Global Alpha Test Start Date

[Gugnir]

Who they are matters quite a lot. It's rather obvious that those that decided to stick with the game this far will statistically test ARR more thoroughly than some random that quit years ago.

By accepting inactive accounts SE lowered the statistical efficiency of the alpha test by quite a lot.

That random tester might help to keep 10,000 subs for SE by helping to make the game more user friendly for people with short attention spans. I'm sure, in all their wisdom the devs know what their doing. So, I take it on faith.

[vax]

I don't know if this will shed some light for you:

This link: http://entry.ffxiv.com/alpha/index_na.html is the link I applied on (see the "na" = assuming North America). If I attempt to apply here, and enter my login info, it simply tells me that I've already applied.

This link: http://entry.ffxiv.com/alpha/index_en.html is the one the link currently on the main page of the Lodestone (Alpha Email announcement) takes you. Not sure what the "en" might stand for that is different, but when I click on it, it tells "the region is different".

Neither "close" button works on either of the links.

(I am East Coast United States)

Ty, this was the problem, with entering on NA i could check if icompleted it before or not. On the lodestone (at the NA lodestone too) it finish with EN.

[Kirito]

I don't know if this will shed some light for you:

This link: http://entry.ffxiv.com/alpha/index_na.html is the link I applied on (see the "na" = assuming North America). If I attempt to apply here, and enter my login info, it simply tells me that I've already applied.

This link: http://entry.ffxiv.com/alpha/index_en.html is the one the link currently on the main page of the Lodestone (Alpha Email announcement) takes you. Not sure what the "en" might stand for that is different, but when I click on it, it tells "the region is different".

Neither "close" button works on either of the links.

(I am East Coast United States)

I see... The en was probably for England or Australia. Just weird that they posted it on the NA loadstone...

[Rex]

Sorry to those of you that were not selected in the current round of Alpha Tester selection. Unfortunately, we need to control the number of users participating, so not everyone is guaranteed a spot. However, please note that this is not the final selection for Alpha Testers and we are proceeding to make adjustments so that we can continue to add testers.

While we can't offer firm timing, or other specifics, at this time, there will be more chances to be selected. We appreciate your understanding everyone.

So...does this mean there won't be any more invitations up until the start of the next phase on the 28th? Or was today the only day for those emails..and we won't be seeing anything until the next phase. ..?

[Abriael]

That random tester, might help to keep 10,000 subs for SE by helping to make the game more user friendly for people with short attention spans. I'm sure, in all their wisdom the devs know what their doing. So, I take it on faith.

I'm sure Yoshida would tell you that blind faith is a very bad idea when talking about the development of a game. That kind of random tester focused on user friendliness isn't suitable for an alpha, as alphas are by definition *not* user friendly. Inviting him is just a wasted slot, while it could be useful in later stages where the game is more accessible and his feedack (assuming that he'll provide any, as that kind of user normally doesn't) can be used to fine tune the game.

[Shougun]

So...does this mean there won't be any more invitations up until the start of the next phase on the 28th? Or was today the only day for those emails..and we won't be seeing anything until the next phase. ..?

If tester login rates drop it will happen sooner, otherwise it will likely be a week or so till the next phase and invites.

[Delsus]

So...does this mean there won't be any more invitations up until the start of the next phase on the 28th? Or was today the only day for those emails..and we won't be seeing anything until the next phase. ..?

It means they will see how things go before they issue more invites, if they need more this phase they will send more out, if they don't until the next phase they will wait.

[Kirito]

I have a feeling they'll be keeping a count of the logins at the end of each month. Rather than a each week.

[Faiyez]

More than likely, the App selection process went like this:

[...]

Alpha Testers are not random people thrown at a game. They are selected in a way that will maximize the effectiveness of the Desired Tests.

Gee, then I wonder what criteria they used to select testers who played 1.0 for a month, never even payed to play, never posted on the forums....

You should try spelling r-a-n-d-o-m

[Gugnir]

I'm sure Yoshida would tell you that blind faith is a very bad idea when talking about the development of a game. That kind of random tester focused on user friendliness isn't suitable for an alpha, as alphas are by definition *not* user friendly. Inviting him is just a wasted slot, while it could be useful in later stages where the game is more accessible and his feedack (assuming that he'll provide any, as that kind of user normally doesn't) can be used to fine tune the game.

I agree, that blind faith can be bad but Yoshi and co, have earned my respect with their tireless efforts so I have faith in them they made the right choice for ARR. I'm not going to pretend I know what criteria they chose to use for inviting or qualifying people but there is a reason behind it.