Sounds like Shadow Era is getting some well-deserved publicity, good luck getting into the beta to everyone who entered.
Man, so will an open beta follow up the closed beta? My luck so far with closed betas has been really, really poor
My suggestion? Get over there to the site and start posting in some of the topics. I'm not talking about you or any one specifically, but the way I look at it, people who claim they've played MtG and Beta-Tested something else are really dime a dozen. I mean everyone says that. The flip-side of all of that is "are you going to take the time to post to the feedback boards?" and "Are you articulate? Can you explain yourself and what the game is doing clearly?" It's hard to check people's references, and I doubt Wulven Gate Studios has the time. So when it comes time to pick Beta-Testers, what do they have to go on besides whatever we say about ourselves in a Beta-Request post? Our participation and conduct on their own boards. If you show some interest in the game above and beyond just being a Beta-Tester and getting to play before everybody else does, you're probably going to be invested enough to take the time to give some quality feedback. That's just my two cents. The community boards are friendly and people are excited. Make some friends. Talk about the Card of the Day (or yesterday or the day before). Ask some question in Kyle's FAQ thread. Try joining in some conversations and get yourself noticed above the hundreds who have a single solitary post saying: Don't get me wrong, that's great! But anybody can do that. It takes all of 15 seconds. Show some passion! I can't guarantee you'll get in, but it can't hurt!
Jim, thanks for the advice, but personally if that's the activity level they are looking for in a beta tester, then I'll patiently wait for an open beta. I'm not the kind of guy that mulls around on what could be in the game, what should be in the game, and give suggestions when I haven't even had experience playing it. I'm the kind of guy that gets active in making a game better once I know what I'm dealing with. I've done this for all the games I've beta tested, I show interest in testing a game I'm interested in, and if they pick me, I'll give them everything I got. If they don't, I'm not going to throw out suggestions when I don't even know how the game is even like- that wouldn't be helping the developer. I'm sure plenty of other people will take your advice though, and that would be great. Hopefully it'll raise more awareness of the game. The developers have really put a lot of work in the game (especially the graphics), and the game deserves to be something great!
Heh. You start with a thank you, but somehow I don't think you actually appreciated it. In that case, my apologies. Sincerely. I was genuinely well intentioned. Of course, but please realize that I don't speak for Kyle or Wulven Gate Studios. And if that's obvious to you, I feel the need to state that explicitly. This is what comes across as a dig. I take your point. Fanboi behavior can be tiresome when taken to an extreme. On the other hand, I really challenge the notion that these are negative traits. Especially at this point when there is nothing to be tested or done, other than to check the website daily for updates. This is community building. It also helps people stay interested and engaged in the game concept while developers are busy rolling out the first beta. It fosters positive energy and lends a sense of momentum. And there's nothing wrong, bad, or immature about that. Nor does demonstrating enthusiasm and interest make anybody less of a professional beta-tester. Awesome. They'll be well served if they pick you. Good luck! Well.. respectfully.. I think the developer can tune out whatever isn't helpful or interesting. I'm inclined to give them that much credit! But seriously, all of those suggestion posts were made in sections of the forum that were clearly marked as such. They are NOT mixed up and muddled with actual Beta-Test report material. I don't know. You've made a pretty compelling argument about why you think it's a waste of time, at least in respect to yourself. And that's why I've replied. I'm pretty sure that I can't convince you that you're wrong. And that's fine, I wouldn't want to. We all have to go about things in the way that we see best, and what I suggested just isn't for you. Not your scene. I respect that. However, there need be no distinction between someone excited about the project and a thoughtful and thorough beta-tester. Those roles are not mutually exclusive. Yeah! And best of luck.. I hope you get in any case. It'll need good people for the testing period. EDIT: In retrospect, my first post might have across as judgmental as well. I shouldn't have put down anyone that simply posts a request to be a beta-tester. I can see where that could raise some ire, even though it wasn't directed at you or anybody else. It's just that I really do think community involvement helps. I recognize that is not everybody's cup of tea however. I just happen to like to write.
No, I wasn't intending on putting you down at all. Just expressing my thoughts! You sure look like a dedicated follower of the game, hope you get picked and improve the game!
We're cool! And seriously.. I hope you get in as well. I take you at your word, and you do have a point. One can glomm all over the game and still not make it any better. It takes a critical eye and the ability to analyze... without that articulation is an exercise in vanity. If it was up to me, I'd give you the nod! Best wishes!
Awesome advice Jim G! It's very true that developers wouldn't dream of excluding their most active community members from a closed beta. Of course we also appreciate all types of players, like TiltMyTouch, who may have applied but are waiting to see the game before getting really involved. We have about 200 applications now, so we will be closing the beta signups at midnight EST on Wednesday. Everyone that has applied before then will be getting into the closed beta, starting August 1st!
I'm just eager for the game to get released to all! I really don't know why, an electronic TCG is really apealling to me.
That's GREAT news! I can't wait to dig in and see what you've made here. Now comes the week of anxious finger-tapping...
Card of the day - Supernova Not everyone can visit the Shadow Era site every day, so I'll repost the Card of the Days here...
Wow, awesome! I am really looking forward to this! I am also looking into the ShadowEra Forum nearly every day and I have to say that I am absolutely excited about the love and care you give your game. I bet, you'll be a millionaire soon... (if you aren't already with BfW) BTW - is there an Twitter account for ShadowEra (I can follow)?
oh yay that's soon. personally I agree with Jim too but I don't have the time to go around checking too many forum boards so this is where I'll usually be anyway
Personally, I just hate being chained to my desktop for a card game. That being said, the Beta will be in browsers.. just so that the game can be updated very quickly and on a daily basis if necessary. But I look forward to being able to lounge on the coach with my iPad rather than being cloistered in my home office.
Right, but once it's out to all that includes the device. Then you could take it anywhere and take it out whenever, wherever. That's really great to me.
Card of the day - Bloodlust I may have to add some more strategically placed hair to her... What do you think?
