Arma 3 Community Alpha - Announcement!

[batto]

@<hidden>, @<hidden>: Yeah, you're right. I expect BIS already has these people (I know it, Ivan mentioned it in one interview). But someone has to come up with test cases. And they probably can't imagine every possible thing that BIS community could do (plane built from vehicles lol). So the community will do the rest. I'll be more polite & specific next time.

[kylania]

I got a job once as a "beta tester" for some productivity software. All we did was run through commands listed in an excel spreadsheet and checked off it what was written down as happening actually happened. Worst job ever. Why I needed any computer experience to get it or how computer experience was useful is beyond me. Any monkey that can recognize shapes could have done that job. I quit pretty quickly and when they said I needed to come back in and sign for my last paycheck I told them they could keep it. :)

[SWAT_BigBear]

I will just keep reminding of this statment:



it won't include any part of the campaign, but it might include some sample scenarios, which focus upon the systems we'd like to test
Best,
RiE

[rjc0235]

hehe. yep, and that 2 page report of what you were doing when the game crashed :P

[Zonekiller]

A professional tester is someone who has to go through every single possible activity as far as using the software goes with no regard to fun, just pure functionality. So things like using the settings individually and saving the settings, using the settings individually and cancelling the settings, entering text into text fields, entering numbers into text fields, joining a game and playing, joining a game and backing out, every possible set of activities you could do. And they have to be done with each major build to make sure there's no regression. Being a professional tester is not a glamorous job

that sounds just like what mission makers have to do with the added extras of making it enjoyable :)

[bobtom]

that sounds just like what mission makers have to do with the added extras of making it enjoyable :)

Agreed. I don't know how many times I have:

1. Run mission
2. Find error
3. alt tab and change some code
4. Hit restart
5. Hit play
6. Wait for mission to init
7. See error hasn't been fixed and then repeat...

[OnlyRazor]

Agreed. I don't know how many times I have:

1. Run mission
2. Find error
3. alt tab and change some code
4. Hit restart
5. Hit play
6. Wait for mission to init
7. See error hasn't been fixed and then repeat...

Luckily, BIS has provided us with -showscripterrors. Obviously, it doesn't solve all the problems, but it does point you in the right direction.

[bobtom]

Luckily, BIS has provided us with -showscripterrors. Obviously, it doesn't solve all the problems, but it does point you in the right direction.

Indeed, I think a lot of people would pull their hair out without it! :D

[J-Guid]

I think BIS must pay for each player in community if he wish realise A3a for feedback of beta testing!
Guys, just a recruit some team for this, maby in community you find skilled peoples, Arma not need more, 3-4 good persons!
Nah, again, sorry! /facepalm

[CarlGustaffa]

28000+ (https://dev-heaven.net/projects/domination/issues) tickets state otherwise.

[joman]

I find that people that are pasionate to the work and cause will find bugs better than anyone paid.

[.kju [PvPscene]]

@<hidden>
This is the total count of tickets for ALL projects at dev heaven.

[J-Guid]

- Рeople are spending their time, and time costs a lot of money, especially if the time is well spent, and not for themself use
© Kol9yN

[gonk]

Is the dedicated server load balancing/testing going to be part of the alpha or later on in the Beta Phase ? Have not seen this mentioned yet...

[J-Guid]

Good question, Gonk! Realy interesting! Somebody can ask to us any about that?!

[Liquidpinky]

Are we not doing that with the A2 updates anyway?

[NeuroFunker]

I think BIS must pay for each player in community if he wish realise A3a for feedback of beta testing!
Guys, just a recruit some team for this, maby in community you find skilled peoples, Arma not need more, 3-4 good persons!
Nah, again, sorry! /facepalm

каво епта?:confused:

[CTCCoco]

Are we not doing that with the A2 updates anyway?

You want buy this game and have bugged as hell?...

[Liquidpinky]

You want buy this game and have bugged as hell?...

I was on about the netcode testing. :P

[Orcinus]

I find that people that are pasionate to the work and cause will find bugs better than anyone paid.

+1

I think a lot of Arma addicts will want to help with the development. This might have been suggested already (?), but maybe one way to limit it (i.e. to select testers) if needed would be on the basis of dev-heaven tickets lodged correctly - as evidence both that the people concerned are committed to improving the game(s), and that they are competent in reporting bugs.

I find suggestions that people should be paid a bit off (actually, quite rancid); similarly the idea that people should pay for the alpha. Neither fit with what I see as the generally admirable spirit of BIS + the community.

BR

Orcinus

[Sickboy]

28000+ (https://dev-heaven.net/projects/domination/issues) tickets state otherwise.
What kju said. Also why do you link to Xeno's Domination mission issue tracker?

[CarlGustaffa]

Sorry, that's what I had bookmarked, forgot to change :) Still, the point was that there are huge amounts of tickets being reported, which could hardly be done by "3-4 guys". Like, I don't find many of the problems others state, and others may not find what I report. I don't think good testing can be done by a team, it needs to be tested by masses. Lots of bugs may be postponed of course, but it sure gives the devs a good list to prioritize from.

[Schwifty]

I'm a little late to the convo but severely stoked for the alpha!! Sucks about the delay though but this will tied me over. I already did some machine updating based on the projected system requirements that were posted somewhere a while ago just to make sure I could play ArmA 3 as soon as it is released. June is gonna be a good month.

[Bigpickle]

Wow ! really looking forward to it Thanks BIS you really understand the menaing customer relationship. Good On You.

[Hellfire257]

Agreed. I don't know how many times I have:

1. Run mission
2. Find error
3. alt tab and change some code
4. Hit restart
5. Hit play
6. Wait for mission to init
7. See error hasn't been fixed and then repeat...

It's mind-numbing at first but once you crack that bug you feel like an ARMA god. It's somewhat like the testing euphoria that GLaDOS gets in Portal 2! It's not rare for me to enjoy bug hunting.

[Iratus]

It's mind-numbing at first but once you crack that bug you feel like an ARMA god. It's somewhat like the testing euphoria that GLaDOS gets in Portal 2! It's not rare for me to enjoy bug hunting.

And the feeling gets even better the day when you do something verry complex, start it in the expectation of errors popping up - and it just works!

[Celery]

I think the critical point in starting to feel good about scripting is when you progress so much that you are able to help others more than you need help yourself. A few years ago I was doing all the asking here.

[bobtom]

It's mind-numbing at first but once you crack that bug you feel like an ARMA god. It's somewhat like the testing euphoria that GLaDOS gets in Portal 2! It's not rare for me to enjoy bug hunting.

For sure! Once you find out what was wrong, then you rarely have to worry about that issue again, because you know how to watch out for it.


And the feeling gets even better the day when you do something verry complex, start it in the expectation of errors popping up - and it just works!

It's like a drug.


I think the critical point in starting to feel good about scripting is when you progress so much that you are able to help others more than you need help yourself. A few years ago I was doing all the asking here.


Exactly. SQF/SQS are my first languages. I remember starting out being clueless. Then slowly progressing. Then I found out how to use forEach and Count and a whole array (hehe) of possibilities opened up to me. And the drug goes on...

[J-Guid]

@<hidden>, and if peoples know more and can assist to BIS improve game, he must be recruited ;) likes you mate! :)

[NouberNou]

Its really fun when you run into engine limitations and get to yell at Dwarden on Skype all night.

Poor Dwarden. :(


:P

[LockJaw-65-]

I think the lighting looks superb, cant wait.

I think the critical point in starting to feel good about scripting is when you progress so much that you are able to help others more than you need help yourself. A few years ago I was doing all the asking here.

@<hidden> celery LOL I remember when your posts were questions instead of answers, and look at you now! :cool:

[J-Guid]

Its really fun when you run into engine limitations and get to yell at Dwarden on Skype all night.

Poor Dwarden. :(

:P

realy :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Redjevel]

Sweet, hope alpha will be shortly E3.. uhh ohh... can't wait to script some missions on Arma 3

[F27Sharps]

as we all !

[Ohio]

To play the Alpha will be Great!

[the_antipop]

I hope everyone understands why BIS is asking the community to help out with an Alpha. There is a significant difference between a fully released commercial product and an alpha, some may have seen the difference in Battlefield 3 Alpha compared to release, obviously ArmA 3 will be on a much larger scale.
I understand everyone is keen to get their hands on the game, just remember to keep in the back of your mind that BIS are releasing this so we can all help test the game, not just enjoy it as a commercial product. I'm sure more information will be released sooner to release of Alpha in regards how to document and report bugs, crashes, script errors etc, but that's fundamentally the purpose of an Alpha, to test the game and report anything that isn't smooth or normal.

I just thought I should share all this so people don't see the 'alpha' as a demo. It's a testing platform for the community to use to HELP BIS, not to download and use as a demo for the final game.
The only piece of information I can share in regards to being apart of Alphas and BETAs of big commercial games in the past is never assume that a bug has already been reported, it doesn't matter if it's listed twice, as long as it's listed. BIS need our help to make the final release of ArmA 3 as smooth and enjoyable as possible, and I hope everyone is on board to help make that happen. I'm sure everyone will enjoy getting their hands on ArmA 3 too :)

-Antipop

[MadDogX]

I hope everyone understands why BIS is asking the community to help out with an Alpha. There is a significant difference between a fully released commercial product and an alpha, some may have seen the difference in Battlefield 3 Alpha compared to release, obviously ArmA 3 will be on a much larger scale.
I understand everyone is keen to get their hands on the game, just remember to keep in the back of your mind that BIS are releasing this so we can all help test the game, not just enjoy it as a commercial product. I'm sure more information will be released sooner to release of Alpha in regards how to document and report bugs, crashes, script errors etc, but that's fundamentally the purpose of an Alpha, to test the game and report anything that isn't smooth or normal.

I just thought I should share all this so people don't see the 'alpha' as a demo. It's a testing platform for the community to use to HELP BIS, not to download and use as a demo for the final game.
The only piece of information I can share in regards to being apart of Alphas and BETAs of big commercial games in the past is never assume that a bug has already been reported, it doesn't matter if it's listed twice, as long as it's listed. BIS need our help to make the final release of ArmA 3 as smooth and enjoyable as possible, and I hope everyone is on board to help make that happen. I'm sure everyone will enjoy getting their hands on ArmA 3 too :)

-Antipop
^^ all of the above.

Regardless, we can expect a whole bunch of "wtf this shit is unplayable!" posts once the alpha is released. Such is the way of things.

[Bee8190]

^^ all of the above.

Regardless, we can expect a whole bunch of "wtf this shit is unplayable!" posts once the alpha is released. Such is the way of things.

Dont mean to sound disrespectful but why is it such a big concern of everyone's? I think BIS is well aware that the alpha will get coments like this but as they mentioned its target is to test all hardware issues and eliminate as many bugs as possible for the full release, which i think will pay off even if they get hundreds of those OMG it doesnt work1337 posts. Necessary evil to get everything right.

Indeed not everyone is simply capable on reporting bugs the way CTI requires but I do believe the community will do their best to help BIS to get their release the finest yet, greatly overshadowing the OMG fix it reports.

