'The Division' Xbox One, PS4 Beta: Alpha Now Open, Beta Delayed To 2016

Tom Clancy's “The Division” has caused many excited fans to wait for quite some time. While it's a good thing that the alpha testing phase is already ongoing, the other side of the coin is that the beta has been pushed to 2016.

Crossmap reported that the game has been delayed due to the work being done to improve its visuals. It is believed that “The Division” will have impressive graphics courtesy of the Snowdrop engine. However, reports claimed that, when screenshots of the alpha came out, it didn't give players what they were expecting.

The news outlet added that, when the game had its demo during E3, fans weren't even impressed with it.

Game developer Ubisoft wrote in a blog post that, as it is working hard to deliver “an open-world action-RPG experience that exceeds” fan expectations, it has changed its plans for the game's beta.

It also said that player participation is key to the beta's development. For this, it announced an alpha testing phase, which is currently ongoing until December 12. However, only those who pre-ordered the game will be enabled to participate.

“Those of you on the waitlist for the Xbox One alpha may be granted access on an as needed basis,” Ubisoft explained.

“This exclusive Xbox One alpha testing phase in December will be the first time the public gets to play a version of The Division that includes more than the Dark Zone PvP enabled areas,” the game developer continued. “This means the moment you and other players sign into the game, you’ll be giving us valuable insight into how our infrastructure performs under pressure that we can’t replicate internally or at a tradeshow.”

Ubisoft explained that this testing will allow them to receive necessary information and player feedback needed to improve the game. However, it is restricting alpha testers to release to the public any screenshot, gameplay footage or any game description whatsoever.

It seems that those who are not included in the alpha testing are in a “Dark Zone” of their own about the game.

On the good side, there will be a closed beta. Ubisoft announced that “players who pre-ordered the Xbox One, PS4, or PC version of The Division will have access to a closed beta on their respective platforms in early 2016.”

The wait should be worth it. “The Division” releases March 8, 2016. Excited fans are advised to wait for more updates.