Beta Testing is not just a way to play a game for free. It gives players a chance to get a top down look at the way that MMORPGs are made and have a hand in their development. I’ve participated in many beta tests for all sorts of different games. Often, it’s very fun and rewarding; other times it may feel as if I am playing a broken game that needs another year or two in the cooker. I’ve isolated three fun and interesting games that are entering both closed and open beta phases.
I played in the Lord of the Rings Online closed beta when it was first released many, many moons ago. Since Turbine recently announced that they are going to change the pay structure of LOTRO from a subscription based model to a freemium model, they have allowed players to sign up for the closed beta testing for Lord of the Rings Online before it gets re-released. Built around the incredibly popular Lord of the Rings IP, Turbine gives players a chance to experience Middle Earth first hand. Great game!
This change is following the ground-breaking success of their other MMORPG Dungeons and Dragons Online as a “freemium” or free to play game. I’ve read reports that the player base in DDO has increased over 500% since the change-over. I feel that this is going to create a trend in the way that MMOPRG developers look at their pricing models. LOTRO is a great game and definatly worth giving it a look if you haven’t. If you have played LOTRO in the past, then this is a also a good way to get a head start and a good look at the changes being made to this award-winning MMORPG.
If EVE Online and World of Warcraft had a child, it might be the second game on my list, Perpetuum Online. Set in the not-too-distant future as described on the Perpetuum Online webpage, humanity has the ability to open portals to different worlds. One of these is an earth-like planet. This might sound all too familiar but instead of being stuck in a spaceship, players will pilot Mechwarrior-style robots.
Avatar Creation, the development studio, has started accepting applications for their first closed beta phase. I’ve signed up and already started the ritual of checking my email every day for a key and download link. I’d really like to get involved in the early stages of this one. Ever hear of Christmas in July?
Last but not least is OGPlanets latest offering, N.E.O. Online. It is set in the world of Gaia, a world that is supposed to change dynamically with the players’ decisions and players are not restricted to a certain class.
The first open beta test period ends on June 29th 2:00 AM BST(28th 6:00 PM PST). Since this is an open beta, you can go straight to the OGPlanet website, sign up for the beta test by opening an account, download the client and get involved right away.
All three of these games look fun and best of all you can get involved on the ground floor of their development. I always leave honest and insightful feedback on the beta test forums, hoping that even though I might not stay with the game long term, my footprint might make a difference for future players after its released.
I’ve always heard from other players bragging that they were involved with the beta testing of the game that you just started playing, now is your chance to be that player. Stay tuned to MMOCRUNCH for more beta updates and announcements. But most importantly…
Play safe,
Inktomi