Wait, what's the deal here? I see an Arma III Alpha on Steam for $32.99. Then I read here about alpha invites. Confused is me. Are people paying $32.99 to test an alpha?
No, people are paying $32.00 for alpha access,
and beta access,
and the full game (when it releases).
They're using a "Minecraft-style" business model. If you support the developers by pre-ordering the game early, you pay a discounted price as a reward (in this case, $32) and you get all future versions of the game, including the final release version.
Once the game leaves alpha and hits beta, the price will get higher (maybe $40), but it will still be discounted for people getting in early. Then, when the game is finalized, the price will finally go up to $50 or $60 MSRP or whatever.
From the
store description:
Purchase Arma 3 Alpha now and receive the following:
- Alpha-access – Be one of the first to play Arma 3 and contribute to its development by providing feedback.
- 3 Alpha Lite Invites (not yet available) – Introduce your friends to Arma 3 by inviting them to the free invite-only Arma 3 Alpha Lite (available from March 14, 2013 until June 18, 2013).
- Beta-access & Full Game – Gain access to the Arma 3 Beta as soon as it becomes available. Get a Steam version of the complete game upon release.
The "Alpha invites", on the other hand, are free passes to the alpha that paid users can give out to their friends for free. It does not have the same benefits as actually paying for the game though; in this case, it doesn't include access to the full game. Just alpha.