I still suck at mission making, scripting you name it, but I should I find some issue, one can always ask for further opinion on this very forums before I submit and if not, well than I've tryied right? :cool:

[J-Guid]

BIS need our help to make the final release of ArmA 3 as smooth and enjoyable as possible, and I hope everyone is on board to help make that happen. I'm sure everyone will enjoy getting their hands on ArmA 3 too
Only if BIS begin listen community, because community its MAIN customer for his product...
Just looking for A2, how many bugs, issues you see on tracker, and how many features proposed by users and maded AddOns by community, but less amount realised, I hope A3 be more better 10x /facepalm
But in nova days we see a Wish list, we are very hoped to see main part of proposes in A3, because Arma is awesome and outstanding Game, times show...

Main issues of Arma devs, he dont have a progressive and extravertly creative director :(, or have but very lazyness (point)

[GossamerSolid]

Can't wait for this community alpha. I'd love to get some good feedback in before the product ships.

[maturin]

Squeeeeee

I won't have a computer good enough for years, but I would still love to see videos of people playing the alpha. Is that possible?

[Mr. Charles]

Squeeeeee

I won't have a computer good enough for years, but I would still love to see videos of people playing the alpha. Is that possible?

That depends if the Alpha comes with an NDA. I'm sure you can watch the attached videos to tickets on the Alpha Tracker, tho ;)

[GiorgyGR]

Ehhmm..
It would be silly for me to ask about the developer tools wont released close/or with 'Alpha' together eeh??
Yep..it will be (..or no?..)

[ric]

were do i sign up for the Alpha?

[maionaze]

were do i sign up for the Alpha?

We have no details regarding participation as of now. More to come after E3 2012

[NodUnit]

Ehhmm..
It would be silly for me to ask about the developer tools wont released close/or with 'Alpha' together eeh??
Yep..it will be (..or no?..)


Highly doubt it, don't forget it's not just another Arma2, it is a new animation system, physX, render to texture implimented, changed shader system and a whole bunch of other commands. They would need to add documentation and have the tools compatible and I doubt they are devoting much if any team power to user tools with the official game not even released.

[J-Guid]

I think BIS kill curve O2 and we can do all stuff in Max ;) :D! Dreams...

[GiorgyGR]

Highly doubt it, don't forget it's not just another Arma2, it is a new animation system, physX, render to texture implimented, changed shader system and a whole bunch of other commands. They would need to add documentation and have the tools compatible and I doubt they are devoting much if any team power to user tools with the official game not even released.

Well..i was thinking it would be very nice all this dead-time (until officially ARMA3 'll be released..) the community would have time
to familiarize with all (!!) new systems/additions.
But..(for the reasons you mentioned) i doubt it :)

@<hidden> :p ;)

[mistermdg]

oh my god PLEASE, PLEASE CAN I HAVE ONE!! haha

[dale0404]

It's quite obvious but I think that all active forum members are eagerly waiting the release of this Alpha.

[GossamerSolid]

were do i sign up for the Alpha?

It's probably going to be a Pay and Support dealio like Carrier Command just announced today.

So you basically pre-order the game and you get to partake in the alpha.

Either that or there will be a really small closed alpha for selected members (probably long-timers or friends/family of staff), then it'll open up more later on.

[MusicforMovies]

Just read an article about the new information on the upcoming Community Alpha build after E3. Totally stoked about it, and can't wait to check it out. You guys rock. Been a fan since the original Operation Flashpoint days. (Renamed: Cold War). Finally, have a computer that rocks Arma 2 - hoping it can still rock Arma 3. :yay:

Peace,
Joel

[Kremator]

I think the P&C way is perfect. Have signed up for CC and would do the same IN AN INSTANT for Arma3 ! Come on BIS .... my money is here !

[Whirly]

It's probably going to be a Pay and Support dealio like Carrier Command just announced today.

So you basically pre-order the game and you get to partake in the alpha.

That would be a smart move by BIS, the temptation to play the alpha is impossible to resist. I will hand over my money with a smile on my face.

[F27Sharps]

The last video call "Stratis teaser", you can see clearly in the top right corner "ARMA 3 ALPHA", in coming guys...

[Papanowel]

in coming guys...
The alpha is coming a month or two after the E3 2012 so we need to wait a bit longer :)

[Glowbal]

You're right, it says Alpha.
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/999/alphaarma3.png (200kb)

Probably means the content in it is Alpha I guess?

[J-Guid]

oh no /facepalm OFP shadows on models :Oo: :nono: :cry2: :cry2: :cry2:
We are cursed again :(?!

[-=seany=-]

BiS have a boner for long shadows :D

[-Coulum-]

Prepaying is fine with me. I've just been itching to pay bis and play their games. Just bought arma x even though I had most of stuff in it. Damn I can't wait until the alpha.

[Clarkey1]

Yeah I'd be happy with this pay and contribute Idea, I'm itching to play the alpha anyway. So, BIS...

http://gemakei.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/futurama-shutup-and-take-my-money.jpg

[Tonci87]

Well I still want a nice case to put besides my Arma 2 case... Does this mean no Alpha for me?

[J-Guid]

i think, Alfa ver must be a public for ALL community, for more better feedback and reporting!

[neokika]

i think, Alfa ver must be a public for ALL community, for more better feedback and reporting!

Is BIS doing free games now?
You really think a user who doesn't pay for a product will even care to give proper feedback?
The Alpha will obviously be a Pay & Contribute thing, not a free demo...

[Celery]

The post count criterion that was mentioned earlier is a good idea for alpha admittance. :)

[OnlyRazor]

The post count criterion that was mentioned earlier is a good idea for alpha admittance. :)

No, that would screw over all the obviously loyal customers who have only been around on the forums for about a year or two now.
*hint hint* :rolleyes:

[Tonci87]

I guess a combination of postcount+Registered since would be good. Example:
Registered for a year or longer, postcount over 500

[Celery]

I guess a combination of postcount+Registered since would be good. Example:
Registered for a year or longer, postcount over 500

I was thinking around 4500 to keep the level of feedback higher.

[Bee8190]

I was thinking around 4500 to keep the level of feedback higher.

Haha, you barely qualify yourself Celery! (joke)

How BIS decide to distribute the alpha I leave to them but post count is real silly people, seriously. Let's not forget that BIS is trying to iron any hardware issues and that's why I guess the ''public'' alpha will see the light in the first place.

[PuFu]

I guess a combination of postcount+Registered since would be good. Example:
Registered for a year or longer, postcount over 500
while i know celery is obviously fucking around, you seem to be serious about it....

http://i.imgur.com/g0AfP.gif

[Tonci87]

while i know celery is obviously fucking around, you seem to be serious about it....

http://i.imgur.com/g0AfP.gif

http://localhostr.com/file/B0cx1kT/watch-out-we-got-a-badass-over-here-meme.png
Just joking :p

[Smookie]

while i know celery is obviously fucking around, you seem to be serious about it....

http://i.imgur.com/g0AfP.gif

Oh come on, Pufu. How about Alpha only to those whose nickname begins with "s" sound? I am pretty sure it would give BIS a pretty solid piece of feedback ;)

[PuFu]

ohhh...trying to being funny?

"man, you are not funny, you just look funny"
from a movie which name i have forgot...

Better make sure you got those IKs anims done right ;)

regards,
sPuFu

[NeMeSiS]

I think only those with a pre-2002 registration date should be allowed to participate.

[Celery]

I think only those with a pre-2002 registration date should be allowed to participate.

I don't think that would be fair because it would exclude many newer but nevertheless loyal and contributing community members. I think 2003 and earlier would be a better choice.

[NeMeSiS]

I don't think that would be fair because it would exclude many newer but nevertheless loyal and contributing community members. I think 2003 and earlier would be a better choice.

Well, i think in that case they should have proven their worth to the community by having a postcount of at least 4500 and having created zombie related addons/missions.

[Celery]

Well, i think in that case they should have proven their worth to the community by having a postcount of at least 4500 and having created zombie related addons/missions.

That's a bit specific, isn't it? :confused:

[NeMeSiS]

Not at all, i think these are valid requirements for ArmA3 alpha testers.

[antoineflemming]

while i know celery is obviously fucking around, you seem to be serious about it....

http://i.imgur.com/g0AfP.gif

Not to mention we already had this conversation like a month ago :P

[TheBIGLebowski]

I am extremely over excited! :cool:

[bobtom]

Well, i think in that case they should have proven their worth to the community by having a postcount of at least 4500 and having created zombie related addons/missions.

Looks like I need to get my postcount up...

Is charon still around? He had quite a few posts...

[-Coulum-]

Okay guys, this is the way they should determine who gets the alpha

(Post count / (join date - 2000)^2) x (age + BIS games purchased)

If that sums up to over 1000 you can get the alpha free of charge. Otherwise you must pay how ever much you missed 1000 by to get the alpha. Surely that will get good alpha feed back no?

In all seriousness, I think BI should make it prepaid. I would be willing to give up any amount of money to get my hands on the alpha and I'm pretty sure many other people on the forum are the same way. I would pay more than the price of the actual game to get the alpha. This game is driving me insane.

[Thromp]

Only Post count reflection in context of who gets to trial an Alpha is those posts made in the Beta Patch Feedback Threads
so far i see about 45 unique names in those threads so that would make a nice size group of peole who obviously know how to feedback :)

Maybe add Cit names too ?

( of course this is in Jest but if serious then thats how i would recruit alpha testers).

[Tonci87]

Only Post count reflection in context of who gets to trial an Alpha is those posts made in the Beta Patch Feedback Threads
so far i see about 45 unique names in those threads so that would make a nice size group of peole who obviously know how to feedback :)

Maybe add Cit names too ?

( of course this is in Jest but if serious then thats how i would recruit alpha testers).
That does sound ok

[-Coulum-]

Only Post count reflection in context of who gets to trial an Alpha is those posts made in the Beta Patch Feedback Threads
so far i see about 45 unique names in those threads so that would make a nice size group of peole who obviously know how to feedback

Maybe add Cit names too ?

( of course this is in Jest but if serious then thats how i would recruit alpha testers).

That would definitely be better than post count. but that being said, I am sure plenty of people who don't test the patches would still be very willing to report bugs and features to help shape arma 3. I say make it so you must pay for the alpha. that way BIS will get there money no matter what and we will get to test the Alpha no matter what our involvement with the game or forums in the past is. I am sure there are people who never heard of arma until arma 3 and are very willing to provide quality bug reports for A3. we should be welcoming in these new members.

[maturin]

Will there be a playable beta as well? Because you really don't want to restrict your feedback to your most hardcore fans, who are already on board with your approach anyways. But if there's going to be a beta, then feel free to be elitist with the alpha.

[PurePassion]

@<hidden> yes absolutely! :)

It was said there will be the "community alpha" following E³. The aim of it is to give Players the possibility to help shape it up and prepare modmakers for the new engine.
Some time after that there will be a "more extensive" BETA program. Details on that will follow later.
You can check the information here (http://www.bistudio.com/english/company/developers-blog/285-scanning-the-horizon-arma-3-in-2012):)

[NodUnit]

Should alpha be completely public and free, I just hope that they don't start listening to the wrong kinds of people, you know the ones that may want it to be more like battlefield or call of duty with streaks and points popping up on screen to make multiplayer more "exciting". Mind you I don't have anything against that style..much..but if I wanted that I'd go play one of those, no reason that every game has to be the same right.

As far as join date goes, you also have to take into consideration the forum change, for example on the old forums my date shows 04 but here it shows 09.

