Hey everybody,

I just noticed that ZOS simplified the beta application for ESO significantly. It no longer is a comprehensive application asking for previous MMO experience, guild association, computer specs, etc. The application now is nothing more than region, name, platform you plan to play on (PS4 and Xbox One included), and then accepting the NDA. Now as a individual who signed up when beta applications first were rolling out, I'm curious how this affects my chances getting in.

Will ZOS be biased in allowing those who filled out the original comprehensive applications to get in first or is it just all fair game regardless of how much they know? I honestly feel kind of cheated if it's just equal chance for everybody, knowing I put all that time and effort into making my case to ZOS how my previous beta testing experience would help in ESO's development and quality feedback. Now obviously console beta won't be starting until after Xbox One and PS4 are released, but this new application also applies to PC users and Mac users.

Anybody else have thoughts on this new application and where that places old applications?

I dunno. Does it ask for computer DXdiag anymore? If not, I assume they closed off PC beta and opened it for consoles.

No it doesn't. They didn't close off PC beta though as they still ask for the applicant to specify which platform they plan to beta test on (PC, Mac, Xbox One, or PS4). It's just a very broad application that really doesn't ask for anything.

Yeah, but without taking the applicant's PC specs they'd only invite them for stress testing, since they usually only invite people that fit their specific technical criteria for beta

It probably doesn't really matter anymore at this point.

This is probably at best what people will be getting in for at this point. They will probably keep using the previous people for their technical stuff from here on out.

If that's truly the case that is very disappointing. Closed Beta is one of the most crucial elements of building an MMO. I'm still under the impression their sample size of all the beta applicants is very small. This new application does suggest more of an open beta approach, but hopefully they won't expect the game to run successfully based off of how many they have in Closed Beta right now.

Well I should correct myself a bit, im sure they will use more people to test for things like exploits. Whether the sample size is mall from a technical aspect that we just don't know and probably never will.

They keep saying only "a few thousand" testers. According to them the current beta tester pool is reaaalllly tiny.

NVM then, that is kind of small...

Definitely I believe it's safe to say ZOS will continue to expand Closed Beta throughout the year. I wouldn't expect Open Beta until next year, and the game itself still isn't content complete. I just have no idea how many waves and how many more applications they are going to accept. I'm also not sure how these more simplified applications will be thrown into consideration, whether just for Open Beta or it's all fair game.

Makes you wonder how many of these people are not even using the invite because they are busy or have not been taking it very seriously as a beta, kind of svcks to think about it.

I wonder how many got in, played for a night, said it svcked and quit.

That's the dangerous thing about Closed Beta and why I'm concerned with these new applications. With how in-depth they were before, it was easier for ZOS in theory to divide those who actually want to help improve the game from those who just want a free trial to play it. Now with a general application that doesn't ask for any specifics, how will ZOS know who is qualified and willing to help beta test and who just wants to play the game? This s a valid concern I feel.

Makes me wonder the stats on Steam say that there is over 3,400,000 people who own Skyrim via Steam. Even if half of that number or a quarter of it have signed up that will be 1.5 million if its half or 850k people. So I can guess they have a lot of people signed up. More now that they have mentioned it coming out on console.

That's why I mention closing off PC apps..they are probably using the original pool for PC and the new app is for consoles and stress tests