NCsoft has updated their Aion FAQ to include information on the Aion beta test.  Instead of a traditional beta, they will be providing fans with several opportunities to try the game at a number of preview events.

The Aion FAQ has been updated with new information concerning beta testing. The entry is now as follows:

"When will beta testing begin?

In lieu of beta testing, Aion fans will be given opportunities to participate in a small number of Preview events before the game's release. In addition to soliciting player feedback, the Preview events will help prepare for Aion's release, as well as provide a great gaming experience on launch day and beyond.

As with Aion's release date, the schedule of these Preview events will be announced in coming months."

Read more here.

Cool. Can't wait to see what this one's like :)

Ok so they are going to show off the game at preview events, and that will cover play testing with North American/EU consumers. 

Seems a little dicey to me.

Dont really like the idea, that means pretty few people get to actually test the game. and they wont be able to check if their server can handle alot of players on one server. (and i wont get to try without buying the game)

hrm sounds a bit risky to me but they have a lot more experience with this than I do so *shrug* lets see, hope it works out because I am looking forward to this game :)

They obviously have plenty of Korean testers so it would be largerly redundant to do another testing period with the point of testing. Sad that I will not be able to play until release date but at the very least Warhammer might keep me company. Maybe.

If i'm  a developer and I have a great game.......I don't do preview events.  If ya got it..ya flaunt it. Sounds like they are not sure  about their game .....and are limiting their exposure.

There will be a kind of "closed open beta" which is getting quite common lately, closed cause the spots will be limited, open cause the testing has been intensive in Korea already, and it works more as a preview than anything.

About the exposure, there isn't enforced NDA in Korea and previews are possitive, I'd bet there won't be NDA for the preview events scheduled and the special access thing they planned.

hmm I guess they have a lot of faith in their servers to not test them

I must admit I am dissapointed that there is no beta for us americans....that having been said I DONT think this is a reflection on the game.  That seems like a pretty big leap in logic.  From what I have seen and read, the game sounds pretty interesting to me. Im playing Conan atm, and it's OK, Aion looks to be ATLEAT ok too.

Originally posted by Sanjoslayer

They obviously have plenty of Korean testers so it would be largerly redundant to do another testing period with the point of testing. Sad that I will not be able to play until release date but at the very least Warhammer might keep me company. Maybe.

Exactly, only thing that US or Europe should have to do is test to make sure its translated correctly and that server hardware is working.

Originally posted by khutch6

hmm I guess they have a lot of faith in their servers to not test them

Does it say there's no server test? From Aionsource.com NCsoft rep Kieron said:

I can't let Ayase take all the heat for the announcement; the US site featured the same announcement moments before it went live on the EU site. I get the feeling that if the situation were reversed, I would be the one being called out. Regardless, here's further information.

Aion has already undergone extensive beta testing and will go through more before the game is released in the US and EU next year. Don't let the fancy name fool you; we will still be asking for community feedback on the game and major issues, not to mention server stress testing and other assistance. With the amount of testing that has gone before, future tests and the Preview events, we are confident Aion will be a polished and complete game when it is released.

[If i'm  a developer and I have a great game.......I don't do preview events.  If ya got it..ya flaunt it. Sounds like they are not sure  about their game .....and are limiting their exposure.]

Again, previews is exactly what they are doing, and it's the opposite, they are very sure about their game hence why there's no need for a technical beta, simply a stress test and a chance to play the game before launch..

I'm going to lose a lot of hair today I think.

EDIT: Breathe.... :)

Originally posted by Arawon

If i'm  a developer and I have a great game.......I don't do preview events.  If ya got it..ya flaunt it. Sounds like they are not sure  about their game .....and are limiting their exposure.

The Korean closed beta had a very lightweight NDA, where information pretty much poured out by itself, so I don't think it's a matter of hiding the game. I would instead argue that it's an administrative decision, though my guess is as good as yours.

Originally posted by Caineth

Originally posted by Arawon

If i'm  a developer and I have a great game.......I don't do preview events.  If ya got it..ya flaunt it. Sounds like they are not sure  about their game .....and are limiting their exposure.

 

The Korean closed beta had a very lightweight NDA, where information pretty much poured out by itself, so I don't think it's a matter of hiding the game. I would instead argue that it's an administrative decision, though my guess is as good as yours.

exactly, there have been three major closed beta tests in korea and if you search youtube you will find many videos of this. From what i've read and watched this game is looking great. I don't care if they don't have a real beta here as its not needed, i just hope that means it will be out sooner rather then later, cuz im in need of some good ol PvP in the abyss :)

It does sound like they've already done most of their beta-testing and this is just a Publicity Stunt.

Still if it's a decent game it could generate good word of mouth reviews through the community.

And if it's a bad game, the word will spread even faster.

Let's see which it will be.

Guild Wars did just fine testing their hardware during preview events -- intensive testing with a core group of people and then high pressure testing during events.  Plus it's not like NCSoft is a new company.

Just because most games these days suck doesn't mean they all will suck forever.

Cant wait for this one, ive been following it since it was announced. I dont think they need a beta here in the US since its been extensively tested in Korea. The only thing that needs testing is the translations to make sure they are corect and im sure these events will allow for that.

I hope this means we can get a launch sooner.

this is just for hyping up the game more. they've done all their testing, and will do all their real testing in the future, in korea. that's just how this company roles. only thing that gets 'tested' in NA is translations

Maybe they considered this move since most people who play the open beta simply don't use it as its intended for.... like actually testing the game. They just want to get a chance to preview the game for free or play an MMO for free for a limited period.

going by ncsoft jargon, preview events means something akin to traditional beta tests, but they will be of a late enough beta to not be considered "beta tests".

ie. the typical prview event will be something like 2weeks to a month of free action, possibly reserved for people with active plaync accounts, fileplanet accounts etc. and will cover server stress tests, mop any technical issues in the us/eu client and (hopefully) ensure a clean launch.

ofc, that's what i'm thinking. from the looks of things ncsoft is putting alot of resources into this game, and while it doesn't show in the west (yet), i have the feeling we'll really see it as the preview events start up.