510°

Dear Sony: You can't beta test a game that's gone gold

Sony has announced that an open beta for Killzone 3 is going to hit the PlayStation Network on February 3. That's pretty awesome, right? Well, only until you remember that the game went gold last week. As in, it's finished, with no more development due between now and launch.

For whatever reason, publishers have been allergic to the word "demo", as if it's somehow dirty. I guess "beta test" sounds more important and flashy. Unfortunately, it's complete and utter bollocks. Killzone 3 isn't being beta tested. It's a multiplayer demo.

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destructoid.com
GodHandDee4895d ago

ugh sure you can? -_- Devs patch things and fix things all the time even after launch, not exactly rocket science
They will test the servers, see what needs tweaking and so on, which is a good thing

Ryudo4895d ago

Yeah there's plenty of reasons for them to run a beta test then, it's most likely to test server stability and edit data on there end.

gaffyh4895d ago

Exactly. This is most likely a server test, and if other issues arise, I'm sure Guerrilla will fix those issues with a patch around the release time.

It looks like this is another one of those articles Jim Sterling has done to get hits.

blitz06234895d ago

Whoever wrote this doesn't know the existence of patches. And he's a journalist? How sad

BloodyNapkin4895d ago

It's not a beta though. It a demo to fix things and test servers and such, which is nothing wrong with that. Same way as you can not have a fully finished level and call it pre alpha code.

They use the terms how they want anymore. They do not use the terms as how it is really defined. But whatever, i understand the difference.

Ryudo4895d ago

@BloodyNapkin

I have been around the industry long enough to know beta testing is never used in the correct term anymore.

Any MMO released in Europe and the US always run an open beta, no one complains that there called open beta there when by your logic there not.

Considering the games have been out for 5 or 6 years in japan and there's really nothing to test it's just a marketing strategy to bring new players in, because nothing promotes a new MMORPG like a open beta.

Why should there be 1 rule for every other games developer and another for Sony, you can quote to people what a real beta test is all you like in the modern world this is as good of the use beta as any.

goflyakite4895d ago

Dear Destructiod, who cares what it's called?

DORMIN4895d ago

Has the writer never heard of a patch or server test?!?!?!

*Looks at source*

Attention wh0res gonna attention.

kancerkid4895d ago

By calling it a BETA, Sony/Guerrilla is implying the game is not gold (which it is) and they will use bug reports to fix the game up, before getting it gold.

Looking for things to patch is not a Beta, that is a demo. They can test server stability through a demo also, that does not make it a Beta.

Yea, it does not really matter that much what it is called, but if MS ran a "beta" test of some game that is already gold, I would bet a lot of people would be calling them stupid.

kancerkid4895d ago

Also, Jim Sterling loves Killzone, so no one can call him out for being a fanboy in regards to this.

Raendom4895d ago

Hey guys, there is plenty of opportunity for DT to be removed completely from N4G.

Just click the + symbol, vote "WTF?" and "No" for this article. But not just this article, keep doing the same for every article that appears on N4G.

gman_moose4895d ago

Plus usually demos aren't for only 12 days. This may not be a beta test in a traditional sense, but it's not necessarily a demo either. If you don't DL it and try it in that span of time, you lose out, unlike a demo that sits on PSN permenently.

STONEY44895d ago (Edited 4895d ago )

MULTIPLAYER DEMO. That's what this is. Game was out of beta for a while now, and it's already gold. In fact, I don't even remember a beta build. It was just pre-alpha, alpha, then it went gold. It's all fancy wording guys.

Megaton4895d ago

Herpa derpa server load and stability testing.

Although I do agree that the term "beta" is much more broadly used than it was when it was a PC-only thing. Then again, with broken games being released at launch so often these days, chances are you've actually bought many games in near-beta state if you've bought anything in the last few years. Everyone's too patch-happy. I'll bet there's some dude out there without internet raging constantly because he can't update his shitty, broken retail games.

Kleptic4895d ago (Edited 4894d ago )

Kancerkid...no...

The online part of killzone 3 is not 'gold' yet...it won't be until the game is released, and people have paid for the software and are given access to the online portion of the game...

and THAT is what they are obviously testing...They can, and will make changes and adjustments to the host end of killzone 3...all the way up until the game is in our hands...and after that...

