Red Faction: Guerilla Beta Now Open...For A Price

[Dr.Finger]

I have to say, I'm intrigued by the upcoming Red Faction: Guerilla. The first two Red Faction games were fun, if occasionally gimmicky and derivative. So when I saw a headline on Joystiq (http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/03/red-faction-guerilla-beta-open-on-360-for-ign-insider-and-filep/) that THQ was running an open beta for the game, I cracked a smile. Then I saw the rest of the article.Apparently, the Guerilla multiplayer beta from which yesterday's footage was gleaned is now open for Xbox Live Gold subscribers through FilePlanet (http://www.fileplanet.com/promotions/redfaction) -- though you have to be either a FilePlanet subscriber or an IGN Insider in order to gain the access code necessary to conjure the beta onto your 360 through Live Marketplace.Apparently being an IGN Insider or Fileplanet subscriber does not guarantee access to the beta, it's just required to have a shot at it. So if any of you have one of those memberships - as well as a Gold account for your 360 - apply away.

Honestly, 'exclusive' open betas like this don't bother me too much. Just like most premium editions, if the hardcore fans want to pay for access, let them.

[Sl1pstream]

Wait, what? I need a premium service for PC to have the possibility of gaining access to something on my console? That's stupid.

[Nura]

So i have to pay fileplanet to have a shot at getting a key. And Microsoft to be able to play it online? yeaaa, no thanks.

[violentp]

The inevitable next step from paying to get into betas: paying twice to get into betas.

[Adam Blue]

How is this supid? This is an easy avenue to keep the participant numbers low. And 360's owners with a FilePlanet account are probably the type of gamers they are shooting for.

[DraggnKnucks]

How is this supid? This is an easy avenue to keep the participant numbers low. And 360's owners with a FilePlanet account are probably the type of gamers they are shooting for.

This, people who subscribe to fileplanet are probably a lot more serious about gaming then the rabble you would get from just a random choosing of emails. From what I hear from people who played Endwar there was a lot of Dbags. Not that there won't be in Redfaction because come on... It is XBL

[Smoof]

This, people who subscribe to fileplanet are probably a lot more serious about gaming then the rabble you would get from just a random choosing of emails. From what I hear from people who played Endwar there was a lot of Dbags. Not that there won't be in Redfaction because come on... It is XBL

People who pay for Fileplanet are just flatout stupid. You can get the same files, for free, at any other download website.

[Heretic Machine]

Wow... to get into this beta, you need no less than two premium services, and access to a console. Gaming is becoming hilariously ludicrous these days.

[violentp]

Wow... to get into this beta, you need no less than two premium services, and access to a console. Gaming is becoming hilariously ludicrous these days.

Didn't you hear the news though? This is a great idea! Hooray for these guys using double fees for entrance to an unfinished product!

In other news there's a guy down the street selling the flu if anyone is interested.

[Sl1pstream]

The double fees don't even make sense. Let's say they offered something like Qore on top of Gold. It would make sense to put the beta in there, if they really needed to add an additional fee. Why do I need PC demos if I play games on a 360?

[Adam Blue]

Didn't you hear the news though? This is a great idea! Hooray for these guys using double fees for entrance to an unfinished product!

In other news there's a guy down the street selling the flu if anyone is interested.

I don't understand the complaints. This is just a bonus for those that have both services...and they are not that expensive. They are just going this route bcause they know it limits the participants.

We can argue all day about what you think is worth buying (you're good at that), but in the end, who gives a fuck? This is nothing like wrongfull pricing of certain DLC content.

[violentp]

I don't understand the complaints. This is just a bonus for those that have both services...and they are not that expensive. They are just going this route bcause they know it limits the participants.

We can argue all day about what you think is worth buying (you're good at that), but in the end, who gives a fuck? This is nothing like wrongfull pricing of certain DLC content.

There was a time where betas were used to help test a product. That was a service we were providing the developers. Then we started getting charged for the testing and now, twice. I'm no business major but it ain't looking too good from my end. But hey, I'm not here to deter anyone from actually going through with it, that's not my place. Your money your choice. I just think it's a stupid fucking method.

And good work once again pointing a finger with misty eyes Adam, you're good at that.

[Dr.Finger]

Didn't you hear the news though? This is a great idea! Hooray for these guys using double fees for entrance to an unfinished product!

