Hi all,
There are a lot of exciting things happening with Myst Online: Uru Live this week so we wanted to share some additional updates to hopefully clarify a few things and answer some of the questions we’ve seen debated on the various Forums. As always, this game is a work-in-progress so things are always subject to change.
1) What is the status of the beta?
On Dec. 18, the current phase of the beta will be concluded and the (hopefully) last Myst Online: Uru Live vault wipe will occur. On Dec. 20, the final phase of the beta will open up. This phase of the beta will include the start of a live “preview†story. The story in this preview phase will feature some familiar old characters, and just might introduce a new character or two as well.Please note this “preview†storyline is still part of the beta and not the game launch. The launch will occur some time in very early 2007. The preview storyline allows us to test and optimize a few more game elements and helps make sure when the game officially launches that new players are entering a living breathing world as opposed to simply a “game.â€
2) Who will be a part of the next beta phase?
Anyone currently in the beta program – whether accessing via GameTap or the standalone version – will continue to participate in the next phase of the beta. As a reminder, players in the following countries are currently eligible to participate: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. If you live in one of those territories and are interested in joining the beta, please check the game site (www.gametap.com/mystonline) and Forums frequently as we may be calling for additional beta testers in the near future.3) Will international players be able to play the final game?
It has always been the goal of both Cyan and GameTap to let as many international players into the game as possible. Unfortunately, doing so involves a variety of legal, tax, and operational issues that must be handled on a country-by-country basis making this a very difficult and time-consuming process. The initial group of included countries are the countries currently participating in the beta (listed above).We currently believe that the launch date for the international participation in the cavern will be during our launch window – at the same time as the general launch or as shortly thereafter as is technically possible. We are also continuing to work on adding additional territories to the availability list for post-launch timing and will provide more updates as soon as we can.
Because of the additional costs required to set-up, administer, and cover VAT taxes for the first wave of countries, the standalone version of Myst Online will have a standard monthly price of $12.95 US. Once GameTap expands into each international territory, Myst Online will be offered as part of that country’s standard GameTap service plan.
I hope this helps answer some questions and we’ll be scheduling another Town Hall question and answer session in the near future to address other questions you may have.
Thanks and we can’t wait to see you in the cavern.