I actually do feel a bit strange. The day before yesterday I completed the final piece of programming, I should have been elated, jumping through hoops and all that, instead, I felt a little lost, what do I do now? It's finished, all bar some writing.
I am a week, or so, away from asking for beta testers, but, having never had anything tested, what do I ask for? Do I ask for proof readers? Do I give them the game with full graphics?
Or just some, so that it doesn't spoil it to much?
I don't honestly know, I may be a month away or a day away. I really do feel a little lost. But I do know that I'm just about there. (Famous last words)
Any help would be appreciated.
As always, look after one another, and be nice.
The Doc
only time will tell, mate ;)
ReplyDeletebut i would suggest that you take some guys and let them have a full view to get a feedback if everything fits as it should be
I think your right with this and with what BBBen said as well, then that's the way to go.
DeleteNormally when I get things privately tested by experienced beta testers I'll give them the full game. They're there to help you polish the game up to perfection, so they need to see it in the clearest and most complete form you can give them. If you had an open public beta test then that might be a different story; you might have some reason to withhold some things then.
ReplyDeleteCheers BBBem, I will worry about it more as I get closer, but it's really good to have some advice from an already successful author. Thanks.
DeleteBBBen even. Sorry about that.
DeleteBBBem is fine too. :)
DeleteI get exactly what you mean with this, i am usually working on a game (that never get finish.) then i quit, bin it and then.... nothing, "what do i do now" is my exact words, then i start another game (which i also never finish :/ )
ReplyDeleteLol Rabbie I have ditched a few myself. But not this one, this one is all but there, and the new one is already cooking, somewhere in the far away, sometimes slightly dark place in the back of me head
DeleteI'll agree with the others. I'd just give the testers a 'full release' as to let them see and give opinion on everything. The only reason I wouldn't would be if a tester you especially wanted had issues with downloading large files or something.
ReplyDeleteAs for what to ask for, just posting that you are nearing completion on your game, give a quick tidbit of info on it, and ask for people who are interested. It also isn't rude if you ask a bit about their strengths, experience, etc.
That also isn't to say you need 100% of your staff to be proofreaders. Even if AIF isn't held up against the great literary works of our times, it can be hugely beneficial for a handful of people who know their stuff to look over your writings.
But even those who can't grammar can be very useful.Some people may not be sure if the comma goes in the quotation marks or even how to spell quotation - but they might be the sort who have an eye for improving your art or finding awkward moments in your story, plot holes, or characters acting out of sorts.
* Cast out a net asking for some help and giving a short bit of info you might feel is relevant (what it is written in, a short premise, that sort)
* If you have a certain way you want to handle things, be sure to include that as well, or send it via emails as you get testers. Some people like using online forums/docs/etc. Others want emails sent in a certain format to keep track of bugs, typos, ideas and that sort a bit separate.
And other people don't mind an inbox full of stuff typed out in different ways from different people which may contain some of the same stuff. It's all about what makes you feel comfortable.
* Finally, remember it is your work. Some testers just give an office-like report of errors, but others may be more open with their ideas. This can be great if it helps you, but as the author and creator be sure not to be afraid to say "Thanks, but no" and keep it the way YOU want it.
Thanks Spike, that all sounds like really sound advice. I have already got it into my head that I will not be changing the story line because someone say's it would be better. I do not want to lose my mark on the game. Learning TADS3 was hard enough, I think I have earned that right lol
DeleteMaybe if you want tester you will need to post on aif central or aif subreddit or aif yahoo, also shark forum has a big aif community.
ReplyDeleteI joined Shark's lagoon TWICE, both times I did as asked and introduced myself etc, both times I came back next day to find I had been booted, I will never bother again!!! (Probably)
DeleteI know nothing about beta-testing, so I'm perfect for it. Do not hesitate to contact me. :P
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Vitu
Cheers Fata
ReplyDelete