Universe Sandbox
Universe Sandbox Legacy => Universe Sandbox Legacy | Discussion => Topic started by: Dan Dixon on November 19, 2012, 09:56:49 PM
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The New Universe Sandbox Beta will not be released this year (2012). I’m sorry that everything is taking longer than I expected, but it’s just not ready yet.
So when will the beta be available?
In taking a page out of Valve’s book, the beta will be released when it’s ready (and it’s not ready yet). I’m going to stop announcing release dates that I’m not 100% certain we can’t hit.
Why isn’t the beta done yet?
In short, I’m an optimist and making awesome software takes longer than I wish it would. The beta isn’t ready yet because we’ve been developing a procedural planet system, completely rethinking the object database, adding dark matter halos to galaxies, and making collisions as awesome as they would actually be. Turns out doing stuff that no one has ever done before is hard and takes a long time.
How do I get into the beta?
We’ll be announcing details of the beta program once we have a firm beta release date. That said... we’re considering something akin to how Introversion Software handled their alpha release of Prison Architect.
If I get the beta will I get the final release?
Yes.
I’m worried I won’t be able to get the beta.
Don’t be. I know what it’s like to be anticipating the release of something I want more than anything else. If you’re checking the forums everyday looking for the beta announcement and you don’t or are unable to get in, send me an email (not a forum PM) explaining your situation and we’ll work something out (but not until we announce a release date).
Moved and merged beta related posts from the upgrade thread (http://universesandbox.com/forum/index.php/topic,8350.0.html)
Let’s keep all the beta questions confined here please.
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No worries... it's safe to assume the price of v3 will be reasonable and not $70.
Those that get into the beta will be upgraded to the final version of v3, so it will not be open to everyone for free. The specific release plan for the beta will be announced at a later time.
I'll be looking for this :)
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No worries... it's safe to assume the price of v3 will be reasonable and not $70.
Those that get into the beta will be upgraded to the final version of v3, so it will not be open to everyone for free. The specific release plan for the beta will be announced at a later time.
Close Beta? I think that's kind for unfair for those who want to play the beta like me. I have been waiting for this for a long time D:
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No worries... it's safe to assume the price of v3 will be reasonable and not $70.
Those that get into the beta will be upgraded to the final version of v3, so it will not be open to everyone for free. The specific release plan for the beta will be announced at a later time.
Close Beta? I think that's kind for unfair for those who want to play the beta like me. I have been waiting for this for a long time D:
I'm sure you'll be able to play the beta Kevin :)
Also Dan, I am perfectly fine with paying for the game, I understand :D.
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No worries... it's safe to assume the price of v3 will be reasonable and not $70.
Those that get into the beta will be upgraded to the final version of v3, so it will not be open to everyone for free. The specific release plan for the beta will be announced at a later time.
Close Beta? I think that's kind for unfair for those who want to play the beta like me. I have been waiting for this for a long time D:
Just remember that being in a Beta does not mean all fun and games early, you have to work to improve the game and not just play it cause your in early. You have to report bugs, if the game crashes you have to make it crash again, you have to document what goes wrong, what you did and why you did it, bring your system to its knees (if you can) to see how stable the game runs at max settings or min settings, its all about ironing out bugs and improving the product. Just wanting the Beta just so you can use the program earlier than everyone doesnt help improve it and may actually hinder progress. Keep this in mind whenever you sign up for Alphas or Betas of games and programs, be ready to work, be ready to get bored trying to crash the program, be ready to get bored chasing driver issues e.t.c. Just my opinion and I hope some others share it.