They could call it an 'open beta', they could call it an 'online demo'...they could call it whatever the hell they want to...there is no set rules of what developers have to call something they give out for free in order to test its security...and to get community feedback...before a title releases...but a 'beta' is usually used to describe a test model where the developers are testing their software before release...a 'demo' is usually used to describe a situation where they are only trying to build and gauge interest before release...a beta works better for this, as they are testing things and will make changes...

and that is why this article is retarded...its like the writer has a rule book in his hands on what exactly developers need to call something...In any case, no one said anything on MS doing this...they pioneered the use of a 'beta' as a marketing tool...beta, to the ignorant, sounds exclusive...MS figured that out early on, and now everyone is doing it...

EA did it with BC2 last winter...and called it an online demo, which is probably more misleading (if the users figured no matter what the released title would be exactly the same multiplayer wise...and there were changes made)...but it was the EXACT same thing...it was to test servers and get the host end prepared before the game shipped...even though the actual retail title was 'gold'...

+ Show (10) more repliesLast reply 4895d ago
Finalfantasykid4895d ago

Ya this is probably mainly for a stress test for their servers, so they can gauge what sort of problems might arise server side.

DERKADER4895d ago

DEMO/BETA = Same thing this gen. Who cares what you call it as long you get to play and try the game out.

Codester4893d ago

A demo and beta may be the same for some gamers but not for the people (Guerrilla Games) making the game.

A demo is a completed game (by the developers standards being offered to the public. A beta is when the developer has piece they are still working out (regardless if it's gone 'gold')

DERKADER4893d ago

I have to disagree. It's just a word, developers get the same information from a demo that you can get from a Beta. The word beta is just an excuse to fall back on if the DEMO doesn't play that well.

Omegasyde4895d ago

^^^^

I think this beta test is also a marketing tool for more people to buy the games (especially the COD crowd).

The CQB animations make this game a must buy, I only hope they kill Rico this time around. Perhaps Natko will kill him :)

trounbyfire4895d ago (Edited 4895d ago )

exactly my point sony has stepped their advertisements with DCO and LBP2

in my eyes this is pure advertisement and i love it
i wish they could put it on the xmb so everyone in the usa could atleast see it

Klepto4895d ago

lol CQB animations is your reason for why Killzone 3 is a must buy? :P

Omegasyde4895d ago

@klepto

Yes, because I am tired of just air-slashes, and with this method you can't knife 3 people at once like in call of duty B.S. and if the proximity chat is enabled, I can talk smack while slicing someone's throat.

Inside_out4895d ago (Edited 4895d ago )

Crytek and EA are attempting a hit and run forcing Sony and Guerrilla to go to extreme measures. This looks like a very desperate move.

With Crytek/EA announcing a Crysis demo exclusive to xbox 360, there trying to keep the faithful around...smart move if you ask me...but they are in tough with Bulletstorm launching a scathing Internet blitz with Gears 3 beta included in the game and now Crytek dropping what looks like a very competitive multi-player beta right in KZ 3 launch window...it's all business guys. This is trench warfare going on this month and next.

Sony must be feeling the heat...it takes alot of time and money ( and they run the risk of people losing interest ) to run a open beta 2 weeks before launch. Waiting to see the next move.

Crysis 2 looks all business right now...

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

GodHandDee4895d ago

At first I was like: He's being sarcastic, funny chap

Then I was like: Where is the /s?........ oooooh

Blaine4895d ago

lol, wtf? You fail. Crysis 2 demo 360 exclusive, so Sony is afraid for KZ3?? If anything this helps KZ because PS3 gamers won't get to try out Crysis 2 (I didn't know they weren't going to launch a demo on PS3, but that's a bad fucking move on their part--it's on PS3 that they'll have the stiffer competition, they definitely should give us a demo...).

Also, Bulletstorm... LOL, looks like a steaming pile of shit... There's no way in hell I'd buy BS or C2 over KZ3.

SpitFireAce854895d ago

Crysis 2 belongs on the PC not on consoles
and you think that a New Ip like Bulletstorm
with NO real competitive MP will sway away
PS3 players from KZ3..you got to be sh!ting
me..they will be lucky even if Xb360 owners
buy bulletstorm!

iceman064895d ago

@SpitFireAce85...I agree somewhat.

Bulletstorm won't sway anybody that was a fan of KZ, KZ Liberation, or KZ2, but it might get some duel buyers. But, the 360 version will do solid numbers because of the inclusion of the Gears 3 beta AND it being one of the first "high profile" (since it's Epic doing it) releases of the year for the console.
Crysis IS the poster child for graphical capabilities on the PC, but Crytek is trying to get that console dollar...so here comes Crysis 2. However, the 360 demo being exclusive is cool. I just HOPE that they have internally or even closed beta tested the PS3 online code because it has been notoriously difficult for many companies to manage in their first time out.

