Why No Beta Reward?

morrowjen · May 2017

Sorry if this is already been asked but why have Morrowind testers been left out (and yes I could've missed something so please forgive me if I have). Anything from a pet to special mount/armor, to discounts on crowns and/or upgrades would all be welcomed. And that is just naming a few things. Lots of folks with no nostalgia for Morrowind sunk tons of hours testing.Others with knowledge w/the old lore have been invaluable, Even other upgrades got at least a pet.

TIA. And thanks again for forgiving me if I missed a reward.

Turelus · May 2017

Because beta rewards are stupid, don't reward those that actually tested and are effectively just a free item to anyone who won a lottery to get in.

They reinforce that beta participation is about cool swag and showing people not in beta they're not as cool, and do nothing to promote what betas are (and should be) which is early testing for the developers.

*Edit to clarify testing for the developers, not yourself.

mwo1480 · May 2017

aren't beta testers already rewarded by being able to playmorrowind for some weeks

morrowjen · May 2017

Turelus wrote: »

Because beta rewards are stupid, don't reward those that actually tested and are effectively just a free item to anyone who won a lottery to get in.

They reinforce that beta participation is about cool swag and showing people not in beta they're not as cool, and do nothing to promote what betas are (and should be) which is early testing.

I mean I can see where you are coming from with the lotto system but it's always been that way - going wayyyyyyyy back. I also remember the days we got PAID for beta testing! I didn't participate in prior beta testing for ESO but I wish I had.

People have no clue how screwed that's become.

Tasear · May 2017

Beta's not over, changes can still be made till June 6

I do want to put it out there they did get free work out of us. So I don't a thank you card would be nice or something.

Moiskormoimi · May 2017

Because you touch yourself at night.

JamieAubrey · May 2017

Beta testers got the Monkey pet for base game
MW beta testers get the game early, thats a reward in itself

Tasear · May 2017

JamieAubrey wrote: »

Beta testers got the Monkey pet for base game
MW beta testers get the game early, thats a reward in itself

Both got the game early.

morrowjen · May 2017

Tasear wrote: »

Beta's not over.

I do want to put it out there they did get free work out of us. So I don't a thank you card would be nice or something.

Thanks for the info. I tried to login to the PTS just now and couldn't. With the patch coming out today (eventually) and the ability for Morrowind to be played on the regular server I just assumed it was.

Tasear · May 2017

morrowjen wrote: »

Tasear wrote: »

Beta's not over.

I do want to put it out there they did get free work out of us. So I don't a thank you card would be nice or something.

Thanks for the info. I tried to login to the PTS just now and couldn't. With the patch coming out today (eventually) and the ability for Morrowind to be played on the regular server I just assumed it was.

>.> it's just a bigger test, that's why they called it early access so they had freedom to change things.

Saturn · May 2017

Closed Beta rewards are pretty exclusive and unfair. ZOS has only ever rewarded beta participation for their Open Beta prior to ESO's launch in 2014, so if they were to reward players for testing again, it would likely be in that same kind of scenario, i.e. not for participation in a closed off thing. That being said, this was less of an actual beta, and more of an invite-only PTS under NDA, they seem similar, but I think the use of "beta" for a 3 year old + game is kind of nonsensical and wrong.

Vizikul · May 2017

morrowjen wrote: »

Sorry if this is already been asked but why have Morrowind testers been left out (and yes I could've missed something so please forgive me if I have). Anything from a pet to special mount/armor, to discounts on crowns and/or upgrades would all be welcomed. And that is just naming a few things. Lots of folks with no nostalgia for Morrowind sunk tons of hours testing.Others with knowledge w/the old lore have been invaluable, Even other upgrades got at least a pet.

TIA. And thanks again for forgiving me if I missed a reward.

You are one of those lucky people who got in the beta, that IS your award.... and still you ask for more. Other people envy you already, there is absolutely no need to intensify this.

As @Turelus stated, you won a lottery, so why should you get an additional award for winning the lottery?

morrowjen · May 2017

Saturn wrote: »

Closed Beta rewards are pretty exclusive and unfair. ZOS has only ever rewarded beta participation for their Open Beta prior to ESO's launch in 2014, so if they were to reward players for testing again, it would likely be in that same kind of scenario, i.e. not for participation in a closed off thing. That being said, this was less of an actual beta, and more of an invite-only PTS under NDA, they seem similar, but I think the use of "beta" for a 3 year old + game is kind of nonsensical and wrong.

