It appears as if the only way you'll get to stress test Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood's online component for publisher Ubisoft is if you lay down the cash to pre-order it. 

This morning, Ubisoft announced that Brotherhood's US PS3-exclusive beta is the game's big-ticket pre-order bonus, and it'll only be available for GameStop shoppers. The beta itself will allow users to get a whiff of the game's online component starting on September 13, months before the game hits in November. I'll note that It is unspecified at what point the test will end.

It appears as if the only way you'll get to stress test Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood's online component for publisher Ubisoft is if you lay down the cash to pre-order it. 

This morning, Ubisoft announced that Brotherhood's US PS3-exclusive beta is the game's big-ticket pre-order bonus, and it'll only be available for GameStop shoppers. The beta itself will allow users to get a whiff of the game's online component starting on September 13, months before the game hits in November. I'll note that It is unspecified at what point the test will end.

Interesting indeed

I hope this is available in Canada.

Beta is the new name for Demo

" Beta is the new name for Demo "

Well, that's something that happened.

" @Buttonbasher said:

" Beta is the new name for Demo "

Beta is the new name for expensive demo. "

" @InfamousBIG: Right. Beta makes you feel like you're getting something cooler than just a demo. Pre-ordering is bullshit in general, but this is just dragging it down further. "

Cant wait for the game, but I'll be playing Reach when the beta hits. PLus I'm going to buy the game on my 360 rather than my Ps3.

" @Buttonbasher said:

" Beta is the new name for Demo "

Beta is the new name for expensive demo. "

Beta's have become too generic...seriously....

" @InfamousBIG said:

" @Buttonbasher said:

" Beta is the new name for Demo "

Beta is the new name for expensive demo. "

Beta is the new name for incentivised pre-release play and wide-scale testing via retail partnership.  I think I like the old Demos better. "

Attention Preorder Bonuses! FUCK OFF!!

Low blow!!! lol

What an Ubisoft thing to do.

This is horseshit.

THIS JUST IN! You can get your money back when you preorder stuff.

" @Landon:  $5 more than a demo. "

So they want me to put down the money to buy the game and THEN let me try it? Wow.

BONERLISCIOUS!

Meh, not feeling this at all.

A demo will eventually come.

Betas were better when you felt like you were actually testing the game and to help improve it. This way just gives Gamestop early free money and Ubisoft server stress tests.

I miss when these were just called demos.

Same with SC2, who cares?  
 
if you're probably going to buy the game anyway is there any harm? Charging for something that adds value to the customers isn't so bad. You get your money back if you really didn't like the game anyway. 

now thats just wild

What stupid logic.

 
I don't like pre-order bonuses. I love collectors editions but pre-order stuff is just dumb.

Too bad it's not Amazon. I'm not about to go to Gamestop, pre-order and see if I like it, go back later and cancel then order off Amazon like I do all my games. I'll just read the impressions of other people online I guess.

Boo.

I thought the Herlequin character was supposed to be the pre-order bonus. Eh, whatever.

I don't understand the uproar. Typically when you preorder a game, you're already enthusiastic and willing to buy it. Isn't that the point, to make sure you can come in on launch day and have a copy reserved?
 
So, would those not be the very people who would appreciate Beta access most? And besides, we've moved into this whole "beta=demo" era, when in reality it's supposed to be bug fixing and stress testing. Again, those enthusiastic customers might be more invested in helping the game be the best it can be.
 
Or maybe my cynicism tank is running half empty today.

" Ugh... there has to be a better way for all the developers and retailers to squeeze every last dollar out of the gaming public... "

I don't understand these publishers. They bitch and moan that Gamestop is selling used games that they don't earn revenue from but they force people to purchase games from that same company. 
That being said fuck Gamestop and that pre-order bullshit. I'll wait for the Quick Look.

The ignorance here astounds me.  It appears that everyone complaining about pre-orders has never actually made one, because otherwise they would know that it's $5 down, not the full amount, and can be canceled at any time.  The beta is 2 months before release, you aren't exactly in peril.
 
I actually did put a pre-order in on this to throw one shop a bone, but on 360.  So it still fails for me.

It's ridiculous that we are now giving away beta testing as a reason to buy a game from a certain vendor.  I'm growing weary of having multiple pre-order bonuses for every high profile game that comes out.

" Ugh... there has to be a better way for all the developers and retailers to squeeze every last dollar out of the gaming public... "

ugh another reason to hate gamestop

Beta is a sales pitch now.  It's not a real beta, but w/e; I'm not crazy bothered by it.

As much as I dig the Assassin's Creed universe, I have no desire to stab random dudes ad nauseam online sans story.

Thats cool