TKCMuzzer4895d ago

Oh dear cez, you really do push the boundaries of freedom of speech with rubbish like that.
About the article, of course in can still be in beta, the game is not in the shops so it can still be tweaked before release.

aceitman4895d ago

uummmm if u havent heard . they already said they where going to have a public beta before game launches so they can test the servers and let everyone get a taste of the final build ...

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 4895d ago
RyuDrinksTheDew4895d ago

exactly what i was thinking GodHandDee.

they didnt really think before making this article.

just because a game went gold, doesnt mean all the bugs are gone.

nycredude4895d ago

Apparently they never played any COD games.

SpitFireAce854895d ago

Well as long as i get to play this badboy in the
next few weeks i dont care what its called...

PS.plenty of games came out with patches that
needed to be Downloaded as soon as the game
came out...But this is mainly server stress
test and and to see what kind of online
traffic they can expect..

GodsHand4895d ago

I think the point is the wording. If it's gone gold, it has been put out of beta testing. So instead of calling it a beta, it should of been labled demo for stress testing or what ever they need to test.

It would be like if GM, brought out a new car and called it a concept design, when it's been in full production.

TKCMuzzer4895d ago

If they called it a "demo for stress testing" we would have articles like "Is Killzone 3 still in beta" "stop calling it a demo Sony, your still beta testing" .
Devs can't win anyway, at least their active in testing their game before release. ARE YOU LISTENING ACTIVISION AND TREYARCH, testing, oh such a beautiful word....

Kleptic4894d ago

^^EXACTLY...

if Sony put this up as a 'demo', then every media outlet would start the tired 'Killzone 3 needs a demo, its obviously not as well known as it should be...sony's marketing sucks, the game sucks, etc.'

they CAN'T win...at least this generation...

gfunkera104895d ago

Oh Geez.

I thought Destructoid was supposed to be known for more quality journalism. Like countless people have said, all gold means is the game is ready for disc. It can still be considered a beta if the servers are being tested and tweaked. They just want to make sure an over saturation of users on the servers won't lock things up.

Pretty standard actually. Man I wish opinion pieces could be removed.

aceitman4895d ago

fat destructazz u really brought yourself down and too make no sense . its like you wanted sony to give you free things and they said no !!!!!! and u said ok i will now bash u sony and everything you do .... get another job and get over yourself u fat lazy destructazz. your done in my book ....will i look at your site no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

gman_moose4895d ago

Another douchebag destructoid article.... shocking.

BBAM4895d ago

nail on the head.
Just how clueless are Destructoid...
Are they that stuck for news they decided to create an article with no actual bearing. It's clearly a beta as it will allow GG to stress test the servers before the actual game's release so that unlike *some* online shooters, the servers shouldn't crash from unprecedented numbers.

Daver4895d ago

wtf is that **** 'article', who cares how it is called... when there is no news why not try to make them...

kewlkat0074895d ago (Edited 4895d ago )

"Devs patch things and fix things all the time even after launch"

At some point early this gen, it was that, we were concerned with games coming out bugged to death and the devs releasing patches to shut peeps up but now it seems like we have been CONDITIONED....lol

What happened to making less buggy and sounds games?

lh_swe4895d ago

I think all of you's are missing the point, sure they may be doing this to fix some issues...but I think it's to garner more interest in the game as in hype it.

Vherostar4895d ago

Madness article beta test is obviously for online servers. These can be patched up then ready for launch etc.. Some people need to think before writing articles.

+ Show (13) more repliesLast reply 4893d ago
thebudgetgamer4895d ago

you can call it donkey doo for all i care, i'm just glad i can try fo free.

PirateThom4895d ago (Edited 4895d ago )

Fact: Numerous "multiplayer demos" have been called "betas" this gen.

Fact: I'd say a lot of people wouldn't buy the game if they'd played some betas and treated them as demos.

Fact: There have been no prior Destructoid articles about this.

Blaine4895d ago

Well, if it's before the game's launch, then it could very well be a beta test. They're definitely going to use it to prepare the servers for the game's launch.

If it's after launch, though, then it's just a mp demo.

RankFTW4895d ago (Edited 4895d ago )

Well they can patch in any changes so yeah you can beta test a gold game if it has not been released yet. I will read the article anyway as it's probably Jim Sterling and he's rather funny.

Darkfiber4895d ago

Yes, they can patch it, but since the game has gone gold it is no longer in the beta stage of development. Gamers wouldn't be testing beta code, they would be testing code from the finished version of the game. I guess they could call it open Gamma testing or something...

