why TRS should release a demo/beta ASAP

[basic]

now that the game has been pushed back to 2008 and everyone's wet dreams crushed and dried, TRS should/must release some sort of demo or beta to the public. why you ask?

its simple, a shitload of very very popular games are coming out soon, and before you know it, the only thing youll read in magazines, on websites, or hear from ppl is crap about these new games that are out. right now (especially after quakecon) L4D is at its peak popularity. if they were to release a demo right now where there's really no news to tell, the demo will be the big thing everyone talks about.

that way L4D will get a huge amount of publicity before the big games come out and hog all the news. also, its kind of hard to forget about such a fun game when the demo is on your computer.

and so later when everyone starts getting tired of the big games they had just bought 4 or 5 months ago and are starting to look for something new, they'll be browsing through their comp, see the L4D demo, and say "hmm when does that come out again?" they'll load up the game, say "oh shit, i forgot how fun this was" and then when they finally exit the demo, BAM! there it will say "Releases early 2008" "hmm that should be anyday now"

that is why L4D demo must come out ASAP

all who disagree are traitors

[candyman25]

u have a very good point, the awesome games coming out this holiday including Halo 3, Assassin's Creed (maybe), and some other huge games i can't think of at the top of my head will hog all the hype so unless l4d does something, they will be left in the dust, IMO

[CrossSilver]

Lets start the demo chant

[Stupoider]

They've been letting people play the game at the gaming conventions/LANs. I'm guessing if people were allowed to play the beta, nobody would report mistakes. Letting people play at the LANs means they can get feedback which they wouldn't from people playing at home.

Most people here just want a beta because they want to play :P

[basic]

who DOESN'T want to play :P
AFAIK there's no more major events after CPL, and i don't think they'll even be there

big games i can think of right now are UT3, halo 3, bioshock, alan wake, assassins creed, spore?, crysis, and supcom FA,

and of course ppl will report bugs in the beta, thats the whole point of a beta...

showcasing at events was great for the quick burst of popularity, now they need to seal the deal with a demo to keep people's attention on L4D during the holidays :)

[hooray for zombies]

*gasp* you're right! I'll go inform Mr. Booth of this right now!

[engagequadlaser]

Translation: "I'm butthurt because the game isn't coming out when I want it to, so everyone should switch gears and appease me."

[basic]

switch gears?

[No Shelter]

lol









^^ Seriously all I could say

[iRelentless]

A fully open beta or demo at this stage could kill it more than anything because it wouldn't be up to TRS standards. If there was a beta, It would be much better with a small amount of people were given access to it. And then take the access away and have them replaced if they start acting like ass hats, or don't take part in the beta forum or wherever they would be told to report bugs, etc.

Although I'm pretty sure they have their own people playing from home to test it. So a beta isn't likely any time soon, if at all.

[basic]

Although I'm pretty sure they have their own people playing from home to test it. So a beta isn't likely any time soon, if at all.

true, didnt think about that

oh well

[D_Smid4499]

Most (I think all) source games do not have open beta's as Valve, and companies that use the source engine need to be up to par with the expectations in source games, if a demo gets released, it will most likely happen when the game comes out or just before.

[darksora2323]

lol









^^ Seriously all I could say

[Chronos]

They should do the same thing CS:S did. Allow you to preorder and give you beta access for a week or two. It would be a win win situation. Someone should email asking if that's pllanned.

[Prometheus]

No use to beta testing a game that is obviously not even close to going gold.

[Etheallmighty]

usually demos don't make it onto 360marketplace until either the game is allready out or is gonna come out in a matter of week or 2,which sucks. but either way demo would bcool

[Chronos]

No use to beta testing a game that is obviously not even close to going gold.
I didn't say when they should do it, did I? It would simply be a good promotional action.
usually demos don't make it onto 360marketplace until either the game is allready out or is gonna come out in a matter of week or 2,which sucks. but either way demo would bcool
We're talking about the PC version. Don't expect the 360 version to be out Q1 2008 if PC version only barely makes it.

[Etheallmighty]

We're talking about the PC version. Don't expect the 360 version to be out Q1 2008 if PC version only barely makes it.
http://extraball.sunsite.dk/behave/stfu.jpg (http://extraball.sunsite.dk/behave/stfu.jpg)

[iRelentless]

I doubt there will be any demo. They will likely just give people a guest passes when they install it from, or to, steam. Maybe a small demo on the 360, but I don't see the point in one.

We're talking about the PC version. Don't expect the 360 version to be out Q1 2008 if PC version only barely makes it.
The source engine was in the process of being made capable of simultaneous PC/360/PS3 development last I heard. So any extra development for the 360 version would likely be minor.

The "Short time after" for 360 was probably just because its easier to release a game on steam, than at retail.

[Chronos]

*insert stupid image*
Guess I hurt someone's feelings so he responded with an image instead of his own words. I guess you can't take the truth.

