How would you feel about companies releasing "game concepts" for you to test?

unknown user
2020-04-16T04:31:17Z

What is a "game concept":

visually-unpolished but functional game

costs little compared to the full product

only basic UI and UX

solid, release-worthy mechanics

released publicly in order to test a particular kind of gameplay (standalone, not part of any other game)

retracted once the testing period is over

testers get 50% off purchasing or updating to the polished, complete game (possibly also in-game perks)

Pros:

game design team gets to test quirkier ideas without the investment of a full game

mostly prevents flops (idiocy and hubris can still lead on)

Cons:

players have to pay in order to participate (fewer players will want to join)

game is retracted after testing is over (may cause player discontentment)

The essence of early access. Relevant to titles anywhere between AAA and indie (though more suited to AAA). Good early tests generate publicity. Bad tests are not as bad a publicity due to disclosed status.

Thoughts?

Comments URL: https://tildes.net/~games/nws/how_would_you_feel_about_companies_releasing_game_concepts_for_you_to_test

Votes: 14

Comments: 22