Applications to join the closed beta test of the upcoming Sonic Rumble closed early Thursday, with invitations now sent out to eligible participants.
Why it matters: It’s the last major recruitment step before SEGA and Rovio kicks off Rumble‘s first closed play session on Friday.
What’s happening: Eligible participants were already contacted via email with an invite, according to the developers in a statement issued on Discord.
- High demand to beta test Rumble forced the devs to “raise the cap” to accommodate as many testers as practically possible.
- Still, the upcoming closed beta test will be conducted in United States, mainly to facilitate match-making and feedback opportunities.
Between the lines: Beta testers can now freely share images and commentary concerning the upcoming play session, following community complaints about a “no content sharing policy” that caught some fans and media off-guard early Thursday.
- Some fans complained there were not made aware about the now-reversed non-disclosure policy, embedded deeply in the session’s terms of service.
- “Let’s make sure everyone, including those who didn’t get into the test, can enjoy the excitement,” said the developers in a new statement early Friday.
State of play: Beta testers in the official Discord server were told that they have two opportunities to choose from in order to provide Rumble feedback.
- Testers can participate in group discussion interviews that could last up to 90 minutes following the day’s play session.
- Android users have the additional option to submit recorded gameplay footage and written feedback via the Playtestcloud app.
- Either option requires participants to play Rumble for one hour each day during the closed beta test window in late May.
Catch up quick: The closed beta test will happen between these dates, which may be subject to change.
- 1st play session: Friday 24 May from 8 to 11 pm EDT,
- 2nd play session: Saturday 25 May from 12 noon to 3 pm EDT,
- 3rd play session: Saturday 25 May from 8 to 11 pm EDT,
- 4th play session: Sunday 26 May from 12 noon to 3 pm EDT,
- 5th play session: Sunday 26 May from 8 to 11 pm EDT.