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Just remember that being in a Beta does not mean all fun and games early, you have to work to improve the game and not just play it cause your in early. You have to report bugs, if the game crashes you have to make it crash again, you have to document what goes wrong, what you did and why you did it, bring your system to its knees (if you can) to see how stable the game runs at max settings or min settings, its all about ironing out bugs and improving the product. Just wanting the Beta just so you can use the program earlier than everyone doesnt help improve it and may actually hinder progress. Keep this in mind whenever you sign up for Alphas or Betas of games and programs, be ready to work, be ready to get bored trying to crash the program, be ready to get bored chasing driver issues e.t.c. Just my opinion and I hope some others share it.
http://universesandbox.com/forum/index.php/board,5.0.html (http://universesandbox.com/forum/index.php/board,5.0.html) I don't see very much of that there...
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I have been waiting for this for a long time D:
Me too I want in on the beta D:
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No worries... it's safe to assume the price of v3 will be reasonable and not $70.
Those that get into the beta will be upgraded to the final version of v3, so it will not be open to everyone for free. The specific release plan for the beta will be announced at a later time.
Close Beta? I think that's kind for unfair for those who want to play the beta like me. I have been waiting for this for a long time D:
Just remember that being in a Beta does not mean all fun and games early, you have to work to improve the game and not just play it cause your in early. You have to report bugs, if the game crashes you have to make it crash again, you have to document what goes wrong, what you did and why you did it, bring your system to its knees (if you can) to see how stable the game runs at max settings or min settings, its all about ironing out bugs and improving the product. Just wanting the Beta just so you can use the program earlier than everyone doesnt help improve it and may actually hinder progress. Keep this in mind whenever you sign up for Alphas or Betas of games and programs, be ready to work, be ready to get bored trying to crash the program, be ready to get bored chasing driver issues e.t.c. Just my opinion and I hope some others share it.
This guy speaks the truth. I've signed countless NDA forms for beta testing various games, and it isn't as fun as people make it out to be. You aren't there just to get early access to the game - You are there to purposefully break the game in any way you can to make it better. Sure, you do get to play the newer versions before other people, but in beta testing very little of the testing is actually playing, most of it is just hunting for bugs.
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@Steroidkloud: Maybe you can ask about different payment options?
No worries... it's safe to assume the price of v3 will be reasonable and not $70.
Those that get into the beta will be upgraded to the final version of v3, so it will not be open to everyone for free. The specific release plan for the beta will be announced at a later time.
Close Beta? I think that's kind for unfair for those who want to play the beta like me. I have been waiting for this for a long time D:
Just remember that being in a Beta does not mean all fun and games early, you have to work to improve the game and not just play it cause your in early. You have to report bugs, if the game crashes you have to make it crash again, you have to document what goes wrong, what you did and why you did it, bring your system to its knees (if you can) to see how stable the game runs at max settings or min settings, its all about ironing out bugs and improving the product. Just wanting the Beta just so you can use the program earlier than everyone doesnt help improve it and may actually hinder progress. Keep this in mind whenever you sign up for Alphas or Betas of games and programs, be ready to work, be ready to get bored trying to crash the program, be ready to get bored chasing driver issues e.t.c. Just my opinion and I hope some others share it.
This guy speaks the truth. I've signed countless NDA forms for beta testing various games, and it isn't as fun as people make it out to be. You aren't there just to get early access to the game - You are there to purposefully break the game in any way you can to make it better. Sure, you do get to play the newer versions before other people, but in beta testing very little of the testing is actually playing, most of it is just hunting for bugs.
Sometimes playing around with things IS how you hunt for bugs.
I've never done a beta test for a game before, so I don't know how to 'hunt' for bugs besides running into them while doing stuff. Everybody probably has a different approach to hunting for bugs anyway.
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I'm fine with this. However, a bit disappointed that I won't come home and find the update having arrived.
Is there anyway for current owners to get a discount so not to completely change what was promised, the reason I say this is that many here are either not old enough to have a job or earn money to pay for a full price game.
However, I do completely understand why you changed the conditions given your current situation regarding the expense of the game development. I would be fine paying for this update, glad even so that more great work could come from your development team. For as much use as I have gotten out of the game so far, I would be fine paying for many more hours on a superior version of the game with so many new features.