[OnlyRazor]

Should alpha be completely public and free, I just hope that they don't start listening to the wrong kinds of people, you know the ones that may want it to be more like battlefield or call of duty with streaks and points popping up on screen to make multiplayer more "exciting".

Hah, you must think the developers are some sort of super-ass morons. They're not. I think.
Are they?
Nope. :yay:

Also, the alpha's probably going to be more limited than that, since the wider audience get demos anyway.

[Sethos]

The Alpha is going to be exactly like Carrier Command's Play & Contribute, wait and see.

[maturin]

On the other hand, we want some CoD players to freak out loudly if boondoggles like the binocular and launcher issues are repeated.

[Tonci87]

The Alpha is going to be exactly like Carrier Command's Play & Contribute, wait and see.
Don´t be so sure, I expect the Beta to be like that. The Alpha might be something like the ToH Preview, a limited set of features to test.

[NodUnit]

Hah, you must think the developers are some sort of super-ass morons. They're not. I think.
Are they?
Nope. :yay:

Also, the alpha's probably going to be more limited than that, since the wider audience get demos anyway.

I don't, I trust BI but I won't lie and say that there isn't a part of concern, when they say broader audience and more accessible I am holding to the trust that it's simply control scheme and the way things work in motion rather than simplifying. But I'm not too worried about that since there has been no sign of such things.

[SexParty]

Should alpha be completely public and free, I just hope that they don't start listening to the wrong kinds of people, you know the ones that may want it to be more like battlefield or call of duty with streaks and points popping up on screen to make multiplayer more "exciting". Mind you I don't have anything against that style..much..but if I wanted that I'd go play one of those, no reason that every game has to be the same right.

As far as join date goes, you also have to take into consideration the forum change, for example on the old forums my date shows 04 but here it shows 09.

Game should be more accessable.

Only thing holding the franchise back at the moment but it seems they want it to be more accessable and easier to pick up so hopefully it's done right.

Enough with the elitist attitude some of you have that only die hard ARMA players should get to be involved. Game needs to broaden out a bit and it only will, with feedback from players who are new to the series and or also like other games. Obviously you don't want COD idiots opinions but players who loved games like the earlier rainbow six series, early ghost recon series, americas army and even battlefield could all offer a good ammount of insight into the game.

Previous ARMAs have been too slow, clunky, horrible at CQC and too simulator like and with feedback from people who want it to retain it's realistic feel but become more accessable it can become a much greater game.

Game can take a lot from americas army as far as ballance between long and close ranged combat is concerned, even pace. Game was slow and required thought in open areas but in tighter enviroments the gun mechanics were accessable enough to pick up the pace and fight well CQC.

Anyways we will all see soon enough.

[maturin]

too slow, clunky, horrible at CQC and too simulator like
These are all vague, abstract judgments.

Typically, these posts express those same unhelpful ideas and then rarely offer any solutions besides stripping out good features to water down the game.

[NodUnit]

Game should be more accessable.

Only thing holding the franchise back at the moment but it seems they want it to be more accessable and easier to pick up so hopefully it's done right.

Enough with the elitist attitude some of you have that only die hard ARMA players should get to be involved. Game needs to broaden out a bit and it only will, with feedback from players who are new to the series and or also like other games. Obviously you don't want COD idiots opinions but players who loved games like the earlier rainbow six series, early ghost recon series, americas army and even battlefield could all offer a good ammount of insight into the game.

Previous ARMAs have been too slow, clunky, horrible at CQC and too simulator like and with feedback from people who want it to retain it's realistic feel but become more accessable it can become a much greater game.

Game can take a lot from americas army as far as ballance between long and close ranged combat is concerned, even pace. Game was slow and required thought in open areas but in tighter enviroments the gun mechanics were accessable enough to pick up the pace and fight well CQC.

Anyways we will all see soon enough.

Elitist? Hardly, it's more or less (in my view) that if they want to make animation and motion more fluid, hey thats great, but don't take away infantry damage such as having aim reduced due to being shot in the arms, because that is what makes the game what it is, those small details. Do we feel that only Arma fans should play arma? No, in fact we welcome other players, but if they want it to become something like COD or Battlefield 3, well those games already exist.

But anyways..this may be dragging things off topic.

[-Coulum-]

I don't really think there is an elitist attitude. It's just we have such a great game because of its realistic features and the fact is, its the only one of its type. Not many here want it to be changed to be more mainstream because there is no fall back for us besides previous titles and like mentioned, there are already many mainstream games out there. Arma doesn't need to become one.

And many people who play this game don't want a "realistic feel". They want pure untainted realism. That being said I am sure there are something's even an arma and cod fan could agree upon - nobodys opinion is worthless and arma could probably learn something from cod... maybe
I am interested to see how bis handles this kind of thing. My hope is they try to open peoples eyes to the true depth and enjoyment of realism that way they can get new fans and keep the old ones happy.

[SexParty]

I'm not pointing fingers but some people don't want the game and to change and only want die hard fans to have input into what direction the new game should take and thats just silly. Everything should evolve and improve over time to do exactly that, improve, not change but improve.

Not at all saying I want the game less realistic, I agree with all the fanatics that want to game to be as realistic as possible but what I'm getting at is, in real life, I can sprint dam fast, for long periods of time, I'm incredibly agile and nimble on my feet and am able to move in a CQC enviroment and engage targets at close range very effectivly and quickly which unfortunatly previous ARMAs have been very bad at because of the slow and clunky gameplay, gun mechanics and controlls. Game doesn't have to be anything like battlefield or COD but one thing the game can learn from them is smooth and more seamless controlls, animations and movements, especially in CQC enviroments.


My hope is they try to open peoples eyes to the true depth and enjoyment of realism that way they can get new fans and keep the old ones happy.

I feel exactly the same and have come to the franchise for the same reason. Since Americas Army 2 left my life I have felt very empty and FPS games are boring. Not enough of a challenge and the feeling of killing an opponent is no longer rewarding.

Which is what I'm talking about. I want the game to stay realistic, challenging and have a deep learning curve it just needs to become more accessable and fluid because at the moment it's not. Feels too much like a game at the moment and not real and fluid enough because of the movement, animations and gun mechanics.

[OnlyRazor]

Feels too much like a game at the moment and not real and fluid enough because of the movement, animations and gun mechanics.

Erm... I hate to point it out, but it technically is a game. Realism can only go so far.

[DMarkwick]

I think you should pay for the Alpha. But, you should also be able to redeem postcount or years ;) Or have a name that represents your actual, real name. And maybe some history in the troubleshooting/editing forums :D

Basically, I want in.

[-Coulum-]

Erm... I hate to point it out, but it technically is a game. Realism can only go so far. yeah but its always good to get as close to making it feel real as possible. and sometimes movement in arma feels far from real.

[SexParty]

Erm... I hate to point it out, but it technically is a game. Realism can only go so far.

You're missing the point. When I walk around in a game and jump etc it shouldn't feel and look like super mario ie a video game, it should feel and look realistic.

[Iratus]

"More fluid" does not have to equal "as in Battlefield 3". The movement in ArmA2 does feel somewhat clunky and I think all hardcore ArmA players would appreciate a more fluid movement system if it is done in a way that fits the gameplay of the series.

[antoineflemming]

"More fluid" does not have to equal "as in Battlefield 3". The movement in ArmA2 does feel somewhat clunky and I think all hardcore ArmA players would appreciate a more fluid movement system if it is done in a way that fits the gameplay of the series.

Battlefield 3 is mentioned because it's animations are the most fluid of any shooter that's been out. That's the only reason. And this is talking strictly animations, no movement system (as BF3's sliding sucks). But I bet ArmA3's animations will be fluid and the movement realistic. And more shooters are coming out that have fluid animations, like GRFS (which supposedly has animations mocapped by former SF). So I think that we won't be seeing BF3 used as a standard for fluid animations for too much longer. If anything, after E3, no one here will mention BF3.

[maturin]

ArmA has mocapped animations to. Motion capture can actually contribute to clunkiness because the animations all have to transition to other states. And you can't do perfect motion capture for all that. Eventually the devs have to code stuff on their own, and then you get some stiffness.

[antoineflemming]

ArmA has mocapped animations to. Motion capture can actually contribute to clunkiness because the animations all have to transition to other states. And you can't do perfect motion capture for all that. Eventually the devs have to code stuff on their own, and then you get some stiffness.

Simply explaining why BF3 is continually brought up. Oh, and yeah, good, realistic motion capture without proper transitions isn't really that great. But I wouldn't say that motion capture contributes to clunkiness (as if there is some plus side to hand-animated animations). It's more likely the lack of good transitions between animations that accounts for clunkiness - that and the fact that you can't interrupt actions and animations.

[Lao Fei Mao]

Agree, the most ass pain thing in ARMA2 is that the anims can't be interrupted.

[Streaks]

When is E3 anyway?

And did anyone ever play the Infiltration mod for UT? (I refuse to call it UT99). I thought that had a very good movement system and superb weapon handling. Every weapon had it's own animations for reloading etc.. Even to the point of the MP5 requiring ejecting the round in the chamber on a tactical reload (it had the .40AE variant).

[ArmAriffic]

When is E3 anyway?

June 5-7

[MemphisBelle]

I really can´t wait to read the first complains about the game does not work properly and how could a game be released with such a worse status of development :D ...I am pretty sure that those post will come up and we´d make bets about when comes the first one...the winner gets a kiss of a horse :D

according to the news (from feb)...awesome stuff and I cant wait to purchase the Alpha to see what we´ll get.
Thanks BIS.

[gonk]

I really can´t wait to read the first complains about the game does not work properly and how could a game be released with such a worse status of development :D ...I am pretty sure that those post will come up and we´d make bets about when comes the first one...the winner gets a kiss of a horse :D

Well it will be an alpha, so expect complaints, rants, whining, but also expect some constructive feedback. The trick is to sort the chaff from the Wheat.



according to the nes (from feb)...awesome stuff and I cant wait to purchase the Alpha to see what we´ll get.
Thanks BIS.

Know one knows if it is going to be people who pre-purchase that get access to the alpha. I suspect those Pr8 guys could be busily trying to hack in as I type .. ;-) I hope it is a time expired free alpha...once you track it down... and a pre-paid beta access, I guess we will see at E3. Currently from the screenies it is looking very very good. Lets see what the video's bring.

[bobtom]

I'm excited for the java that will (most likely? Surely?) come with the Alpha.

It's about time I learn something besides .sqf...

[Papanowel]

I'm excited for the java that will (most likely? Surely?) come with the Alpha.

Yeah but from what I have heard in the TOH forum it was not good as people could expect. But it still time for BIS to give us something awesome.

[naizarak]

hopefully everyone interested will be able to secure a spot.

[jonneymendoza]

cannot wait!

[Vultar]

I think it would be the best for BIS' sake to only release CA for the trully devoted members of the community.
People that have been here since Ofp. - to avoid giving alpha to those with only temporary interest to play something during summer.
Trusted clans like, for instance, ShackTac.
Talented modders who, obviously, know the engine.

Why?
To avoid the "unnecessaries". Maximize feedback. Configure the game so that veterans are satisfied.
Without them Arma would be long dead.

If it's for the good cause, I won't take part in alpha. I am not a modder, I study (dont tell me it's summer, please) so I dont have much time.
Every sacrifice is worth it.

What do you guys think? Keep the discussion civil.

