Play when beta comes out, or wait for release?

For me I'll probably make a new character/world every time there's a size-able update, like I did with Terraria, so no problem for me, or maybe I have a problem, lol.

 

I'm sorry, but this is simply wrong. The standard definition of a beta is that it starts when all of the game's features are complete. The beta period is solely used for bugfixing. I realise that some devs have used it interchangeably with alpha, but 'most game companies' will tell you that it's not standard practice. In summary:

Alpha period: Frequent updates, new content constantly added. Less emphasis on bugfixing.
Beta period: Frequent updates for bugfixing, freeze on content addition.
Release: Stable, mostly bug free, infrequent updates.

 

I can't wait for the beta, in all its bug-ridden, not-so-complete beta-ness. But it seems like we are going to get a near finished Beta where it is just a stone's throw away from being 'Released'.

I don't mind either way, each update is keeping me pumped up. I only expect what I've seen, and I've seen a lot, and if half of what they hint at is in game I'll be set for a long time.

 

Is there really a 'standard practice' though? I believe that these phases or periods are really at the discretion of the developer(s).

 

There is a standard practice. Software Release Cycle

Ultimately, anything can be determined by a developer, of course.
Still though, the way the devs have spoken about beta sounds a lot like very little bugs to me, but that's an assumption on my part.
However, I've seen quite a few people with the same opinion. They're all opinions though... We won't know until it's really there.

There has been TONS of assumptions on these forums because of so little that we have to work with.
There's a lot of extrapolating that we need to do with what little we're told.

 

Play with the "beta" because it will be as buggy as the actual release.
Really low morale at this point as it has been a year and a half, and they show no sign of finishing soon, as they said...
"One boss for every tier!"
We know there are ten tiers.
And they're still on the first boss and tutorial tier, and it's taken them two weeks and two days to get as far as they have, with weekend breaks on non-essential things included.

 

Where I find the confusion is that it's different between regular computer software and computer games.

That reason being, I believe there is quite a difference in a program and a game, because you play a game and a program is something you run, you don't really use it for enjoyment like you do with games, you know what I mean?

Also, the idea of paying for an alpha/beta or paying to be an alpha/beta tester is a new phenomena in the gaming industry. I believe that purchasing a 'beta' then changes what a beta is, fundamentally. It isn't a simple program that you run that deletes temporary files, people have paid for beta, or "early-access" might be a better term, and will then most likely expect to be able to play/enjoy the game, rather than simply test for bugs. Gaming companies/developers have begun to accustom to this as making "early-access" purchasable brings in more money at the end of the day (at least I assume it does as so many companies have begun to hop onto this bandwagon).

I don't disagree with you, I just thought I'd share my opinion in general and specifically with Calris Also, I agree in the assumption that there's going to be not a lot of bugs once beta is released as they are working very hard to polish it (not that I necessarily expect it to be bug free, I don't mind bugs at all ).

 

I completely, and utterly feel your pain..
My first thread was almost identical to yours, and nearly the sole reason I created a forum account. I wanted to see how the rest of the community felt, and if I was the only one who was almost disappointed at the announcement that there will be a beta.

This game is my kind of thing in every way possible, and when I start playing, I want to have the absolute full experience.
Unfortunately there is no definite answer as to what will be lacking in the beta compared to the full release.

However, at this point, it seems to me, that the devs are trying their damndest to get the beta to be as close to the full game as can be.
After much deliberation, I had decided that I will play the beta the second I have access to it, and will not hold back at all.
Do I want to wait for the full release?
Of course, but it would be physically impossible for me to resist, knowing all the fun I could be having with or without "some" elements.

I'm sure you'll think about it for awhile, as I did.. but my friend, if you're any bit near as excited as I am for this game, then you will play the beta.

It is what it is brotha.

 

What kind of question is this... uhm play it... I don't see how story would be ruined by playing the game. Also... isn't it going to be beta with the story? I would figure as they have finished quite a bit of some. OH WELL I am going to be playing when ever I can get my hands on it but I didn't even buy it for the story but the missions are quite a bonus for me.

 

I had the same feelings initially after first reading the wiki, but after some thought and breaking it down, a game is still a computer program and they are all assembled in the same general manner. The end result is just used in a different manner. However, there is very little production difference. Software utilities and software games both need the same rigorous bug testing/fixing as each other.

But that all has to do with a minor point you were trying to make. I agree that times have changed for video games versus software utilities, because a utility can likely be stuck in different phases longer than others in comparison to video games. Because there isn't really pressure in full releasing a winrar clone, right?

So yeah, developers probably bend their definitions of software release cycle much differently with a game than with a utility.

Basically, I agree with you... .......

 

From a devs point of view, there isn't a lot of difference between a game or any other piece of software - the same basic goals are true for both. It's all code that needs to perform a specific function, the only difference being the functionality of the code.

Yeah, it's true that the terms have been used fairly loosely in recent times, particularly with indie games. I guess I'm just trying to ensure that people don't take the loose definition they've picked up elsewhere and assume it's universally applicable.

 

I also want to have as much of an experience as I can make out of it, one thing that I am doing (or not doing) is not listening to the soundtrack at all, or at least not trying to!

I don't know if it's just me, but whenever I hear music it instantly brings back memories of what I was doing when I first listened to said music. I want my memories of the Starbound soundtrack to be me exploring in-game rather than sitting at my computer and browsing the web, hehe.

I fully agree that a lot of actual testing is still required, and finding bugs and reporting them is something that I actually really enjoy! I like being able to feel like I helped in the game's development in some way, lol

 

Hey! I already that response!

:barefeet:

That's what I'm doing too!

 

I make my own story....

But if Starbound has some history and quests sprinkled in here and there, I wouldn't mind at all.

 

Heh, yep, I almost edited that I'd been ninja'd but couldn't be bothered.

 

I'd say play the beta if you don't really care for the story (I would play it even if I did though), I mean you could always just wait for the release buuuuuuut... you know,THE GAME IS GOING TO BE GOOD AND YOU SHOULD PLAY THE BETA. Although I can sort of understand that playing the beta might ruin the immersion/surprise somewhat, keep in mind that the beta will not have all the finished content that will be on the release, so you will still have some surprises in store for you, if that is a concern. I wouldn't really bother waiting for the release just to see the cutscene/story thingy.

 

In this forum, there are two kinds of people. People who won't play the beta, and people who will.
But the truth is, you better play Beta or I will hunt you down personally. Be very afraid.

 

You forgot the Kool Aid

 

No, you're just giving us your definition of beta and alpha. As I said, what most companies call release the Starbound team is calling Beta. Many games are rushed incomplete and it's called the 'Gold version' then released. That is the point I made, the Starbound devs definition of Beta appears to be mostly different from indutstry norm at this point. People think Beta means early access, in this case it doesn't. At all. Even the definition of 'pre-order' is murky at this point solely because there seems to be no benefit for waiting for release over beta and vice versa.