FFXIV: ARR Beta Test Roadmap
It is almost time for the Beta test for Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, and Square-Enix has just released its new development roadmap. The Alpha test mostly involved stress testing the servers, but the Beta test will involve finalizing the game: rebalancing level progression, the battle system, and crafting, as well as eventually importing FFXIV 1.0 characters and data. There will also be beta schedules for both the PC and Playstation 3 systems.
People eligible to participate in the beta test include: Legacy status holders, service account holders, and those selected through the upcoming beta test application site (due out in early January, 2013), which will screen applicants similar to the alpha application site. Players can apply to participate in both the PC and PS3 beta tests, and those with a Square-Enix Members code that came bundled with Final Fantasy XIII will be given priority for the PS3 beta.
The beta will include four phases to begin in mid-February, 2013, with a 1-2 week debugging transitional period between phases. The first two phases will be exclusive to the PC version, and will focus on rebalancing the game and adjusting the gamepad. There will be some content limitations with level caps , though all races and genders will be playable.
The PS3 beta and global testing will begin in phase 3, which is also when more content will become available. But phase 4 will be the real deal, which is when 1.0 characters can be used, and players created during phase 4 will be carried over into ARR.
It is nice to finally see a roadmap. Assuming the beta begins on time on February 15 and each phase lasts towards the later end of its timeframe (probably a safe bet), it looks like the beta should finish up sometime in May or June, for an early summer 2013 release. ARR is a bit behind schedule, but that is no surprise. Yoshi-P has made clear that he will make sure everything gets done properly, and schedules be damned.
We’ll keep you updated as the process moves along. For now, you can discuss your anticipation for the FFXIV global beta in the comments.
Source: The Lodestone
