Beta Testing
From AAManual
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What do Beta testers do?
Beta Testers assist the developers by identifying problems in all elements of the game. Betas familiarize themselves with the Army’s objectives for the game and aspects of the game as created by the developers. They then review and test the content of the game prior to each release in an effort to identify problems and assist in creating the best game possible within time and financial constraints.
How do you “test” the game?
There are two facets to testing: Element testing and Play testing. Element testing consists of going through step by step test plans to verify the operability of each piece of the game. Testers also attempt to exploit the game by commonly known means or by attempting to do things the game designers did not anticipate, review all old game related materials in an effort to insure changes to the game have not had a negative impact on existing assets, and review all new game related materials in an effort to insure changes to the game have not had a negative impact on existing assets. Play testing is done collectively on the server with other Beta testers. Maps are tested for game play and balance issues as well as looking for “bugs” that pop up during multiplayer game play. When “bugs” are found in either facet, testers submit detailed reports to be addressed by the developers. In the end testers are trying to ensure that the game runs as a player would expect it to when they download it.
Do Beta testers get paid?
No. Individuals participate in the Beta program on a voluntary basis, without monetary or other compensation, purely for the enjoyment and self satisfaction that comes from helping to produce a great game.
Why can’t I get a straight answer from a Beta when I ask them a question about a bug I found?
Beta testers have to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement that limits what they can discuss. They may say “It’s something we know about” but they can’t discuss the details or status of bugs. This may not make sense on first glance, especially when certain issues are well known, but by adopting a blanket policy Beta testers are able to sidestep the issue completely instead of having to make a judgment call each and every time they are asked about something by a member of the public.
Why is it that some bugs appear in version after version and don’t get addressed?
Well it comes down to a two main things. First off, a bug has to be reproducible. If the bug can’t be reliably reproduced then it is very hard to track down and correct. Secondly, the bug has to be of a high enough priority to have resources assigned to correct it.
We sometimes hear about bugs not being fixed because they weren’t a high priority. Who prioritizes the bugs?
The Development team makes the determination on bug prioritization. They do so only after gathering opinions from outside the development team, such as from the Beta test community and from forum posts, but the final call is made by the development team because so many factors go into the decision making process.
Does someone really read the bug forum on the official forum?
Yes, there are quite a few Beta testers who regularly check and post in the bug forum. If there is a valid, reproducible bug posted there they insure that it is properly documented and reported.
Do Beta testers have any special powers in the game or on the official servers?
Beta testers have no special powers in public game play or in the operation or administration of public game servers.
How many Beta testers are there?
There are, at any given time, a couple hundred people in the Beta program. This number is constantly in flux as new players join the Beta program and other players leave.
Who can become a Beta tester?
Any player in good standing that is over the age of 18 and resides in one of the following countries; Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Rep, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States.
Ok, I meet the qualifications, how do I become a Beta tester?
At this time we are working on a web page that will allow you to input the information we need to select new testers. Until that web page is completed we are not recruiting new testers.