A new post over on the Official PlayStation Blog has revealed that a small beta for Journey will kick off tomorrow. Randall Lowe, Associate Producer on the project, said that because the game utilizes an “innovative and unusual multiplayer functionality, we are conducting a small, invite-only beta that will run tomorrow, June 28 and will run through July 12.”
Journey is an online adventure game that features a two-player cooperative mode. But as Lowe indicated, it won’t function like most other online games. Elaborating, Lowe says that “there are no online lobbies, no matchmaking, no PSN IDs, and no chat.” Lowe continued: “You are the character, limited to the ways of communication of the character itself. Will you choose to travel together – or go your own way? What secrets lie in the mysterious, sand-covered ruins of this world?”
It’s certainly an interesting idea because of how it intentionally flies in the face of traditional online games. But will the formula hook in gamers that have grown accustomed to the same elements that Journey is skipping over? Only time will tell, but the beta should help to iron out any undesirable issues.
So how do you get into the beta? Lowe says that certain players of thatgamecompany’s previous titles will have the inside track. “If you were one of the very earliest adopters of Flower, and you are a PS Plus subscriber as well, watch your XMB inbox for your invitation and entry into the beta.” Those of you who aren’t eligible for that mode of entry, however, need not fret. “Additionally, we’ve been able to free up a limited number of additional spots for the beta. Please check thatgamecompany’s Facebook page, here on the PlayStation Blog, or our media partners and their sites for code give-aways.” So keep your browsers directed to those sites if you want to embark on the journey before the larger public.
[Source: PlayStation Blog]
[Image via Sony Computer Entertainment.]
