As far as analysts are concerned, the ongoingHalo 3beta is less of a bug finding necessity and more of a clever way to market blockbuster games. Speaking to Reuters, Michael Pachter from Wedbush Morgan had this to say about the game that helped move over700,000copies of the golden ticket to theHalo 3beta we collectively callCrackdown.
“This public beta is clearly just to promote the game. It’s highly unlikely there will be material added to the game because of this.”
While the concept of using demos and betas to attract gamers is hardly news to anyone who has played a video game in the past few years, Pachter expands on the notion some more.
“In addition to raising brand awareness of one of the most popular games in Microsoft’s arsenal, the Halo 3 beta has the added benefit of bringing in thousands of lapsed Xbox Live players.
Microsoft is masterfully building this. It builds loyalty, it promotes online and most important, it makes loyal customers feel special. It’s the beginning of a new trend in the console world.”
With the recent announcement thatHalo 3will be available on store shelves inSeptember, the idea that bug fixes are not the real reason behind the sneak peek called theHalo 3beta might not be much of a reach. For what can only be described as a rare occurrence, I find myself believing what an analyst is preaching from the fiery pulpit of the church of projected misconceptions.
Quick! Somebody summonCaptain Obviousand see if he makes house calls. I just might have locateda mythical unicornan aberration in the fabric of the time-space continuum. After all, this guyactually playsvideo games, unlike a lot of the “experts” out there.
[ViaReuters]
