Please make any Beta tests CLOSED BETAS.

[JG13_opcode]

Most games have beta tests, and Beta testing can really help iron out some bugs before release.

 

But please please please don't make it an open beta.  There are too many people in the community who don't understand the concept of a beta test, and will just clog up the forums with "omg my antialiasing doesnt work u suck 1c" or similar.  There are a lot of people who just aren't so sharp and shouldn't be let into a beta test.  You can see what happens with open betas and this community by looking back at CLOD.

 

Some of us are actually capable of providing quality feedback.

 

An application-only closed beta test would be beneficial, and would generate much-needed publicity in the run-up to release.

 

Please think about it.

Edited December 12, 2012 by JG13Doggles

[gibbage]

I do agree with this.  It was very VERY frustrating during IL2 trying to find a server since some were beta and some were not.  The biggest problem was the fact that Oleg's open beta's would last for MONTHS.  It really split the online community appart.

[SlipBall]

I think that i read something on this from Jason yesterday, that indicated it would be a closed beta...something like.. if you are lucky to be chosen for beta

[EAF602_Puff]

As a former closed beta tester for RoF  over the last good few years { I only gave up due to lack of time } , please feel safe that the guys know what they are doing, they are first class in approaching bug hunting and reporting etc. I have been lucky enough to have been on various beta teams for various games and 777 were the best....by far!

[Bunny]

Totally agree - I've been party to open beta software before, and the negativity a few can spread on forums is just not worth it - damaging the software before it's released! Better to get a few knowledgeable types on board to provide a closed-beta instead.

[AdlerAngriff]

So my first post on this forum and I totally agree. It all depends on how an individual rates performance based on personal experience and so on. It also depends on the Rig. I can imagine how even the developers have a hard time reaching a consensus, just imagine a whole open community.

[T_O_A_D]

Agreed I don't mind Beta testing (IL2/ROF in the past) when I've actually been asked and agreed to do it, or offered and been accepted to do it.

 

But I do not like buying into an open beta!!!!

Edited December 12, 2012 by T_O_A_D

[Force10]

Agreed...closed betas are a better control group and provide more genuine feedback. We can definitely learn from COD that taking an Alpha or Beta version and boxing it up for retail sale doesn't work to well.

[SYN_Haashashin]

Well if 777 do the same way as RoF when related to beta testing, Im sure you guys have nothing to be afraid of. The way RoF is tested before delivering to the communitty works just perfect in my honest opinion.

Edited December 12, 2012 by SYN_Haashashin

[LG1.Farber]

Agreed!

[Static]

Yes, closed beta please. 

[Jason_Williams]

Sorry forgot to address this today.

 

We usually do closed betas. I don't see that changing. We have two beta groups in ROF a Core Beta group of really good testers and what we call Open beta which is guys that are not so hardcore in their testing. By time we get through both groups the product is usually pretty bug free. Only a few have slipped through beta in 3 years.

 

We've put out over 30, yes 30! updates since ROF release. I think we have that process figured out.

 

Jason

[=BKHZ=Furbs]

Put me down on the possible list please Jason.

Edited December 13, 2012 by Furbs

[Catseye]

Sorry forgot to address this today.

 

We usually do closed betas. I don't see that changing. We have two beta groups in ROF a Core Beta group of really good testers and what we call Open beta which is guys that are not so hardcore in their testing. By time we get through both groups the product is usually pretty bug free. Only a few have slipped through beta in 3 years.

 

We've put out over 30, yes 30! updates since ROF release. I think we have that process figured out.

 

Jason

Well done!

How does one apply??

Previous experience. 

[JG13_opcode]

Sorry forgot to address this today.

 

We usually do closed betas. I don't see that changing. We have two beta groups in ROF a Core Beta group of really good testers and what we call Open beta which is guys that are not so hardcore in their testing. By time we get through both groups the product is usually pretty bug free. Only a few have slipped through beta in 3 years.

 

We've put out over 30, yes 30! updates since ROF release. I think we have that process figured out.

 

Jason

 

Hey, that's great to hear.  Sounds like you have a good grasp on management.  Sign me up for core beta.

[LukeFF]

As a beta tester for ROF (first as Open Beta and now as Closed Beta) I can definitely say the process is very well-organized. The developers always put out a clear list of what needs to be tested and what's been added / changed, and we always receive very good and timely feedback from the devs about our comments. 

[LG1.Farber]

Sorry forgot to address this today.

 

We usually do closed betas. I don't see that changing. We have two beta groups in ROF a Core Beta group of really good testers and what we call Open beta which is guys that are not so hardcore in their testing. By time we get through both groups the product is usually pretty bug free. Only a few have slipped through beta in 3 years.

 

We've put out over 30, yes 30! updates since ROF release. I think we have that process figured out.

 

Jason

Great I would love to be part of the closed beta!

[=RvE=Windmills]

How does it get determined that you're a good beta tester though?

[JG13_opcode]

How does it get determined that you're a good beta tester though?

 

Most games I've beta tested just have an application process.  

 

I actually quite like beta testing, just to watch the game evolve.  Sometimes you get blessed with a good developer who takes feedback into consideration, like HiRez.  Other times you get the guys behind SW:TOR which is an awful game.

[Shea]

Yes i would also really be intrested in beta testing

[JG13_opcode]

Wow I forgot about this thread.

 

I also find it hilarious that I had anything good to say about HiRez. They're horrible.

[von_Tom]

ArmA 3's Alpha release has been a great experience.

 

Hood

[Feathered_IV]

I find the journey just as interesting as the destination. If there were a beta sign up list, I'd very much like to be on it.

[JG13_opcode]

ArmA 3's Alpha release has been a great experience.

 

Hood

Yeah the Arma 3 alpha has been pretty good, but the arma community is far less toxic than this community. Look at the ubizoo or the banana forums. Just an overall awful experience.

Edited July 5, 2013 by JG13Doggles

[LLv34_Flanker]

S!

 

  Seems they got it covered. 2 layered testing to minimize bugs slipping thru. Been alpha/beta testing stuff over the years. If done "hardcore" as Jason said, it is a tedious thing to do, more like a second work. Been there done that and NOTHING glorious about it. It gives you satisfaction though that you have been part of a process making a good product by providing feedback on issues. 

 

 What I think is hardest in testing is that you have to be neutral. You are not testing if nation A or B has better stuff nor having favorite sides or historical ties. You are bluntly said just testing the mechanics and how the product works, not to provide an opinionated input to make things suit your views. Sadly seen this too in tests. A true tester has no sides nor thinks about the history, just about the mechanics and how they work in conjunction with the other elements of the product. It is the task of the devs to think of the other stuff and their responsibility how they implement it. Testers just test the product's mechanics, plain and simple.

 

 Have a nice weekend all!

[ACG_Kraut]

Yes please do a closed beta or it will turn into the circus that is the WT forums....

 

Also, please find a better way of applying/sending invites than Tripwire did with Rising Storm. Throwing random beta keys all over the internet and having people have to track them down was the worst possible way to hand out keys.

[migmadmarine]

That was for the first week of the open beta, after that you could buy in. 

[Recon]

I would like help test.  I've played IL2 from the beginning as well as ROF.  

 

Not sure if there is a beta request form to fill out, if so, let me know!

 

Thanks!  And good luck!

[Hunziker]

You look like you have your bases covered, but if you need a hand ,give me a call.....