[maionaze]

I think it would be the best for BIS' sake to only release CA for the trully devoted members of the community.
People that have been here since Ofp. - to avoid giving alpha to those with only temporary interest to play something during summer.
Trusted clans like, for instance, ShackTac.
Talented modders who, obviously, know the engine.

Why?
To avoid the "unnecessaries". Maximize feedback. Configure the game so that veterans are satisfied.
Without them Arma would be long dead.

If it's for the good cause, I won't take part in alpha. I am not a modder, I study (dont tell me it's summer, please) so I dont have much time.
Every sacrifice is worth it.

What do you guys think? Keep the discussion civil.

The Alpha should be public. It is meant to stress test the game and not only veterans can do that. BIS could include a short video with the installer which explains the goal of the Alpha and outline some test scenarios for the players ( both new and old). If 30% of the new players follow the instructions and submit proper feedback, I say it's a win. Also it is good to take feedback from players that did not have contact or very limited contact with ArmA. They see things that we ignore.


The Beta can be closed or payed.

[-=seany=-]

I think it would be the best for BIS' sake to only release CA for the trully devoted members of the community.
People that have been here since Ofp. - to avoid giving alpha to those with only temporary interest to play something during summer.
Trusted clans like, for instance, ShackTac.
Talented modders who, obviously, know the engine.

Why?
To avoid the "unnecessaries". Maximize feedback. Configure the game so that veterans are satisfied.
Without them Arma would be long dead.

If it's for the good cause, I won't take part in alpha. I am not a modder, I study (dont tell me it's summer, please) so I dont have much time.
Every sacrifice is worth it.

What do you guys think? Keep the discussion civil.


I think that is a bad idea, the last thing you want is a bunch of elitists trying to get the game changed to how they think BIS "should have done it all along". You want a spread of different styles of gamers and different levels of interest for a balanced feedback. That's my thought on it anyway.

I hope the point of the Alpha is to route out bad bugs across a wide range of hardware and get an idea of performance and also to give some feedback on newly implemented features.


Configure the game so that veterans are satisfied.

Hmm, I get the feeling some people are expecting it to be some vehicle for getting BIS to alter the game to there vision of what Arma should be. This will suck and cause lots of arguments, so I hope that is not the case.

The Alpha will be great for eliminating those terrible bugs that dogged previous initial releases. People need to trust BIS with the game play aspect and not try to use this to change the fundamentals of the game.

[froggyluv]

I think it would be the best for BIS' sake to only release CA for the trully devoted members of the community.
People that have been here since Ofp. - to avoid giving alpha to those with only temporary interest to play something during summer.
Trusted clans like, for instance, ShackTac.
Talented modders who, obviously, know the engine.

Why?
To avoid the "unnecessaries". Maximize feedback. Configure the game so that veterans are satisfied.
Without them Arma would be long dead.

If it's for the good cause, I won't take part in alpha. I am not a modder, I study (dont tell me it's summer, please) so I dont have much time.
Every sacrifice is worth it.

What do you guys think? Keep the discussion civil.

Ugh, I hope not. Really the bestest and most fair way would be to have Suma and Maruk drive around in a black van and abduct us so called faithful in burlap sacks and then put us thru extreme stress/dedication tests. Can you mustard walking across Chernarus in one keystroke while Ani Defranco is blared in your ears? Can you halo onto a 1mx1m bullseye with your non-dominant hand after drinking all nite with those guys while subject to relentless Czech insults and ridiculing? Are we men enough?

Dunno. Waiting for van.

[Bee8190]

The Alpha should be public. It is meant to stress test the game and not only veterans can do that. BIS could include a short video with the installer which explains the goal of the Alpha and outline some test scenarios for the players ( both new and old). If 30% of the new players follow the instructions and submit proper feedback, I say it's a win. Also it is good to take feedback from players that did not have contact or very limited contact with ArmA. They see things that we ignore.


The Beta can be closed or payed.


This.. should be propably sticky


@<hidden> - :cool: , well said

[antoineflemming]

Seeing as the Alpha will most likely be multiplayer (that taken from a hint from Ivan), it should and will probably be an open alpha.

[Vultar]

The Alpha should be public. Also it is good to take feedback from players that did not have contact or very limited contact with ArmA. They see things that we ignore.
The Beta can be closed or payed.

I see reason in this answer.



I think that is a bad idea, the last thing you want is a bunch of elitists trying to get the game changed to how they think BIS "should have done it all along".
Hmm, I get the feeling some people are expecting it to be some vehicle for getting BIS to alter the game to there vision of what Arma should be. This will suck and cause lots of arguments, so I hope that is not the case.

It's not about being "as we see it fit". It's about being true to original idea of Operation Flashpoint.


Ugh, I hope not. Really the bestest and most fair way would be to have Suma and Maruk drive around in a black van and abduct us so called faithful in burlap sacks and then put us thru extreme stress/dedication tests. Can you mustard walking across Chernarus in one keystroke while Ani Defranco is blared in your ears? Can you halo onto a 1mx1m bullseye with your non-dominant hand after drinking all nite with those guys while subject to relentless Czech insults and ridiculing? Are we men enough?
Dunno. Waiting for van.

Come at me, bros

[OnlyRazor]

It's not about being "as we see it fit". It's about being true to original idea of Operation Flashpoint.

That's the problem. Everybody's opinionated, and what a die-hard-über-realist-pros-only-no-nooblords-you-need-a-mic-to-play-this-game realism fan is going to be vastly different from a more lenient player.

[antoineflemming]

I think it would be the best for BIS' sake to only release CA for the trully devoted members of the community.


Well, I'm sorry, but it's really hard to measure who is a truly devoted member. There are members who made accounts in 2001 and have 3 posts total (posts made well before my time here). That's "since OFP", yet 3 posts made a long time ago accounts for the sum total of their interest in BIS's games. So time (which is what you're getting at) isn't a really good measure. There's post count, but then again, how do you judge what amount of posts translates to dedication? Another hard thing to do. And, basically, we already had this discussion months ago. And it boiled down to this: Either it'll be preorder to test the Alpha or it'll be open and free.

As I said and others have said, Alpha will be about stress testing, AND about testing BIS's new MP direction for ArmA3. There have been multiple hints that this will be a multiplayer Alpha. You're not going to stress test anything with only a handful of people. Defeats the purpose of a stress test. It'll be open. It'll be free. Beta might be a different story. And what are the "unnecessaries"?

[Vultar]

@<hidden>, I answered all of your questions in the post you've quoted.
I see your spam in every thread. It annoys me.
Indeed, what you said had already been said, so, guess what, you don't need to say it again.
I hate postcountwhores.


That's the problem. Everybody's opinionated, and what a die-hard-über-realist-pros-only-no-nooblords-you-need-a-mic-to-play-this-game realism fan is going to be vastly different from a more lenient player.

Realism? Where did I say a single word about realism? I said: Operation Flashpoint.
It sold over 2 million copies, now try to convince me it wasn't a success.

[OnlyRazor]

Realism? Where did I say a single word about realism? I said: Operation Flashpoint.
It sold over 2 million copies, now try to convince me it wasn't a success.

I wasn't talking about realism. I was talking about opinions. As I said, somebody who enjoys realism is going to focus on different virtues of OFP than those who enjoy a less strict focus.

Also, to cheer these discussions up, I am now going to start adding at least one smiley to each post I make. :D

[Vultar]

I wasn't talking about realism. I was talking about opinions. As I said, somebody who enjoys realism is going to focus on different virtues of OFP than those who enjoy a less strict focus.

Also, to cheer these discussions up, I am now going to start adding at least one smiley to each post I make. :D

There's no need for smileys. Yes, you are right, the opinions vary. Now the questions is - what is going to become of Arma3?
The same as what became of Morrowind in Skyrim, I'd say.
Eh, I guess that's the way things go. Let it be.

But tell me: Why those who don't enjoy realism won't just play Battlefield? If Arma3 becomes what majority would like it to be, there'd be nothing else for us...

[NodUnit]

Well see heres the thing about "truley devoted" members, what makes a member truley devoted exactly? A post count surely doesn't, that just shows how much you talk usually, does an addon creator count? Are we not all that in some way, and do most of us not remain silent while working on things? Are people who show more of what is obvious considered more devoted? IE coders vs texture and model artists, they all work hard but the coding hardly as visible. Is it people who visit and interview? If that were the case then the list would be much smaller, but the thing to remember is that they are trying to make Arma3 a bit more..accessible as well, this means that it's not JUST for us, therefore having only us test it would derail the overall goal.


Bohemia isn't under a the reigns of a large publisher, and the engine is practicly their baby, therefore I would trust that they wouldn't turn it to something more like the rest, I'd say even the preview videos are a good indication of that so far, they aren't explosive action marketting for one. Lets just wait and see what the next E3 brings before we let paranoia get the best of us.

[PuFu]

Well, I'm sorry, but it's really hard to measure who is a truly devoted member. There are members who made accounts in 2001 and have 3 posts total (posts made well before my time here). That's "since OFP", yet 3 posts made a long time ago accounts for the sum total of their interest in BIS's games.
If you measure dedication or knowledge in post count, there's something really wrong with you. I guess i can explain why you put your 2 cents in every thread out there...

Let's take you as an example. Out of the current 794 post your have, about 700 or so is what i consider meaningless posts. Out of the same amount, more than half are made in A3 forums. None, or under 2% are in the editing section, in reply to questions from other members.
so the devoted member just went out the window.


It'll be open. It'll be free. Beta might be a different story. And what are the "unnecessaries"?
Yet another opinion turned to fact, just because you believe in it?

take a chill pill

[antoineflemming]

If you measure dedication or knowledge in post count, there's something really wrong with you. I guess i can explain why you put your 2 cents in every thread out there...

Let's take you as an example. Out of the current 794 post your have, about 700 or so is what i consider meaningless posts. Out of the same amount, more than half are made in A3 forums. None, or under 2% are in the editing section, in reply to questions from other members.
so the devoted member just went out the window.


Yet another opinion turned to fact, just because you believe in it?

take a chill pill

For the first point. I'm not saying that post count is a measure of dedication. I'm using that as an example of why it's difficult if not impossible to measure dedication and make decisions based on someone's dedication in the first place. What I'm saying is that you have example of people who joined in 2001 and who only made 3 posts early on and didn't make anymore. That make look like they were there from the beginning, but they may have left OFP and stopped caring about BIS games, OR they may still play BIS games and just not post. The POINT is that you CAN'T judge dedication and commitment. It's in response to Vultar's request that BIS decide who can get into the Alpha by essentially their "devotedness", which by mentioning OFP he basically suggested join date. That's my point. I'm saying what you are saying, if you would have read my whole post. I'm saying you CAN'T determine who gets in the alpha by when they joined, or by what game they played when. Also, explain to me how BIS is going to stress test their multiplayer with a handful of people. For the second point, yes, it's been very strongly hinted that the Community Alpha will be testing Multiplayer. Take a chill pill, PuFu, and stop being so eager to discredit my posts. Exactly what you accused me of is exactly what Vultar was saying.

@<hidden>: How is what I posted spam? I merely responded to your request with the reasons why I disagree. It's called a discussion. If you can't deal with someone disagreeing with you, then maybe you shouldn't be discussing things in a forum. And, if you recognized that this discussion already took place, then why did you even bring it up? Why mention criteria for getting into the Alpha when you knew we already had this discussion a long time ago? And I don't care about post counts, exactly why I said that you can't judge how devoted someone is by when they joined, or by what game they played X amount of years ago.