I sunk a metric ton of hours into testing this game as did many, many others and tbh we do ZOS a real service -- one you used to get real money for. And lest we forget almost all betas were closed and most still are. Finally, let's not act like a non-combat pet is some big reward.

kagorsa · May 2017

morrowjen wrote: »

Sorry if this is already been asked but why have Morrowind testers been left out (and yes I could've missed something so please forgive me if I have). Anything from a pet to special mount/armor, to discounts on crowns and/or upgrades would all be welcomed. And that is just naming a few things. Lots of folks with no nostalgia for Morrowind sunk tons of hours testing.Others with knowledge w/the old lore have been invaluable, Even other upgrades got at least a pet.

TIA. And thanks again for forgiving me if I missed a reward.

So why do you really think you deserve something for being a so called "beta tester". 1) Is it to show off, 2) Is it because you did an immense amount of work for the dev's, 3) were you shackled to a pc untill the end of your servitude. My money is on 1).

The reward should be in the fact you got to help the dev's in some way to make the game better for others, which should be a great reward in it's self.

Turelus · May 2017

morrowjen wrote: »

Turelus wrote: »

Because beta rewards are stupid, don't reward those that actually tested and are effectively just a free item to anyone who won a lottery to get in.

They reinforce that beta participation is about cool swag and showing people not in beta they're not as cool, and do nothing to promote what betas are (and should be) which is early testing.

I mean I can see where you are coming from with the lotto system but it's always been that way - going wayyyyyyyy back. I also remember the days we got PAID for beta testing! I didn't participate in prior beta testing for ESO but I wish I had.

People have no clue how screwed that's become.

Just because it's always been that way, doesn't mean it needs to keep happening, not if it's a bad system.

When ESO did the first beta they held an open beta and anyone who logged in at any point during the beta was given the Monkey pet.
This was somewhat more fair but even now people are upset they can't get the monkey from this (I believe you can get another variant from the store).

The issue is in games culture now because of marketing and rewards like this we've turned betas into this "must have access" thing that people will even pay obscene amounts on eBay for.

The entire point of this beta was they wanted feedback, and that's what mostly happened. I was in beta since the begging of it, I saw the threads evolved and what was said and done.

So yeah, even though I would get a shiny for this, I think it's counter productive and just a lottery give away rather than a reward for anyone who actually tested and provided feedback.
Those of us in beta got to see stuff early, we got to know a lot of the new mechanics and advantages/disadvantages, test our builds early, etc. that's already a pretty healthy reward.

Ignotus · May 2017

Tasear wrote: »

I do want to put it out there they did get free work out of us. So I don't a thank you card would be nice or something.

This just in! Playing video games is hard work! Beta testing Morrowind is such hard work that they had to implement a lottery system draft to select who would be allowed forced to test the game. I know I was quite bummed when I received my email forcing me into beta testing.

FoulSnowpaw · May 2017

The reward was the ability to gain foresight in Morrowind. You get to be the pro guy who lecture everyone about dungeon mechanics! Also the ability to test out gear in preparations for the actual upcoming nerfs.

But it would be cool if we got a little something nonetheless.

SantieClaws · May 2017

The reward is the chance to contribute towards a better Tamriel yes.

Also a sneaky quiet drink in the best places before they are overwhelmed by the crowds.

No greater reward is needed nor is it wanted.

Yours with paws
Santie Claws

F7sus4 · May 2017

JamieAubrey wrote: »

Beta testers got the Monkey pet for base game
MW beta testers get the game early, thats a reward in itself

So did the initial 2013/2014 Beta Testers get the access to game earlier. I still agree there should be no exclusive reward as most people did basically nothing even close to "testing".

Tasear · May 2017

Turelus wrote: »

morrowjen wrote: »

Turelus wrote: »

Because beta rewards are stupid, don't reward those that actually tested and are effectively just a free item to anyone who won a lottery to get in.

They reinforce that beta participation is about cool swag and showing people not in beta they're not as cool, and do nothing to promote what betas are (and should be) which is early testing.

I mean I can see where you are coming from with the lotto system but it's always been that way - going wayyyyyyyy back. I also remember the days we got PAID for beta testing! I didn't participate in prior beta testing for ESO but I wish I had.

