What about an OPEN BETA??

[Joel Billings]

A credit and a copy of the game. That's it. And of course hours of fun and torture (often at the same time).

As for getting everything right before release, well it never is. On a game this big it's always better after the public has had a chance to play(test) it. Of course, we will try to get it to be very good before we release it, getting out the more obvious problems and trying to get the game as balanced as we can given the limited number of playings, especially PBEM. It will then be improved upon after release depending on the feedback we get then. Deciding on when a game is ready to ship is an art not a science, but we've had lots of experience and hopefully will make the right call. Thanks for your interest.

[PyleDriver]

A "tester", well it is fun and at times torture. I guess for me is I've always dreamed of helping in game development. Sure I don't get paid but it helps fill certian voids in my life (like time away from the wife)...lol...I have tested for Joel now 44 months straight, he still puts up with me, so I guess I'll stick around...

[Lokos]

Well, I, for one, would be enormously interested in any potential beta test - warts, frustrations and all. WIR, in combination with the highschool library's Time Life series of books on WW2 ('Red Army Resurgent', for one) was what got me interested in WW2 and its Eastern Front, in particular. Here we are, ten years later, and I've completed my specialization in that field. I can think of no better tribute than to offer up some of my time in testing WIR's worthy successor, for the next generation of burgeoning grognards. Being twenty-three, unmarried and employed part-time does have its perks, time-wise. As per PyleDriver's advice (I don't know why, but I think I referred to you as PvtPyle in that message, PyleDriver - my apologies), I've expressed my interest directly to Erik. Even if you guys don't need testers, it would be an honor to help in any way I can.

Best regards,
Mal

[Lokos]

I just looked at my join-date for this forum. It's hard to imagine the six years it's been...

[malfid]

Well, now I feel rather stupid. I just tried to change the email address in my profile, mistyped it using an email I no longer have access to, and it's saying my account is not activated now... Lokos is no more. Arise, malfid!

[Pipewrench]

just to throw in my 2 cents I for one would be willing to pay for the chance to be in the beta. I'm working 50 hours a week but my 10+ hours on the game might just help with the development.The cash injection might spur the development into a completed state.

Of course make the beta release with certain features disabled. eg. only russian player available or a certain scenerio available (if codable).

Speaking for myself I would be more than happy to try and help out financially and would like to add my time with hands off runs at night or 10+ hours per week of hands on - bug hunting.

Just email and my credit card will call....

[Banzan]

I guess the affords to manage something like this, will hardly be worth the gain.
I am not sure about the US law, but in germany you really have to use some loopholes to be able to sell a softwareproduct already while its still not released (warranty problems with contracts of purchase - not 100% sure how to translate that into correct english ).

[geozero]

Always the faithful beta tester here... let me know if I can be of help.

[hammeredalways]

long time lurker, first time poster what about a variation on an open beta - you agree the beta testers and your normal process and T&C's and we the open beta testers will pay xx for the game, once the game is complete we get an original game - that way yo won't lose sales and you will I am sure get only dedicated beta's

[sitito]

AMEN [8D]

[Neal_MLC]

I think alpha testers should be required to spend at least 8 hours a day playing and bug hunting so that WitE can get to Beta faster. Beta testers should be required to spend 12 hours a day bug hunting and the developer should spend 18 hours a day developing whatever it is they develop. June 22 will be here before you know it and there are a legion of armchair generals who demand this game game be launched according to the expectations, reality be damned.[X(][:D]
Seriously though, make sure it it right first and foremost and keep up the great work, Your dedication to our hobby is much appreciated.[&o]

[elmo3]

ORIGINAL: Neal_MLC

I think alpha testers should be required to spend at least 8 hours a day playing and bug hunting so that WitE can get to Beta faster. ...

Only 8 hours? Pfft. That would be like a vacation compared to the hours we put in now. [:)]

[hammeredalways]

or we could just round them all up throw em in the basement tied to chairs testing testing testing with the odd food & drink break

[Captain B]

food, drink; you are too kind. I was thinking coffee IV, catheter bag, and an MRE (enough calories in them suckers to last a month or so)!

If not June 22, whenever....but the excitement is certainly building.

[wiking62]

ORIGINAL: Captain B

food, drink; you are too kind. I was thinking coffee IV, catheter bag, and an MRE (enough calories in them suckers to last a month or so)!

If not June 22, whenever....but the excitement is certainly building.

I'm going to explode soon with anticipation. [:D]

The summer can't come fast enough for me and i have already warned my wife that i will be locked away every night for week after week once i get my hands on this.

[SGHunt]

Hmmm, yes, I've been wondering about how best to break the news - she knows so very little about this 'project' or it's importance....

[FM WarB]

I have been involved with playtesting other games and understand the difference between playtesting and playing. I am familiar with the Ostfront, and might be able to catch a few things with my new eyes. (New to the game, anyway.) I'd be happy to help as a beta tester and I know about NDAs. I have time, now so if I can help, I'd be glad to. A free game, and perhaps helping speed release would be reward a-plenty.

[colberki]

I am willing to pay the price of the game to be a beta tester!