As acceptance notices roll out for the exciting Elden Ring Nightreign playtest, some of the fortunate applicants are seizing a chance to profit by selling their access codes. Unveiled during The Game Awards 2024, Nightreign marks a departure from FromSoftware’s traditional Soulslike genre, incorporating elements from roguelikes and battle royale formats to deliver a fresh, cooperative gaming experience. Although a specific launch date remains pending, a pre-launch playtest will give a select group of players the opportunity to engage with the game firsthand.
The Scalping Phenomena in Gaming
Regrettably, as highlighted by TheGamer, the overwhelming excitement surrounding the Nightreign playtest has led some individuals to scalp their access codes on eBay. Prices have surged dramatically, reaching up to £400 in the UK and $250 in the US—amounts far exceeding the expected retail price of the full game, which is slated to be a reasonable $40 USD. With playtesting scheduled for specific three-hour windows from February 14 to 16, potential buyers should be aware of this limited engagement opportunity.
Considerations for Players Without Access Codes
The Costly Scalping Solution
It’s not uncommon for playtest or closed beta applicants to miss out, posing a challenge for enthusiasts eagerly waiting for their chance to play. While purchasing a code from scalpers may appear to solve the issue, it’s essential to recognize that investing significant sums in temporary access is not advisable. The limited nature of the playtest means that this money could be much better utilized elsewhere. Moreover, rewarding the practice of code scalping undermines community integrity.
A wiser alternative is to simply await the official launch of the game, which offers a complete and permanent experience for $40, rather than a fleeting online playtest. Nightreign is anticipated to launch in 2025, allowing players who missed this playtest ample opportunity to enjoy the full game shortly thereafter. Even if the codes from scalpers are genuine, purchasing them is likely an unwise financial decision.
Upcoming Playtest Schedule for Elden Ring Nightreign
Playtest Sessions and Timings
For those lucky enough to secure a code, the Nightreign playtest is set to commence on February 14, concluding on February 16. However, players will not have continuous access throughout this timeframe. Instead, access will occur during five separate three-hour sessions, specifically in Pacific Time: on February 14 from 3 PM to 6 PM and 7 PM to 10 PM, followed by a session from 11 AM to 2 PM on February 15, and repeating the earlier times on February 16.
While scalpers aim to capitalize on the enthusiasm for Nightreign, the restricted availability of the playtest renders such purchases less appealing, particularly when those funds could be directed towards obtaining the full game instead. For those who were not accepted into the playtest for Elden Ring Nightreign, waiting for the official release is undoubtedly a more prudent choice.
Source: TheGamer
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