In other news there's a guy down the street selling the flu if anyone is interested.
If there's someone holding a gun to your head forcing you to pay for this, you may want to call the cops.

And this concept - open betas on consoles - is pretty recent. I know there were a few on the PS2 and Xbox, but not many. This is a way to make limit the field of testers to a manageable level. If THQ was including this beta in the new WWE game, what would you say? If they were limiting it to the top 1000 gamerscores, what would you say? If they were giving out beta keys to game forums (a la CoD 4) what would you say?

[Adam Blue]

It's inevitable. We stilll get our free Betas, and then there are a few that are for a price. It's jut how the market works. Most of us are paying for Live, correct? Is that how online games worked 10 years ago?

The reason I'm speaking up is because I think this is pointless bitching. That's all. I'd hope for some better discussion out of this.

[violentp]

If there's someone holding a gun to your head forcing you to pay for this, you may want to call the cops.

And this concept - open betas on consoles - is pretty recent. I know there were a few on the PS2 and Xbox, but not many. This is a way to make limit the field of testers to a manageable level. If THQ was including this beta in the new WWE game, what would you say? If they were limiting it to the top 1000 gamerscores, what would you say? If they were giving out beta keys to game forums (a la CoD 4) what would you say?

There are a thousand ways to limit server load. I support the idea wholeheartedly. And you know what? Yeah, use the top 1000 players in CoD4 for the CoD5 beta. That's a damned fine idea because at least you're inviting your key demographic. Money as an entrance fee is the equivalent of buying the best weapons in a game. You bought an advantage but does that make you the best for the job? Hardly.

But again, I'm not here to deter anyone from making the choice nor will I criticize them for it. From what I understand this is the first time a beta has required to separate subscriptions for entry. I think it warrants discussion and that's all this is.

[violentp]

It's inevitable. We stilll get our free Betas, and then there are a few that are for a price. It's jut how the market works. Most of us are paying for Live, correct? Is that how online games worked 10 years ago?

The reason I'm speaking up is because I think this is pointless bitching. That's all. I'd hope for some better discussion out of this.

It's called discussion Adam. If it bothers you so much then become a teacher and tell your students how to act. I'll be here discussing the situation if you so care to join in rather than referee.

[H1PO]

Fuck. I go through the whole process, then get turned down because I'm not 18. Fuck that shit.
If anyone gets a spare code, I would be eternally grateful.

[alienchild]

Put both the old games on Steam ffs!

[Heretic Machine]

If there's someone holding a gun to your head forcing you to pay for this, you may want to call the cops.

And this concept - open betas on consoles - is pretty recent. I know there were a few on the PS2 and Xbox, but not many. This is a way to make limit the field of testers to a manageable level. If THQ was including this beta in the new WWE game, what would you say? If they were limiting it to the top 1000 gamerscores, what would you say? If they were giving out beta keys to game forums (a la CoD 4) what would you say?

Or you could... I dunno... put a limit on the number of accepted applicants, as PC developers have done for quite some time now?

[Sloth]

i think if you're going to require payment to get into beta then anyone who pays should get in.

The big problem I see is basically turning the beta into some kind of lottery, which is essentially an idiot tax

[Adam Blue]

It's called discussion Adam. If it bothers you so much then become a teacher and tell your students how to act. I'll be here discussing the situation if you so care to join in rather than referee.

Discussion is always good. But part of that fails in the way some post.

And to reiterate, This is just a cheap easy way for THQ to get some serious participants. Free advertising on FP, keeps the numbers limited....they can get what they want done before the public beta.

[violentp]

Discussion is always good. But part of that fails in the way some post.

And to reiterate, This is just a cheap easy way for THQ to get some serious participants. Free advertising on FP, keeps the numbers limited....they can get what they want done before the public beta.

Don't get me wrong, if I was part of that team there would be no issue with the plan. My work gets tested, strengthen ties with my partners, extra promotion and lining my pockets. Business-wise, it's really not a bad idea because people will sign up for this. Maybe it's because I'm a skeptic but looking at it as a gamer and nothing more, I feel like we're being bamboozled and paving the way for others to go the same route.

Is there a solution? Probably not. All we can do is sit back and let time be it's own proof. Again, the whole thing doesn't really bother me per se, it just makes me a little uneasy of where this could eventually lead. But for all I know, this could turn out to be the right move.