[Myshaak]

This "who is worthy of an open beta" discussion again? Really? The feedback to BIS will be most likely provided by the BugTracker where members can rate ALL other entries, so if someone goes through all the trouble of actually registering and posting "Teh eXplozionz sux, I can haz BF3 physx?!!11!" the entry will simply be ignored, so the useless feedback spamming should not be an issue.

[DMarkwick]

I think this "worthiness" notion is entirely misplaced, the alpha will not be any kind of mass ideas trawl, it will be a bug-hunt among already established gameplay. As such, it doesn't make much sense to actively exclude anybody, as there's no way to know what configuration PCs anybody has. Literally, the more the better.

[antoineflemming]

This "who is worthy of an open beta" discussion again? Really? The feedback to BIS will be most likely provided by the BugTracker where members can rate ALL other entries, so if someone goes through all the trouble of actually registering and posting "Teh eXplozionz sux, I can haz BF3 physx?!!11!" the entry will simply be ignored, so the useless feedback spamming should not be an issue.

Well we wouldn't be having this discussion if Vultar hadn't brought it up again. I'll remember to just ignore a post about "devotedness" the next time someone brings it up. Should have just ignored it in the first place.


I think this "worthiness" notion is entirely misplaced, the alpha will not be any kind of mass ideas trawl, it will be a bug-hunt among already established gameplay. As such, it doesn't make much sense to actively exclude anybody, as there's no way to know what configuration PCs anybody has. Literally, the more the better.

Which is what I have been saying.

Honestly, there's no real point to even keeping this thread open. The announcement was made, there's no point in speculating about the Community Alpha until BIS releases more info. Thread really just needs to be closed.

[Slatts]

@<hidden>, remember its the internet, where, if someone disagrees with you they are wrong ;)

@<hidden>, you wanted people to discuss giving the alpha to certain people, if you want a discussion then dont call other peoples ideas spam. getting back to it, ive been playing BIS games since OFP first game out, been modding since arma1 and am damn well gonna do it for arma 3. but since i only got an account in 08..does that i mean i miss out cause i wasnt on the forums that long? seems a bit unfair no?

[Vultar]

@<hidden>, remember its the internet, where, if someone disagrees with you they are wrong ;)

@<hidden>, you wanted people to discuss giving the alpha to certain people, if you want a discussion then dont call other peoples ideas spam. getting back to it, ive been playing BIS games since OFP first game out, been modding since arma1 and am damn well gonna do it for arma 3. but since i only got an account in 08..does that i mean i miss out cause i wasnt on the forums that long? seems a bit unfair no?

Of course not. I think that people should start reading posts before they answer.
Read my posts again, all the answers are there. Cheers.

[Pkelv]

Looking forward to it, slowly counting down the days to E3, at which I assume BIS will be at showing the current version.

Then it's just waiting for the announcement. One quick question would be, will it include a full mission editor/dumbed down version or just be scenarios?
I never participated in the previous alpha/betas so if anyone knows it'd be appreciated.

[metalcraze]

I find it funny how many people ITT think that this community is full of morons who won't be able to tell the alpha version from a final game.

[antoineflemming]

I find it funny how many people ITT think that this community is full of morons who won't be able to tell the alpha version from a final game.

No, they aren't thinking about people in this forum. They're thinking about the game attracting a lot of COD kids because of the graphics and improved animations, and therefore don't want those kids playing ArmA because they will taint the ArmA experience, and, judging by recent betas and alphas done by prominent, large studios, they don't want the ArmA3 alpha/beta to basically be a demo (most recent betas, excluding the GRFS beta, have basically been demos). They don't want those newcomers treating the Alpha like a demo, because they think that BIS won't be able to get real feedback from the alpha otherwise.

I think it's just fear on the part of certain members. Honestly, this is my opinion on the matter. IF these COD kids (some of which will inevitably try the Alpha, if it's open and free) like and stick with the Alpha, and don't just quit, then that will mean one of two things:

1) They welcome ArmA3's realistic gameplay
or
2) ArmA3 has become like their favorite arcade shooter

If it's the first outcome, then that's good I guess, someone else tired of arcade shooters. If it's the second, then there are bigger problems than just COD kids saturating the Alpha.

[Slatts]

No, they aren't thinking about people in this forum. They're thinking about the game attracting a lot of COD kids because of the graphics and improved animations, and therefore don't want those kids playing ArmA because they will taint the ArmA experience, and, judging by recent betas and alphas done by prominent, large studios, they don't want the ArmA3 alpha/beta to basically be a demo (most recent betas, excluding the GRFS beta, have basically been demos). They don't want those newcomers treating the Alpha like a demo, because they think that BIS won't be able to get real feedback from the alpha otherwise.

I think it's just fear on the part of certain members. Honestly, this is my opinion on the matter. IF these COD kids (some of which will inevitably try the Alpha, if it's open and free) like and stick with the Alpha, and don't just quit, then that will mean one of two things:

1) They welcome ArmA3's realistic gameplay
or
2) ArmA3 has become like their favorite arcade shooter

If it's the first outcome, then that's good I guess, someone else tired of arcade shooters. If it's the second, then there are bigger problems than just COD kids saturating the Alpha.

there is no way in hell arma will ever be like a COD game...

[CarlGustaffa]

That depends more on the gamers playing it than the game itself. Sometimes, during online havoc play, I have to ask myself if I joined a COD convention or something, it's really that bad at times.

[Stang69]

In the Navy we have a saying that when it comes to equipment or anything rather, that sailors would "lose it, break it or abuse it". I look forward to using this skills on the Alpha. The more diverse the user and computer setup is, the better. Because, to paraphrase what the man (Albert Einstein) said "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." The same holds true with the same user with the same equipment attempting to get a different result. I can't wait BIS !!

[antoineflemming]

there is no way in hell arma will ever be like a COD game...

My point, which then leaves only the 1st option:

If these feared players, who "don't care" about ArmA3 or actually providing feedback, stick around instead of dropping out of the beta, then they'll do that because it's something they like in ArmA3, which really couldn't be anything more than they welcome ArmA3's realism. And if they welcome ArmA3's realism, and embrace it, then what's the problem? Ultimately, there's nothing to fear when it comes to a free Alpha. So I don't see why people like Vultar are so concerned with who tests the Alpha.

[DomZ]

Will the some of the new scripting commands be documented for the alpha?

[Kinex]

can i join the alpha?

[Steakslim]

can i join the alpha?

No, sorry, your not tall enough.

[SpetS15]

any news from E3? cant find any :s

[colossus]

It hasn't begun yet. :icon_neutral:

[KRZRushiN]

My 1st post on this forums...
Woow just wow. Arma3 Looks too good :D
Leaving BF2 and BF3 for Arma games. Where was I before :yay:

[Nicholas]

E3 isn't until June 5-7, 2012. You must be patient.

I always get a little scared when I hear about people moving from Battlefield or Call of Duty to the ArmA series.

I highly suggest you purchase ArmA X to familiarize yourself with the complete series. ArmA is a very sophisticated game with completely unscripted AI. The AI has a mind of its own and you must think smart. Do not just run and gun like you may do in Battlefield.

[KRZRushiN]

E3 isn't until June 5-7, 2012. You must be patient.

I always get a little scared when I hear about people moving from Battlefield or Call of Duty to the ArmA series.

I highly suggest you purchase ArmA X to familiarize yourself with the complete series. ArmA is a very sophisticated game with completely unscripted AI. The AI has a mind of its own and you must think smart. Do not just run and gun like you may do in Battlefield.

i know what you mean. I've already started playing ARMA just getting familiar with it.
Real purpose is that Im tired of none team play and I want real team play.

[OnlyRazor]

i know what you mean. I've already started playing ARMA just getting familiar with it.
Real purpose is that Im tired of none team play and I want real team play.

Good luck with that. Here's a bit of advice - find a community. A squad willing to work together. There are lots of them around.

[metalcraze]

No, they aren't thinking about people in this forum. They're thinking about the game attracting a lot of COD kids because of the graphics and improved animations, and therefore don't want those kids playing ArmA because they will taint the ArmA experience, and, judging by recent betas and alphas done by prominent, large studios, they don't want the ArmA3 alpha/beta to basically be a demo (most recent betas, excluding the GRFS beta, have basically been demos). They don't want those newcomers treating the Alpha like a demo, because they think that BIS won't be able to get real feedback from the alpha otherwise.

Duh? They complain that people will think - zomg alpha is buggy that means the final game will be too.
Seriously, no "CoD kid" is so dumb. BF3 beta was buggy as hell, making ArmA2 1.0 burst with envy. Who cares?

Kids won't taint anything. They will try it out then will come here bitching about it not playing like Battlefield and having stupid controls, then they will get told and leave forever. It's been like that for a while now.

The real reason why people don't want alpha to be open is to feel like a Special Flower, to sit on a high throne and be like "hoho I can play it and you can't". Which is kinda much worse than any "CoD kid" behaviour.

So, lulz, I will have to pay money for an alpha version because of some imaginary CoD kidz ruining the final game by, I don't know, taking BIS office hostage?
I don't buy that excuse.

The whole concept of pay-to-provide-feedback is beyond stupid. Studios paid for QA to make sure the game will be fine on release but now it's the usual people who must pay to do QA for a studio. I can't believe people are swallowing it here of all places and yet I hear about some "CoD kids"?

[antoineflemming]

Duh? They complain that people will think - zomg alpha is buggy that means the final game will be too.
Seriously, no "CoD kid" is so dumb. BF3 beta was buggy as hell, making ArmA2 1.0 burst with envy. Who cares?

Kids won't taint anything. They will try it out then will come here bitching about it not playing like Battlefield and having stupid controls, then they will get told and leave forever. It's been like that for a while now.

The real reason why people don't want alpha to be open is to feel like a Special Flower, to sit on a high throne and be like "hoho I can play it and you can't". Which is kinda much worse than any "CoD kid" behaviour.

So, lulz, I will have to pay money for an alpha version because of some imaginary CoD kidz ruining the final game by, I don't know, taking BIS office hostage?
I don't buy that excuse.

Oh, I certainly don't agree that any COD kids will ruin the game or alpha or anything ArmA related. I do think some here have a sorta sense of elitism. And, yes, it certainly is a meritless excuse. I have actually seen mature adults playing COD. For one, the whole idea that adults play ArmA and kids play all the other shooters is ridiculous in itself. Not to mention BF3 players have the same kind of attitude towards COD players. It really is a sense of elitism. There are dumb kids in every community, INCLUDING ArmA. The "dumb kid" problem is not one that is exclusive to COD, not to the extent that you can label COD players "COD kids". Been on ArmA2 servers where there are kids on who act the same as if not worse than "COD kids". The only common factor is that they usually ARE kids. If there's any kids playing ArmA3 Alpha, it'll most likely be "ArmA2 kids", who are just that - kids. But, forum members here don't have a sense of that. Somehow there seems to be this sense that the only people who play ArmA2 are forum members. There are probably more people who aren't on the forums who play ArmA2 than there are here. So, you're right. The whole "COD kid ruins Alpha" argument is nothing more than an excuse.

