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Beta testing for beginners

bleedingeyesbleedingeyes Member Posts: 4
in Open Beta Discussion
I am looking to get into beta testing but don't exactly know where to look or where to start.  Everywhere I look, it seems like you need experience in beta testing.  I would love to get some feedback from some people who have experience.  Thanks you!

Comments

  • SilenceduckSilenceduck Member Posts: 5
    A good ide is to look here at www.mmorpg.com alot are seeking beta testers here, or you can find a title that you are looking forward to and keep your self updated on thier HP. Its truly is hard to get into closed beta so try look for some open beta. When you are beta testing games don't just do it because you can "play for free" but tell the support what they could make better about the game. Don't be scared to tell what you think, that is what you are there for. Im not pro at beta testing and have a hard time getting into any closed betas but I did test games like Lineage2, Wow, guildwars etc. Its kinda like finding a job, nothing happens over the night.

    Hope it helped abit.
  • trooper347trooper347 Member UncommonPosts: 86

    http://mmorpg.com/discussion2.cfm/forum/584 (browse the forum for games in testing)

    http://mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/gameId/0 (look under Status heading)

    Try those two links, they both re-connect to this site. They list games that are in development / Beta stages. Follow the links for a game you are interested in, and apply to become a tester. Most game companies require an application to be filled out either on their main game's site, or their forums. Some require a DXDIAG.TXT and will instruct you how to obtain one from your system if you don't know how.

    From my experience, some companies will ask for your history of testing, others rely on your system specifications alone. Either way, it is a fun way to spend time helping test games, and get info on how games are made. Just remember to always report bugs found, however the company specifies to do so (again, some posted on a forum others by e-mail).

    That is why we are asked to help, and if players just go in for a free new game to play, we may soon find ourselves out of open beta programs altogether.

  • Mstng9961Mstng9961 Member Posts: 85

    A good starting point is to get into the open betas, which at least show that you have some experience. 

    Also apply to all the closed betas you want to participate in - stress tests, alpha, beta, whatever - you never know when they will pick you.  Eventually though it will get easier.

    I get into a lot of CBs I apply for because like what wz mentioned I run a good system, and have done a lot of betas from alpha to open. 

  • expaldinexpaldin Member Posts: 24
    Originally posted by bleedingeyes

    I am looking to get into beta testing but don't exactly know where to look or where to start.  Everywhere I look, it seems like you need experience in beta testing.  I would love to get some feedback from some people who have experience.  Thanks you!

    Thats the predicament you need beta experience to beta test, so it becomes exceptionally hard, but every once a while you sometimes get a break and after 2-3 breaks, it becomes easier.

    Easy Solutions: (I frown on # 3)

    1. Beta Test for a bunch of minor games to put on your resume when applying, after all its better than nothing on your resume.

    2. Apply for EVERY Beta out there eventually you'll get one, and like I staed above after a couple breaks its easier.

    3. Lie,make something up to put on your resume, make it believable and remember, " Its not a lie, if you believe it" (Seinfeld)

    4. Most applications have some kind of a why do you want to beta test this section, come up with something compelling and flowery

    5. Get your friend to invite you to a beta he is doing, if that beta has an invite program (or some kind of a friend referrence program)

    6. Any combination of these

    There is ALOT of other stuff you can do besides this but these in my opinion would work best.

  • Daveman424Daveman424 Member UncommonPosts: 22
    I began beta testing a year ago. Basically, you just apply for everything, and eventually you'll get something. Then you can add that to your list of previous experience. My list is not so impressive (3 games, I  think), but it grows every time I get accepted. Just start browsing around here for something you can help test, and eventually you'll get somewhere, I promise.



    PS. I've sent you an invitation to a Beta. Enjoy :)
  • l2avisml2avism Member UncommonPosts: 386
    There are alot of smaller "mom and pop" game developers out there who have open betas.

    Test those to get them under your belt then become aware of what makes and breaks a game.



    Now apply for closed betas by using your knowlege of the open betas and use alot of terminology in your application.

    It should be I want to beta test this game because "I became aware of the new pvp system and how you gain pvp ranks greatly interested me" and not "your game is very cool, let me play it".



    When games are in beta they usually have alot of new ideas implemented, but sadly most of those advancements are sacrificed and the game usually comes out a clone. They want testers who can be objectively critical of those new features and who are very open about their experiences in the forums. The main thing is they want feedback and want feedback that can be used to make decisions about what to include in the release.



    Also being in a minority of a certain play-style helps. If they have already gotten enough questers and they may have a shortage of pvpers they will most likly start inviting pvpers to test. If you know most of the testers are in the x play-style group, try to be in the y play-style group.

    If they just went with the majority they would not have the full story when it comes to feedback and the game would fail when its released.
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