Have you ever wanted to have a direct impact on game development? Now you can through GameSpot's
Beta Test Center. Beta testers provide a valuable service - they report bugs and playability
issues in the crucial last stages of a game's production.
In our Beta Test Center, we'll tell you about games that are currently accepting testing
applicants, games that you can jump right into and begin testing, and feature many exclusives
available only to registered GameSpot users. We'll keep you informed as new beta testing
opportunities arise, so check back often for the latest information.
New: Wish
Defined by Mutable Realms as an "ultra massively multiplayer online role-playing game", Wish will allow tens of thousands of simultaneous players in a single world. The background and story for the game are intentionally being kept secret in an attempt to offer a world that players explore for themselves. Some of the game's features include a skill based advancement system, 7 playable races, tradeskills, and economic city based pvp. Sign-ups are for closed beta phase 2 which will begin this fall.
Dragon
Empires
Dragon Empires is a MMORPG where the game play encourages players
to group together into clans and fight with other clans. Clans compete for glory and for
ownership of the 50 cities scattered throughout the world across 5 empires. Closed beta testing has begun, beta phase 1 is scheduled to begin in the coming months.
Mourning
Mourning is a massively multiplayer online role-playing
game set in a medieval world. The game will break from traditional online rpg coventions by not
having character levels or classes. Some of the features include a bloodline system that will
let players sire children to carry on their legacy when their main character dies, skill-based
character development, player housing, and trade activities like mining. Currently in closed
beta testing, additional testers will be admitted as the beta progresses.
Ryzom
Ryzom is a 3d massively multiplayer online role-playing game being developed by the French company Nevrax. Set in the science-fantasy world known as Atys, players explore and expand territory for their respective factions. The game features skill based character advancement, 32 class jobs, and player housing. Currently accepting applications for closed beta, focus testing events are held on the weekends.
Star Wars Galaxies: Jump to Light Speed
Set in the Star Wars timeframe between Episode IV and Episode V, this first extension to the Star Wars Galaxies opens 10 vast and distinct space sectors, spanning from the Core Worlds to the Outer Rim, for players to explore while engaging their opponents in intense real-time combat or uniting with friends in battle or exploration. Starfighters and other starships will be featured in the expansion that can be used for both space exploration and combat, allowing players to join up with allies and fly familiar X-wings and TIE fighters into battle against faction-aligned opponents and AI-controlled ships. Note, an existing Star Wars Galaxies account is required.
The Matrix
Online
Set in a massively multiplayer environment, The Matrix Online will
feature cutting-edge graphics, martial arts combat, and a storyline that picks up at the end of
The Matrix Revolutions, the upcoming third movie in the series. Players will aquire weapons and
special abilities as they go on missions exploring the vast realm of the Matrix. Currently accepting beta applications, the first phase of closed beta testing has begun.
PlaneShift
Planeshift is a 3d online role-playing game that promises to be free to everyone. Developers
and players will be invited to expand the world by contributing content. Some of the game's
features include 12 playable races, housing and a large world to explore. Currently in
development, they require testers to help test their tech demo.
Risk Your Life
Risk Your Life is a 3d online role-playing game in which players battle over control of territory. Some of the game's features include over 200 quests, level based skill development, housing, and weather effects. It is currently in Open Beta.
EverQuest
II
Sony Online Entertainment is hard at work developing the sequel to the
popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game, EverQuest. Once again set in the land of
Norrath, EverQuest II occurs during the Age of Destiny, a time period in the future of the
original EverQuest. The game will feature a brand new 3d engine, player housing, player-defined
classes, and a new trade skill class. Currently in closed beta testing, stay tuned for future sign-ups.
Guild Wars
Developed
by ArenaNet, Guild Wars is a competitive online role-playing game. Set in a fantasy world where
characters unite to form guilds, players can either explore their own area of the world or fight
each other over control of castles. Some of the game's features include persistent characters
with a partially persistent world, intergrated support for guilds with banners and halls, and
streaming technology for new content. Currently in closed Alpha testing, stay tuned for future sign-ups.
Middle-Earth
Online
Vivendi Universal Games announced that it has signed Turbine
Entertainment to produce Middle-Earth Online, a new online role-playing game based on the The
Lord of the Rings novels. MEO will be a 3D online role-playing game that will immerse players in
the world of Middle-earth and let them create characters using a number of Tolkien archetypes.
Some of the game's features include player housing, branching quests, offline character
advancement intended to help casual gamers, and 4 playable races. Currently scheduled for a 2004
release so stay tuned for future sign-ups.
Pirates of the Burning Sea
Pirates of the Burning Sea is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game set in the 18th century Caribbean Sea. Players will assume the role of ship captains trying to work their way up as privateers, merchants, traders, or naval officers. Some of the game's features include 3 nations to join, skill based advancement with no leveling, and the ability to customize your ship. Beta is scheduled to begin late 2004.
Tabula Rasa
Developed by Ultima Online creator Richard Garriott, Tabula Rasa will be a 3d science fiction-themed online role-playing game. In the game, players will join forces to attempt to repel a malevolent force, called the thrax, which is spreading across the galaxy, destroying all in its path. Some of the game's features include martial arts-inspired combat, player housing, teleportation system for easy travel, and voice chat. Closed beta testing is scheduled to begin late summer/early fall 2004 so stay tuned for sign-ups.
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes
Designed by EverQuest co-creator Brad McQuaid, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes is a third generation 3D massively multiplayer online role-playing game. Vanguard will exist in a high fantasy setting and will refocus the genre back on hardcore and casual players coexisting in the same game. Some of the features include a traditional level and class based system, player housing, alternate server pvp, and in-game voice communication. Stay tuned for future sign-ups.
Know of an upcoming beta test or other beta news? Tell us about it.
last updated 7/27/04
