Have you ever wanted to have a direct impact on game development? Now you can through GameSpot's
Beta Test Center. Beta testers provide a valuable service - they report bugs and playability
issues in the crucial last stages of a game's production.
In our Beta Test Center, we'll tell you about games that are currently accepting testing
applicants, games that you can jump right into and begin testing, and feature many exclusives
available only to registered GameSpot users. We'll keep you informed as new beta testing
opportunities arise, so check back often for the latest information.
Auto Assault
Auto Assault is a Massively Multiplayer Online Game (MMOG) that combines vehicular combat with role-playing elements. You explore a Post-Apocalyptic future in customizable cars, motorcycles, semis, and even tanks. Some of the game's features include a fully destructable world, Havok2 physics engine, pve and pvp gameplay, and tradeskills. The first wave of beta invitations has gone out with more to come in the following weeks and months.
Dungeons and Dragons Online
Developed by Turbine Entertainment Software and in conjunction with the Wizards of the Coast, Dungeons and Dragons Online is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game. Set in the world of Eberron, the game will feature real time combat where you click your mouse buttons to swing your sword, use your mouse pointer as a targeting reticle for aiming arrows, and use your movement keys to dodge incoming attacks. Some of the other game's features include nine playable classes with the option to multiclass, 3.5 ruleset, a level 20 level limit, and instanced dungeons. The first phase of Alpha testing has begun, additional testers and the beta phase will follow in the weeks and months to come.
Pirates of the Burning Sea
Pirates of the Burning Sea is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game set in the 18th century Caribbean Sea. Players will assume the role of ship captains trying to work their way up as privateers, merchants, traders, or naval officers. Some of the game's features include 3 nations to join, skill based advancement with no leveling, and the ability to customize your ship. It is currently accepting beta applications.
Face of Mankind
Face of Mankind is a 3D science-fiction based massively multiplayer online role-playing game. Set in the 24th century, the game combines role-playing aspects with a first person shooter interface. Some of the game's other features include 10 organizations that players can join, mission based advancement, and tradeskills. It is currently in Open Beta.
Gunz
GunZ is a Korean made third-person online shooter. Players navigate the game environment with a variety of special actions such as wall jumps while fighting with swords and guns. Some of the other game's features include 12 item slots for character customization, score stats, and in game clan support. It is currently in Open Beta.
PlaneShift
Planeshift is a 3D online role-playing game that promises to be free to everyone. Developers
and players will be invited to expand the world by contributing content. Some of the game's
features include 12 playable races, housing and a large world to explore. Currently in
development, they require testers to help test their tech demo.
City of Villains
City of Villains is the standalone sequel to the massively multiplayer online role-playing game City of Heroes. With diabolical craft and guile, players forge new super-powered villain characters in an attempt to dominate the world. Heroes and authorities of Paragon City will do all in their power to thwart these evil plans of destruction. Some of the game's features include player housing where villains will defend themselves from heroes, new archtypes, new missions, pvp and pve gameplay. Beta testing has begun with pre-orders taking first priority.
Lord of the Rings Online
Vivendi Universal Games announced that it has signed Turbine
Entertainment to produce Lord of the Rings Online, a new online role-playing game based on the The
Lord of the Rings novels. Lotro will be a 3D online role-playing game that will immerse players in
the world of Middle-earth and let them create characters using a number of Tolkien archetypes.
Some of the game's features include player housing, branching quests, offline character
advancement intended to help casual gamers, and 4 playable races. Currently scheduled for a 2006
release so stay tuned for future sign-ups.
Tabula Rasa
Developed by Ultima Online creator Richard Garriott, Tabula Rasa is a massively multiplayer online action game that takes you into the heat of battle at the frontlines of an epic war between a xenophobic alien race bent on galactic conquest and the coalition of rebel soldiers who’ve traveled across the galaxy to stop them. The game will feature the gameplay of a first person shooter with the depth of a role-playing game. Stay tuned for future sign-ups.
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes
Designed by EverQuest co-creator Brad McQuaid, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes is a third generation 3D massively multiplayer online role-playing game. Vanguard will exist in a high fantasy setting and will refocus the genre back on hardcore and casual players coexisting in the same game. Some of the features include a traditional level and class based system, player housing, alternate server pvp, and in-game voice communication. Testing is scheduled to begin in 2005 so stay tuned for future sign-ups.
Know of an upcoming beta test or other beta news? Tell us about it.
last updated 9/28/05