[thenumber5]

damn you people don't understand it is called a damn "perk" if you own a 360 you have live, i don't know why you wouldn't have a gold account,it not like it overly expensive.and as far as fileplanet goes if you are willing to spend the money it makes it easy as hell to get new PC patches, Demos, and dozens of other PC betas . They are not expecting you to go out and sign up for a xbox live gold and a fileplanet account just to play this game

[ResistanceAddict]

I LOVE the RF series, and what they are doing with it sounds awesome, but I personally despise the Third Person Shooter genre. Few TPSs I've ever played felt fluent, the sensitivity settings are horrible. Even Gears of War never really impressed me much. I hope one of my all time favorite game franchises doesn't go the same route.

[violentp]

damn you people don't understand it is called a damn "perk" if you own a 360 you have live, i don't know why you wouldn't have a gold account,it not like it overly expensive.and as far as fileplanet goes if you are willing to spend the money it makes it easy as hell to get new PC patches, Demos, and dozens of other PC betas . They are not expecting you to go out and sign up for a xbox live gold and a fileplanet account just to play this game

You have to admit though it kinda screws anyone that doesn't have a PC. Odd considering it's a 360 beta.

[BigJonno]

Must agree with the number 5 here. Rather than looking at it as screwing people who don't have Live Gold and Fileplanet, look at it as a bonus for those who do.

Complaining about this kind of thing is like Everquest 2 players complaining when WoW gets a new feature. "Shit, I've got to buy WoW and pay for a subscription just so I can access the deathknight class!" Just accept that you can't everything, or at least that if you do want everything you have to pay extra for it.

By the way, the number 5, you're awesome. You were responsible for some of my favourite episodes of Sesame Street.

[Conco]

I paid for FP and I consider these betas to be a perk. I love downloading all the demos/patches/videos when they become available because I know FP has it on day 1 and will not have to go searching around the net for DL loc's.

[Drayven]

People who pay for Fileplanet are just flatout stupid. You can get the same files, for free, at any other download website.

Obviously that's not true. They can get into this beta and those that don't subscribe can't ;) I keep a FP subscription open just for the amount of betas they give out over the course of a year. It saves me money in the long run. Also, it's been a while since I've used it but I'm pretty sure if you know a file is coming you can set their downloader ahead of time to grab it when it's posted. So like that WoW patch can download for you while you're at work.

[violentp]

I guess the whole thing is somewhat flawed as someone has just emailed me a key. This whole thing just smells of pushing sales to me.

[bryan]

For the detractors, it seems to me that you're begrudging what other people are getting. Surely your life not any lesser for not being able to get into the beta. As with most things in life, there are certain things that you can reasonably expect to get. Getting into a beta, whether for free or not, is not one of them.

[Lutheran]

Im downloading the beta right now , yes I have a gold account and an IGN Insider account :) Im gay that way...

[f1sh3r]

um, this happens a lot on the pc. i've seen at least a dozen betas that were exclusive to fileplanet members. i'm not sure how it connects to the 360, but i guess they figure if suckers will pay for them on the pc, maybe the console guys will bite too.

[f1sh3r]

There was a time where betas were used to help test a product. That was a service we were providing the developers. Then we started getting charged for the testing and now, twice. I'm no business major but it ain't looking too good from my end. But hey, I'm not here to deter anyone from actually going through with it, that's not my place. Your money your choice. I just think it's a stupid fucking method.

And good work once again pointing a finger with misty eyes Adam, you're good at that.

actually, no one is charging you to play the beta. people have fileplanet accounts, outside of the exclusive beta keys they tend to get. people have a gold account, outside of a chance to get a beta key. if you have both, hurray, bonus time. but it's not like they are charging 20 bucks to get a beta key. they are charging you for the service, the beta key is a perk of membership, kinda like early release demos on xbl.

it's like the people who (still) whine about the halo 3 beta keys. you bought a kickass game, you got that as a benefit. i realize that many people bought it for the key, but that isn't what was being sold. was it a marketing strategy by microsoft? hell yes it was, but it wasn't like they were putting boxes on the shelf for 60 bucks with nothing but a beta key in it.

