Originally posted by jtcgs

Man, I really miss the old days where the only way you could get into a beta is if you knew someone or were a part of the companies previous games tests. Its due to these "open" beta's that beta testers can no longer influence game development, nothing gets resolved, they rarely ever listen to the community and games are released with the simplist things not being fixed.

so its actually the companies fault for giving access to people who dont want to test but just want to play. When i join a beta i report what i see its wrong, but if i miss a bug report for any reason in game X, why should i be banned from game Y and Z? thats pretty stupid.

Originally posted by botrytis

Originally posted by Quizzical

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/SimCity-Closed-Beta-EULA-EA,20596.html

From the EULA in the Sim City beta:

“It is understood and agreed that, as part of your participation in the Beta Program, it is your responsibility to report all known bugs, abuse of ‘bugs’, ‘undocumented features’ or other defects and problems related to the Game and Beta Software to EA as soon as they are found (“Bugs”). If you know about a Bug or have heard about a Bug and fail to report the Bug to EA, we reserve the right to treat you no differently from someone who abuses the Bug. You acknowledge that EA reserve the right to lock anyone caught abusing a Bug out of all EA products.”

In other words, if you notice some graphical artifacts in the Sim City beta but don't report them, they could perma-ban you from SWTOR.  I realize that terms of service agreements typically have catch-alls that basically say "we can ban you for any reason we like or no reason at all".  But this is ridiculous.  Apparently EA now agrees and says that they're going to back off from that stance somewhat.

And your problem with that is? It is a BETA test - that is what they are used for bug detection.

 

Get over it - this is making a mountain out of an anthill.

If they want to ban you from a free beta because they don't think you're reporting bugs well enough, fine.  It's a beta, and if you didn't pay for it, it's not like they owe you access.

But banning you from other, unrelated games that you've already bought because they think you should have reported more bugs in a beta for an unrelated game?  Nope, I'm not fine with that.

If you do something way over the top like trying to hack their servers or flagrantly abusing a cheat, then sure, ban them from everything.  But for neglecting to rat out a friend on the basis of rumors that he may or may not be abusing some glitch that might not even actually exist?

Would they actually ban people for that?  Likely not, though with EA, you never know.  But if they're not going to, then the EULA shouldn't so specifically threaten to do so.

It's kind of like how a EULA shouldn't say that you grant the company permission to burn down your (real-life) house if they decide to ban you, even if they don't intend to actually do that to anyone.  Putting it in the EULA would make people think that they might intend to do it.

Originally posted by rojo6934

Originally posted by botrytis

Originally posted by Quizzical

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/SimCity-Closed-Beta-EULA-EA,20596.html

From the EULA in the Sim City beta:

“It is understood and agreed that, as part of your participation in the Beta Program, it is your responsibility to report all known bugs, abuse of ‘bugs’, ‘undocumented features’ or other defects and problems related to the Game and Beta Software to EA as soon as they are found (“Bugs”). If you know about a Bug or have heard about a Bug and fail to report the Bug to EA, we reserve the right to treat you no differently from someone who abuses the Bug. You acknowledge that EA reserve the right to lock anyone caught abusing a Bug out of all EA products.”

In other words, if you notice some graphical artifacts in the Sim City beta but don't report them, they could perma-ban you from SWTOR.  I realize that terms of service agreements typically have catch-alls that basically say "we can ban you for any reason we like or no reason at all".  But this is ridiculous.  Apparently EA now agrees and says that they're going to back off from that stance somewhat.

And your problem with that is? It is a BETA test - that is what they are used for bug detection.

 

Get over it - this is making a mountain out of an anthill.

you dont get it, do you? It doesnt matter if you get banned from Sim city by not reporting a bug. The problem is that you will get banned from every single EA game. That is a huge deal and it has to change.

If you don't report in one game, why would report in another? I am serious about this - it is THEIR policy, if you want to play their games, then you have to deal with it.