Omegasyde4895d ago

Correct, its not really a beta test if the game is past the beta stage.

but beta test have hype to the name since Halo 3.

Show all comments (126)
230°

20 Years of Guerrilla: The Story of a PlayStation Studio

The Amsterdam-based studio reflects on its humble beginnings, beloved franchises, and growth through the years.

Read Full Story >>
blog.playstation.com
SullysCigar405d ago

Up there with the top tier in the industry. Love Guerrilla Games - Horizon Burning Shores is simply STUNNING.

1Victor404d ago

Can’t wait for their next franchise

SullysCigar404d ago

Same. They nailed it with Horizon. The trouble is I also want a new Killzone! Can't I just have it all?!

jznrpg404d ago

I’m with you I want Horizon 3 , Killzone and new IPs

badz149404d ago

I have yet to play Burning Shores as I just started Forbidden West (bought at launch, just unwrapped last weekend LOL) and playing on PS5.

man...I still can't believe the graphics especially now I'm playing it on my LG OLED. that graphics and with stable performance backing it up, GG really is the master of their craft!

Vengeance1138404d ago

32.7M sales in the Horizon franchise! With 8.4M coming from Forbidden West alone! Truly a hugely successful game and franchise as a whole. Looking forward to Horizon III

Shane Kim404d ago

That's kind of a huge drop though. It's only been two games.

VersusDMC404d ago

One year after realease HZD sold 7.6 million.

https://www.noobfeed.com/ne...

So not a drop off.

Unless you're saying a HFW should have sold as much now as HZD sold in 5 years?

Vengeance1138404d ago

It's been 3 games, this includes Call of the Mountain. Also no, its a great improvement over HZD.

solideagle404d ago

lol you are comparing:

HZD: 28 February 2017 - May 2023 (6 years+)

HFW: 18 February 2022 - May 2023 (1 year+)

We will see if it surpass original number.

Phoenix76404d ago

@shane, 2 full main games, 2 DLC add ons, 1 VR spin off game, oh and a an official LEGO set.
Not too bad for an ip that's only been on market for 6 years

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 404d ago
REDGUM404d ago

Wow, very impressive. I didn't know the numbers were so high for Forbidden West. Still playing through it myself

thesoftware730404d ago (Edited 404d ago )

Yooo, when I first saw that Killzone 1 footage at E3, my friends my brothers and I were like, Holy shit! When it came out, it didn't look exactly like it, but we sunk so many hours into 1 & 2.

I even liked Killzone: SF, it was a spectacle to look at, and even today it looks good. I hope they make a new one. Can you imagine how that will look, and they can get some modern FPS pointers from Bungie.

blacktiger404d ago

thank you fps lover, I'm with you

talocaca404d ago

Such a wonderful studio. They deserve all their success.

The Decima Engine is absolute 🔥 I'm just mad they have abandoned Killzone.

OzzY-waZZy404d ago (Edited 404d ago )

Kinda wish they move on from Horizon tbh.

potatoseal404d ago

They are probably working on mutiple projects. One of them is Horizon 3, but another is a multiplaer game and probably somehting else.

Imalwaysright404d ago

There were rumours that they were working on a Socom reboot.

Show all comments (47)
300°

Killzone 3 is playable with mouse & keyboard on PC via RPCS3 & KAMI

DSOGaming writes: "While Sony does not plan to release Killzone 3 on the PC, Yahfz shared a video that gives us a glimpse at what such a PC version could look like."

Read Full Story >>
dsogaming.com
1155d ago
bouzebbal1155d ago

Still looks secure 2 gens later... one of my favorite ps3 moments. With 3D and move the game is on another level

MadLad1155d ago

PC almost always ends up the best place to play games, even if it takes a while.

What would you rather play decades down the line? A game at a fixed resolution and frame, considering you have a working disc, and the hardware?
Or run it on an emulator that can update the experience all around, and let you use whatever control input you prefer?

If you insist on the former, it's really only for the sake of nostalgia.

Applejack1155d ago

I disagree. The main draw for consoles has always be the simplicity of just putting the disc in / downloading it and playing without worrying about anything else. The average person just wouldn’t want to deal with emulation even though it’s very important for preservation.

Terry_B1155d ago

Even emulators are super simple to use.

jukins1155d ago

Youre getting flak because people on here thibk of themselves as pc wizards. But honestly most poeple try and go get emulators and romz they end up with malware.. yes theyre "easy" if you know the basics but alot of people dont. That said the fact that its taken nearly 20 years to get a sustantially better experience for ps3 games than on its native system shows the complexity of getting bc to work. Sony, if they have any intention, should just invest in a vastly better psnow experience.

