Hello Kitty Online Closed Beta Package Concerns
Dear Closed Beta Testers. Some testers have raised concerns regarding the type of Hello Kitty Online package they received. A small number of you have received special Closed Beta packages that looked different and contained more items than the standard package. We would like to clear up this issue and apologize for any misunderstanding.
Those who have received the special package are our first Closed Beta testers, who were selected before we launched the Dream Studio contest to participate in the Hello Kitty Online Closed Beta. It quickly became obvious that there was a lot of enthusiasm for HKO, and we decided to increase our quota of beta testers. That is why we held the Dream Studio video contest, to give more fans an option to participate.
Although we could have simply delivered HKO via download like other MMORPGs, we decided that we wanted you to own something special, and thus we created a package that includes a game case, game disk, user manual, and video tutorial. This standard package, which almost all testers received, may be viewed here. We feel that this is an attractive bundle for a game still in closed beta testing.
In addition to the standard package, 80 pre-selected testers were sent special collectible boxed versions of the game. These 80 testers are the original beta testers, selected ahead of time based on their relationships to Sanrio and other criteria.
Unfortunately we only had a limited quantity of HKO boxed editions, as they are quite costly and time consuming to assemble. If interest is sufficient, we will consider producing more boxed editions for those interested in purchasing them, and/or as competition prizes. Please let us know what you think!
Once again, we are very grateful to our beta testers and apologize for any misunderstanding.
Regards,
GM Abby
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Thank you very much for your detailed, honest explanation. I am still a bit concerned about the lack of direct communication amongst the staff to testers’ expressed concerns, but at least there was a post regarding them, and that is much appreciated. Now I can log on and begin to play the game, and I feel much more at ease now that this has all been cleared up.
That said, I would gladly purchase a special package, just to commemorate the fact that I was one of the ones chosen for the closed beta. I think that would be very neat. Maybe you could make more packages, and offer them for purchase (and/or as prizes) to all of the closed beta testers only. That way, we’d still get some exclusive items, they’d be paid for to avoid draining the pocketbooks of the staff, and everyone is happy.
What does everyone else think about this option? I don’t necessarily want all that neat stuff for free; I’d just like something special (aside from software) to say, “Hey, I got to do this great thing.” Opinions?
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:41 pm
I am still waiting for my package,and if I don’t get one of the “special” ones I would TOTALLY be into buying one or trying to win one!
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:19 pm
We really appreciate the opportunity to try the game, what I’ve seen so far is more than I expected, infact it seems it has a lot more in there than expected but I totally understand that this is still being bug fixed and so on.
I didn’t get a special package but I don’t mind and yes I agree with Sillygirl and Vanessa, I’d totally buy one too if it is available to buy.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:38 pm
i’d buy one too.
i still haven’t gotten my package yes either… i want it sooo bad.
April 24th, 2008 at 8:00 am
I certainly appreciate the explanation, although transparency beforehand on matters such as these would have erased any doubts and eased all HKO online testers’ concern at the onset.
I was grateful to be one of the chosen testers although I was unaware that I had joined any contest at all. I was also a little confused when no notification was sent to me after I submitted my reply to the invitation. Part of the confusion arose from questions on whether or not I was in on the game at all. Certainly, another email notice would have been appreciated. With reference to the issue of the different packages, maybe it would have been better to include a letter of clarification (along with a clear explanation for the criteria used in the selection of special testers) with the package as well.
This being said, I am happy to be part of HKO. And yes, I finally got my standard package today.
April 24th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
I got my package in the mail yesterday and was able to play last night afterwork. And…it is official, I am in love with HKO!! I got the standard package so I DEFINITELY would like to buy one of the spiffy ones with all the goodies!
April 24th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
I am in agreement with the previous posters. I would be happy to purchase the special kit. As Vanetti mentioned though, it would be a bigger draw for me if it was a CB tester only thing, and not available to everyone.
Also, as others have mentioned, I would appreciate better communication with the CB testers. It seems to have gotten better recently though. I am still waiting for my package… I hope to get in-game soon.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
It’s just a sign of how much everybody loves HK!
April 26th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
I was thrilled when I received my “normal” package but if I had an opportunity to purchase the uber package I certainly would.