The alpha test and the bêtas tests

[Cmdr Eagleboy]

So I would propose, to also offer a limited amount of slots per stage (Alpha/Beta/BigNewPatch) to normal players to get feedback how "beginners" experience the game. Of course, you can make the selection completely random, so only the "big" backers are guaranteed to get alpha access, and to all the others its just luck. That way, you can keep the early access as a "reward" if thats important for you but still profit from the beginners feedback.

Proper alpha like for ED really need very selected group of willing testers, as they actually won't test finished game, but parts of it while putting it together. I personally know that I neither have proper box to run alpha (it will require more kick than finished game, due of all debugging infrastructure/hooks), nor I really will have time to run all these tests properly. All I want is to play almost finished game, that's why I got myself 80 pounds tier with lifetime pass for expansions, which also has second level beta. Heck, you can get 2nd beta even for 50 pounds.

Said that, during gamma period, which probably will be planned KS release date March, *everyone* who has pledged for copy of the game will have access to it. Look at it as public beta other games are doing.

 

[Fromhell]

with all due respect but I am not interested to be an alpha tester and even pay extra for it. I just expect getting access to release version in March 2014, or at least open beta, as the Kickstarter pledge stated the "estimated delivery" time

 

[jabokai]

with all due respect but I am not interested to be an alpha tester and even pay extra for it. I just expect getting access to release version in March 2014, or at least open beta, as the Kickstarter pledge stated the "estimated delivery" time

Just to make it clear. You should expect nothing, you can hope for it though. If alpha, or beta 1 slip then the others will too, it's just the way it is.

 

[Fromhell]

Just to make it clear. You should expect nothing, you can hope for it though. If alpha, or beta 1 slip then the others will too, it's just the way it is.

well, I expect the estimated delivery date to be correct with a +/- 2 weeks accuracy

So whatever the state the game is in, March 2014 or early April should be the time to open the flood gates for every backer, either open beta or release version.

By the way as I often said before, I don´t think the actual "release" version for retail will make it into shops before Christmas 2014

 

[Aewarin Jameson]

well, I expect the estimated delivery date to be correct with a +/- 2 weeks accuracy

Why +/- 2 weeks ? Why not 1 ... or 3 ... or how about +/- when it's ready.

That's the point - no publishing house to pester FD and force an early release, and that includes overactive backers' demands

 

[jabokai]

well, I expect the estimated delivery date to be correct with a +/- 2 weeks accuracy

Again, you shouldn't expect it, but hope for it. An estimate is just that, games have slipped by years. Nobody thinks that will happen here, but a month or two or three... quite possible.

 

[Aewarin Jameson]

Again, you shouldn't expect it, but hope for it. An estimate is just that, games have slipped by years. Nobody thinks that will happen here, but a month or two or three... quite possible.

Quite happy for it to slip 6 months .. even a year .. as long as the end result is mind blowing

 

[Fromhell]

Why +/- 2 weeks ? Why not 1 ... or 3 ... or how about +/- when it's ready.

That's the point - no publishing house to pester FD and force an early release, and that includes overactive backers' demands

Dude, I´m talking about access to some test version which is available months before March, opening this to everyone as per the Kickstarter date is the right thing to do for a gentleman company like Frontier. Keeping the estimated delivery date will keep backers happy.

 

[jabokai]

Quite happy for it to slip 6 months .. even a year .. as long as the end result is mind blowing

Don't say that, you'll start rumours!

 

[Aewarin Jameson]

Dude, I´m talking about access to some test version which is available months before March, opening this to everyone as per the Kickstarter date is the right thing to do for a gentleman company like Frontier. Keeping the estimated delivery date will keep backers happy.

Considering that some test material will be available to some backers in a couple of weeks I am not sure what you're complaining about. The Gamma release, the version that's more like an open-Beta and available to all backers will be ready when it is ... if you have to wait due to technical problems during Alpha / Beta then that's the way it will be.

Your expectation of +/- 2 weeks from March 2014 is fair enough, but don't be angry if the date slips especially if FD announce that and keep us all informed along the way.

 

[Oss133]

Hello,

I just wonder why alpha/beta access is only available for bakers who spend a very high amount of money for elite. Is that on purpose?

I personaly don't need that access, but somehow wouldn't it be better to have as many people as possible test the beta to find even more bugs? Or to figure, if the gameplay not only works for the most enthusiastic hardcore players (which are the ones, that pay 200 bucks or more) but to also include the more average players?