You paid for US2, what could stop you paying for US3 (assuming they're around the same price)
Dan, so - the beta won't be free, if I understand you correctly. I look forward to seeing how you're going to go about doing this. I assume you'll apply, and if you're accepted you pay however much it is and then you become a beta tester as well as receiving the US3 final version when it comes out?
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I'm new to this beta thing with games and whatnot, so I was wondering if you are supposed to do something when you have the beta? Like report bugs? And how will the beta be distributed to participants?
One more question: What is the maximum amount of people that can participate in the beta?
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I'm new to this beta thing with games and whatnot, so I was wondering if you are supposed to do something when you have the beta? Like report bugs?
We hope you'll take the time to share your thoughts with us and report any bugs that you find. We'll be setting up a way to report bugs and share feedback (probably from within the simulation itself).
And how will the beta be distributed to participants?
The beta will likely be distributed via Steam.
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I'm new to this beta thing with games and whatnot, so I was wondering if you are supposed to do something when you have the beta? Like report bugs?
We hope you'll take the time to share your thoughts with us and report any bugs that you find. We'll be setting up a way to report bugs and share feedback (probably from within the simulation itself).
There is also a channel that has been set up (not active right now though, obviously) on the irc for use when the beta comes around.
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There is also a channel that has been set up (not active right now though, obviously) on the irc for use when the beta comes around.
What channel?
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It's called #whenhasbeta
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It's called #whenhasbeta
lol
Anyways, Bong made it a couple of days ago called ##Universesandbox3Discuss. I set it up to open at startup since I don't know how to bookmark a channel on Chatzilla.
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i hope i can get into the beta, btw, im gona save money from now so i can buy it when is released
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It'd be awesome if I could get into the beta, it'd be even awesomer if all our forum community get in!
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It'd be awesome if I could get into the beta, it'd be even awesomer if all our forum community get in!
I don't think that would be a good idea, for a Beta test you want people that want to do more than just "play". You want people that will report back issues, test the program and such like I mentioned before, just because you have more Beta testers doesn't mean you have better ones. I do NOT intend to offend anyone in this community with this reply so don't think that, I just know there are some out there that just want to get the Beta to "play" the "game" early and nothing more.
My .02
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I'm new to this beta thing with games and whatnot, so I was wondering if you are supposed to do something when you have the beta? Like report bugs?
We hope you'll take the time to share your thoughts with us and report any bugs that you find. We'll be setting up a way to report bugs and share feedback (probably from within the simulation itself).
And how will the beta be distributed to participants?
The beta will likely be distributed via Steam.
Does that mean those without a steam version can't get into beta?
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I'm new to this beta thing with games and whatnot, so I was wondering if you are supposed to do something when you have the beta? Like report bugs?
We hope you'll take the time to share your thoughts with us and report any bugs that you find. We'll be setting up a way to report bugs and share feedback (probably from within the simulation itself).
And how will the beta be distributed to participants?
The beta will likely be distributed via Steam.
Does that mean those without a steam version can't get into beta?
That's a good question actually.
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I don't think you need the Steam version of Universe Sandbox to be able to participate in the beta. If you don't have Steam, just download it.
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I don't think you need the Steam version of Universe Sandbox to be able to participate in the beta. If you don't have Steam, just download it.
Correct. You will need a Steam account, but those are free.
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from what you said it sounds like you will have to pay to get into the beta, but you will also get the full version at no additional charge if you do. if this is the case, i wondering if beta users which are getting the beta of steam will get a standalone version of universe sandbox 3 full release if they prefer that to a steam version?
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Good question.
Given the logistics of how this will be handled, I'm not sure yet.
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great. i'll make a steam just incase
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I don't think you need the Steam version of Universe Sandbox to be able to participate in the beta. If you don't have Steam, just download it.
Correct. You will need a Steam account, but those are free.
Unless they have to buy a second copy of Universe sandbox
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I made a Steam Account (but im new to both Universe Sandbox and Steam) and was wondering if I would be able to get in to beta. Will I be able to?
