The new MMORPG Blue Protocol: Star Resonance has finally announced its beta test after years of waiting. However, monetization is already causing issues.
When does the beta start? Since July 24, 2025, fans of Blue Protocol: Star Resonance can sign up for the beta. The registration is open until August 14. Between August 15 and August 20, players will be notified by email whether they will gain access to the beta.
The beta is expected to run for 10 days, but the exact start date is still unknown. However, it is assumed that the start date will not be long after the notification. To sign up, players must first complete a questionnaire (via google.com) and be selected. Not all players will receive a spot.
Here you can watch the trailer for the beta of Blue Protocol: Star Resonance:
Concerns About Monetization
What is the issue with monetization? The developers of Blue Protocol: Star Resonance have also stated in their beta announcement that players will have the option to top up real money during this test, which will then be available to them in the game later.
Those who do this during the beta and do not wait for the release will receive attractive bonuses. Players can obtain up to 50% more in-game currency through advance purchases. However, the bonus is capped at a maximum amount of $450 (approximately €383, as of 10:10 AM, July 25, 2025). After that, there will only be a 25% bonus on purchases. There is no maximum amount that players can spend.
The developers themselves also do not refer to it as a regular closed beta, but as a “paid closed beta test with data deletion”. Everything you earn during the beta will be deleted afterwards.
Why is there anger? Fans who have waited for years for the new anime MMORPG are visibly annoyed by the possibility of spending money in the beta and the bonus earnings of up to $450. In a post on Reddit, they express themselves accordingly:
- Spriggz_z7z: “This sounds terrible and has killed my interest. If we start this way, I don’t want to see what happens at release.”
- TurntHermit: “I’ve been waiting for this game since I built my ‘Pandemic Rig’ in 2019… this has really killed my excitement for the beta…”
Other players, however, have fewer issues with the monetization:
- StarReaver: “The upside is that those who wanted to spend money anyway are basically being paid to test the game by receiving in-game currency. And all of this will carry over into the actual game. It’s much better than paying $120 for an alpha test of a game and getting nothing if the game ever comes out.”
- ItsTheSolo: “It’s common nowadays for CBTs to offer refunds [bonuses] (Destiny Rising just did that too). I’m not saying it’s okay or not reprehensible, but it’s also not a new practice.”
- archefayte: “This is also industry standard for Chinese and eastern mobile MMOs. I don’t care as long as the monetization is not strictly performance-based.”
The fact that the long-awaited anime MMORPG seems to adopt a more eastern approach to monetization clearly bothers players in the West. Whether it can score with quality in the beta remains to be seen. According to the developers, there will be no P2W: No P2W and focus on PvE: This is how the MMORPG Blue Protocol wants to impress you in the West
