What does "Open Beta" mean?

[ErictheRed]

I've got to come out and say that even though I've only played here a few weeks, I really love this place. Dasaria 2 is one of the best PWs I've played on, going back to NWN 1. Unfortunately, I never played on Dasaria 1.

I see a few posts where people make suggestions about various things and then get flamed for talking about "balance" and nerfs. Some of those threads are locked (presumably more for the flaming than the suggestions). But when I see "Open Beta" at login, I naturally think that the developer's of Das2 want our input regarding the gold supply, availability of potions, magical items, etc. etc. Perhaps I'm wrong? Do the Lords of the Realm intend the open beta to be more or less about bug reporting?

I'd just like a little clarification about what is meant by open beta, and what the developers would like players to make suggestions about. Thanks!

[Eowade]

Not on the staff but I think most closed threads have to do with flaming or duplicate threads about the same topic. The potion and gold one has come up 2 or 3 times since I have been here and I have not been here that long either. So they might think they have enough feed back on those topics. Most the harsh responses you read will be from other players who disagree which the staff also needs to hear but they could do without the flames I am sure.

[Vahene]

I see a few posts where people make suggestions about various things and then get flamed for talking about "balance" and nerfs. Some of those threads are locked (presumably more for the flaming than the suggestions). But when I see "Open Beta" at login, I naturally think that the developer's of Das2 want our input regarding the gold supply, availability of potions, magical items, etc. etc. Perhaps I'm wrong? Do the Lords of the Realm intend the open beta to be more or less about bug reporting?

Suggesting isn't a bad thing to do. In fact, there is a suggestion email somewhere around here. The problem comes when people mention things multiple times, do not see anyone's POV but their own, and refuse to compromise that it goes into a flame war. The Potions threads are one example of this, another good example is spellcaster vs. melee balance or even just talking about spellcasters. Some threads are locked simply because moderators or DM's decided 'enough posts all ready' or that some people are being less than willing to see anyone else's POV, or truly has turned into a flame war.

For me, Open Beta is defined as, and I'm not a DM (nor will I ever wish to be, but I pester them pretty well) but it means "the period of time that Obsidian has to finish the game, or get it nearly finished so that we can put in the game the things we want to have in the game, including but not limited to quests, creatures, encounters, a working DM Client, etc."

Most the harsh responses you read will be from other players who disagree which the staff also needs to hear but they could do without the flames I am sure

That's when the flaming tends to occur.

One person says "I think this is a good idea", and another says, "No, I completely disagree", three or four more suggest different ideas, and two from the thread or 2-3 start arguing about the same point for 5 pages. A DM pops in, makes his comment, and it continues from there until someone insults someone, and that starts a flame war.

If people would simply think before they post, and we're all guilty of this... and consider another POV while they suggest other ideas, I think we'd all get along better.

-K

[Wyvern]

Threads don't get locked beacuse we don't want suggestions. We openly welcome them. But when we end up with the likes of a 25 page subrace thread, or a six page nerf potions thread, quickly followed by another, at some point valid suggestions run out and people quickly start picking apart other's suggestions, derailing the thread.

I wont usually lock threads while there is momentum in them. If you look at the replies to the latest potions thread, you will see this is not the case.

[Mensha Khaine]

An open beta means any one can try it out, but should understand it is still in development. A closed beta is where the application is given to a select few for testing.

[Jay Four]

The shortest answer would be:

"We know there are bugs, we are trying to fix them. You are invited to play anyway and help us locate them faster"

[broncoblitz]

The shortest answer would be:

"We know there are bugs, we are trying to fix them. You are invited to play anyway and help us locate them faster"

... or exploit them like Jeh.

[Jehannum]

thats right! ;p Broc. Fear the darkness!


Posts get locked when players become uncivil/hostile with one another or when all of the constructive input has been squeezed from it.

I am sorry but just cannot wade through 15 pages of punch and counter punch. I wish I had time for that, but I just dont.

I dont see much benefit to the server in a post that becomes a player vs player argument with no hope of resolution. We feel that allowing this type of thread to go on is actually counter-productive.

Our suggestions@dasaria.net address is always open to players.

[Jehannum]

This is all spin and propoganda.

We are actually Tyrants and delight in the misery of players. We lure them in with the illusion of a free entertainment medium and then we get get them hooked.....The pain really begins.

A locked thread here...
A funny title there...
Next thing you know you have 15 pet chickens and your characters is hung for disorderly livestock conduct.

Prepare for the pain!

[Grayle]

Tony must have just had a Double-shot™.

[Jehannum]

600 miles today and a 20 oz coffee refill every stop....

[Mon-da-oth]

And a bladder the size of the Goodyear blimp.

[Jehannum]

Nah...lots of stops...and lots of cups.

[ErictheRed]

You guys are silly! Thanks for the replies. I totally understand about some of the locked threads, but thanks for clarifying about the kind of feedback you invite from players.