What is your opinion of the Summerset chapter PTS being invite-only and under NDA again?

Saturn

In their most recent news post to the site, ZOS confirmed that the PTS for Summerset will be a closed test accessed only by those invited, and with an NDA agreement, like they did with the Morrowind chapter last year.

I took part in the Morrowind test last year, and was pretty frustrated with the whole ordeal, since the feedback from the "closed beta" testers was mostly ignored, unless it was lore specific, and it seemed like closing off the test server and employing an NDA was more to avoid any negative information leaking out (and thereby killing the hypetrain), than it was to avoid story-spoilers being leaked, as ZOS claims. This year the NDA is only story-specific (as someone corrected me on), so that does change things a bit.

I know, however, that I might be in the minority with such an opinion, so I'm interested to see what other people think about it being closed off. If you could also comment whether or not you took part in Morrowind's closed PTS that would be nice.

Apache_Kid

I am indifferent

I'm still trying to get over the fact that PC even gets a PTS while us console users always get a patch that was tested by infinitely less people, thus resulting in us getting a patch filled with the bugs missed on PC and brand new ones introduced for consoles.

Pangnirtung

I am indifferent

Who really cares? I certainly don't.

I will get to play Summerset enough that I will have had my fill of it in a few weeks anyway.

NolaArch

I am indifferent

I participated in Morrowind's closed PTS. However, I can't really say we definitely should or should not have closed testing. I was just happy I was able to participate last year and hope I can with Summerset!

srfrogg23

I am indifferent

I’ve been in closed beta-tests before. It’s really not a big deal. I’ll play it when it’s officially released after the kinks have been worked out. If I get an invite, that’s fine, but I’m not going to be upset if I don’t see it beforehand.

Ohtimbar

I am indifferent

I played a lot of Morrowind during the beta, but when the game finally launched I wished I hadn't. I would rather have experienced a more polished game from the outset. So, I wouldn't test Summerset even if I had the option.

Pangnirtung

I am indifferent

NolaArch wrote: »

I participated in Morrowind's closed PTS. However, I can't really say we definitely should or should not have closed testing. I was just happy I was able to participate last year and hope I can with Summerset!

"Invites will be sent to a large group of new PTS testers, but if you participated in the ESO: Morrowind PTS beta last year, you'll be able to log into the Summerset PTS from the ESO launcher yourself, no invite required! Just don't forget to enable “Show Public Test Environment" from your launcher settings. "

From the official website announcement.

Flaminir

I think it is a good idea that it is a closed test with an NDA

Well its not anything to do with 'Stopping negative info getting out'.... the only thing thats under NDA is the storyline.... which is clearly to avoid spoilers!

So people can talk about anything else they wish... positive or negative.

So yeah... its a good thing. I want to test the new systems, but I don't want the storyline spoiled until I get to play it on live.

Valkysas154

Who care they said the same thing about MW but i was able to make a warden and go to MW day 1 pts no invite /shrug

NewBlacksmurf

I am indifferent

In observation the PTS is supposed to be there to help the developer uncover and address X, Y and Z

What's occurring instead is customers are using it to test builds, theory craft, find glitches, make guides, get better without penalty, etc. That isn't good for the game when its a new update, its better that those who will text, actually do the testing and provide feedback.


That and the amount of bugs that you encounter initially, id rather the more experienced and willing testing be invited.

NDA....that's something I could argue for or against but at this point I'll suggest its good.

eso_nya

I think it is a good idea that it is a closed test with an NDA

Closed pts was very good. Very constructive, few qq.

Should defo do it again. The cryhards already started "nerf this" posts after hearing the name of one of the new skills.

wenchmore420b14_ESO

I am indifferent

I think it is fine. I did the Closed Beta with Morrowind and look forward to "hopefully" do the Summerset one too!!!
Hint, hint.... Beta Invite please.... Lol..

Faulgor

I am indifferent

Saturn wrote: »

I took part in the Morrowind test last year, and was pretty frustrated with the whole ordeal, since the feedback from the "closed beta" testers was mostly ignored, unless it was lore specific, and it seemed like closing off the test server and employing an NDA was more to avoid any negative information leaking out (and thereby killing the hypetrain), than it was to avoid story-spoilers being leaked, as ZOS claims.

Huh? They ignored all lore-based feedback we gave. Or else bonemold wouldn't be grey.

krismissee82

I think it is a good idea that it is a closed test with an NDA

wenchmore420b14_ESO wrote: »

I think it is fine. I did the Closed Beta with Morrowind and look forward to "hopefully" do the Summerset one too!!!
Hint, hint.... Beta Invite please.... Lol..

You won't need an invite if you were in MW closed beta: "Invites will be sent to a large group of new PTS testers, but if you participated in the ESO: Morrowind PTS beta last year, you'll be able to log into the Summerset PTS from the ESO launcher yourself, no invite required! Just don't forget to enable “Show Public Test Environment" from your launcher settings."

Valkysas154

NewBlacksmurf wrote: »

In observation the PTS is supposed to be there to help the developer uncover and address X, Y and Z

What's occurring instead is customers are using it to test builds, theory craft, find glitches, make guides, get better without penalty, etc. That isn't good for the game when its a new update, its better that those who will text, actually do the testing and provide feedback.