[violentp]

actually, no one is charging you to play the beta. people have fileplanet accounts, outside of the exclusive beta keys they tend to get. people have a gold account, outside of a chance to get a beta key. if you have both, hurray, bonus time. but it's not like they are charging 20 bucks to get a beta key. they are charging you for the service, the beta key is a perk of membership, kinda like early release demos on xbl.

it's like the people who (still) whine about the halo 3 beta keys. you bought a kickass game, you got that as a benefit. i realize that many people bought it for the key, but that isn't what was being sold. was it a marketing strategy by microsoft? hell yes it was, but it wasn't like they were putting boxes on the shelf for 60 bucks with nothing but a beta key in it.

The thing is you're right. If you already have a Fileplanet account and a Gold account, this is nothing but perk. The situation changes for those who - I would assume more commonly - don't have a FP account but do have a Gold account. If they want in that beta, they're forced to get a Fileplanet account in order to do so.

I simply find the equation a little off seeing as it's a 360 beta and you are forced to subscribe to a service that has nothing to do with the 360. That reeks of marketing to me. Again, I agree that if you hold both accounts, this is purely perk. This group needs no concern. It's those who would like to be in the beta on their 360's and want nothing to do with a PC service. They can't. What if they don't own a pc? Because you don't own a pc you cannot get into a beta on your console? That seems crazy to me.

If I'm mistaken of the details of this beta entry process, please correct me because I'm currently under the assumption that you require both services for entry.

[Drayven]

For what it's worth, after playing the beta last night you're not missing anything.

[f1sh3r]

The thing is you're right. If you already have a Fileplanet account and a Gold account, this is nothing but perk. The situation changes for those who - I would assume more commonly - don't have a FP account but do have a Gold account. If they want in that beta, they're forced to get a Fileplanet account in order to do so.

I simply find the equation a little off seeing as it's a 360 beta and you are forced to subscribe to a service that has nothing to do with the 360. That reeks of marketing to me. Again, I agree that if you hold both accounts, this is purely perk. This group needs no concern. It's those who would like to be in the beta on their 360's and want nothing to do with a PC service. They can't. What if they don't own a pc? Because you don't own a pc you cannot get into a beta on your console? That seems crazy to me.

If I'm mistaken of the details of this beta entry process, please correct me because I'm currently under the assumption that you require both services for entry.

it might seem crazy, but it's how they are running it. i realize they want you to subscribe to get into the beta, but i just don't see it as charging for the beta, because you still get a service. if you don't need it, don't subscribe, it's not like you're really missing that much by not playing a beta. i guess maybe part of my problem is that i don't see the big deal, but then i've been in my share of betas and these days i just want to play the completed game.

and you're right about the cross platform thing, it is odd, but i guess they assume (or they know from polls) that there are enough of their users that have a 360 as well.

[Sl1pstream]

but i just don't see it as charging for the beta, because you still get a service.

www.filefront.com
www.worthdownloading.com
www.fragland.net

All free. The only reason to have a fileplanet account these days is because of the betas. Again, my problem isn't so much with the fact that you need two services to enter the beta. It's just that one of the services doesn't even offer anything useful to console gamers. Then there's IGN. They're IGN. :p

[ResistanceAddict]

For what it's worth, after playing the beta last night you're not missing anything.

Really? How is it? After reading articles deeming the game as a "total destruction environment game" expanding on GeoMod (also heard supposedly it's sandbox style), I'd have a hard time believing it's not fun for at least a few hours.

[thenumber5]

Really? How is it? After reading articles deeming the game as a "total destruction environment game" expanding on GeoMod (also heard supposedly it's sandbox style), I'd have a hard time believing it's not fun for at least a few hours.

it is a beta that needs a lot of polish

[violentp]

Played for 10 minutes.



I want them back.

[Variable Gear]

Wish the beta wasn't a premium, because the gameplay reminds me quite a bit of Tribes.

[f1sh3r]

www.filefront.com
www.worthdownloading.com
www.fragland.net

All free. The only reason to have a fileplanet account these days is because of the betas. Again, my problem isn't so much with the fact that you need two services to enter the beta. It's just that one of the services doesn't even offer anything useful to console gamers. Then there's IGN. They're IGN. :p

yeah i know, i use the free fileshack service, well i would if i needed to. i know a bunch of people who still hold on to their fp account tho for smoking fast download speeds when patches come out. i've seen plenty of betas come through there tho, so i guess that might be the service you're paying for these days.

[Zawath]

It's now open for everyone.