A Guide on How To Be A Good Beta Tester

[exLupo]

External alpha and cb testing is usually basic functionality testing. You don't have enough bodies for any kind of stress test but you have plenty of eyes to examine interaction between systems as they are introduced. A whole lot of macro balancing happens as well.

Systems and content feedback is probably the best things an external tester can provide. Try to break things but you likely won't find much. Engines are so compartmentalized anymore that most issues are easy to track and nail down.

Be objective; trying to get the game to suit your play style doesn't help anyone.
Be verbose; the more relevant info you can provide on a bug or design defect, the better.
Be polite; you are a guest in someone else's house.

[SavageB]

Originally Posted by exLupo

External alpha and cb testing is usually basic functionality testing. You don't have enough bodies for any kind of stress test but you have plenty of eyes to examine interaction between systems as they are introduced. A whole lot of macro balancing happens as well.

Systems and content feedback is probably the best things an external tester can provide. Try to break things but you likely won't find much. Engines are so compartmentalized anymore that most issues are easy to track and nail down.

Be objective; trying to get the game to suit your play style doesn't help anyone.
Be verbose; the more relevant info you can provide on a bug or design defect, the better.
Be polite; you are a guest in someone else's house.

All good points