Is Beta (testing) Dead?

vshield50

@Fluxxx ,

Before your arrival we had a community manager named @Kaz . His greatness aside that was the last time we did any Beta testing and the last time we had real input on game changes before they were released.

Would you consider bringing Beta testing back when you decide to implement things like toolbags or even discuss items that some of your staff feel may or may not be up for discussion?

It sucks dealing with fallout of some of the choices NG makes when some prior testing or feedback from customers could have prevented negative feelings/actions.

If you are not in support of bringing Beta testing back may you please at least tell us why NG introduces game changing features without testing with the customers? How does Beta testing hurt NG?

I would just like to better understand the rationale behind the lack of testing so I can move on from any aspirations of the same.

Fluxxx

This was asked recently, and a valid question for sure. There's a lot of factors at play here, but one main reason is that we don’t really have the capacity to do beta testing at the moment. We’re a relatively small team and our development cycles are so, that beta testing would only be doable at the end of them, where most changes aren’t possible anymore or too risky. Additionally, setting up beta testing requires time and effort from multiple disciplines in the team which makes it even more difficult.. I can't say whether this situation will change in the future, but at least for now it is that way.

Though I wouldn't say that you guys don't have a real input on game changes - a lot of features added over the last year have been largely influenced by community suggestions and discussions

vshield50

Very fair and transparent response. I appreciate that very much and I agree that you have instituted some changes made by customers.

As a suggestion would you consider having a focus group of people with NDAs (or otherwise) who could discuss things like Grenades being available during mission play that caused 50%+ damage? That is a game changing item that could have been dissected by a larger team of customers with knowledge of how their guilds would react and how customers at multiple levels will respond.

Thank you again for your detailed response and willingness to discuss it.

Billbam

@vshield50 they already have an NDA group but doesnt seem like they are asked for input.

vshield50

> @Billbam said:
> @vshield50 they already have an NDA group but doesnt seem like they are asked for input.

Where is this group? I have an NDA and was not aware of it. And if they are not asked for input what is the purpose of the group? What is discussed?

Billbam

Sorry not in the group so don't have any details.

vshield50

> @Billbam said:
> @vshield50 they already have an NDA group but doesnt seem like they are asked for input.

@Fluxxx is this true? Is there a group of select NDA people that you talk to?

Maybe I am a bit intense for feedback so if you don't want me there fine but if this group does exist then did they provide you guys feedback on the toolbag prior to implementing or were they even asked?

psychwolf

Damn you NDA guys must feel special

vshield50

> @psychwolf said:
> Damn you NDA guys must feel special

If they were successful in providing meaningful feedback that would prevent undesirable content from being introduced into the game I would not care if they made them feel special with a tv commercial and on every in game ad celebrating their specialness... 🤗🤗🤗