People have no clue how screwed that's become.

Just because it's always been that way, doesn't mean it needs to keep happening, not if it's a bad system.

When ESO did the first beta they held an open beta and anyone who logged in at any point during the beta was given the Monkey pet.
This was somewhat more fair but even now people are upset they can't get the monkey from this (I believe you can get another variant from the store).

The issue is in games culture now because of marketing and rewards like this we've turned betas into this "must have access" thing that people will even pay obscene amounts on eBay for.

The entire point of this beta was they wanted feedback, and that's what mostly happened. I was in beta since the begging of it, I saw the threads evolved and what was said and done.

So yeah, even though I would get a shiny for this, I think it's counter productive and just a lottery give away rather than a reward for anyone who actually tested and provided feedback.
Those of us in beta got to see stuff early, we got to know a lot of the new mechanics and advantages/disadvantages, test our builds early, etc. that's already a pretty healthy reward.

Even better they can sell a variant of the pet later on for cash

morrowjen · May 2017

kagorsa wrote: »

morrowjen wrote: »

Sorry if this is already been asked but why have Morrowind testers been left out (and yes I could've missed something so please forgive me if I have). Anything from a pet to special mount/armor, to discounts on crowns and/or upgrades would all be welcomed. And that is just naming a few things. Lots of folks with no nostalgia for Morrowind sunk tons of hours testing.Others with knowledge w/the old lore have been invaluable, Even other upgrades got at least a pet.

TIA. And thanks again for forgiving me if I missed a reward.

So why do you really think you deserve something for being a so called "beta tester". 1) Is it to show off, 2) Is it because you did an immense about of work for the dev's, 3) were you shackled to a pc untill the end of your servitude. My money is on 1).

The reward should be in the fact you got to help the dev's in some way to make the game better for others, which should be a great reward in it's self.

Again. Beta testers used to get PAID with real money. We are working for free and it is work. Few other than gamers would do so and houses have taken advantage -- they know it. A Beta is hardly a finished product and is in many ways tedious. FWIW, your money would be wrong as would be your options. I think testers who sink a lot of time and feedback into testing deserve recognition.

It's nothing for ZOS to give something like a pet to testers but it would be everything in terms of showing hard work is appreciated.

morrowjen · May 2017

Have to admit I never expected this to be a contentious issue at ALL. In some ways, I think young gamers sell the beta work they do short. You may love the work but if you're taking it seriously it's still work.

strikeback1247 · May 2017

We are and have always been beta testers for the console version anyway

Turelus · May 2017

morrowjen wrote: »

kagorsa wrote: »

morrowjen wrote: »

Sorry if this is already been asked but why have Morrowind testers been left out (and yes I could've missed something so please forgive me if I have). Anything from a pet to special mount/armor, to discounts on crowns and/or upgrades would all be welcomed. And that is just naming a few things. Lots of folks with no nostalgia for Morrowind sunk tons of hours testing.Others with knowledge w/the old lore have been invaluable, Even other upgrades got at least a pet.

TIA. And thanks again for forgiving me if I missed a reward.

So why do you really think you deserve something for being a so called "beta tester". 1) Is it to show off, 2) Is it because you did an immense about of work for the dev's, 3) were you shackled to a pc untill the end of your servitude. My money is on 1).

The reward should be in the fact you got to help the dev's in some way to make the game better for others, which should be a great reward in it's self.

Again. Beta testers used to get PAID with real money. We are working for free and it is work. Few other than gamers would do so and houses have taken advantage -- they know it. A Beta is hardly a finished product and is in many ways tedious. FWIW, your money would be wrong as would be your options. I think testers who sink a lot of time and feedback into testing deserve recognition.

It's nothing for ZOS to give something like a pet to testers but it would be everything in terms of showing hard work is appreciated.

If you don't want to work for free, don't test.

Now I am guessing that you were in beta as you're asking for this. As I was in beta as well I can see all of your posts in the beta forums, a quick check of your posts shows you didn't give much in the way of feedback on the forums.

So hard working beta tester that feels they deserve a reward, how many /feedbacks and /bugs did you do?

