There is still some work to do before releasing New World on September 28, and in the meantime, developers wish to test the improved game with the Open Beta launch, with a focus on server stability and player count.
During Closed Beta, New World ran into both server issues and over-population resulting in queue times, preventing some players from being able to experience the danger and beauty found in Aeternum.
The Open Beta test will utilize Steam’s new Playtest feature, which allows all interested players in our supported regions to request access to the test, for free. Servers will be available in North America, Europe, Australia, and South America.
Open Beta begins today, September 9 at 7:00AM PT (2:00PM UTC) and continue until September 12 at 11:59PM PT (6:59AM UTC). Interested players just have to ask for permission to access the game.
The Open Beta test will be available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish (Spain & LATAM), Polish, and Brazilian Portuguese. During the Open Beta test you are allowed to share, record, or broadcast Beta content or gameplay. However, aspects of New World may change between Open Beta and launch, which may cause captured footage to become outdated.
Amazon Game Studios
One important note is that there will be a progress wipe between Open Beta and launch. This means, of course, that you will not gain any advantage in playing the Open Beta, aside from the enjoyment of playing the game. However, this will help developers heavily in ensuring the servers stay stable on launch day, and not have September 28, be ruined by such a thing, especially after we have waited for it for so long.
Developers heavily advise all players to join the Open Beta and help them streamline the game. And, who knows, maybe you will use this expendable time to try something out, which you normally wouldn't, and discover a new playstyle.
