Beta for each patch

[Felis]

Will OP really first beta test 2.1 and bring it february to the live servers?

[Randalthor]

I think the idea is that there is a way to copy your character info to a beta environment where progress is not saved. You can test run content before launch.

Using 2.1 as an example, beta would have gone our in November.

[LarsCroft]

dataminers!

[Gilraen]

dataminers!

This is probably one of the biggest reasons we don't have test servers. Before Early Release they released Beta4, which was the last build and techincally a pre-Early Release Early Release barring any unforeseen problems. It was also effectively the full game client and dataminers published all the item data to XIVDB. The data was promptly ordered removed by Square within days. If they did launch a test server they'd have the same problem over and over again...

[Zumi]

They have a test server for FFXI to let you try out new patches before they are out and they let you copy your character over to the test server.

So maybe SE will make one for FFXIV. But it wasn't for a long time before FFXI got a test server.

[Naunet]

That's a terrible idea.

Would be hell to just think of a way to make this "work" with the general public. Too much resources better spent on new content, really.

You're not really familiar with Public Test Servers, are you? xD

This is probably one of the biggest reasons we don't have test servers. Before Early Release they released Beta4, which was the last build and techincally a pre-Early Release Early Release barring any unforeseen problems. It was also effectively the full game client and dataminers published all the item data to XIVDB. The data was promptly ordered removed by Square within days. If they did launch a test server they'd have the same problem over and over again...

I honestly don't understand why they got in such a huff over data miners. It's important to have an accurate database of items in the game, in my opinion.

[cotti]

You're not really familiar with Public Test Servers, are you?

You're not really familiar with ARR's specific circunstances as of now, including development methodology and period of such development, publisher, accuracy on server load previsions, etc, are you?

xD

Way to put the tongue on the sewers.

I honestly don't understand why they got in such a huff over data miners. It's important to have an accurate database of items in the game, in my opinion.

ENTERPRISE isn't meant to think with logic. You may don't understand, but it does not make your point valid for a corporation. It's their product, and datamining is against the ToS.

[Cigaran]

Almost every MMO I've played over the past ten years has had a Test Server of some sort. Some had one that was always available while others only came online when a major update needed some testing. Some allowed characters to be copied over from Live servers while other required you to start from the beginning and level up a whole new character just for testing. In all of these scenarios, I've enjoyed testing new content and updates. I would gladly do so here should Square-Enix offer a Test Server for this game.

[Thagyr]

If they don't keep the patch to themselves what will they post to tease us all the time?

[mindful]

They have a test server for FFXI to let you try out new patches before they are out and they let you copy your character over to the test server.

So maybe SE will make one for FFXIV. But it wasn't for a long time before FFXI got a test server.

FFXI has the test servers took them a few years, But they got it so i would put money on it. That once this game settles down some they will, Put the test servers for this game online. I would say it would be after the ps4 launch that way ps4 and PC players can both be on the test server at same time. Unlike FFXI were only PC users were allowed on it.