I've never paid much attention to how beta works, so I was hoping someone could educate me on a few things:

- What's the difference between closed and open beta?

-And, most importantly, with closed beta starting soon, does this mean the game is probably on track for a late 2008 release?

I would love any input.  - - thanks!

Originally posted by LordFI

I've never paid much attention to how beta works, so I was hoping someone could educate me on a few things:

- What's the difference between closed and open beta?

Open beta is where anyone can download and play the game; while closed beta you must recieve a key to play.  Closed beta is for only a certain amount of people

-And, most importantly, with closed beta starting soon, does this mean the game is probably on track for a late 2008 release?

Depends on the feedback & how far the game is in development.  No one can really answer this question.

I would love any input.  - - thanks!

... Another question.

I read that 65,000 people signed up for the closed beta.  Is that a lot?

I don't know that I would call that a lot because unless they have stopped taking applications they may get more the closer it gets to closed Beta.  Aslo, you must consider that maybe 10,000 of those people that have applied will get accepted to the closed beta too

Closed Beta =

Majority of gameplay systems are in place in a rough state.  Most graphics are in place, or placeholders are in.  Most classes, races, etc are all in game.  This is a rough draft of the game for all intents and purposes.  Testers at this point are helping dev teams track down exploits, balance issues, quest lines that can not be completed or that just do not work due to one or many different variables.  They are there to do things that internal testers subconsciously will nto do.

Open Beta =

Game is ready to be shown to the public.  It is little more than a demonstration of the game with a limitation on what players can experience.  It is a time for the companies to get a good idea of the ability of their servers to handle the strain of a vast number of people banging away on the systems.

As to your final question maybe maybe not.  Depends on the number and severity of issues found during closed beta.  If everything is smooth and wonderful then yes it should be out in late 2008.  I would expect a 2009 release however.