|
|
| Author |
Thread Statistics | Show CCP posts - 0 post(s) |
Aeon Amadi
WarRavens
1085
   |
Posted - 2013.03.16 07:35:00 -
[1] - Quote
Definition of (Product Testing) Alpha:
"A very early version of a software product that may not contain all of the features that are planned for the final version."
Definition of (Product Testing) Beta:
"A test for a computer product prior to commercial release."
"Beta is going to be tweaking the game to work for a long term environment as alpha testing is going be rather short compared to beta and release versions. Beta will also be used for advertising the game and trying to bring in advertisers for the final version."
As we know, a great deal of features aren't currently implemented. Some of the more obvious are that the Logistics LAVs don't have a working Infantry Repair Module, as par their description. Another good example is the much hyped 'Crusader' and 'Pilot' suits which may or may not be coming in the next expansion, or even racial variants of all frames and vehicles.
Essentially we're playing a game that (as stated by CCP) is only implementing it's core gameplay, but is this really Beta Testing? Are we receiving all of the features slated for release in order to test them as we would in a Beta Gameplay, or is this more of a Alpha Testing with a more formal label?
Honestly, we can't blame CCP for allowing us to test out their product and provide feedback and we can surely respect the decision (otherwise we wouldn't be discussing it currently) however, there may be some confusion in the phases of which we are testing the game, but this all opinion.
It doesn't matter as long as the game is released with all of the intended features, working as intended. This thread is mostly just a public thought, and shouldn't be taken with any degree of severity. It's mostly just for idle discussion and to see where the community sits. Popcorn logic, so to speak.
So, what are your thoughts? Would you say that Beta Testing is an appropriate title? Would you say that the current state of the game is more slated for an Alpha Phase of testing? Discuss.
|
Aeon Amadi
WarRavens
1089
|
Posted - 2013.03.16 09:54:00 -
[2] - Quote
Django Quik wrote:When it comes to MMOs, testing has to be done differently because you need 'massive' numbers and you need to do things differently - this is a staggered beta test. CCP may well have fully alpha tested all of the component parts we are playing now in-house but it needs testing by a huge audience to ensure it all fits together in every way possible. It has to be staggered (i.e. not everything tested at once), so that they can get the data they want at each stage. You can't just throw everything out there in a disorganised fashion and then hope to get the datasets that you required because everything will be all over the place and it'll be too much to handle.
While you do make a good point, I'd like to make a counter argument by stating that without full content we're seeing a lot of issues currently that make the game seem to favor one or more tactics. Certain things tip the balance and when you balance in-game playstyles based on content that's not currently available, it makes feedback all the more difficult.
For instance, if cloaking were currently in game we'd experience a lot more of the Scout class utilizing the module due to their frail nature and the unpredictable scan system. Original conception was that the Scout focused on it's speed as it's primary defense, but as of recent changes (dropsuit tier HP changes and the like) it's been far more dependant on it's low sensor profile - something that I personally consider unreliable as -anyone- can spot you and your main defense is now rendered null.
Another good example is the AV/HAV argument, half of the community says that HAVs needs a buff and the other half states that AV needs a buff. How can we honestly know for sure when items such as the Plasma Cannon are not currently in play, or Statis Webifiers which would slow the vehicle down enough for the AV team(s) to take action against it?
Honestly, I feel that new content should be added more slowly with all original content added in at first. Waiting and hoping for weapons/concepts/playstyles to arrive to counter playstyles that are currently over-utilized is something that can break a game.
In Eve Online, Gallente were top dog for a long time. This changed when various nerfs were implemented, such as Drone Bandwidth. This even rendered certain ships ouright unusable as they depended heavily on drones, such as the Guardian Vexor. It could field ten drones at once, but when the Drone Bandwidth nerf came into play it suddenly couldn't field more than five simply because it didn't have enough bandwidth to do so.
When you implement nerfs too early, or even when you don't have all of the content available in game, it makes it incredibly hard to balance things and you wind up having to go back and re-buff some things that were over-nerfed.
Just my standpoint on things. |
Aeon Amadi
WarRavens
1091
|
Posted - 2013.03.17 17:50:00 -
[3] - Quote
Think the conversation really got side-tracked so I'd like to bring it back to the actual topic and ask this:
What features would need to be included in order for this to be considered a true-form "beta"? |
|
|
| |
|