That just came to my mind because I heard, that the developement model was choosen after looking at Minecraft, which gave all the pledgers access to the early versions and so they all where able to test it and contribute their feedback and wishes, and not only the hardcore players. I know, Elite is more aimed at hardcore players and I'm not against complexity and deep gameplay elements, but if you want to sell a game later on, you always have to keep an eye on the beginners and how they start to learn the game.

So I would propose, to also offer a limited amount of slots per stage (Alpha/Beta/BigNewPatch) to normal players to get feedback how "beginners" experience the game. Of course, you can make the selection completely random, so only the "big" backers are guaranteed to get alpha access, and to all the others its just luck. That way, you can keep the early access as a "reward" if thats important for you but still profit from the beginners feedback.

To try and answer your question, yes it was on purpose. This is the way Kickstarter works; offer more rewards for more money. Normal Players are already included in the alpha and beta stages because I am in them. I suspect anyone less hardcore than me is playing solitaire and wouldn't want to bother. Anyone who has been generous enough to pledge up to the level of buying the game can take part in the newly announced gamma phase of testing.

 

[Decrayer]

Ah, alright. So the alpha here is really an alpha in the original meaning, so to say, in the middle of the process on becoming a game. Alright, I do understand, that in that period, you don't need that much feedback. And if they are developing like Mojang did, then they can add/change the gameplay anyway at every time, even when in the second beta.

 

[Jenner]

Ah, alright. So the alpha here is really an alpha in the original meaning, so to say, in the middle of the process on becoming a game. Alright, I do understand, that in that period, you don't need that much feedback. And if they are developing like Mojang did, then they can add/change the gameplay anyway at every time, even when in the second beta.

Plus the alpha is (from what's been stated) mainly a test of combat AI, not multiplayer. Therefore FD doesn't necessarily need a huge sample pool. When they get to Beta they'll include many more people in the process and that will test out multiplayer. Then it's a short period of time before general release to all backers.

 

[Oss133]

Plus the alpha is (from what's been stated) mainly a test of combat AI, not multiplayer.

Hate to correct you, mate, but I don't think it is "mainly" combat. They are starting with combat but I suspect it will cover all sorts of other aspects.

 

[Jenner]

Hate to correct you, mate, but I don't think it is "mainly" combat. They are starting with combat but I suspect it will cover all sorts of other aspects.

Man, I thought we had something special! I thought you had my back! <sniff>

Oh alright...I stand corrected. Don't let it happen again!

 

[Bikky]

Same here buddy

Yup, I'll record everything I can, and select the best bits to post up, and select any bug's I may find to send to FD. Make way for Elite Pr0n and eye candy....

Okay, although I think my topic was a bit different from this one. Because it was about a proposal to change the Alpha/Beta access, not a general discussion about the Alpha/Beta. But okay, hope I'll get an answer to my question.

My understanding is, those who really 1.had the pennies and 2.had the inclination paid for the ability to have some early access to the game, but also it's giving those of us who've had an Elite love affair simmering since the 80's and 90's chance to give big Dave something back. Our assistance at making the game of the millennium (that's a tall order considering the year).

I just wish I'd had the funding to permit Alpha. It would be so cool to say.... 'See that bug? no? that's because I found it and it got fixed.'

 

[Memnoch]

Man, I thought we had something special! I thought you had my back! <sniff>

The initial Alpha testing will be for combat though so that should be good fun. I wonder what they will want to test after that? Please don't let it be docking!

 

[Fromhell]

Hate to correct you, mate, but I don't think it is "mainly" combat. They are starting with combat but I suspect it will cover all sorts of other aspects.

dude, it's like SC's dogfighting alpha, but single player

either way I have too much too play and test atm, kickstarter games everywhere.

I have scheduled ED for March, that is early enough for me

 

[Cmdr Eagleboy]

dude, it's like SC's dogfighting alpha, but single player

Not exactly. They will alpha test whole game (feature wise), while slowly adding stuff together - and testing it again. SC will only have separate dogfighting level, but nothing much else. They will release planetside starports module in next year May or June as far as I remember.

 

[Kleinholz]

Whether you are or not, a participant in the alpha test, do you think during this alpha test, a maximum of information must be posted on the General forum ? General impressions, detailed explanations of the different areas of the game, many screenshots, various surveys ... and later bêta tests.

To be honest i will try to avoid getting too much information in the early test phases. There's nothing worse than spoiling your appetite that way. It's enough for me to know that it works, plays great and looks great. And sounds great. And plays great!