That and the amount of bugs that you encounter initially, id rather the more experienced and willing testing be invited.

NDA....that's something I could argue for or against but at this point I'll suggest its good.

To be fair i bugged that getting stuck in chair in MW pts .. Still get stuck in it to this day
they don't really listen much

Cryptical

I am indifferent

Pretty much the only reason I picked up the pc version is to use the pts for big updates. I get a handle on the new changes and advise people in a couple very casual guilds so they don’t get blindsided by things.

NDA really isn’t all that much of a gag, because if people take close looks at what’s been released then they can deduce most of the substantive bits.

jedtb16_ESO

I think it is a good idea that it is a closed test with an NDA

took part in the morrowind beta, enjoyed the experience and provided the feedback that was requested. was a bit unhappy with the nda but stuck to it. looking back i can see that it was necessary.

looking forward to summerset...

OlafdieWaldfee

Everybody and their grandma got invited to Morrowind Beta last year.
So, all these people from last year plus a large number of new invites - this should become the best tested piece of code this side of the pacific.

Graydon

I think it is a good idea that it is a closed test with an NDA

Life is too short and too busy to spend my time testing the stuff.

My appreciation and gratitude to my fellow gamers for sacrificing your time.

Keeping it invite only with an NDA keeps the chaos at the door.

Peekachu99

I think it is a good idea that it is a closed test with an NDA

Basically nothing is under NDA except for the storyline—did you read the actual post? So what’s the fuss about? Most ppl only care about builds, dps tests and the usual rigamarole.

Istoppucks

I think it is a good idea that it is a closed test with an NDA

I think it's a good idea. The complaint threads were a little slow today this will surely pick them up.

OutLaw_Nynx

I think it is a bad idea that it is a closed test with an NDA

Clicked the wrong option, oops.

I’m indifferent. I don’t really like the fact that people can just practice the new trial willy nilly, and then when the rest of us get it they act like their something special cuz they beat it when it’s officially launched lol.

I don’t see the point in trying to prevent spoilers. People will talk

HidesFromSun

I think it is a bad idea that it is a closed test with an NDA

I like the NDA, though i dont see why it ends on May 1st. It's too early imo and spoilers will go around

Saturn

Flaminir wrote: »

Well its not anything to do with 'Stopping negative info getting out'.... the only thing thats under NDA is the storyline.... which is clearly to avoid spoilers!

So people can talk about anything else they wish... positive or negative.

So yeah... its a good thing. I want to test the new systems, but I don't want the storyline spoiled until I get to play it on live.

Ah ***, my bad, I must have misread. Last year the entire thing was under NDA, so I assumed this was the same deal.

[minor edit for profanity masking]

OutLaw_Nynx

I think it is a bad idea that it is a closed test with an NDA

Wait, only the storyline is under NDA? @Flaminir, could you link that for me?

Saturn

OutLaw_Nynx wrote: »

Wait, only the storyline is under NDA? @Flaminir, could you link that for me?

@OutLaw_Nynx

This NDA is specific to the Summerset main quest and its story, but you are free to stream and talk about anything you experience in Summerset with the exception of the Chapter's main story line beyond its first quest (titled “The Queen's Decree"). You can share any other quest lines (such as the Psijic Order) or side quests you find. The NDA will be lifted on May 1.

I misread as well, actually seems kind of weird to have such an oddly specific NDA, but I guess it's less restrictive than Morrowind's which is a good thing.

supaskrub

Other

Does not affect me, but still i got an invite to pts last year for Morrowind (even though i have only one account and its registered to console), so by my experiences last year they just send the invites out to anyone..

OutLaw_Nynx

I think it is a bad idea that it is a closed test with an NDA

Hmm interesting. Thanks @Saturn. I was about to go digging through the forums for the info.

Saturn

Apache_Kid wrote: »

I'm still trying to get over the fact that PC even gets a PTS while us console users always get a patch that was tested by infinitely less people, thus resulting in us getting a patch filled with the bugs missed on PC and brand new ones introduced for consoles.

Well, we also get a lot of bugs on the PC that were missed, or just not fixed. It's pretty standard practice it seems. To be fair though, it also feels rather bittersweet to be a tester, since we on the PC know we are basically just beta-testing the finished product that will arrive on consoles.

EvilCroc

I think it is a good idea that it is a closed test with an NDA

I think it is good idea.
If I'll be invited ofc, otherwise it is terrible.

jedtb16_ESO

I think it is a good idea that it is a closed test with an NDA

Saturn wrote: »

OutLaw_Nynx wrote: »

Wait, only the storyline is under NDA? @Flaminir, could you link that for me?

@OutLaw_Nynx

This NDA is specific to the Summerset main quest and its story, but you are free to stream and talk about anything you experience in Summerset with the exception of the Chapter's main story line beyond its first quest (titled “The Queen's Decree"). You can share any other quest lines (such as the Psijic Order) or side quests you find. The NDA will be lifted on May 1.

I misread as well, actually seems kind of weird to have such an oddly specific NDA, but I guess it's less restrictive than Morrowind's which is a good thing.

it's a relief to see that the nda is not so restrictive this time round.

with morrowind it was pia.... there was so much, how can i put it?, cattle *** and misinformation on the general forum but we could say nothing to put it right.