The HEAT Is On

The wait is finally over for those wanting a taste of SegaSoft's entry into online gaming. After conducting a month-long test of HEAT with approximately 100 users, SegaSoft has moved its service into an open test mode in order see how the system performs with more users. On Friday, SegaSoft sent email to the more than 40,000 gamers who've signed up over the last several months requesting the chance to test HEAT. They, along with anyone who registers at HEAT's site, can experience SegaSoft's answer to CyberDiversion - a fictitious, tongue-in-check social movement invented by SegaSoft that encourages people to take out their aggression in cyberspace rather than in reality.

According to Greg Chiemingo, Director of Communications with SegaSoft, the company is making sure HEAT is fully operational before rolling out a beta version. "We're calling this an open test as opposed to a beta test because not all of the functions of the service are ready yet. When we have all the features added, then we'll move to the next stage."

What can gamers expect when they log onto HEAT during this test? In addition to the opportunity to play very early versions of Heat Warz, an online-only strategy game, and the action game Scud (originally released for the Sega Saturn), HEAT has 20 network games like Quake, Duke Nukem, and Red Alert set up with dedicated areas including chat rooms, forums, and downloads of shareware including patches. The service will also facilitate any IPX game.

To join the test, simply register at HEAT's site and download the software (a 5 meg file that will take approximately an hour to download using a 28.8 modem). Pre-registered users can either download the software or wait for a CD-ROM disc, which will be mailed next week.

As for his expectations, Chiemingo was optimistic about opening up the test to more users. "The closed test worked. Now let's see how we do with more people...we would love to see more than 50,000 playing on HEAT."