[Etheallmighty]

Guess I hurt someone's feelings so he responded with an image instead of his own words. I guess you can't take the truth.


oh what the heck I guess I accidentally deleted what I typed above it (never used image b4 on forurms)....
We're talking about the PC version. Don't expect the 360 version to be out Q1 2008 if PC version only barely makes it.

that's why I said either way would be cool.

[D_Smid4499]

Don't expect a beta or a demo, simple.

[iRelentless]

oh what the heck I guess I accidentally deleted what I typed above it (never used image b4 on forurms)....
I remember there being something before the image, just can't remember what. lol.

Guess I hurt someone's feelings so he responded with an image instead of his own words. I guess you can't take the truth.
IMAGE WORDZZZZ!!!!!! (http://www.fukung.net/images/3564/Invisible%20Hamburger.jpg)

[Anti Zombie Task Force]

i think even if they did release a beta it would be the hospital level because its probebly the most polished map and they could just update it like zombieamaster but who knows they might or might not i think it would be good though.

[Chronos]

Don't expect a beta or a demo, simple.
While it's probably true, I don't see how a beta/demo could do anything but help promote the game (and get early cash).

[iRelentless]

While it's probably true, I don't see how a beta/demo could do anything but help promote the game (and get early cash).
When was the last time you payed for a beta/demo? And word of mouth "promotion" from all the stupid people bitching on as many gaming forums as they can at how the game sucks just because they aren't any good at playing it and keep dying. How about that for promotion on an already below the radar game...

[Anti Zombie Task Force]

well from wat i heard most of the people who had a chance to played the game loved it and ive heard of people who thought the game was going to be shit and played the game and loved every second of it.

srry just my thoughts

[iRelentless]

srry just my thoughts
My post does sound kind of like an angry flame... Definitely not intended as one though.

But come to think of it, a couple of idiots flaming an L4D beta couldn't cause too much damage. Especially considering how awesome it is to just watch it, even by people who don't seem to know what they're doing.

[Anti Zombie Task Force]

i see where your at though

[Anti Zombie Task Force]

but still hoping it has a beta

[dontleave]

Especially considering how awesome it is to just watch it, even by people who don't seem to know what they're doing.

Haha so true...

Im pretty sure there are mutliple builds done... whether or not they'd like to call it a beta doesn't matter. Beta generally implies that they're still testing stuff out, server networking, performance and obviously bugs or exploits whatever. And that they EXPECT, us the users, to inform them of said subjects or offer some sort of useful feedback. Demo, is more marketing than anything, the line between the two has been shady for a while... because people market with Beta's anyway. The last true beta I played was for LoTRO...

Especially with "Pre Order now and have access to the beta" gimmicks... it's pretty much a demo.

[Shrubberyjsc]

Beta, Demo, call it what you will. I'd eat it up.

=D

[Puscifer]

...


tbh im just completely gutted...

is the 2008 release date official?

[Shrubberyjsc]

Mike himself said that's what they're shooting for.

[Etheallmighty]

We're talking about the PC version. Don't expect the 360 version to be out Q1 2008 if PC version only barely makes it.
http://youth.elcic.ca/downloads/ListenUP_wallpaper4.jpg (http://youth.elcic.ca/downloads/ListenUP_wallpaper4.jpg)
http://www.danaroc.com/dailies/wp-content/themes/danaroc/uploads/man2listening_01.jpg (http://www.danaroc.com/dailies/wp-content/themes/danaroc/uploads/man2listening_01.jpg)
Hate to say ur earlier comment got pwnd, but it's pretty funny how u said that and then xerosnake posted that thread about....

LOOK AT SNAKE"S thread....mr. booth says it's a simultaneous release with the 360 and pc! :)in yo face (http://www.left4dead411.com/forums/index.php?action=vthread&forum=2&topic=936)......sorry for the whole rubbing of the face, but i'm very happy/awake now (considering it's 4:30 AM)

[Edz]

Easily faked?

[iRelentless]

LOOK AT SNAKE"S thread....mr. booth says it's a simultaneous release with the 360 and pc! :)in yo face......
All he said was not to expect 360 at same time as PC. Which was perfectly reasonable, because that's what the official info said at the time. (360 shortly after PC)

but I'm very happy/awake now (considering it's 4:30 AM)
I know the feeling, its 2:20pm and I've been up since yesterday morning, which started at 4am... :(

[Stupoider]

and of course ppl will report bugs in the beta, thats the whole point of a beta...

Don't be so sure.

[Conde]

Well, if they're going to make a Demo they have to prepair it first, add the music and fix bugs, of course.


And I see reasonable to it be released 2008, they have to finish the campaings, fix bugs, add music, translate the game, Distribute and release.

We cannot discard the possiblity of them to make some Free weekends like they did with 'The Ship' (Anyway i played The Ship one of thoose weekends and it sucked T_T)

PD: Double posting it's a SIN!

Edit: While i was writing this the post gone to 2nd page.

Quoting: basic
and of course ppl will report bugs in the beta, thats the whole point of a beta...

I didn't even report a bug in my whole life, never, no single report.

