Does FIRAXIS have any human non-gameindustry betatesters?

Jeje2 · August 27, 2001, 00:56

OK, now I see some contradiction here...

So, could someone from FIRAXIS, please give an clarification

As MarkG wrote in the other thread:

Quote:

The programming team is now dedicated to fixing bugs detected by the beta testers ...

I combine with the Jeff interview:

Quote:

Apolyton: Are there any plans for a public beta test? What determined your decision?
Jeff: ... A closed public beta wasn't an option since don't they involve a large enough 'sample' for compatibility testing and requires immense manpower to manage.

Question: Are there any human civ-fantic players doing beta-testing, like in makin of SMAC?

MarkG · August 27, 2001, 01:22

Quote:

Originally posted by Jeje2
Question: Are there any human civ-fantic players doing beta-testing, like in makin of SMAC?

yes, Sid Meier, Jeff Briggs, Jeff Morris, etc....

a bit more seriously, i think that it's very possible that among the beta-testers will be people who have play civ games in the past....

Buck Birdseed · August 27, 2001, 02:37

Doubt it. All the compatibility testing is done centrally at Infogrames this time around...

tniem · September 4, 2001, 23:14

The biggest thing was that they had human alpha testers. Most bugs and balancing is done then as far as I have been told.

Beta is just to check for some bugs and compatability (which is why public betas are good, wide variety of compatibility issues). Not much is changed.

Pembleton · September 4, 2001, 23:47

Quote:

Originally posted by Jeje2

Question: Are there any human civ-fantic players doing beta-testing, like in makin of SMAC?

You mean instead of the alien and monkey testers they have right now?

Dan Magaha FIRAXIS · September 5, 2001, 00:40

Quote:

Originally posted by Pembleton

You mean instead of the alien and monkey testers they have right now?

Actually, they're Alien/Monkey hybrids. The truth is out there, you know...

Dan

Jeje2 · September 5, 2001, 08:34

Quote:

Originally posted by Dan Magaha FIRAXIS
Actually, they're Alien/Monkey hybrids. The truth is out there, you know...

Dan, THX for ... nothing

Ouyt of all possible replys this one?

Does this mean that you have none or that you have some, but you have desided to keep quiet this time abvout them?

If second case, please just say you have them. I so hope you have some outsiders to help in balansing etc. the game.

But, OK this is also better than nothing. At least you are reading/following happenings.

tniem · September 5, 2001, 10:17

Quote:

Originally posted by Dan Magaha FIRAXIS
Actually, they're Alien/Monkey hybrids. The truth is out there, you know...

Frugal_Gourmet · September 5, 2001, 11:25

I was a beta tester for Microprose once. If this is at all anything similar I can tell you...

1) They pay you about $12/hour.
2) You "work" around 25 hours/week.
3) Game balance and bug checking are BOTH important.
4) It's usually a summer job or a short-term job for people.
5) Everyone who is does it is a total geek and really into gaming.