Now that we've talked a fair bit about beta with our application information, let's get some common questions out of the way.

What's the latest on beta?
(6/15) Read our full update here.

(8/25) Yes, that means closed beta has been going on for a while now. We are committed to providing the very best game we can to our eager community and look forward to having you join us in a beta stage if possible!

How many people are in beta now?
(6/15) We currently have enough testers for this stage of beta that is currently underway, but everyone is always welcome to apply. Hint: if you've changed your computer specs since you applied, please use the email you applied with to make changes to your application. You must fill everything out completely again, as it will rewrite your old application.
 
You haven't said anything about more invites though, or adding more waves of people to beta. When is that happening?
(6/15) As you probably know, implementing changes takes a little time, but we are looking forward to increasing the number of invites and issuing a fresh round of invitations once those changes have been put into place and we're happy with the progress being made.

Where is the application?
http://www.play-earthrise.com/beta/betasignup.html

What are these applications for?
At present, these applications are for Earthrise's beta, in all stages from closed, limited beta to open beta with wider access to the general public.

How will I hear about getting accepted?
(1/7) You will hear via email.

What have you got to entertain me in the meantime?
(3/28, 4/7) Here is a very pretty trailer. You can also download it here.

When it says use my Play-Earthrise forum name, do I use the account name or the displayed name?
(Added 1/6) We have access to both the user name and the nickname, both will work.

What is the forum name used for?
(1/7) If you fill in your forum name we will send your beta invitation (if you get one) to the email associated with the forum registration. It is doubly important that your forum information be accurate as well as your application!

Can I fill in someone else's name?
(1/7) Why would you want someone else to get your beta invitation?

How often will you be letting people into beta?
(5/19) Invitations to beta will be handled in stages, depending on testing needs of Masthead.

I am a member of the press, can I participate?
(Added 1/6)  Yes, it won't affect your chances to participate but please note that we aren't ready for previews or reviews yet. To arrange that sort of thing, or other press information, contact our fantastic PR Coordinator.

(1/7 update) You can also put your press affiliation on the application.

(1/9) Yes, you still need to have all interested staff members fill out the application!

I am a member of the guild, how can we participate?
(1/15) The best way to increase your chances of guild members getting into beta is if all of you apply. Be sure to list your guild affiliation. We are looking for strong and capable guilds to help test content, but if you aren't in a guild, please be aware you haven't damaged your chances to get in - we need solo players too!

(2/18) No, you can't just contact the admins to get a group invite. It doesn't work like that!

What are the minimum specs?
(Added 1/6) The minimum requirements will be 2 GHz CPU, 1024 MB RAM and 256 MB VRAM video card supporting shader model v3.0. However, if the player wants to see the real beauty of the game, s/he will need a better PC configuration.

What operating systems does Earthrise support?
(2/9) Earthrise supports XP and Vista at present. The game may be tested on Windows 7, but please keep in mind that the use of any beta software/operating system is the user's responsibility and as such, support will most likely not be available.

What if I have more than one machine?
(1/9) Just pick one for now, and watch this space. Currently the application only accommodates single machines, but if that changes, we'll post and let everyone know.

What if my PC specs change between now and then?
(Added 1/6) If you want to update your beta application you can do so only if you use the same e-mail address. We will consider the last submitted application as long as the e-mail address stays the same. Due to the overwhelming amount of applications we are expecting, we will not be able to make these changes for you. Regardless of upgrades, please note if you currently meet the specs listed in this post at the top of this thread, there's really no need to 'update' your application. Please don't submit multiple applications, either.

Can I update my application for some other reason? I forgot something!
(Added 1/7) Yes, but please be aware if you want to make any change to your application you must fill out the entire form completely and use the same e-mail address. Only the most recent application filed under any email address will count. We cannot merge previous applications together for you. Also, as we have not posted an official start date for the first wave of acceptance notifications, it's okay if you hold off for a day or two. Earlier applications are treated with the same priority as later ones. It's not a race, everyone's welcome to apply.

Why does my post/thread keep disappearing? I'm just asking what date the beta starts, letting you know I applied, or explaining why I'll be an awesome tester and here's all the experience I have!
The forums are not the place to apply to beta, or ask about your status.  Additionally, all forum rules are still in effect. Spamming the forums will not increase your chances to get in the beta, and in fact, might decrease them. We thank you for your application, but we need to keep this thread for bug reports, suggestions, and similar concerns. There are other cool threads about beta. You should check them out.

Can I fill out an application based on a system I'm going to get?
Please fill out the application based on machines that actually exist.

I don't see my particular hardware listed.
(1/15) We have many options listed, but if yours isn't in there, please feel free to make a note somewhere.

If I fill out the beta application first am I guaranteed to get in?
Beta applications don't really work like that. There are things to consider such as your system specs and things like that.

How will I know if I got in?
If you fill in the information completely and properly with a valid e-mail address, you should hear about your application status through that.

How can I increase my chances of getting in beta and being a successful tester?
(1/9) If you filled out your application completely and accurately, and meet the system specs, your chances are pretty good you could get into beta at some point. Please note this is not a guarantee that every application will get into beta. Maybe you won't be first, or maybe you won't get picked at all, but we're starting out with a closed and limited beta and gradually opening things up over time. Be patient, and thank you so much for your interest! If you're interested in general testing advice and discussion, let's head over to these three threads:
http://forums.play-earthrise.com/index.php?topic=2586.0 (QOTW)
http://forums.play-earthrise.com/index.php?topic=2058.0 (Beta and Forum time)
http://forums.play-earthrise.com/index.php?topic=1049.0 (Beta tools, an ongoing idea thread)

I didn't get a confirmation email, is that normal?
(Updated 1/15) If you didn't get a confirmation screen when you submitted your application, that's a problem. Everyone should be receiving confirmation on the mail that you have used for registration now. The only thing is that it may arrive with a delay up to 1 day. Do not post in this thread asking for updates on your confirmation mail if you have just applied, please. It may take up to a day to get!

Note: If you submitted an application before 1/7 AND you got that confirmation screen you are GOOD TO GO! No applications were lost. Do not submit your application again. Thank you for your application!

(1/20) If you got a confirmation screen you are IN the system. Do not submit your application again.

Can you give me an update on my application?
Actually, we can't. We are expecting have gotten a lot of applications, so this is unfeasible.

I didn't get in with the first wave of people, does that mean I've been rejected entirely from beta? Do I need to go apply again?
Absolutely not. The applications will be kept on file the entire period of beta.

Please keep an eye on this thread! We'll be updating it with information as we have more to share, and as things change of course.

^^ Great news, nice to know Beta will be 'available to a wider set of people' increasing our chances to get our teeth into the potential game we'll play for years to come.

Great news!

I'm very curious to know which kind of tools will be implemented to help devs in their work .....
ehm ... i think that only selected people will know it ....

Great topic 


What I appriciate most of it, is that when you guys ain't going to make the end of december, you say it at the end of december.

Last game I waited for, when they sad end of december, we might heared info of it early februari.


But intresting! End ofcourse, everyone the best wishes for 2009 

i loved the part in red, im getting sick of those posts on the darkfall forums, i didnt see anything about community presense counting towards Anything, is it?

Woot

Thanks for the official update Moll. I'm glad that: 
I've seen some boards for upcoming games where post count is all that matters to them. Thankfully that's not the case here.

*twitches*

I've recently updated my desktop PC, and will soon be getting a laptop.  Both of which will be capable of playing today's games.  Is there some way that I can post an application containing the stats for both?  Or should I just go with the stats for my most powerful machine?