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View Full Version : Xbox owners only get four days in the ‘Destiny’ beta



alanjg007
20-07-2014, 11:23 AM
July 7th has always been a big day for Bungie fans, especially with a huge anticipated AAA release like Destiny in the works. The studio has traditionally opened the floodgates on new details surrounding in-development titles, delivering tasty morsels for the community to chew on while their wait continues.

In the wake of the official schedule for Destiny, Bungie has given Xbox owners some not-so-exciting news: apparently they only get four days to experience the game?s hotly anticipated beta.

This revelation only serves to pour salt into the wound that was cut by the recent PS4-exclusive alpha test that was revealed at Sony?s E3 press conference. Not only did they miss out on that bit of action, but Xbox owners will also have their beta time severed by more than half of PlayStation gamers.

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Above you can see that Bungie has revealed the full schedule for the Destiny beta, mapping out the timeframe for both sets of consoles.

As we know already the beta will start on July 17 on PS3 and PS4, and Xbox gamers will have to wait almost a full week later before access opens for them on July 23. The testing session will last for nine days overall and will close its doors on July 27 at 11:59 pm PDT, and server-wide maintenance will knock off a full day of play-time from the beta.

It also appears that Xbox LIVE Gold will be required for Xbox One and Xbox 360 players to participate in the test.

Activision has affirmed this is subject to change, and hopefully Microsoft (or whoever is in charge of the decision) will relent and allow Silver members access. PlayStation Plus is only required for multiplayer interactions for PS owners, but you?ll want to pick up premium for this MMOFPS hybrid.

The beta test will arm the developers with the data they need to streamline the game for its September launch, and will be an invaluable learning experience for gamers and Bungie devs alike. The Alpha test was a roaring success and left thousands upon thousands of gamers going through Guardian withdrawal, and for many the triumphant return of Destiny couldn?t come sooner.

As part of Bungie Day, the team also revealed three limited collector?s edition sets for Destiny as well as a sort of expansion pass that brings two add-on packs with it (both of which are priced at $19.99 each or $34.99 for the set).

The extras all have premium top-tier prices?the Destiny Ghost edition, for example, is priced at $149.99 with the next-to-cheapest option, the Digital Guardian Edition, at $89.99) and it?s here that Activision?s focus on long-term profits becomes worryingly evident.

The expansion pass seems to be the more alluring of the bunch, as it includes new storyline missions, co-op activities and new gear?but the argument against Activision just including this content in the game?s final price is still pretty convincing.

In any case, millions of Xbox and PlayStation fans alike will be pushing Bungie?s servers to their threshold when the beta rolls around, and I for one will be glued to its infinite splendor.

Despite the preferential treatment that PlayStation is getting for Destiny, it?s fair to say that everyone?s still excited about the game, but gamers have a long memory when it comes to being spurned.

It?s further disappointing to see Destiny be mired by the convoluted money-making schemes that permeate the industry, but the trend is likely to continue as long as it stays profitable. These gimmicky monetization tactics aren?t likely to inhibit the hype and anticipation for Bungie?s vast galactic MMO FPS hybrid, but they surely cheapen the thrill and overall scope of the game

Destiny is slated to release on Sept. 17, 2014 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. For more information on the game or a FAQ on the beta, be sure to drop by Bungie?s official website (http://www.bungie.net/7_The-Destiny-Beta/en/News/News?aid=11643).