in vanadiel forums but figured it be bullshit as well since what you're saying makes a lot of sense =P either way I'm crossin my fingers that I get selected ^^

 

[Uzor]

I'm rather sure now that we will learn when the beta start on the VanaFest 28th of February. Thwy said they have a huge announcement.

 

[Rari]

.....no body has the date up?

 

[Xalioniaf]

Alpha invites went out yesterday. After the alpha, they'll invite people for upcoming betas, leading up to an open beta.