The excitement for Elden Ring Nightreign is palpable, and as the upcoming network test nears, some players are already taking advantage of the situation. Codes to access the test are now being resold on eBay for exorbitant prices. However, doing so could have severe consequences for both buyers and sellers. Here’s everything you need to know about this growing issue.
Figure 1: eBay listings featuring access to the Elden Ring Nightreign network test (Source: Gamespot)
What is the Elden Ring Nightreign Network Test?
The Elden Ring Nightreign network test will take place from February 14 to February 17, 2025. During this period, players on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S will get a chance to experience a portion of the game. The test will focus on large-scale network load testing, ensuring that online systems function smoothly when the game eventually launches.
Elden Ring Nightreign is a co-op multiplayer game where players must survive three day-night cycles. Up to three players can join a single session. They will find loot, items, and face off against increasingly powerful foes. However, the game does not support cross-play, meaning that players from different platforms won’t be able to join each other’s sessions. But players within the same console family, such as PS4 and PS5, can play together.
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Scalpers Take Advantage of Network Test Codes
As the test draws closer, participants are already listing their access codes on eBay, hoping to profit from the increasing demand. Codes are being sold for anywhere between $5 and $300, with many sellers claiming to have been selected as participants. To prove their eligibility, they are uploading screenshots showing confirmation of their inclusion in the test. Despite these listings, no one has confirmed if any codes have actually sold at these inflated prices.
The temptation to purchase these codes is understandable. Players eager to be part of the action may want to bypass the selection process. However, there’s a significant risk involved.
The Dangers of Buying Network Test Codes
It’s important to note that the official Elden Ring Nightreign network test information page clearly prohibits the transfer, sale, or lending of codes. The rules are strict: anyone caught selling or buying these codes risks losing access to the test, and their eligibility may be voided entirely.
A buyer could easily end up with a worthless code. The purchase could turn out to be a scam, with fraudulent sellers taking advantage of unsuspecting gamers. Even if the code is legitimate, the buyer still faces the risk of being banned from the test for violating the rules.
Therefore, while the prospect of paying for access might seem appealing, it’s not recommended. The rules are in place to ensure fairness and proper access for everyone who wants to participate.
FromSoftware’s View on Trend-Chasing
While some fans have mixed feelings about the direction Elden Ring Nightreign is taking, the developers at FromSoftware are not simply following industry trends. In fact, the game’s director, Junya Ishizaki, explained that the decision to introduce roguelike elements was not a reaction to the growing popularity of the genre. Instead, the team felt these elements naturally fit into their design goals.
Ishizaki mentioned, “The focus was condensing this experience down – the RPG elements, the exploration, the character building, and leveling.” He explained that these elements needed to come together more efficiently, creating a satisfying progression that felt condensed into a more focused experience. He continued, “We wanted that to feel like it was all coming together and culminating in a boss fight but in a more concentrated form.” This new approach, according to Ishizaki, adds a fresh sense of accomplishment and challenge for players.
He also made it clear that FromSoftware didn’t intend to simply follow trends. “We’ve never really held the stance ‘let’s absolutely not do anything that other companies are doing or not follow any trends.’ So we didn’t really see this as chasing a trend, but we saw these as interesting elements that could work well within our multiplayer-focused session-based gameplay.”
Why Fans Are Drawn to Elden Ring Nightreign
The excitement around Elden Ring Nightreign is undoubtedly driven by the success of the original Elden Ring. Players are eager to dive back into the world of the Lands Between, even in this new co-op multiplayer format. The addition of roguelike elements adds an interesting twist, with procedurally generated challenges keeping players on their toes.
The game is expected to offer a unique experience that sets it apart from traditional Elden Ring gameplay. By focusing on condensed RPG elements, it promises a fresh experience for both fans of the original and newcomers alike.
The Ongoing Issue of Scalping
While some players are excited for the chance to test the game, scalpers are finding ways to profit from the network test codes. At the time of writing, listings for these codes range from $30 to $300, with some completed sales showing that codes have sold for around $50. However, this still leaves many unanswered questions about the legitimacy of these transactions.
Scalping isn’t limited to Elden Ring Nightreign. Some have also tried to sell non-transferable tickets for the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience at outrageous prices. This has led to increased scrutiny of scalpers who are taking advantage of high demand and limited availability.
Avoid the Risk: Don’t Buy Network Test Codes
For those eager to participate in the Elden Ring Nightreign network test, it’s important to resist the temptation to buy codes from resellers. The rules are clear, and breaking them could lead to revoked access. Moreover, there is a significant risk of falling victim to a scam.
Instead, players should remain patient and wait for the official invitations to be sent out. The wait may be tough, but it’s the only sure way to guarantee access to the Elden Ring Nightreign network test without any legal or financial risk.
Conclusion
The Elden Ring Nightreign network test is a much-anticipated event, but scalpers are already capitalising on the demand by reselling access codes at outrageous prices. Buying these codes is not only risky but also against the rules. Players should stay cautious, avoid scams, and remember that the official invitations will soon be arriving.