[KRZRushiN]

Oh, I certainly don't agree that any COD kids will ruin the game or alpha or anything ArmA related. I do think some here have a sorta sense of elitism. And, yes, it certainly is a meritless excuse. I have actually seen mature adults playing COD. For one, the whole idea that adults play ArmA and kids play all the other shooters is ridiculous in itself. Not to mention BF3 players have the same kind of attitude towards COD players. It really is a sense of elitism. There are dumb kids in every community, INCLUDING ArmA. The "dumb kid" problem is not one that is exclusive to COD, not to the extent that you can label COD players "COD kids". Been on ArmA2 servers where there are kids on who act the same as if not worse than "COD kids". The only common factor is that they usually ARE kids. If there's any kids playing ArmA3 Alpha, it'll most likely be "ArmA2 kids", who are just that - kids. But, forum members here don't have a sense of that. Somehow there seems to be this sense that the only people who play ArmA2 are forum members. There are probably more people who aren't on the forums who play ArmA2 than there are here. So, you're right. The whole "COD kid ruins Alpha" argument is nothing more than an excuse.

Believing that COD kids will ruin the game is out of the question for me. Just like you said about having Adults in COD game, there's Adults in every game, but the real deal is that all these people
who play Arcade games are most likely wont be interested playing such tough game. I'm HC Vet of BF titles and getting into Arma was a whole new Step for me.
I've asked and tried my old Clan and Wolf Pack to try this game, answer was (FK that...)
Now I can't say that players from COD or BF games can't play this game, its your option. I personally play BF and ARMA and love both

[antoineflemming]

Believing that COD kids will ruin the game is out of the question for me. Just like you said about having Adults in COD game, there's Adults in every game, but the real deal is that all these people
who play Arcade games are most likely wont be interested playing such tough game. I'm HC Vet of BF titles and getting into Arma was a whole new Step for me.
I've asked and tried my old Clan and Wolf Pack to try this game, answer was (FK that...)
Now I can't say that players from COD or BF games can't play this game, its your option. I personally play BF and ARMA and love both

Oh, I've played the MWs and BF. It's definitely possible to play arcade shooters and ArmA. You've just got to play both the way they're designed to be played. But, I totally agree with you. The point about adults in COD was just to illustrate that even in those COD games there are adults who play. It's not ArmA is a mature game while every other arcade shooter is ridden with kids. I can't stand BF3 though. Not because it's an arcade shooter. I can't stand the bugs, the shooting mechanics, the often one-sided matches, the fact that the classes aren't balanced. But I also enjoy certain other shooters, like MOH.

Ultimately, getting back on topic here, if someone tries the ArmA3 alpha, it'll be because they are interested in ArmA3 for whatever reason. And anyone interested in ArmA3 will come in at least knowing that it is a simulator, I hope. Needless to say, there's nothing to fear from an open Alpha.

[Myshaak]

I was browsing the net for some Arma 3 coverage and I found quite an old czech article (http://bonusweb.idnes.cz/arma-3-se-objevi-na-e3-a-gamescomu-vyvojari-slibuji-i-komunitni-alfu-1cj-/Novinky.aspx?c=A120224_164353_bw-novinky_anb)(27th Feb) that not only mentions Alpha version, but also Beta. I don't remember seeing that anywhere alse, maybe I just missed that... or maybe the author of that article misunderstood the concept of post-release beta patches. The literal translation says:


The community alpha will be quite limited in terms of content. The purpose is to provide enough content to test new technologies and game mechanics.

Later that year the game should enter a beta-phase, opening even more.

[MadDogX]

I was browsing the net for some Arma 3 coverage and I found quite an old czech article (http://bonusweb.idnes.cz/arma-3-se-objevi-na-e3-a-gamescomu-vyvojari-slibuji-i-komunitni-alfu-1cj-/Novinky.aspx?c=A120224_164353_bw-novinky_anb)(27th Feb) that not only mentions Alpha version, but also Beta. I don't remember seeing that anywhere alse, maybe I just missed that...
You must have missed it. Both pre-release alpha and beta were confirmed. :)


The Community Alpha will be quite limited in terms of the assets it includes, with the goal of providing enough content to experiment with the brand new bits of gameplay and technology. It also enables our passionate community to prepare their mods for the very latest version of the Real Virtuality engine. Then, later on in the year, we'd like to open up our game up even further with a more extensive beta program. The exact details, however, we intend to set out closer to their launch.

[Faire]

E3 isn't until June 5-7, 2012. You must be patient.

I always get a little scared when I hear about people moving from Battlefield or Call of Duty to the ArmA series.

I highly suggest you purchase ArmA X to familiarize yourself with the complete series. ArmA is a very sophisticated game with completely unscripted AI. The AI has a mind of its own and you must think smart. Do not just run and gun like you may do in Battlefield.

The AI is in some ways comparable to COD AI in a very closed enviroment. What I mean is that in some missions in MW the gameplay enviroment was open to some degree and you had to play "smarter" then AI (while defending the cottage it was essential to lay down mines propperly and have a sound defense plan, moving in the giant scrap yard meant to be very careful and plan your next move so that you do not end in middle of a fire-fight). I've played all the COD games and all the ARMA games and it is not true that COD would never require you to play smart (on high difficulties). In arma you have mainly have to be more careful, taking it slow, but the AI is limited in many ways. And I see no reason to buy ArmA X - in my point of view it should not be a problem to buy ARMA II and learn things the propper way (tutorials, missions, campaign, MP). You're making ARMA to look like a bigger problem it really is ;)

[Myshaak]

You must have missed it. Both pre-release alpha and beta were confirmed. :)
Yep, that's the case. Thanks for confirming :)

[Kinex]

i hope i can play the alpha, i am a beta tester of Rfactor 2,and have been Battlefield alpha and beta, diablo 3, reporting feedback everytime i noticed something was wrong.

[antoineflemming]

i hope i can play the alpha, i am a beta tester of Rfactor 2,and have been Battlefield alpha and beta, diablo 3, reporting feedback everytime i noticed something was wrong.

No need to post your past beta experience to try to get into Alpha. At this point, we don't even know if past testing experience will be required to join the Alpha. It could be dependent on pre-order. It could be free and open. It could be closed to only invited members. We just don't know yet. Good to see you've been in tests before. Don't think Battlefield Alpha and Beta count for much (at least, BF3 alpha and beta- I was also in those).

[kimozabbi]

Who else here accepted the Alpha test email invitation, it said testers are picked randomly, I want to know who else here will be testing.

[maionaze]

Who else here accepted the Alpha test email invitation, it said testers are picked randomly, I want to know who else here will be testing.

I did... so did my friends Slammer Joe and xXEliteTacops93Xx...:cool:

That being said... I'm really curious if BIS will build some test scenarios or juts let us go crazy with it and hope we stumble upon something out of place. I'm talking about feature and content integration and not performnace.

[kimozabbi]

I'm really curious if BIS will build some test scenarios or juts let us go crazy with it and hope we stumble upon something out of place. I'm talking about feature and content integration and not performnace.

The details are on the notification email, just follow the link.

[MadDogX]

Always funny when there's a troll but no one bites. :D

[Dingo8]

I guess I got trolled... They had me convinced I was one of the unlucky ones that would be excluded from the alpha. That was really cruel! :p

[Manzilla]

I've been MIA for a while but what's the deal with getting an email to the alpha/beta? I've seen it mentioned here but can't seem to find where I sign up for said email. Also, I see the website says Q4. June 2012 fell thru? Like I said, I've been gone a while. :)

[froggyluv]

I've been MIA for a while but what's the deal with getting an email to the alpha/beta? I've seen it mentioned here but can't seem to find where I sign up for said email. Also, I see the website says Q4. June 2012 fell thru? Like I said, I've been gone a while. :)

Thats just people jokin -theres no official word yet.

[Manzilla]

Thats just people jokin -theres no official word yet.

Gracias.

[Flash Thunder]

Someone went phishing?

The info will be posted here you guys be patient FFS

[TCEd]

well, lets just hope they don't go the same route as CC where they ask ppl to pay/pre order before they can test the alpha/beta or any other testing phase of the game. When I saw that I was blown away, why would you force ppl to pre order a game that they are testing? I mean, that is the purpose of a "test" to see if you can run the game or even like the game, from the buyers perspective. All the data feedback & the like is important from their side & needed, which they would get anyway. So I hope the alpha & beta are free to "try" & not something ppl have to pay for.

[neokika]

well, lets just hope they don't go the same route as CC where they ask ppl to pay/pre order before they can test the alpha/beta or any other testing phase of the game. When I saw that I was blown away, why would you force ppl to pre order a game that they are testing? I mean, that is the purpose of a "test" to see if you can run the game or even like the game, from the buyers perspective. All the data feedback & the like is important from their side & needed, which they would get anyway. So I hope the alpha & beta are free to "try" & not something ppl have to pay for.

What you want my friend, is a Demo...
Testing the game, is not for the player enjoyment (only), but the main thing here is to Test the game mechanics, give feedback (Probably create tickets with repros within Dev-Heaven), and that's it!

Ofc, if you want to test the game before you buy, wait for the Demo...

[WhiskeyTango]

well, lets just hope they don't go the same route as CC where they ask ppl to pay/pre order before they can test the alpha/beta or any other testing phase of the game. When I saw that I was blown away, why would you force ppl to pre order a game that they are testing? I mean, that is the purpose of a "test" to see if you can run the game or even like the game, from the buyers perspective. All the data feedback & the like is important from their side & needed, which they would get anyway. So I hope the alpha & beta are free to "try" & not something ppl have to pay for.

Paying to get your hands on an early preview and then take an active role in testing the game is all part of the fun. If you don't want to just buy it when it's released! No one is forcing you to buy a half built game and then log bugs!

I pre-purchased ToH, DCS airframes etc and it's way more interesting than waiting for a release. The enthusiastic members don't have a problem with this whilst the general public get a product thats had way more testing than BIS could budget for, so what's the problem. It's much better than the release date being pushed back another 9 months so they can test it with an internal QA team.

[Zip_90]

Dont like it, i want the real game not just on steam and to pre order it on a store i wont get accses to the Alpha .V of Arma 3.

[kimozabbi]

why would you force ppl to pre order a game that they are testing?

Force? Seriously you must have a very boring life if you are posting here but don't even intend on buying the game. lol

[Sethos]

well, lets just hope they don't go the same route as CC where they ask ppl to pay/pre order before they can test the alpha/beta or any other testing phase of the game. When I saw that I was blown away, why would you force ppl to pre order a game that they are testing? I mean, that is the purpose of a "test" to see if you can run the game or even like the game, from the buyers perspective. All the data feedback & the like is important from their side & needed, which they would get anyway. So I hope the alpha & beta are free to "try" & not something ppl have to pay for.

What you are describing is a demo. Alpha / Beta tests are to test the game, however they want to induct you into it is their business but it sure as hell ain't a way to find out if you like the game or your PC can run it.

[JonieTurnock]

well, lets just hope they don't go the same route as CC where they ask ppl to pay/pre order before they can test the alpha/beta or any other testing phase of the game. When I saw that I was blown away, why would you force ppl to pre order a game that they are testing? I mean, that is the purpose of a "test" to see if you can run the game or even like the game, from the buyers perspective. All the data feedback & the like is important from their side & needed, which they would get anyway. So I hope the alpha & beta are free to "try" & not something ppl have to pay for.