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I made a Steam Account (but im new to both Universe Sandbox and Steam) and was wondering if I would be able to get in to beta. Will I be able to?
Yes, there's a chance you might be able to participate.
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I have steam but no universe sandbox for steam will I need the steam version to participate?
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No. You will not need the current version of Universe Sandbox on Steam to participate.
Although you will need a Steam account (but those are free, so no need to sign up until the full beta details are announced).
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Sweet thanks alot!
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So when can I start beta?
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When they release it.
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Sounds good, Dan. I can't wait.
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Quick question: In Universe sandbox v.3 or so, will there be planets and stars that has there rotation period so fast that they "pancake" or flatten at the equator. Thanks.
Sincerely: Crashman1390
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Quick question: In Universe sandbox v.3 or so, will there be planets and stars that has there rotation period so fast that they "pancake" or flatten at the equator. Thanks.
Sincerely: Crashman1390
That would be awesome.
I think Dan said he's thinking about adding oblateness to planets in Version 3.
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Where do I go to figure out up-to date information. I am pretty new on here, just need a little guidance. ???
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dan posts all the up to date info here (on the forums)i believe if you have any questions just ask or start a new thread :)
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the most updated information about the beta should be here i assume because the thread title is about the beta release.
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Do you know if this will be hinted on being released early this year, or late this year?
I'm very eager on knowing when this game may be released, it's so fascinating and cool.
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no one knows
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not even dan
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I hope that there will be trailer for the Universe Sandbox 3 beta so that we all know that the BETA is going to be released soon. P.S. Love the past screenshots hope there's more soon. PEACE!
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Sorry I'm not sure which thread this question would best be suited for, but as far as use of hardware goes, how much hardware can the newer engine take advantage of? SLI? crossfire? cuda? opencl? # of cpu cores? etc.
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(Stupid) Question to Dan:
As US3 Beta comes to Steam, will it come to Steam for Schools version too?
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A few topics bellow where you clicked:
http://universesandbox.com/forum/index.php/topic,8244.0.html (http://universesandbox.com/forum/index.php/topic,8244.0.html)
EDIT:
BELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLOL
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*below
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*below
Lol, bong. Like 90% of the active forum members doesn't even type correctly.
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This is bad i forgot my steam account login
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You can just press "Forgot Password" or w/e and it'll send you a yahoo/gmail/hotmail etc. you registered it too and you can reset it. And anyways, you can just get a new account. (Their free).
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If I bought universe sandbox 2 non-steam then do I get version 3 for free?
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no
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i'd pay for it.
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Universe sandbox 3 this year, when it will be released?
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So when will the beta be available?
In taking a page out of Valve’s book, the beta will be released when it’s ready (and it’s not ready yet). I’m going to stop announcing release dates that I’m not 100% certain we can’t hit.
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the Universe sandbox 3 release date is TBA or went is ready.
went US3 will release no one knows not even Dan. :)
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I was wondering if I will have to buy the game again if I want Universe Sandbox 3. Do I have to download it all over again? Do I have to buy it again? What will happen if I bought the game but don't get it?
By the way, I have a suggestion(s) for V3:
You could make it so the planets crack into pieces when an asteroid hits it or something.
Comets?
That other Earth like planet?
Nebulas?
Better black holes?
Super/Hypernovae?
Null Energy Fields? javascript:void(0);
Signed: SmittenKitten. javascript:void(0);
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I was wondering if I will have to buy the game again if I want Universe Sandbox 3. Do I have to download it all over again? Do I have to buy it again? What will happen if I bought the game but don't get it?
Universe Sandbox 3 will require a new purchase and new download.
If you buy it and don't get it you should contact us so we can correct that problem.
Read this post to learn why:
http://universesandbox.com/forum/index.php/topic,8350.0.html (http://universesandbox.com/forum/index.php/topic,8350.0.html)
You could make it so the planets crack into pieces when an asteroid hits it or something.