[d_cover]

they have pushed the game bak so far and they r still showing it off at lan party's while we suffer we shud have a beta demo

[No Shelter]

In reality you guys think its really far, when really they said its done when its done but they are shooting for an after holirday release. Who knows it could be 2007.

Theres probably a bunch of people who would love to live a half more year than just 1 minute in the hospital.

[iRelentless]

and of course ppl will report bugs in the beta, thats the whole point of a beta...
It's really common to not report bugs in public beta's.
I only tend to report bugs if either there's a special forum/board for doing so or I'm semi-active in the community surrounding the beta. Some people don't report them no matter what and just play the game, others prefer instead to slag off a game that's in beta and not report any of the problems they have with it to the people who could easily fix them.


Edit: While i was writing this the post gone to 2nd page.
That's happened to me a lot lately, topics have been moving really fast. I wrote a post yesterday only to realise a whole page and a half had popped out of nowhere.

I didn't even report a bug in my whole life, never, no single report.
Never saw a big insect when you were younger and reported it to a parent, teacher, whatever? :P

[d_cover]

shooting for an after holirday release. Who knows it could be 2007.
ever 1 is saying early 2008 hope ur right No shelter

[Anti Zombie Task Force]

but guys come on who doesnt want a demo

[Anti Zombie Task Force]

who ever would have a problem with a beta speak now or forever hold your piece

[d_cover]

im not bothered as long as the game comes out after the holidays and dont say better than not comming out at all who knows i might die of a strain of the rabies virus

[dontleave]

A beta would be so. Freakin' Awesome.

You say you want one but think of that moment when you open up STEAM and read the words, "L4D Beta." It'll be magical...

But I doubt it... crap. Didn't someone email him about it? Reply?

[Anti Zombie Task Force]

i dont know but some one should email him about it

[Anti Zombie Task Force]

i dont know how to email so can some please do it for me
thanks
and can anyone tell me how to do so

[Zombie Ade]

If they released a demo then it would have to be time limited I guess.
They wouldn`t release a whole level as the replay value on this game will be high due to the AI director.
I can imagine some skinflint tightwads just playing the one level over and over.
By time limiting you will never get to the end, and thats what its all about.
You will still have fun with, say, a 20 minute demo - just enough to have a good blast, but not enough time to get to the heli pad.
This will force you to get the full game, because youre going to want to know if you really can survive.

If they release a timed demo soon then I would forgive them for delaying till 2008.
You hear me Mr Booth? This is your chance to repent for your sins!! hehe!

[Mustacio]

i sent an email yesterday asking if they would make a demo for the game before release and this is what mike booth said:

__________________________________________________

-----Original Message-----
From: (cut out my email)
Sent: Sunday, August 05, 2007 8:31 PM
To: bizdev@turtlerockstudios.com
Subject:


I noticed that the level you been showing to people and allowing them to
play has been the same and I assume that is the level that the dev team has
worked on for quite a bit as that is the level people have been playing.
Just wondering if that could be used as a demo for download over steam so
people can try the game before it comes out. I guess my question is pretty
much this: will there be a demo for Left 4 Dead at all for people to try out
over steam instead of at conventions or whatever?


--------------------------------
(He replied a day later saying the following:)

Maybe.

Michael Booth
CEO
Turtle Rock Studios
http://www.turtlerockstudios.com

[Deadly]

wow, so much reading in that email i could barley finish it within a minute. but then again, all of his 1 word anwsers are more informative then his sentence answers....Maybe ftw!!!

[Chronos]

When was the last time you payed for a beta/demo?
I'm talking about preordering the game to get in.

[L4D Zoey Coen]

u have a very good point, the awesome games coming out this holiday including Halo 3, Assassin's Creed (maybe), and some other huge games i can't think of at the top of my head will hog all the hype so unless l4d does something, they will be left in the dust, IMO

[hool10]

Whoah. Never really looked at this thread thinking that this would be impossible. But that e-mail response is awesome! *I'm pre-ordering it over Steam too ASAP.

[The One]

If they released a demo with only one lvl think about it, It would never be the same remember? The AI director will change things so you wont play it everytime the same. So it will hold us off for awhile if they ever did release a demo :D

[hool10]

I'm betting the hl2world guys would take the code and make levels off of the demo. They did it with the CS:S beta and the CPU benchmark test.

[lilsamuraijoe]

If they released the game right now it would sell truckloads.

[The One]

If they released the game right now it would sell truckloads.
It would wouldnt it? But theyre not, so I guess we can finally have a life for a little bit :D

[Chronos]

It would wouldnt it? But theyre not, so I guess we can finally have a life for a little bit :D
What're you gay?

[darksora2323]

What're you gay?
lol;d so hard

[The One]

What're you gay?
"We" as in the whole forum. Since they havent announced a release before we all had one life, and that was sitting on our asses with our face to the computer screen waiting...... Now that it will be release later we can all have a life!

[Chronos]

we can all have a life!
What're you gay?

[Shrubberyjsc]

I noticed he never gave a 'straight' answer to your question.

[hooray for zombies]

I noticed he never gave a 'straight' answer to your question.
straighter than The One!
OH!