2018-10-03 20:29:14

Hi all,

As some of you might know, i am currently in the beta testing phases of the first your_adventure add-on. This actually is the third week. And since getting into beta testing is very new to me, i am very curious on how the other devs around here run these tests. I mean, do you set a set period in which the game can be tested, and be released after that period expired? How often do you send out a request for a status report to your testers, if you send any?

All information you want to share would be awsome, if any other points of interest come up into your mind, please share them with me, i am very curious smile

Thanks a lot.

Greetz mike

Visit the following website to see what games we have:
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2018-10-03 22:06:52

I never set release dates. Experience has shown that setting release dates has bad consequences; in particular, the most prevalent one is you miss the date and your users get mad at you. I'd recommend you don't do it, but its your project, do with it what you like. smile

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2018-10-03 23:58:32

The Alpha phase is generally when your implementing all the gameplay elements and mechanics, menus, etc.

The Beta Phase is to stress test the game on users systems, shake out any bugs or issues in the game or code, and load test the network servers, if any, etc. coupled with finalizing assets. Seeing as you may have no idea just what kind of catastrophic bugs might pop up on others systems, its hard to set an exact date for final release. If you've hammered out all the bugs though and your reasonably confident that it should work fine on final release, and you have a reasonable timeline for completing your assets, then you set a date.

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2018-10-04 03:16:11

it is indeed. just when you think an update is ready there are lots of bugs and then you cant release it for ages. gets annoying!

2018-10-04 10:40:17

Hi,

Thanks all for the replies, a few responses:

@ethin

I prefer to don't set release dates as well, cause i have seen users getting mad at devs to often around here. Which isn't a offence to anyone, just a careful observation, which is understandable to a certain degree as well. I see it from both sides, but i wouldn;t set release dates untill i am certain that the project is bugfree.

@magurp
Oh yes definately, i am so glad that most fundaments were coded in the alpha stages, right now i have a easy time into building new area's, and most code can be used indipendent and as global smile

I completely understand that testers have a life besides testing, and i don't want to send out requests to often, but since it is quiet for several days now, i think i will ask them if the project is bugfree, cause i already received a enormous list from them, which got fixed smile

I'd prefer to discuss this with the beta team and have open and clear communication, is this the correct route to take?

I am not asking for solutions guys, don't worrie, just asking for advice smile

Thanks a lot.

Greetz mike

Visit the following website to see what games we have:
http://www.nonvisiongames.com
Or the following English marketplace to see what retrogames and game merchandise I am selling:
https://www.retro-kingdom.com

2018-10-18 12:41:30

My thoughts from an established developper's standpoint.
1. I do not like to set release dates until I have a project that I know need finishing touches.
2. I test rather differently than a lot of people. My testers tend to test from project inception to project completion. So essentially they are with me the entire game development process.
3. Also a handy tip for developper's. When creating a testing team. Make sure you can limit their access to games in such a way that they can not be passing them around. I take 0.00000 chances when it comes to this.

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