BETA

[Cronky]

However, focus testing is possible with a small number of people from the community who we pick by hand.

Have I mentioned how handsome you are Frvge? Oh, and how much better everything you do is than other people that do comparatively similar things?

;)

[frvge]

There's no need to state the obvious.

[DreadStunLock]

[Farley4Fan]

All the PR effects are just the name of the game with a public beta, but then again that's not always the case.  It's up to you guys.  Public would obviously net you more feedback if you can deal with the negativity/PR effects you mentioned.

I would do a public beta but just grind it into the player's brains that it is just an unfinished beta.  Loading screens, main menu, maybe a little "BETA!" text in the HUD.  Maybe make them create a project stealth account before they can access the beta and tell them that feedback will help the project finalize.

[Cronky]

Maybe make them create a project stealth account before they can access the beta and tell them that feedback will help the project finalize.

I like this idea.

Other than that though, people are going to complain about the game regardless of which state it's at. Your game could give the players the ability to print legit currency and someone will still find a reason to complain (doesn't print fast enough). So while it's sort of a downer, get ready for a shitstorm no matter how refined you release it at (Beta and the Final build)

Also I do like the idea of a small group of focus testers befo.. SCREW IT! GIVE ME BETA NAO!!

[DreadStunLock]

Well I think before giving a private beta testing, they should do a questionnaire, asking the people how many hours they are willing to put into the testing, what makes them a good beta teste(Write-ups, good explanation, what bug is there, and how does the bug activate, cause if you don't know how the bug starts how can you fix it?)

It can be almost like a game tester work experience in my opinion, and since PS developers are particularly fond of high standards of work, might as well demand such work of the community who are willing to test.


Source of Learning: http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson5.html

You can actually learn hell of a lot about Game Testing, and it isn't as easy as it looks.

[Farley4Fan]

teste

[Cronky]

teste

Ha!

[DreadStunLock]

teste

Ha!

?

[frvge]

On-topic of the beta now.

[DreadStunLock]

BETA!

[I <3 U]

Isn't hand picking a select few from the a terrible idea? I mean in-terms of PR that is. Showing clear favouritism to the select few that you do select. I just thought seeing as you're trying to keep this project all-so professional on the PR side of things. What are you going to base this selection on? Or are you just going to say 'it's the teams opinion'?

I don't care, was just curious tbh.

[VenomousNinja]

It's not a bad move. It's what a closed beta is.

[frvge]

Focus testing has nothing to do with PR. It's based on a number of things, mostly on the skillset, available time and expected playstyle of the person. How much people suck up and theirbehaviour in the forums aren't really good indicators for a QA session. 

[Cronky]

Focus testing has nothing to do with PR. It's based on a number of things, mostly on the skillset, available time and expected playstyle of the person. How much people suck up and theirbehaviour in the forums aren't really good indicators for a QA session. 

I think the point was something like... If Farley got to "focus test" the game and I didn't. I might then be inclined to spread rumors that this game is only for people of a petite body type. Those with large, muscular frames like mine should just steer clear because we're obviously not wanted.

So unless your group for focus testing was everyone active on the forum, there might be an uprising.