Re: My opinion

From: David J Porter <porterd@netaccess.co.nz>

Date: Fri, 06 Nov 1998 00:00:00 +0000

EricSum wrote:
>
> >Beta test: free of charge, players provide feedback to GM, but expect
> >some problems
>
> >Playtest: pay-to-play, maybe at a discount, some bugs, usually minor
>
> My opinion is that these two should be the same thing, basically. Beta
> testing should be free and should be continued until the moderator feels that
> bugs, even minor ones are the exception not the rule.

As Greg has said in an earlier post, this is a matter of semantics.  Since I'm
quite near to releasing a game into the ether, I'll comment on what I consider
these to be IMHO.

The Beta test stage will be used to help in the _Development_ of the game.  I.e.
after I've developed the game to where I think it is complete and can stand on
its own.  (I'm not too big to admit that I might miss some big problems or
introduce other game unbalancing effects into the design.  This could be seen as
a sort of 'Beta testers as designers' idea.)  This stage should/would be
completely free.

The play test comes after and is when all those (or at least a majority) of the
Beta testers feel that any further changes to the design would only detract from
the game.  I have no hesitation about charging for this period of games,
although I'd be inclined to set a reduced cost for them.

--
"Never underestimate the power of a small tactical nuclear weapon."

References

Re: CHARGING FOR PLAYTESTS
Andy Gaw <andy.gaw@zetnet.co.uk>
Thu, 05 Nov 1998 00:00:00 +0000
My opinion
ericsum@aol.com (EricSum)
Thu, 05 Nov 1998 00:00:00 +0000