Welcome to the World of Warcraft Stress Test Beta

[Kruzin]

I got an email today informing me that I have been selected to participate in the WoW stress test. I had signed up for the beta months and months ago, and didn't get picked for the initial beta testing. I was not aware there was more to come...

I am however, a little leary about going to the link they sent me to sign up. It's an https://xx.xxx.xxx.xx IP address. Then it says:

You may be prompted with one or more Security Alert dialog boxes prior to accessing the site. Please simply click "Yes" to proceed to the account-creation pages.

This quote causes me to pause an wonder what's going on, and if this is a bogus attempt to get me on some insecure site where I'll get hacked/infected/murdered...

Additionally, this test supposedly only lasts till Sept 12, at which time the account will be deactivated. That's only a few days from now??

So, anybody think this is real, and worth the effort for just a few days of free gaming?

[agallag]

Sounds fishy to me, but I haven't heard of this scam yet. Maybe you should ask on a more gaming oriented forum. Does Blizzard have a forum?

[spadnos]

Sounds Phishy.

I'd email Blizzard and ask if they've sent out anything like this.

- Steve

[Kruzin]

Well, it appears to be real.
From WoW's web site (www.worldofwarcraft.com):

Stress Test Beta Extended! - Block on 09/08/04
We are extending the stress test beta to this Sunday and adding thousands of additional testers from the group of gamers that are currently on the closed-beta waiting list. Invitation emails have started going out to the new testers already. The stress test beta contest will continue on until the end of the stress test beta, at which time all stress test accounts will expire.

[Kruzin]

ACK!
2.2 gig download!
And it ain't goin fast, either.
By the time it's all d/l'd, the test period will be over

[Guyver]

Stress Test Beta - Extended

It was originally supposed to be until this Thursday, September 8th.

It has been extended to Sunday, September 12th.

The message that I received (and yes, I have been in the beta since last week) was https://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx/accountcreation

So, I wouldn't hesitate.

Other key phrases from my e-mail...

You may be prompted with one or more Security Alert dialog boxes
prior to accessing the site. Please simply click "Yes" to proceed
to the account-creation pages.

You will need your authentication key and the e-mail address that
you used to sign up for your stress test beta account. Please note
that while the signup pages ask for credit card information, these
pages are simply placeholders and you will not have to enter any
payment information to complete your account creation.

After you create your account, you will be able to log in to the game
and begin playing. At the game's login screen, you will be asked to
agree to the Terms of Service Agreement. After you agree to the Terms
of Service, you will be prompted to enter the login and password you
created for yourself during the account-creation process. Once your
login and password are correctly entered, you will be transported
into the game for the very first time.

If you do not yet have an authentication key there is still time!
Subscriber authentication keys are still available but only for today!
Subscribe now and get your authentication key and participate in the
North American World of Warcraft Stress Test Beta today!

[agallag]

Cool. When can we expect the full review?

[Kruzin]

Hell, it ain't even 1/2 way downloaded yet

Anyone know if it'll play in surround mode?

[Maggi]

Hey Kruz,

you could always enter that IP into samspade.org and see what comes up.

That way, you'll stay safe, but find out quite some stuff ...

[Guyver]

Review?!? =D

Without giving away any secrets.

It ROCKS!!!

I played EQ for over 4 years. Not quite half done, and it already blows away the current version of EQ.

I've played Horizons. It blows away horizons.

I've played CoH. Same.

It plays well for the single (eg solo) player.

You can easily do pickup groups to get harder tasks (quests) completed.

Gameplay is easy and intuitive.

Graphics and audio are very well done, easy on the eye, while leaving the user feeling like they are immersed in the realm.

[Kruzin]

Well, I played it (way too much) last night.
Not what I was expecting.
It's more like EQ or NWN than Warcraft.
Interesting game. I might play it when it comes out, if it wasn't a subscription game. I refuse to play any game that has a monthly fee...

[Guyver]

Kruzin, I'd be very careful about using naked 40GB hard drives. Put the skins back on man. (Unless your home is a clean-room)

Oh wait, never mind.

You meant striped...

I get it now.

=D =D =D