PureSim 2006 Beta Testing

[puresimmer]

While I am not ready to go into beta yet, I am looking at various options for getting the game the best testing exposure possible.

If you are interested in testing, I am playing with the idea of offering the beta *optionally* to anyone who pre-orders the game. Obviously you would get the final version when it ships as well

While not the most conventional approach, in the past this has given me the broadest, most serious testing coverage. My question to you guys is how many of you would be interested in that? Also, how many of you do *not* like the idea? This feedback will be important in charting the course for the final stages of PureSim 2006's development so I look forward to your comments.

Shaun

[redsoxfan99]

Shaun

Sounds good to me [:)] I will preorder anyway and so would be happy to be part of the general playtesting community and this would give you widest feedback of different pc's and styles of player.

John
UK

[PadresFan104]

I like this approach and agree that it will give you the most serious and thoughtful testing coverage.

Al

[Beach23BoyP]

If you are interested in testing, I am playing with the idea of offering the beta *optionally* to anyone who pre-orders the game. Obviously you would get the final version when it ships as well

Again, an excellent idea!

[Sonny]

Sounds good.

[dneely]

Shaun:

I have been with you since '03 so whatever or however you and Matrix decide to handle this I am with you!! Personally if you ask the core of your testers to pay for the Beta up front I think you will get a much better and more dedicated testing base! in other words those who join will have invested in the project.

David

[Amaroq]

I'm in, regardless of how you structure it.

dneely's got a good point about people having something invested in it; the counterargument might be that people (specifically those unfamiliar with beta software) may expect beyond-beta-quality from something that they perceive themselves to have 'paid for'.

Whatever selection criteria you choose, I do think it would be worth having guidelines about what we're looking for in terms of quality of feedback: setting expectations for those who've never done this before, if you know what I mean!

[jono]

I'm in to help test the in game management part of it.

[donkuchi19]

I purchased Puresim before it was a Matrix title. It seemed to work well then. Most games end up that way anyways because they are never really released in their final form anymore. I would do it.

[waltwa]

count me in as a pre-order and a beta tester. been with the game from the start.

[bigpapag]

Hey Shaun
Iam going to have to sit this one out. We sre still trying to rebuild our house and our life from the ground up from the damage we took from Katrina. Hopefully Iwill be to join in sometime during the year.

red sox & PURE SIM rule

big papa gil

[SirWolf1960]

Shaun,

I'm in.[:)]

Steve

[DonBraswell]

Shaun, as always I'm in no matter how you want to handle it.
Don

[dneely]

Shaun:

I think Amarog made some good points. If you have "beta testers" who paid up front but do not fully understand the beta testing process you could run into some real headaches and unhappy campers. I have beta tested with you and other gaming software so I know what the process is like and what to expect. You might want to post the parameters of how this works, what your expectations are and a few rules or guidelines, just to save you some grey hairs...

As others have said, I'm with you whatever method or path you pick.

David

[jeremy7227]

I am in on both counts. Pre-order and beta. BTW, I tested for Impressions in the 90's and with the Evil Machine Company for a number of years so I understand a work in progress and will set my feedback and expectations accordingly.... but THIS is a quality product.

J

[motnahp]

I'll echo dneely on this one. Beta testing interests me, but having never done it, I would need some parameters/guidelines. I work nights and typically have 10-20 hours during the daytime each week to devote to my PS addiction.

Selfishly speaking, I can't wait to get my hands on that almanac feature.

[JSJarvis]

I think dneely brings up some good points about setting up some parameters for testing. Some may preorder just so they can get their hands on an early copy of the game and not fully understand what is involved in beta testing a game. I have beta tested several games in the past so I am familiar with how the process works. Others may not know and having some parameters would be of great help to them.

Count me in however you want to do testing.

[SpharV2]

I'm up for it. I've been in on all your other betas, and while I might not have been the most useful tester, I'm always willing to help out.

[Cantankerous]

I would be happy to do what I can as a beta tester and I'd have no problem with pre-ordering. Sign me up! I'll even play for the league minimum salary. [:)]

Ken

[Sonny]

ORIGINAL: Cantankerous

I would be happy to do what I can as a beta tester and I'd have no problem with pre-ordering. Sign me up! I'll even play for the league minimum salary. [:)]

Ken

Shhhh! He'll expect us all to play for the league minimum.[:D]