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I don't think I could do it if my account was wiped. Starting over, I mean. Even if leveling becomes a lot quicker. The game is dreadfully boring at the moment; attacking the makeshift domiciles of starving ruffians- the only thing keeping me hear is my love for The Settlers 7. I just could not do all of the tedious building and waiting all over again.
While its still open for debate and discussion, I would say that a clean wipe would be fair. I can see the reasoning behind both sides of the debate and do not disagree with either. Keep in mind that the devs did say something about giving the beta testers a special gift or bonus for participation when the finished product was realeased. Perhaps a substantial resource cache or a small advanced army from the start would be an idea? Most likely a gem package? Dunno. Any thoughts?
Generally betas wipe simply because it makes sense in the grand scheme of things from a business perspective. Simple example if everyone in a beta is level capped, they want whats beyond that cap, yesterday, and care little about any enhancements or changes earlier on. If it takes 2 months to reach this cap, that plays a roll in the release schedule of the upcoming content. With a wipe people will get to see the changes, which may add time to their reaching this cap and so on. The main point it buys time and can grow attraction a small part will disappear but this is seldom equal to the increase from being live/gold.
In CEOs case they have another business model to respect the micro transactions. By wiping you can guarantee there will be a decent portion of those who played using gems to boost themselves back up to where they were. Others will take their time replaying of course, and some may leave. However, now there is a monetary factor in the equation, a free player represents a combined loss(system resources, bw, etc) and gain(word of mouth/free marketing), a paying player is a complete gain. When a paying player leaves they no longer eat resources but leave their spending. A free player simple frees up resources.
Those from outside the beta community come in and some will turn to gems to "catch up" or push past the vets. Now without a wipe the vets may still turn to gems of course, however they are likely to turn to them quicker and more frequently needing to redo everything.
Note: As gems do not have a value attributed to them at this time, the concept has to remain partially speculative as the cost of gems will play a large roll in there attraction.
Sounds like you're not too familiar with how beta testing works. It's a privilege to beta test. Our reward comes from making the game better in terms of helping to iron out bugs before it goes live. That said, "Use your beta key below to play now and unlock a special gift when we officially launch.".Quote:
Originally Posted by Bloodmoon
As for the wipe, you should always assume that the game will be reset when beta ends and the game goes live. This is just the way things are and the way they have always been. Almost every single beta I've participated in has hit the reset button when beta has concluded.
I agree with Silvanoshei and Tapewormz above.
Wipes have become common after Closed Beta, HOWEVER, they no longer occur as frequently after Open Beta (because this is when the Item Shops are starting to go live). This is just how beta works. It is a common practice.
Additionally, sometimes beta testers are given prizes when the game goes live (after a wipe). But really, even if you don't get a prize, you have already learned the basics of the game that will give you a HUGE leg up (especially in a game like this) over the newer players joining.
Never been in a beta that was not wiped.
Only been in 1 beta that was not wiped, that said I agree also with Silvanoshei and Tapewormz. Either way I won't complain with whatever is decided :)
I agree with Sir Roy it will be only fair to have our test games wiped, We will still have the experiance and the knowledge that we gained here to take to the new reworked version. Along with the friends we have made here.
My town looks horrible and I think I've made every mistake in the book. I just figured out how to build roads at level 19. My village looks like a shanty town with everything helterskelter. I want to be able to start over anytime I want.