Would you participate in an alpha/beta test?

[Buuncha]

So I was on my way over to here to start working on Union about beta invites for founding members () and it struck me; would I even want to do the beta?

On one hand I know I would do a great job of testing the game, providing useful and concise feedback, and hopefully contribute in some small way to the success of the game. On the other hand though, I really do feel like we are going to get a great experience with this product. I'll never get to feel the same way as I did when I first experienced Everquest and the wonders of Toxxulia forest but I do think there is some first time oohs and aahs to be had.

Would I want to ruin the surprise by seeing this product before it went live?

What say you watchers?

[FalkonSwiftblade]

I don't see them doing Beta's for this game since it's a single player game. I've never heard of that happening for any other console game that was single player. Its usually for multiplayer/online games, and testing systems that involve things like the economy, fighting/class balances in groups, etc. They have had a lot of internal testing that they've already been doing from the beginning from their own staff, to individuals whom have had to sign NDA's, so my gut is saying not gonna happen in this case. Possibly for the MMO if its indeed coming out end of next yr though. I know of at least 1 top tiered raiding guild that Curt has allowed to play test the game so far, and all they said about it was it has fun combat, and would likely be a day one purchase for him, but thats all.

[Narria]

Since he posted this in the Copernicus forum I am going to assume he was talking about the MMO and not the single player game.

Normally I would say no. I also like to wait until a final product and to experience everything once it's done. I avoid any and all info about movies I want to see (aside from trailers) and I don't read the backs of books either.

But in this case I think I would like to be part of alpha/beta. I already know more about this game than I would about others I have stepped into and I think it would be fun to be part of the process. I've done QA stuff before and always enjoyed it so I would think of this like that. That said I probably wouldn't go out of my way to try and request an invite. I certainly would do it if asked though

[Nuemcy]

Second Narria's post, but I might go more out of my way. I'm more interested in game designing and aspects of how games are made. Plus, I've been beta testing since everquest phase 4 and enjoy it alot. Even though I think it might effect the new game smell on this, I still would like to assist.

[FalkonSwiftblade]

oh sorry I completely missed which forum this was posted on, I was on my laptop earlier and tiny screen, so I'm sure I sounded like a doofus hehe! I've participated in 4 beta's before, and a few alpha's, not including my own. my only hesitance for doing one would be I'm in no rush with it. I want to take my time when I play it, and explore everything, dabble a lot, and just get to know the lore. With as big as the single player game is, I wonder just how big the MMO will be, so I worry a little bit about not seeing enough of the world to do a fair comparison.

[Union]

Heh. I can assure you that I currently do not have access to any Copernicus beta keys, but I really believe that most of the folks here would be real assets to any beta test.

[Darksend]

I WOULD LOVE TO!!! on both games, I actually applied for the QA position on both games (and sadly never heard back, o well maybe for the MMO once it gets further along since that is my real area of expertise)

I have done extensive alpha and beta testing on all the WoW expansions. I felt like a lot of people are ZOMG BETA YAAA I AM PLAYING! but really it is a privileged to be given early access and you really need to take it seriously. I loved interacting the the developers and other top theorycrafters during the cataclysm alpha without the rest of the wow community butting in with opinions and trolling every 2 seconds.

[agra]

I would participate, but ... these things always turn out badly for alpha testers.

The simple fact of ignorance on the part of all subsequent testers creates a barrier. I've seen it in every game that has done this. At the extreme, Alpha testers seem to fall into one of two categories... silent brooding elitists or zealot evangelists that no-one listens to.

I don't want to know if I fit one of those categories. However, its been made clear to me the path is set for the development of this game, and no "new" systems will be implemented. As such, my enthusiasm, overall, has been tempered considerably, in light of the lost potential.

[eidos]

I have participated in many early tests and I like doing it because then I get a feel for the game and get to share my opinions. I wouldn't consider myself as an elitist or zealot as I just find it fun and I can give honest feedback. I do agree that there are some folks who make it far more important than it really is. It doesn't change the fact that I'm just another customer or 'guest'. If I don't like something but can not say how to fix it, I'll mention it, but do not make a huge stink about it. If there are things I like, I tell them why I liked it.

[Finneon]

I love testing. I want the game to be the best it can be - and I'm willing to spend some time and effort to help. I have always been able to let go of my testing knowledge and start over when games go live.