Aces High open beta

[RTHolmes]

... not for all patches but for testing major stuff which may effect alot of different systems differently, like the new sound system for example. the app which tested the recent graphics update (water, reflections, self shadowing etc.) seemed to be quite useful and plenty of people jumped at the chance to test it. maybe set up an online beta arena only accessible from the beta app for testing.

I'm fairly sure there would be enough clued up users to make it useful. thoughts?

[Baumer]

In theory it's a good idea, but don't forget what happened with the beta before the graphics update.

HTC didn't receive much feedback during that beta, and once released had to address many issues that should have been reported earlier. I think a better approach would be for a small select group of players, with very different system configurations, participate in selective beta testing. These players would have to accept that testing would be expected within a small time window and detailed feedback would be provided. Also, given that this would be a small group, they would also have to expect to spend time in an almost empty arena and/or coordinate with the few others to engage in combat or test specific aspects of the game per HTC direction.

I'd like to help more, and I know there are other responsible players who feel like we do.

[Spikes]

In theory it's a good idea, but don't forget what happened with the beta before the graphics update.

HTC didn't receive much feedback during that beta, and once released had to address many issues that should have been reported earlier. I think a better approach would be for a small select group of players, with very different system configurations, participate in selective beta testing. These players would have to accept that testing would be expected within a small time window and detailed feedback would be provided. Also, given that this would be a small group, they would also have to expect to spend time in an almost empty arena and/or coordinate with the few others to engage in combat or test specific aspects of the game per HTC direction.

I'd like to help more, and I know there are other responsible players who feel like we do.

Wholeheartedly agree. I'd love to help out a bit more for the better of the game.

[RTHolmes]

sounds about right - I didnt use the last beta, just the video/fps app thingy. I guess it needs to be specific stuff rather than "just fly around and see if it goes wrong".

[Ghosth]

For starters you'd think they'd tap into those folks already working on helping Aces High, Trainers and CM's.

That pool will get them a diverse pool of people, and folks who are often at the top of their game.
Many of us pretty computer savvy, and pretty much already proven that we can handle whatever is thrown at us.

Plus all they have to say is you leak one thing one time and you lose beta access and your CM or trainer slot.


Who else could they pick that they could trust that much?

[Plazus]

I understand the issues that HTC had during their last beta testing with the terrain and graphics. However, I still feel that a beta arena should be open anyways, as I am sure that there will be a mix of people trying out the arena for testing. I know I sure as hell would particpate in the beta, just like I did in the last one.

During the last beta, people threw a fit because they couldnt run anything at all. People just need to relax and realize that it was a beta test arena, not the actual game. If people would just relax and provide as much feedback as possible, then the beta test arena would be more successful in resolving bugs and issues.

The other nice thing about having a separate beta arena is that no one on the main servers are interrupted during their gameplay. And no one is forced to have to suffer through week-long buggy versions of the game that we have been seeing recently.

[Baumer]

During the last beta, people threw a fit because they couldnt run anything at all.

The problem was (in general, I know there were exceptions) that most people who couldn't run anything got frustrated and left without providing enough feedback. Also many players refused to go back and try it again when HTC made updates. So I can see from HTC's perspective that it was more hassle then it was worth, with little return.

In my opinion, if HTC were to do something like that again (either public or private) they would have to be convinced that the extra work (for them) is worth it. That's why I feel it needs more structure on the players side, to show that the time and effort can turn around problems more quickly and clearly.

As an example with the current sound situation, they would have to depend on, hit or miss, to find any issues. Whereas with a structured test environment, they would have a better documentation of what systems were used and how they performed.

And one last thought, software testing is usually pretty boring. Expecting everyone in an open environment to stick with dull testing, vs. flying with their friends in the MA it's easy to see which one most players would choose.