Originally posted by Quizzical

EA now agrees and says that they're going to back off from that stance somewhat.

So, what, you're slamming them over an old policy that they are resolving on their own?  Don't get me wrong.  I hate EA too.  I also hate Activision and Funcom and Sega and a bunch of other companies for the evil things they do, but I play some of their games.  Why?  Well, it's the same reason I hate Nike for running sweat shops, but still buy their shoes.  I just simply don't have the resources to make my own sneakers, or to make AAA video games, so I am stuck.

Originally posted by botrytis

Originally posted by rojo6934

Originally posted by botrytis

Originally posted by Quizzical

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/SimCity-Closed-Beta-EULA-EA,20596.html

From the EULA in the Sim City beta:

“It is understood and agreed that, as part of your participation in the Beta Program, it is your responsibility to report all known bugs, abuse of ‘bugs’, ‘undocumented features’ or other defects and problems related to the Game and Beta Software to EA as soon as they are found (“Bugs”). If you know about a Bug or have heard about a Bug and fail to report the Bug to EA, we reserve the right to treat you no differently from someone who abuses the Bug. You acknowledge that EA reserve the right to lock anyone caught abusing a Bug out of all EA products.”

In other words, if you notice some graphical artifacts in the Sim City beta but don't report them, they could perma-ban you from SWTOR.  I realize that terms of service agreements typically have catch-alls that basically say "we can ban you for any reason we like or no reason at all".  But this is ridiculous.  Apparently EA now agrees and says that they're going to back off from that stance somewhat.

And your problem with that is? It is a BETA test - that is what they are used for bug detection.

 

Get over it - this is making a mountain out of an anthill.

you dont get it, do you? It doesnt matter if you get banned from Sim city by not reporting a bug. The problem is that you will get banned from every single EA game. That is a huge deal and it has to change.

If you don't report in one game, why would report in another? I am serious about this - it is THEIR policy, if you want to play their games, then you have to deal with it.

Why do you have a duty to report any bugs you come across in games that you've already paid for?  Isn't paying for the game enough justification to be able to play it without being obligated to stop and report every single bug that you hear about, even if you don't know how it works or whether the bug actually exists and don't believe the company would do anything about it even if you did report what you knew?  The EULA doesn't merely threaten to ban you from other EA betas.  It threatens to ban you from all EA games, period, including ones you've already paid for.

If I start a thread saying that I found a duping glitch in the game, is everyone in the Sim City beta who reads my thread obligated to report it, even though with no further details, it's probably a hoax?

Originally posted by Myria
How is this discussion even still going on when a link was posted over an hour ago showing the whole thing to be a misunderstanding  and that EA was updating their documents to clarify?

Forum PvP has no time limit or rounds :)

Originally posted by Myria
How is this discussion even still going on when a link was posted over an hour ago showing the whole thing to be a misunderstanding  and that EA was updating their documents to clarify?

You don't see a difference between a company that will try shady tactics and only back off if there's a big enough public outcry, and one that won't try those shady tactics in the first place?

Originally posted by Quizzical

Originally posted by Myria
How is this discussion even still going on when a link was posted over an hour ago showing the whole thing to be a misunderstanding  and that EA was updating their documents to clarify?

You don't see a difference between a company that will try shady tactics and only back off if there's a big enough public outcry, and one that won't try those shady tactics in the first place?

I can't think of any video company that fits into the latter category.

Originally posted by Quizzical

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/SimCity-Closed-Beta-EULA-EA,20596.html

From the EULA in the Sim City beta:

“It is understood and agreed that, as part of your participation in the Beta Program, it is your responsibility to report all known bugs, abuse of ‘bugs’, ‘undocumented features’ or other defects and problems related to the Game and Beta Software to EA as soon as they are found (“Bugs”). If you know about a Bug or have heard about a Bug and fail to report the Bug to EA, we reserve the right to treat you no differently from someone who abuses the Bug. You acknowledge that EA reserve the right to lock anyone caught abusing a Bug out of all EA products.”

