Beta Games

In programming, especially programs that are to be released to the public (like Windows and games) go through several stages of development. There is alpha were the software works but is no where near optimal in performance or features. Then there is beta where the software is often released to a select group of the public. In the case of games, game companies will often hold contests or limited time sign-ups for the chance to win a position as beta tester.

For the company, they get any number of testers they wish to release the product to and it costs them almost nothing. The testers are not paid and many are eager to be the first to see a new game even if it isn't ready for prime time. The testers spend hours playing a game they like before anyone else and often get a chance to give feedback to the company on things they like and dislike as well as reporting problems that the game programmers will fix before the game goes retail.

One of the reasons I've been away from my blog is that I have been playing a game called Matrix Online. Matrix Online in a massively multi player online game (MMOG) that allows the players to build a character and interact with thousands of other players on various levels. You can create teams and take part in some missions or you can go solo and perform missions for yourself. This particular game is, naturally, set in the world made famous by the Matrix movies.

While I am not normally a fan of these types of games this one has me hooked to a certain degree. My main gripes about this type of game is that there is a monthly fee (subscription) that players pay for the privilege of continuing to play a game they already bought for say $50. There are plenty of games out there that allow you to drop $50 and play forever and never pay another penny (Half-life and all its mods for example). So paying to play isn't high on my list of things I want out of gaming. Since this game is still in beta I am able to play for free and enjoy at my leisure. The thing I hate about the fees is that since they are usually a flat fee, it compels me to want to "get my money's worth" and I play to the point of losing interest. When things are free, I tend to play because I want to have fun. The enjoyment factor lasts longer.

Under the terms of the agreement of being allowed into the beta I am not allowed to divulge specifics of the game. So in general, your character has recently awakened to the existence of the matrix and you spend your time trying to master the matrix through different skills. You can read more about it at the beta website. The graphics and game play are very well done and have the right feel for the matrix setting. The interface didn't take long to get used to and is fairly intuitive. Martial arts and hand to hand combat play a big role in the development of your character and is done really well, capturing the "wire-fu" feel of the movies.

Anyway, I am enjoying my "free ride". I am glad I am getting a chance to experience a game I would have wanted but would have passed on due to the subscription format. If you are a Matrix fan and you don't mind the subscription fee you might want to keep your eye on this one. Or better still, get in on the beta.