If your PC don't run it... and that doesnt make you buy a new PC... your not an arma kinda guy. :notify:

But this Alpha will be interesting. May need another 580 aswell as the dedicated BI SSD im planning.:butbut:

[metalcraze]

What you want my friend, is a Demo...
Testing the game, is not for the player enjoyment (only), but the main thing here is to Test the game mechanics, give feedback (Probably create tickets with repros within Dev-Heaven), and that's it!


So what you are saying - BIS should pay us for QA job?


Paying to get your hands on an early preview and then take an active role in testing the game is all part of the fun. If you don't want to just buy it when it's released! No one is forcing you to buy a half built game and then log bugs!

Nice try. So only the people who paid will be able to influence the development with ideas? lololo but get a demo (that comes out a month post-release) when it's already too late - while I will be SPECIAL. Looking down on them plebs who don't have faith.

Evil EA ruins gaming with open betas - they should do it like BIS - make us pay to do their job.

[MissionCreep]

So what you are saying - BIS should pay us for QA job?

For some of us, QA is not a "job". We enjoy tweaking, testing and troubleshooting. If you are an avid user (or creator) of Arma mods, you would be comfortable in this role. The open beta is not for people like you ... so give it up and just wait for the finished product since nobody is forcing you to play or pay for an unfinished product.

[tremanarch]

I would be happy to find bugs, recreate them, and send the method how to create the bug to BIS. But I can only do it at the weekends.

[TCEd]

wow, lots of you cut me to shreds... that's cool, I don't mind.

Let me be more specific as to why I made those comments, I like all the Arma games & will most certainly buy this game... when I'm able. Unfortunately not everyone has the money to just buy/pre-pay when they want.. or in this case, when/if BIS puts a pre-pay requirement on the alpha/beta releases. Due to my current economic status, I must place other priorities above my gaming & having to pre pay for the game just so I can be part of the alpha/beta may not be possible for me & possibly many others.

I don't expect that to matter to ppl who can afford it, but to those of us who have to be more timely with items like this that are just for fun, we do have to be more careful. I don't mean my comments as negative toward those who may in fact pre pay if & when it's required during the testing phase, if I can I will follow suit & be part of it, as I have been in previous games, but again, that's not something I can determine as this time.

I do hope that there is no pre pay requirement on the testing phase, as that makes it much easier, but honestly it doesn't really matter all that much to me.

[metalcraze]

For some of us, QA is not a "job". We enjoy tweaking, testing and troubleshooting. If you are an avid user (or creator) of Arma mods, you would be comfortable in this role. The open beta is not for people like you ... so give it up and just wait for the finished product since nobody is forcing you to play or pay for an unfinished product.

I know how to use dev-heaven, I've been playing the series since OFP. So why is it not for "people like me"? What makes me somehow inferior?
Am I an untermensch not deserving to influence the game pre-release for not making mods and being sceptical about the game?

[WhiskeyTango]

I know how to use dev-heaven, I've been playing the series since OFP. So why is it not for "people like me"? What makes me somehow inferior?
Am I an untermensch not deserving to influence the game pre-release for not making mods and being sceptical about the game?

I don't have unlimited bandwidth on my Internet. Not only should it be free but they should mail me out DVD's with new builds on it.

I think you'll find the overhead of distributing alphas and betas will be covered by the early receipt of payment. The profit motive is a powerful one (and necessary). I also don't like our chances of there being an Arma3 demo at all. I just use youtube.

[MissionCreep]

I know how to use dev-heaven, I've been playing the series since OFP. So why is it not for "people like me"? What makes me somehow inferior?
Am I an untermensch not deserving to influence the game pre-release for not making mods and being sceptical about the game?

Alpha/beta previews will be carried out by volunteers ... so I don't know what your argument is. Don't volunteer if you don't want to test Arma 3 preleases for bugs. You can wait for the official release if you object to having to do "QA" for BI. It would certainly benefit BI to at least have an idea of any install problems on hundreds/thousands of user platforms prior to its official release.

[metalcraze]

No I object to having to buy the game first before I will be able to post my opinions about its "community alpha".

[dale0404]

Just wait until we are told peeps...

[antoineflemming]

Yeah, why are we still discussing this? BIS has not said whether the Community Alpha will be free or will have a Preorder precondition. How about we just stop talking about it for a month (till E3).

[KrIxXuS]

I'm looking forward to jumping in :-), i dont have a lot of cash but don't mind paying for something i know will get full support from the offset. We should be greatful we still have the ARMA series and such a good community behind it. Those that really want the game will surely get it somehow...maybe a poll on the thread : 'pre' purchase for beta or 'open' beta. The way i see it the more beta tester's they have the better it will be for them to make last minute changes, it is important they get it just right this time i certainly cant afford a new pc every 3 years... only thing i will upgrade is a new card in two weeks time when i get paid and still not sure whether to go ATI or NvIDIA.

Would be nice to get some info on Bohemia's test rig's??

Thank's for the response RiE and loving the link's('lot of thing's' and 'prefer') made me laugh ;-).

[RoyaltyinExile]

Would be nice to get some info on Bohemia's test rig's??


My current rig, one which most recent screens and videos are captured on, hasn't changed too much since Take On.

You can find the exact specs in the "RiE's Set Up/What? Well, I must be playing on a potato. What Ancient Evil runs such high settings? (http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?126178-Take-On-Video-Settings!)" spoiler.

Anecdotally, I'd prefer some more RAM and a more spacious SSD but, then again, there a lot of things (http://bit.ly/IUNo70) I'd prefer (http://strangeherring.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/happiness_is_a_warm_puppy.jpg), and it runs A3 fine for my needs. :cool:

Best,
RiE

[OnlyRazor]

Anecdotally, I'd prefer some more RAM and a more spacious SSD but, then again, there a lot of things (http://bit.ly/IUNo70) I'd prefer (http://strangeherring.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/happiness_is_a_warm_puppy.jpg), and it runs A3 fine for my needs. :cool:


You just wait until they implement hypercore-ultrathreading at DX12 with 8000 clocks per second. It'll require a sixteen core CPU with a 9 tera pipe. That's Hollywood IT for ya.
Anyhow, I'm just kinda wondering how much system requirements will change from alpha to gold version. :yay:

[WhiskeyTango]

My current rig, one which most recent screens and videos are captured on, hasn't changed too much since Take On.

You can find the exact specs in the "RiE's Set Up/What? Well, I must be playing on a potato. What Ancient Evil runs such high settings? (http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?126178-Take-On-Video-Settings!)" spoiler.

Anecdotally, I'd prefer some more RAM and a more spacious SSD but, then again, there a lot of things (http://bit.ly/IUNo70) I'd prefer (http://strangeherring.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/happiness_is_a_warm_puppy.jpg), and it runs A3 fine for my needs. :cool:

Best,
RiE

Wow that's awesome. So I should be okay with my i7 @<hidden> 3.9Ghz, SSD and a shiny newish GTX 580. Awesome!

[DMarkwick]

So all I need is a potato and a dog? Or did I misunderstand? :)

[RoyaltyinExile]

Well, as with anything, it depends what you want you want/ how you want to play it. One-setup-to-rule-them-all it isn't.

More specifically, we're talking about the number of entities in the scene, view-distance, fancy pp options, etc, etc, etc. The list really does go on. I go into a little more detail in the previously linked post, but the headline fact remains:



... it's worth pointing out that there is no 'ideal' configuration. The beauty of the options are their flexibility. It's unlikely that anyone can run everything completely maxed-out; rather, it's about setting up the game the way you're most comfortable with.


There's also some work being put into setting up the video-configuration options UI to make this process a little more obvious.

Anyway, lest this thread descend into some member-measuring rig-off or dense discussions about optimal hardware/ settings, let me leave the point by saying that we're due to publish our newly revised minimum specifications along with our E3 materials, and the set up linked to previously runs the game just fine for my needs and preferences, at least. Probably worth mentioning that I'm not running several thousand different mods which complicate the issue yet further, but that's a hornet's nest imma stay well away from!

:)


So all I need is a potato and a dog? Or did I misunderstand? :)

That, and a beautiful assistant to monitor the temperature of your over-clocked hardware!


Best,
RiE

[James2464]

Awesome thanks for that information, when you mentioned E3 i got a little too excited! Can't wait.

[CameronMcDonald]

Anyway, lest this thread descend into some member-measuring rig-off or dense discussions about optimal hardware/ settings, let me leave the point by saying that we're due to publish our newly revised minimum specifications along with our E3 materials, and the set up linked to previously runs the game just fine for my needs and preferences, at least. Probably worth mentioning that I'm not running several thousand different mods which complicate the issue yet further, but that's a hornet's nest imma stay well away from!

I wonder whether the newer requirements will be higher or lower than those posted previously... :dj: :party: :n:

[Bee8190]

I wonder whether the newer requirements will be higher or lower than those posted previously... :dj: :party: :n:

Asked myself the very same question but the way royality said it, translated in my head as - yup, we overshot the min requirements and the revisited once will be actually (lot) more HW friendly. Well, lets hope :o

[shiveee]

Guess I'm little late to the party..but hopefully not too late. Love the series and love what I've seen of Arma 3 so far. Hope to get a chance to help out when things are ready.

[bobtom]

RIE and I have nearly the same setup... I feel so special... :D

[T0bias]

How many people do you expect to participate in the Community Alpha?

Jay Crowe, Creative Director: Well, we’re talking about an alpha build of the game. We accept that it’s not something that those with only a passing interest would get involved in. Rather, we’d expect that our community will be the driving force behind this initial offering, at least.

Musil: We have no limits, though – anyone interested is welcome! This will be an iterative process and we will appreciate any proper feedback. If we took a guess, there could be thousands.

Crowe: You only need to look at the success and popularity of similar alpha releases to see that, if it begins to gain momentum, such previews can generate large numbers of really passionate players.


Can I just say, I love you guys. Open alpha, it's not something I've seen any other studio do. Can't wait.

Probably going to need to buy a new rig for it. Is there going to be an option for gpu accelerated physics for those of us with nvidia cards? I'm currently running a q9400 (http://ark.intel.com/products/35365/Intel-Core2-Quad-Processor-Q9400-(6M-Cache-2_66-GHz-1333-MHz-FSB)) and a gtx 470.

[MadDogX]

Can I just say, I love you guys. Open alpha, it's not something I've seen any other studio do. Can't wait.
That qoute was new to me; thanks for digging it up. Looks like we can finally bury the issue of access to the alpha.


Probably going to need to buy a new rig for it.
Hold your horses until the alpha comes around, I say. BIS have said that they will be announcing revised system requirements at E3, and your hardware isn't all that bad.


Is there going to be an option for gpu accelerated physics for those of us with nvidia cards?
Currently unknown. There has been no official word on the subject.

[antoineflemming]

Ok then. Settled. Open alpha it is. That's really good news. And, yeah, MadDogX, hopefully this arguing that's persisted for quite a while now can finally be put to rest. Now, on to speculation on what will be included in the Alpha. Is it possible we will be testing all the new features, such as the new animations, RTT, underwater gameplay? Or just some of the features? I gotta say it would be nice to be able to test all of that stuff (probably so if it's pretty well integrated into the game). And, do any of you think that we will be testing the game at its current stage or at an earlier stage (as most alphas/betas are)?

[Old Bear]

I believe we can get our hand on most of the game features in the Community Alpha, I think that ATM the game is complete but need to be "polished" and become "enjoyable" by us ... the whole bunch of Arma fanatics around here.

