Official Salem Beta Thread

**GordonVanDyke** · 12-09-2011 14:23

Hi Everyone! First we'd like to say we're very humbled to already see so much passionate interest for the Beta Testing of Salem. So, to make life a little less "up in the Air" we'd like to clarify the Beta (and Alpha) Testing dates we are working hard to deliver on.

Alpha Testing (Currently the game is in Pre-Alpha and we'll need an elite handful of players with proven experience in similar kinds of MMORPG's to start this with us) - This will begin as soon as we reach Alpha which is trending towards the end of September. It'll begin with a very small hand picked group and then grow to size(s) that make sense for testing and participation.
Beta Testing (This will be open to a much larger group with all those that were in Alpha Testing being grandfathered in and Haven & Hearth and Dreamlords: Resurrection players given priority) - This will start around the beginning of 2012 or when Alpha development is done and the game is ready for Beta Testing.
Open Beta (This will be as it sounds, open to everyone by registering) This will happen once the game is in a state to handle a much larger player base.

Keep in mind these dates & schedules are not written in stone, and flexibility with test management and Developments needs will always come first, even if it's not the popular choice amongst the public, or internally. We will however, always communicate openly and honestly with our community to keep a mutually respectable line of communication we can all trust and count on.

This post will be updated when things change and hopefully helps clear things up. If no, feel free to post a question and we'll do our best to answer.

Cheers,

GvD

**Romtos** · 12-09-2011 14:35

Thanks for giving us your time line.

It's good to hear something again about this.

Originally Posted by GordonVanDyke

Currently the game is in Pre-Alpha and we'll need an elite handful of players with proven experience in these kinds of MMO's to start this

Wouldn't that be limited to Haven and Hearth (perhaps Wurms)? Other games akin to what Salem appears to want to become are rarely MMO's. Your run of the mill MMO-player does not seem a representative audience.

**GordonVanDyke** · 12-09-2011 14:53

Originally Posted by Romtos

Thanks for giving us your time line.

It's good to hear something again about this.

Wouldn't that be limited to Haven and Hearth (perhaps Wurms)? Other games akin to what Salem appears to want to become are rarely MMO's. Your run of the mill MMO-player does not seem a representative audience.

I changed it to say MMORPG, but like you mention, Salem isn't easy to fit into commonly used genre definitions. But for clarity sake, and keeping things within common descriptive terminology we use that acronym for the technical definition (Massively multiplayer online), and not the commonly associated pop-cultural games.

**Stuckenschmidt** · 12-09-2011 15:13

Thanks for the info. Early 2012 is fine, since I`d have time then, so it makes sense to apply.

**Te. Kenzo** · 12-09-2011 15:25

I'm following

**Romtos** · 12-09-2011 15:45

Originally Posted by GordonVanDyke

I changed it to say MMORPG, but like you mention, Salem isn't easy to fit into commonly used genre definitions. But for clarity sake, and keeping things within common descriptive terminology we use that acronym for the technical definition (Massively multiplayer online), and not the commonly associated pop-cultural games.

Changing it to MMORPG instead of MMO doesn't really address it, but I appreciate the difficulty of your terminological problem. I'm happy to hear the target audience hasn't shifted.

**gela1212** · 13-09-2011 02:03

Now I want to go play Wurms again so I can be counted as an experienced player.

**Robben DuMarsch** · 13-09-2011 05:48

Question: Will Alpha be handled by an application process, or does Paradox intend to invite interested and active individuals from the community?

**GordonVanDyke** · 13-09-2011 11:25

Some small edits made to main post.

Originally Posted by Robben DuMarsch

Question: Will Alpha be handled by an application process, or does Paradox intend to invite interested and active individuals from the community?

Initially we'll invite individuals from the community.

**Mendozacheers** · 13-09-2011 12:25

Originally Posted by GordonVanDyke

Some small edits made to main post.

Initially we'll invite individuals from the community.

Aww, was hoping I could apply somewhere

Actually the alpha-phase should be made with the closest available community people. Picking folks from outside shouldn't start until closed/open beta. So it makes perfect sense!

**Dregazuk** · 13-09-2011 15:36

Same here ^^ though the handpick is probably the best choice for an alpha-phase, though I had been hoping that it was gonna be a beta-stage that was opening this September O.o.

Since im a huge Wurm and H&H fan. I've been stalking this forum since well.. almost since the minute it opened.

If there was a magic lamp somewhere I would make 3 wishes to be part of the alpha, since I haven't been so active in the forums. But I have at least made an appearance so there might be a chance to be selected

unless the selection is already done.

**Mendozacheers** · 13-09-2011 21:16

Originally Posted by Dregazuk

Same here ^^ though the handpick is probably the best choice for an alpha-phase, though I had been hoping that it was gonna be a beta-stage that was opening this September O.o.

Since im a huge Wurm and H&H fan. I've been stalking this forum since well.. almost since the minute it opened.

If there was a magic lamp somewhere I would make 3 wishes to be part of the alpha, since I haven't been so active in the forums. But I have at least made an appearance so there might be a chance to be selected

unless the selection is already done.

I haven't gotten more into Wurm and H&H than seeing some videos on youtube, they both have this mystique feeling around them that Salem surely will have. I am totally interested in all three games, no doubt. But my lack of experience with Wurm och H&H makes me a lesser target in both Alpha and Beta recruiting =(

I do however got previous Alpha and Beta testing experience and know how to put time and energy in testing and sending feedback. There's always something special about helping smaller developers with smaller testing teams - it really feels like they need you, and you can help out a lot. I hope I can get a shot in the closed beta, because when it's open - it doesn't feel like you're that important anymore.
Of course it's even more attractive helping out devs from Sweden =)

**Chevalier12341** · 13-09-2011 22:41

Are you able to give a number in regards to how many people will be present in the alpha?

**cpt1silencer** · 14-09-2011 05:45

Originally Posted by GordonVanDyke

Some small edits made to main post.

Initially we'll invite individuals from the community.

H&H community or paradox community, do we just express an intrest in participateing to get a chance at an invite?

**I_Kill_newbies** · 14-09-2011 17:29

hnh and paradox i bet

**caracula** · 14-09-2011 22:00

Hi,

One of elder players of DL looking for Alpha/Beta access.

Cara

**Ordo Impavidus** · 14-09-2011 22:08

I'm interested. Definitely.

**gela1212** · 15-09-2011 23:12

Just going to follow the trend of "Here I am! Send me! Send me!" posts and leave a note here that I'm very much interested in possibly participating in alpha.

**Chevalier12341** · 16-09-2011 01:13

Guess I will too, so, I would very much like to have an opportunity to join the alpha as well, if you would be willing to invite me.

**ForzaA** · 16-09-2011 14:53

Originally Posted by GordonVanDyke

Cheers,

GvD

Might want to reconsider using that to sign anything if dealing with Dutch people.

It's good to see Paradox taking a longer-term view on development processes though.. Even if I'd prefer having my game sooner rather than later.

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