1155d ago
Vegamyster1155d ago

jukins

Most people who emulate don't get malware, you'd have to be going to some weird sites for that to happen, heck years ago people were getting sketchier ad's resulting in malware warning on this site if you didn't have a ad-blocker lol.

SinkingSage1155d ago

Can't get malware if you legally dump your own games, which you should.

Rachel_Alucard1155d ago (Edited 1155d ago )

That's fine if that's the main draw, but it doesn't make it a better experience, just a preference. Having the freedom to do the things you can do on PC is what the appeal of PC is. Buying a game on PC means you never have to worry about the console makers just deciding the next hardware shouldn't support the generation anymore, which means everything you bought is stuck on that hardware instead of moving up with everything else. Nintendo uses this tactic to keep reselling the same games over and over at inflated prices. Sony cut all previous gens off the PS4 and sold it back to people in a poor attempt with PSnow. While the PS5 supports PS4 games, that may not be the case in the next gen after this. No to mention shutting off all the previous stores and updates completely. Even MS stopped making new BC titles at some point, so now there's a big list with 17 pages of titles that are not playable on Xbone and are just trapped on older gen. That's not a problem on PC, the reverse happens where you only have to worry if your hardware can play the newest releases at ultra with no issue.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 1155d ago
AzubuFrost1155d ago

Shhh don't say that aloud! You're going to trigger a lot of console infidels here.

Shane Kim1155d ago

I rather play it when it's available then wait 10 years.

MadLad1154d ago

Did you purposely miss the entire point of my post?

Inverno1155d ago

Well that's the beauty of still owning a retro console tho. Those who usually complain about emulation are just being blindly loyal to a company. Emulation is great for many reason, but if I still owned the console then I disagree nothing beats plugging it back in and going down a nostalgia trip

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 1154d ago
RevXM1155d ago

The RPCS3 devs are doing great work. And Kami works nicely with it too it seems.
Very neat.

Magatsuhi1155d ago

Been playing mgo on pc with mouse. It's not perfect but I can make it work.

Binarycode1155d ago

2 is the better game.

A Remake would be good. 60fps 2-4k

Omar3li1155d ago

60fps is peasant for FPS games now

1155d ago
Show all comments (22)
80°

Top 10 PS3 Games We Hope Come Back On PS5

While Xbox has committed to backwards compatibility spanning four generations, PlayStation has continued their stance that the feature isn't important. Well, it is! I'm hoping these PlayStation 3 classics that skipped the PS4 entirely show up again on the PS5 for everyone to enjoy.

Read Full Story >>
gameluster.com
Knightofelemia1333d ago

Resistance, Dead Space franchise, Splatterhouse, Lollipop Chainsaw, Brutal Legends, Alice Madness Returns, Enslaved Journey to the West, Mass Effect franchise. Also wouldn't mind seeing a new Wild Arms game remake or HD remaster, the Xenosaga trilogy, a new Parasite Eve, a new Dino Crisis just too many games to list that are forgotten and left in the dark now adays.

Sciurus_vulgaris1333d ago

The PS3 is difficult to emulate. PS3 backwards compatibility on PS5 would require translation from PowerPC to x86. Additionally the PS5 likely would have to mimic the PS3’s GPU and CPU.

ApocalypseShadow1333d ago

**Luster Network
Your privacy choices
We and our partners process personal data such as IP address, unique ID, browsing data. Some partners do not ask for your consent to process your data, instead, they rely on their legitimate business interest.**

This is what pops up on my web browser. So I can't even read the site. So, forget that. They don't need my data.

But let's get something straight. OG Xbox had around 1,001 games. How many are BC on Series X? **39** THIRTY NINE. Come on! That's wack BC. You can't tell me that's a complete list. Talking about commitment. Game preservation. Ridiculous. Covers nothing.

How many games released on Xbox 360? Around 2085. How many are BC?
568. That's it. Around 1,517 are **MISSING** Stop playing. Tired of that nonsense.

Anyway, the only games I really want from PS3 that would be awesome are Motorstorm and MGS4. I'll take BC. I'll take a remaster. I'll take a remake. If not those, then Killzone 2. And in VR, maybe Sports Champions, House of the Dead Overkill and the Time Crisis games.

That's all I need. But we've gone over BC again and again in every possible way. It wasn't that important because Sony sold 115 million consoles without it. That's proof enough with no outcry. And PS5 has damn near all 4,000+ PS4 games BC. It's not PS1,PS2 and PS3. But that's plenty. I'll take more but you get what you get.

Show all comments (6)