Comets?
That other Earth like planet?
Nebulas?
Better black holes?
Super/Hypernovae?
Null Energy Fields?
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Maybe.
Yes.
Somewhat.
How would a null energy field work in Universe Sandbox?
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I think the null energy field was smittenkitten joking around.
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well, in practice, the null energy field should make the cosmological constant larger than it should be because energy is mass and the energy field is a lot of mass which means the universe is denser [1] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero-point_energy#Gravitation_and_cosmology), it just happens that something else cancels it out. The only way you could simulate this is if you also implemented the growth and shrinkage of the universe, and even in that case, it would probably be easier to have a slider to change the cosmological constant rather than the amount of ZPE (zero point energy).
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I really hope I get in the beta :)
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Hi Dan, hi guys. I really appreciate the hard work and effort you've put on that magnificent project, Dan, but I'm new here and I was wondering if there would be rules for who will be able to play the beta? will I be able to?
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I was wondering if there would be rules for who will be able to play the beta?
Just keep in mind that "playing" the Beta is not all fun and games, you have to report bugs, try to break the program to make it not work, record your actions for a report and just try and make things go wrong. When people just want to get into an Alpha or Beta so they can "play" it before anyone else without contributing to the development of the program it just slows things down in the end. If your not willing to put some of your time and energy into developing the game just sit back and wait for the full release ;)
Just my .02
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I actually do realize all of that, I just couldn't think of a better verb to use other than "play". I don't want to test the beta to be able to play it prior to release, I think I'd be honored to contribute in the development of such a great game
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I actually do realize all of that, I just couldn't think of a better verb to use other than "play". I don't want to test the beta to be able to play it prior to release, I think I'd be honored to contribute in the development of such a great game
Cool!!! I to have a hard time trying to think of something other than the word play, on one hand its a game you play but on the other its an educational program you use...........
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I actually do realize all of that, I just couldn't think of a better verb to use other than "play". I don't want to test the beta to be able to play it prior to release, I think I'd be honored to contribute in the development of such a great game
Cool!!! I to have a hard time trying to think of something other than the word play, on one hand its a game you play but on the other its an educational program you use...........
that's what makes it so great :D
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Sorry for my bad english ^ ^ Logically it will buy the beta steam, is you have to have the game through faith final version released. in my opinion the beta cost about € 20 ($ ...). It will communicate bugs (lag) meet. Development of the game long term.
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Just keep in mind that "playing" the Beta is not all fun and games, you have to report bugs, try to break the program to make it not work, record your actions for a report and just try and make things go wrong. When people just want to get into an Alpha or Beta so they can "play" it before anyone else without contributing to the development of the program it just slows things down in the end. If your not willing to put some of your time and energy into developing the game just sit back and wait for the full release ;)
Just my .02
This is what has angered me greatly over the past few years. The term "Beta" has been ruined by marketers who have since turned it into a buzz word to get people pony up a few extra dollars via pre-orders and what-not just to play a demo.
a beta is not what it once was. A beta today, it just another word for demo.
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US3 is currently in Alpha.
Betas are almost good to go software. Like 10.9 Mavericks, that's a beta.
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US3 is currently in Alpha.
Betas are almost good to go software. Like 10.9 Mavericks, that's a beta.
We still have to wait another can before the beta Universe Sandbox 3 ;) time passes slowly ^^
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I sure has been a long time to wait... It may be released in the holiday season? That would be a good selling time and they have longer to work on it. It seems they might release it then, I am not sure though. :-\
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So I've been lurking for a bit and finally decided to jump into the fray. I am still unclear about how to get the beta. I have the game installed through steam but can't figure out how the beta would made available :'(
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So I've been lurking for a bit and finally decided to jump into the fray. I am still unclear about how to get the beta. I have the game installed through steam but can't figure out how the beta would made available :'(
The beta for US3 (or whatever name will be chosen for it) is not out yet so dont worry ;)