Rohamad_Ali · May 2017

Turelus wrote: »

morrowjen wrote: »

kagorsa wrote: »

morrowjen wrote: »

Sorry if this is already been asked but why have Morrowind testers been left out (and yes I could've missed something so please forgive me if I have). Anything from a pet to special mount/armor, to discounts on crowns and/or upgrades would all be welcomed. And that is just naming a few things. Lots of folks with no nostalgia for Morrowind sunk tons of hours testing.Others with knowledge w/the old lore have been invaluable, Even other upgrades got at least a pet.

TIA. And thanks again for forgiving me if I missed a reward.

So why do you really think you deserve something for being a so called "beta tester". 1) Is it to show off, 2) Is it because you did an immense about of work for the dev's, 3) were you shackled to a pc untill the end of your servitude. My money is on 1).

The reward should be in the fact you got to help the dev's in some way to make the game better for others, which should be a great reward in it's self.

Again. Beta testers used to get PAID with real money. We are working for free and it is work. Few other than gamers would do so and houses have taken advantage -- they know it. A Beta is hardly a finished product and is in many ways tedious. FWIW, your money would be wrong as would be your options. I think testers who sink a lot of time and feedback into testing deserve recognition.

It's nothing for ZOS to give something like a pet to testers but it would be everything in terms of showing hard work is appreciated.

If you don't want to work for free, don't test.

Now I am guessing that you were in beta as you're asking for this. As I was in beta as well I can see all of your posts in the beta forums, a quick check of your posts shows you didn't give much in the way of feedback on the forums.

So hard working beta tester that feels they deserve a reward, how many /feedbacks and /bugs did you do?

What are you the Beta Police ? Are you going to take my monkey in for serious questioning ?

Arrchangell · May 2017

They ain't giving u payment? Then don't play the beta, nobody is forcing u. What kinda testing did u do, u joined this forums yesterday, so where's that valuable feedback that ZOS needs to pay u for contributing it?

There's a lot more people playing games now, people will do it for free now just cause they wanna see the stuff themselves.
U want special items go ahead preorder the collector edition.

Turelus · May 2017

Rohamad_Ali wrote: »

Turelus wrote: »

morrowjen wrote: »

kagorsa wrote: »

morrowjen wrote: »

Sorry if this is already been asked but why have Morrowind testers been left out (and yes I could've missed something so please forgive me if I have). Anything from a pet to special mount/armor, to discounts on crowns and/or upgrades would all be welcomed. And that is just naming a few things. Lots of folks with no nostalgia for Morrowind sunk tons of hours testing.Others with knowledge w/the old lore have been invaluable, Even other upgrades got at least a pet.

TIA. And thanks again for forgiving me if I missed a reward.

So why do you really think you deserve something for being a so called "beta tester". 1) Is it to show off, 2) Is it because you did an immense about of work for the dev's, 3) were you shackled to a pc untill the end of your servitude. My money is on 1).

The reward should be in the fact you got to help the dev's in some way to make the game better for others, which should be a great reward in it's self.

Again. Beta testers used to get PAID with real money. We are working for free and it is work. Few other than gamers would do so and houses have taken advantage -- they know it. A Beta is hardly a finished product and is in many ways tedious. FWIW, your money would be wrong as would be your options. I think testers who sink a lot of time and feedback into testing deserve recognition.

It's nothing for ZOS to give something like a pet to testers but it would be everything in terms of showing hard work is appreciated.

If you don't want to work for free, don't test.

Now I am guessing that you were in beta as you're asking for this. As I was in beta as well I can see all of your posts in the beta forums, a quick check of your posts shows you didn't give much in the way of feedback on the forums.

So hard working beta tester that feels they deserve a reward, how many /feedbacks and /bugs did you do?

What are you the Beta Police ? Are you going to take my monkey in for serious questioning ?

Depends are you claiming you worked really hard FOR FREE! to help ZOS make ESO's launch better, whilst having no visible evidence that you did any testing?

Because if you are? Yes, that monkey is a Daedra snack.

morrowjen · May 2017

Turelus wrote: »

morrowjen wrote: »

kagorsa wrote: »

morrowjen wrote: »

Sorry if this is already been asked but why have Morrowind testers been left out (and yes I could've missed something so please forgive me if I have). Anything from a pet to special mount/armor, to discounts on crowns and/or upgrades would all be welcomed. And that is just naming a few things. Lots of folks with no nostalgia for Morrowind sunk tons of hours testing.Others with knowledge w/the old lore have been invaluable, Even other upgrades got at least a pet.

