For registering Final Fantasy XIII on Square-Enix Members you receive a Code that can be used for two things:
1) Special In-Game Item when XIV is released.
2) A chance to apply for the Playstation 3 beta.
Furthermore, SE will now allow you to resubmit applications, with the previous one you submitted tossed. So this means you cannot partake in both the PC Beta AND the PS3 Beta.
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* If you have received a FINAL FANTASY XIV promotional code for registering FINAL FANTASY XIII on the Square Enix Members site, please use it to apply for the beta test.
* If you have already applied for the FINAL FANTASY XIV beta test but would like to apply for the PlayStation 3 beta with a FINAL FANTASY XIV promotional code, please be aware that all previous applications will be invalidated.
* The promotional code will also be required to obtain the FINAL FANTASY XIV secret in-game item, so please hold on to your code until the game’s official release.
Great news, two of the major FFXIV community sites, ZAM and Eorzeapedia got the word from SE of a special limited time Beta Application Reconsideration period. So if you didn't get an early beta invite there's still hope! There's two ways to get started:
ZAM Method - Must be an active FFXI subscriber. - Register a Free ZAM Account if you don't have one already. - Must apply for the FFXIV Beta (You've most likely already done this if you're reading this).
Bummed because you weren't selected to be a FINAL FANTASY XIV alpha participant? Fear not! After navigating the seedy back alleys of Jeuno we have pulled some strings with the moogles down at the M.H.M.U. and they have agreed to squeeze some of our community members in! All the M.H.M.U. requires is your Square Enix Account's email address and region in order to reconsider your application!
But don't delay, this opportunity is only open for a limited time, and the recruitment will close on March 7th, 2010 at 11:59pm PST!
It seems we're not the only ones a bit confused about the wording SE has used in their Vanafest 2010 Announcement regarding the FFXIV Alpha test. Do non-current FFXI subscribers have a chance or not? Read on as gaming blog, Andriasang, attempts to break the whole thing down:
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We may at long last have some sort of idea of just what Square Enix was talking about at the VanaFest event yesterday regarding all that Final Fantasy XIV alpha and beta jive, along with some specifics on just what was shown as far as game footage goes.
A press Q&A session following the event was mostly focused on the newly announced initiatives for Final Fantasy XI, including changes in level caps and expansion contents. But Hiromichi Tanaka, producer of both FFXI and FFXIV, did share brief comments on FFXIV towards the end.
As reported at Famitsu.com, Tanaka was asked when the game's alpha test and beta test would take place. This information, he said, will be announced on March 11, when the beta tester site goes live. They're currently making adjustments which could change the date around.
Tanaka was asked about the alpha test in particular. How long will the alpha test, which of course takes place before the beta test, run? His response was that Square Enix will decide that based off user response.
We're still not entirely sure of who will be able to take part in the alpha and beta. At the event, Square Enix said that all VanaFest attendees would be able to take part in both. Famitsu.com's report says that FFXI players will also be able to take part in the alpha. The Famitsu.com report also says that the winners of the first drawing for beta testers will be announced starting March 1.
If you'll allow for some speculation, the confusion here appears to be from Square Enix's use of the term "beta tester." It's possible that they're just using this as a general term that applies to the people who take part in both the alpha and beta test programs. In other words, beta testers are also alpha testers, and the people whose names are drawn on March 1 will be the first people to try out FFXIV.
Separate from the beta information, Impress Watch also clarifies some details on just what was shown for FFXIV at the event. Square Enix showed the game's opening movie, which was just completed one week prior. They also showed real gameplay footage.
The Impress writer wrote that the opening movie can be thought of as a full version of the pre rendered sections from the trailer that debuted at E3. They wouldn't share details, as they were worried about spoilers. It seems that there's a little trick to the game that you'll understand after watching the movie.
Today, at Vanafest, Square-Enix has announced that the beta waves will start today!
However, the site for Beta testers will be up MARCH 11th! Stay tuned for more news! Official Confirmation:
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With the eagerly anticipated FINAL FANTASY XIV drawing ever nearer its beta test phase, we are excited to announce that we will be conducting a closed alpha test—exclusive to our loyal FINAL FANTASY XI users!
Those who have been selected as beta testers can expect to receive further information starting from Monday, March 1.
* The tester website is scheduled to go live on Thursday, March 11.
Those who were not selected in this drawing, fear not, for there will be other opportunities to come. Be sure to stay tuned!