In other words, if you notice some graphical artifacts in the Sim City beta but don't report them, they could perma-ban you from SWTOR.  I realize that terms of service agreements typically have catch-alls that basically say "we can ban you for any reason we like or no reason at all".  But this is ridiculous.  Apparently EA now agrees and says that they're going to back off from that stance somewhat.

So tell me this.. How would they be able to prove that you knew about a bug? The only way I can figure is that you either saw someone abusing a bug and did nothing.. or you yourself were abusing the bug. Either way, you should be kicked out. I don't really see a problem with any of this. Of course, that my be because I'm not playing any EA stuff right now lol.

It seems like they are bascially saying that if you are a shithead who just gets into the beta to play for free and doesn't want to help, then out you go. They appear to be using the ban from all products as a deterent to keep out shitheads.. as they should. It's not really a problem for me as I report any bugs I come accross in any beta. 

EDIT: Oh, I see this was a mistake and they are correcting the wording. All is right with the world. 

I think the OP is trying way too hard to get us all to hate this policy. I read the policy and it doesn't bother me because I really doubt that if you are playing Sim City and didn't report a bug that they would ban you in other games.

You're reaching OP, you just thought you would be another leader in the EA bashing game.

Originally posted by Quizzical

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/SimCity-Closed-Beta-EULA-EA,20596.html

From the EULA in the Sim City beta:

“It is understood and agreed that, as part of your participation in the Beta Program, it is your responsibility to report all known bugs, abuse of ‘bugs’, ‘undocumented features’ or other defects and problems related to the Game and Beta Software to EA as soon as they are found (“Bugs”). If you know about a Bug or have heard about a Bug and fail to report the Bug to EA, we reserve the right to treat you no differently from someone who abuses the Bug. You acknowledge that EA reserve the right to lock anyone caught abusing a Bug out of all EA products.”

In other words, if you notice some graphical artifacts in the Sim City beta but don't report them, they could perma-ban you from SWTOR.  I realize that terms of service agreements typically have catch-alls that basically say "we can ban you for any reason we like or no reason at all".  But this is ridiculous.  Apparently EA now agrees and says that they're going to back off from that stance somewhat.

Regardless of the argument whether it's right for EA to ban people in this situation, it's an inarguable fact that EA is still a bunch of tools.  Only Activision has strived to and actually be better in being a bigger bunch of tools in the last several years.

Also, I'm not fond of EA / DICE turn in the "Main Battlefield" franchise (not Bad Company) design.  I'm also very surprised by both parties turning Battlefield 3 into a Dairy Farm.

Goodbye Battlefield.  I still have fond memories of BF2 and 2142.

---

Originally posted by Quizzical

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/SimCity-Closed-Beta-EULA-EA,20596.html

From the EULA in the Sim City beta:

“It is understood and agreed that, as part of your participation in the Beta Program, it is your responsibility to report all known bugs, abuse of ‘bugs’, ‘undocumented features’ or other defects and problems related to the Game and Beta Software to EA as soon as they are found (“Bugs”). If you know about a Bug or have heard about a Bug and fail to report the Bug to EA, we reserve the right to treat you no differently from someone who abuses the Bug. You acknowledge that EA reserve the right to lock anyone caught abusing a Bug out of all EA products.”

In other words, if you notice some graphical artifacts in the Sim City beta but don't report them, they could perma-ban you from SWTOR.  I realize that terms of service agreements typically have catch-alls that basically say "we can ban you for any reason we like or no reason at all".  But this is ridiculous.  Apparently EA now agrees and says that they're going to back off from that stance somewhat.

---

I really don't like EA, and I agree they're the worse out there, but I don't see the problem here. It's their games and if you're using exploits and not bringing the bugs to their attention I think they have every right to ban people like that from playing their games.
 

Originally posted by Quizzical

EA demonstrates yet again why they were voted the worst company in America

 Actually your statement is entirely false.