TIA. And thanks again for forgiving me if I missed a reward.

So why do you really think you deserve something for being a so called "beta tester". 1) Is it to show off, 2) Is it because you did an immense about of work for the dev's, 3) were you shackled to a pc untill the end of your servitude. My money is on 1).

The reward should be in the fact you got to help the dev's in some way to make the game better for others, which should be a great reward in it's self.

Again. Beta testers used to get PAID with real money. We are working for free and it is work. Few other than gamers would do so and houses have taken advantage -- they know it. A Beta is hardly a finished product and is in many ways tedious. FWIW, your money would be wrong as would be your options. I think testers who sink a lot of time and feedback into testing deserve recognition.

It's nothing for ZOS to give something like a pet to testers but it would be everything in terms of showing hard work is appreciated.

If you don't want to work for free, don't test.

Now I am guessing that you were in beta as you're asking for this. As I was in beta as well I can see all of your posts in the beta forums, a quick check of your posts shows you didn't give much in the way of feedback on the forums.

So hard working beta tester that feels they deserve a reward, how many /feedbacks and /bugs did you do?

You're missing the point. It's not about feeling I deserve a reward but feeling testers deserve some appreciation. As for posting.... not all feedback is done via forums or even by giving verbal/written feedback. A lot matters beyond that and I say that as someone who has been involved with a house.

Ignotus · May 2017

We are working for free and it is work.

A Beta is hardly a finished product and is in many ways tedious.

LOL

Rohamad_Ali · May 2017

Turelus wrote: »

Rohamad_Ali wrote: »

Turelus wrote: »

morrowjen wrote: »

kagorsa wrote: »

morrowjen wrote: »

Sorry if this is already been asked but why have Morrowind testers been left out (and yes I could've missed something so please forgive me if I have). Anything from a pet to special mount/armor, to discounts on crowns and/or upgrades would all be welcomed. And that is just naming a few things. Lots of folks with no nostalgia for Morrowind sunk tons of hours testing.Others with knowledge w/the old lore have been invaluable, Even other upgrades got at least a pet.

TIA. And thanks again for forgiving me if I missed a reward.

So why do you really think you deserve something for being a so called "beta tester". 1) Is it to show off, 2) Is it because you did an immense about of work for the dev's, 3) were you shackled to a pc untill the end of your servitude. My money is on 1).

The reward should be in the fact you got to help the dev's in some way to make the game better for others, which should be a great reward in it's self.

Again. Beta testers used to get PAID with real money. We are working for free and it is work. Few other than gamers would do so and houses have taken advantage -- they know it. A Beta is hardly a finished product and is in many ways tedious. FWIW, your money would be wrong as would be your options. I think testers who sink a lot of time and feedback into testing deserve recognition.

It's nothing for ZOS to give something like a pet to testers but it would be everything in terms of showing hard work is appreciated.

If you don't want to work for free, don't test.

Now I am guessing that you were in beta as you're asking for this. As I was in beta as well I can see all of your posts in the beta forums, a quick check of your posts shows you didn't give much in the way of feedback on the forums.

So hard working beta tester that feels they deserve a reward, how many /feedbacks and /bugs did you do?

What are you the Beta Police ? Are you going to take my monkey in for serious questioning ?

Depends are you claiming you worked really hard FOR FREE! to help ZOS make ESO's launch better, whilst having no visible evidence that you did any testing?

Because if you are? Yes, that monkey is a Daedra snack.

My Monkey is a lawyer . I wish you luck in your investigation . But first let's see your badge ! Show us your badge Forum Copper .

Vizikul · May 2017

morrowjen wrote: »

Have to admit I never expected this to be a contentious issue at ALL. In some ways, I think young gamers sell the beta work they do short. You may love the work but if you're taking it seriously it's still work.

But your work is voluntarily. I always thought people test stuff and publish the results to improve the game and help the community and not to expect to get extra stuff. I personally don't mind if dedicated testers get awarded but don't lock them behind a beta.
Also, there are differences between testers. You can play the game straight for three weeks and then all the feedback the developers get is "love it, keep up the good work." Such "testing" doesn't seem to be worth any award.

Edit: typos