Have a look at the incredible job done by BIS for the last Arma2 patch and the incredible amount of energy spent by all the community to help.

The same will be need after Alpha release in order to get an enjoyable Arma 3 Beta and "The Game" we are all waiting for at the end of the year !

[biske028]

Hi,I want to be part of Alpha.

[colossus]

Nobody knows who or how this alpha will work, biske028. We'll probably know more around E3 in June.

[Flash Thunder]

Hi,I want to be part of Alpha.

Sorry you're not tall enough to read the first page therefore you cannot be apart of Alpha.

*The dictator

[Enad]

Main reason I hope to get into this Alpha is to see how much it destroys my computer. I have a bad feeling my 580 won't be able to run it very well...

Hopefully BIS have become Optimization geniuses within the past few years and are able to make ArmA 3 playable, and not cause computers to implode.

[Old Bear]

@<hidden> : I believe that your 2 rigs will play Arma3 easily ... even the so called "Mini PC" ... not so small in fact ... the GPU of the "Mini" being the only weak point.

But now, we have only a few weeks to wait before E3 and the updated minimum and recommended specs release ... so let's camp a bit:cool:

[twisted]

One question - was wondering how the process of feedabck, evalutation and response/tweaks will work best.

in tkoh it was pretty ordered but the feedback took a long time to trickle through to the actual game (but the flight model is not awesome).

on a project so much bigger, this is going to be tricky. what would be best experienced way of doing it?

[Flash Thunder]

Enad im sure you're okay its me and countless others who need to quiver. :eek: We don't have i7's @<hidden> or SSD's.

[CameronMcDonald]

Enad im sure you're okay its me and countless others who need to quiver. :eek: We don't have i7's @<hidden> or SSD's.

I've got both and I'm quivering.

[taxableabe]

I've got both and I'm quivering.

Same here, i7-950 @<hidden> 3.7 on air, and a GTX470 with 2 120GB SSD's. One for games, one for OS.

[Flash Thunder]

I've got both and I'm quivering.

10 FPS here I come!

http://i2.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/003/617/okayguy.jpg

[Slatts]

10 FPS will be worth it :p

[Starky396]

any chance of the beta having the editor. thats all i liked in arma

---------- Post added at 01:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:36 AM ----------

by the way could i max out the game. these are my computer specs



------------------
System Information
------------------ Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
System Model: Z68XP-UD4
BIOS: Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2600K CPU @<hidden> 3.40GHz (8 CPUs), ~3.7GHz
Memory: 8192MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 8110MB RAM
Page File: 3638MB used, 12577MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7601.17514 32bit Unicode

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce GTX 560
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_1201&SUBSYS_14693842&REV_A1
Display Memory: 4062 MB
Dedicated Memory: 2014 MB
Shared Memory: 2047 MB
Current Mode: 1680 x 1050 (32 bit) (59Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Model: SyncMaster

[Flash Thunder]

^ High settings but I doubt anyone here will max it Very high AA and 20km view distance is going to require a computer from 2020 to run Arma 3 at decent FPS.

[EDcase]

I can't remember if it was a printed interview or one of the early A3 videos which stated they had improved the optimization so ARMA3 should run about the same as ARMA2 even with the improved graphics etc.
Of course no one will be able to run everything on max just as with ARMA2.

[MadDogX]

Don't forget that Direct3D11 was designed to support efficient multithreaded rendering. If BI makes proper use of that, rendering performance should be improved compared to the old D3D9 renderer.

[n7snk]

any chance of the beta having the editor. thats all i liked in arma

---------- Post added at 01:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:36 AM ----------

by the way could i max out the game. these are my computer specs



------------------
System Information
------------------ Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
System Model: Z68XP-UD4
BIOS: Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2600K CPU @<hidden> 3.40GHz (8 CPUs), ~3.7GHz
Memory: 8192MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 8110MB RAM
Page File: 3638MB used, 12577MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7601.17514 32bit Unicode

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce GTX 560
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_1201&SUBSYS_14693842&REV_A1
Display Memory: 4062 MB
Dedicated Memory: 2014 MB
Shared Memory: 2047 MB
Current Mode: 1680 x 1050 (32 bit) (59Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Model: SyncMaster
no, you can't max out arma 2 with these settings aswell. check out my sig

[James2464]

2 weeks until E3! can't wait to hear more about the Alpha.

[danny96]

BIS, 2 weeks are long! PLEASE give us one more video/new/screenshot please please))

[Smurf]

There is a Report In! (http://www.bistudio.com/english/company/developers-blog) about lightning coming and that probably will show some fancy stuff. The Alpha will happen after E3, Im under the impression that will be in July.

[Dingo8]

There is a Report In! (http://www.bistudio.com/english/company/developers-blog) about lightning coming and that probably will show some fancy stuff

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTWcmHxVYSPxtZ6x-jbHTv2wiV_b8C6ouNKDX_cZRWkTWeJbu7q

[Mr. Charles]

There is a Report In! (http://www.bistudio.com/english/company/developers-blog) about lightning coming and that probably will show some fancy stuff. The Alpha will happen after E3, Im under the impression that will be in July.

Where'd ya get the info?

[Smurf]

Where'd ya get the info?

Lastly, you'll be hearing more from Gugla soon™, in our forthcoming Report In! feature, where we take a look at some of the fantastic advancements to lighting
http://www.bistudio.com/english/company/developers-blog/304-czeching-out-limnos

The July for alpha I don´t know if I read in an interview with a dev or just a forum member post.

[Mr. Charles]

Ah alright. But I'm not sure if it will be really about the Lighting as in "Programmer"-side. I'd like some more DevBlogs from Suma. They were always top notch and very informative.

[lilwillie]

Wow. Really jacked to see a Alpha coming so soon. Can't believe I've been playing one series of games for over 10 years and never finding a better one to play. Keep it up BI!

[Tankbuster]

I have experience with BI alphas. I had Armed Assault 1.0.

[ProfTournesol]

I have experience with BI alphas. I had Armed Assault 1.0.

Oops that's sneaky :D

[tremanarch]

Is there already something out about how to report bugs / errors we find in the alpha? (A dev forum / a Bug Button in the game or like rules about how to describe how to recreate errors etc Needing of screens or videos, logfiles?); Or a specific Hardware required for testing (dunno if the devs want to concentrate on a specific hardware, could be?).
Our what languages should beta reports written in?

Anything alpha / beta testing related..

[Mr. Charles]

Is there already something out about how to report bugs / errors we find in the alpha? (A dev forum / a Bug Button in the game or like rules about how to describe how to recreate errors etc Needing of screens or videos, logfiles?); Or a specific Hardware required for testing (dunno if the devs want to concentrate on a specific hardware, could be?).
Our what languages should beta reports written in?

Anything alpha / beta testing related..

I think BIS will set up their own tracker, as they did with Carrier Command. Reports should be in english.

[GossamerSolid]

I have experience with BI alphas. I had Armed Assault 1.0.

That made me chuckle.

Good work.

On a side note, have they mentioned if we will have multiplayer and editor capabilities in the alpha?

It'd be a great time to report bugs and allow us mission devs to get started on porting our stuff over so it's ready for release.

[rfc]

Don't want to spoil anybodies soup, but they didn't exactly say "Alpha in June" but more something like "somewhen after E3", that could be even August ... but yeah, can't wait for it either :)

[Tom1]

"The Game"

:mad: FFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUU

[jerryhopper]

10 FPS will be worth it :p

hell yeah,

i'd be happy to help making arma3 a better game at release day - its in my own best interest!

[PvtDancer]

Did they say anything other than they would select testers based on system configs? or is that the only deciding factor? But I'm glad to see people here understand the point of a beta\alpha! I have done beta's\alpha's on a few games and at times it was very difficult to help the devs because of all the Flamers who used the alpha like a glorified beta and raged the whole time about issues and "lack of features."

[MadDogX]

Did they say anything other than they would select testers based on system configs? or is that the only deciding factor? But I'm glad to see people here understand the point of a beta\alpha! I have done beta's\alpha's on a few games and at times it was very difficult to help the devs because of all the Flamers who used the alpha like a glorified beta and raged the whole time about issues and "lack of features."
I believe one of the devs said the alpha would be open to all.

[PvtDancer]

That is unusual given the reasons stated above... but if that were the case that would be nice for... well most of us... but still I would hope the community here is full of good testers.

[Old Bear]

Here from a PC Gamer interview (http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/02/23/arma-3-community-alpha/), February 23 2012.


How many people do you expect to participate in the Community Alpha?

- Jay Crowe, Creative Director: Well, we’re talking about an alpha build of the game. We accept that it’s not something that those with only a passing interest would get involved in. Rather, we’d expect that our community will be the driving force behind this initial offering, at least.

Musil: We have no limits, though – anyone interested is welcome! This will be an iterative process and we will appreciate any proper feedback. If we took a guess, there could be thousands.

Crowe: You only need to look at the success and popularity of similar alpha releases to see that, if it begins to gain momentum, such previews can generate large numbers of really passionate players.

From such statements we can get no clue, for the 1st part I had underlined seems to tell there will be some limitations and the 2nd part tells us there will be none :confused:

[MadDogX]

for the 1st part I had underlined seems to tell there will be some limitations
That's not how I understand it. He uses the word "would", implying willingness - so I believe he expects people with only a passing interest in Arma3 would not want to get involved in an alpha test - not that they wouldn't be allowed.

[Booster]

That's not how I understand it. He uses the word "would", implying willingness - so I believe he expects people with only a passing interest in Arma3 would not want to get involved in an alpha test - not that they wouldn't be allowed.

That's how I interpreted it too, everyone is welcome but some wouldn't have any interest in participating.

[rfc]

But AFAIK those "would have interest" are those willing to pay for access to the alpha (like e.g. with CarrierCommand); I understood it will work the same. Pay upfront and get access to the Alpha. Am I wrong?

[MadDogX]

I understood it will work the same. Pay upfront and get access to the Alpha. Am I wrong?
As of our current information: yes, you are wrong.

[4 IN 1]

I am fairly sure that by the time they release the alpha our bug hunting/impurfection nailing instinct is already so hungry for victims.

[rfc]

As of our current information: yes, you are wrong.
Thanks for the correction, I guess. No idea where I got it from ... so that was A grade for me for distributing FUD ...

[PvtDancer]

I understood it like you you guys, as in they expect the community the people with real interest in the game and not just blow Joe CoD lover who says OOOOHHHH PRETTTY :tounge:

[Darky88]

I've been looking forward to this ever since the announcement. Personally I'd like the P&C model from Carrier Command for this with the same fair-pricing depending on which version to choose, my wallet sure would be happier with that. I hope we'll get to know more about the process already during the E3, but that's just my excitement talking :)

[maturin]

Could someone add the new information to the OP. There is grade school recess going on across the street from me right now, and the atmosphere in this thread is identical, making it hard to sift through.

[OverpaidUnderdog]

Will anyone be able to access the Alpha? What are the restrictions (if any)? Is this a public alpha?

[Steakslim]

No one knows. As far as everyone is concerned it will be a PUBLIC ALPHA, means everyone will have access until BI says otherwise.

[Provac]

They got my money, I would suggest going with the P&C model (I simply dont want to see the community get flooded by kiddies complaining the game isnt working like a retail release).