Newbie question - is this an open Beta and if 'yes' where can i download it?

1) It is open but you have to buy the game first

2) However, I believe it is too late, the beta is closed

Anyone feel free to correct me about 2) if I am wrong.

Grifman

From what I understand, it wonn't actually be closed unitl the first gamma

If you buy it online, can you download it or will it be shipped?

Interesting. What are the semantics here?

Doc asks if this is an "open beta", but Brad calls this a "public beta". Since I don't know of a thesaraus for these terms I have to ask, is there some sort of agreement among software development companies on what these terms mean? If an "open beta" means anyone can participate and no particular requirements are placed on the participant (e.g., the participant does not have to buy the product), and if "public bate" means anyone can participate but there are requirements, then "public beta" applies (Doc, you have to buy a subscription to the product that lasts for a year after the first release).

It is also interesting to me that many people think that the beta is now closed. I have seen the announcement from Stardock saying that the "public beta" will be closed when build 4C is available, but it is not clear whether Brad will be turning access off to new buyers. I would also be surprised if the ability to purchase the game is turned off during the gama. It seems more reasonable to me to just restrict the gama to those Stardock wants to test it. This would also allow those who want to buy the game and enjoy at least the last beta build until the full version release on February 25, which I think would increase the potential for overall sales.

I also think that if someone chooses the shipment option rather than downloading it, that at this late date, they should not expecct the beta and should expect to wait for the release version.

Originally the beta was supposed to be closed by now but we pushed beta testing back further to resolve remaining crash bugs and scuh.

The gammas won't begin until a week after this one, at that point, the bet awill be closed to most people.

i hope we will be able to dl the latest beta when the gamma will begin...

cause the time will be long until feb 25 for those who aren't going to test the gammas...

Okay, I hate to retil ground, so if someone can direct to a FAQ about what ois going on as far as how purvchasing the game during the Beta works, I would be appreciative.

Otherwise, here are my specific questions:

If I purchase the gamenow during Beta, does that mean I get to beta test and then get shipped a retail version of the game? Will I continue to get the Gamma builds if I sign up during Beta? What is the release date? where can I get a detailed description of the game?

I will point out that I ended up here as a result of the #5 vaporware of 2002.

1) To purchase the final release and get the beta downloads start by clicking the purchase button in the group of buttons on the left side of this forum.

2). The final beta download, per Brad in a post somewhere on this forum, is scheduled for availability this Friday. After that (immediately? another week?) the beta will be closed. The definition of "closed" has not really been communicated to us clearly.

3). A number of differing comments have been made by Stardock about whether we will get a final shipped version on CD. It might be as requested, it might be for a minimal fee, it might be automatic to everyone. But at least something is in the works for us.

4). The gama has been announced as being restricted. Obviously Stardock wants to have the gama testers concentrate on locating and reporting bugs instead of just having fun.

5). The only official descriptions of the game (other than interviews and reviews) are in the "encyclopedia" (click on the "encyclopedia" button at the top of this forum).