EA is only a bad company in terms of customer service.

In terms of employee environment and benefits it is actually one of the best company to work for, right up there with Google.

There is a reason why people who work at EA don't go against the bosses and wants to stay at EA, you know :P

Originally posted by Quizzical

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/SimCity-Closed-Beta-EULA-EA,20596.html

From the EULA in the Sim City beta:

“It is understood and agreed that, as part of your participation in the Beta Program, it is your responsibility to report all known bugs, abuse of ‘bugs’, ‘undocumented features’ or other defects and problems related to the Game and Beta Software to EA as soon as they are found (“Bugs”). If you know about a Bug or have heard about a Bug and fail to report the Bug to EA, we reserve the right to treat you no differently from someone who abuses the Bug. You acknowledge that EA reserve the right to lock anyone caught abusing a Bug out of all EA products.”

In other words, if you notice some graphical artifacts in the Sim City beta but don't report them, they could perma-ban you from SWTOR.  I realize that terms of service agreements typically have catch-alls that basically say "we can ban you for any reason we like or no reason at all".  But this is ridiculous.  Apparently EA now agrees and says that they're going to back off from that stance somewhat.

Beta TEST... If you are there TESTING then what is the problem?

Originally posted by botrytis

Originally posted by Quizzical

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/SimCity-Closed-Beta-EULA-EA,20596.html

From the EULA in the Sim City beta:

“It is understood and agreed that, as part of your participation in the Beta Program, it is your responsibility to report all known bugs, abuse of ‘bugs’, ‘undocumented features’ or other defects and problems related to the Game and Beta Software to EA as soon as they are found (“Bugs”). If you know about a Bug or have heard about a Bug and fail to report the Bug to EA, we reserve the right to treat you no differently from someone who abuses the Bug. You acknowledge that EA reserve the right to lock anyone caught abusing a Bug out of all EA products.”

In other words, if you notice some graphical artifacts in the Sim City beta but don't report them, they could perma-ban you from SWTOR.  I realize that terms of service agreements typically have catch-alls that basically say "we can ban you for any reason we like or no reason at all".  But this is ridiculous.  Apparently EA now agrees and says that they're going to back off from that stance somewhat.

And your problem with that is? It is a BETA test - that is what they are used for bug detection.

 

Get over it - this is making a mountain out of an anthill.

I made the part people missed bigger

Originally posted by Aeonblades
This just in, EA will be charging you 49 cents per bullet in the next FPS, Battlefield: Cash Grab!

Adds immersion. good move EA!

on a serous note, banning players abusing bugs in beta is a good idea. During the TSW CB people were abusing the *hit of stuff. The abuse destroyed any chance of testing PVP balance. I think some of the problems TSW pvp ran into could have been avoided if those exploiters were banned.

Originally posted by botrytis

Originally posted by Quizzical

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/SimCity-Closed-Beta-EULA-EA,20596.html

From the EULA in the Sim City beta:

“It is understood and agreed that, as part of your participation in the Beta Program, it is your responsibility to report all known bugs, abuse of ‘bugs’, ‘undocumented features’ or other defects and problems related to the Game and Beta Software to EA as soon as they are found (“Bugs”). If you know about a Bug or have heard about a Bug and fail to report the Bug to EA, we reserve the right to treat you no differently from someone who abuses the Bug. You acknowledge that EA reserve the right to lock anyone caught abusing a Bug out of all EA products.”

In other words, if you notice some graphical artifacts in the Sim City beta but don't report them, they could perma-ban you from SWTOR.  I realize that terms of service agreements typically have catch-alls that basically say "we can ban you for any reason we like or no reason at all".  But this is ridiculous.  Apparently EA now agrees and says that they're going to back off from that stance somewhat.

And your problem with that is? It is a BETA test - that is what they are used for bug detection.

 

Get over it - this is making a mountain out of an anthill.

Agreed. People seem to forget betas aren't just 'free game.'