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Getting Accepted for Video Game Beta Tests
netfunk writes "Now that we've finished taking submissions for the Linux beta of America's Army, I've written up some thoughts on the process of choosing participants. There are some interesting statistics on what comprises a 'Linux gamer' and some rough guidelines on what kind of applicant made the cut vs. what kind went directly to the trashcan." A good read. Now let's hope not everyone starts saying they power their graphics with an old Voodoo2 card. That's been my edge for getting into beta tests for years, even after upgrading.
I usually get accepted to betas because I say something like "I'm a systems administrator that can give good advice on problematic areas, including network communication". It helps quite a bit on MMORPG's like Eve (beta tester) and Earth and Beyond (beta tester) and Planetside (beta tester, but all the galaxies / universes are blocked?).
As far as other games, just change the above line to something slightly more relevant, like "I can give advice on bump mapping" or "lighting effect problems" or something. Just make it sound like you're very experienced with reporting bugs (you use Windows, right?), and they'll sign you up.
"It's better to have a gun and not need it than need a gun and not have it." ~ Christian Slater, True Romance
1. Good correspondence skills. Notice how many negative points were given for poor spelling, "l33t" talk, not using real name, profanities, etc. I admit I'm far from perfect in spelling myself, but I cannot tolerate deliberate misspelling. I'm often getting resumes from hopefull applicants (people who would like to write investment reports, of all things), which are full of "U" instead of "you" and "pls" instead of "please". Those resumes go straight into the trash; I don't even bother replying.
2. Hardware requirements. Way too many companies accept only the best hardware for their beta tests. Then we get games that have a Pentium II 400 with 32MB RAM stated as their minimum requirements, but which will not run on anything under P3-800 and 128MB RAM. I'm glad to see someone who wants to test the game on low-end machines.
The one point I haven't seen is a track record in recomputer games. Considering that everybody and their mother has a Web site these days, considering that there are plenty of outlets for reviewing games (from Amazon through Epinions to GameFAQs), if I was a game developer, I'd give bonus points for people who are known for absolutely trashing all games, within reason (good argumentation in favor of their conclusion). Instead of getting "man, I loved the game", I would get responses about how much a certain feature sucks, and work on it.
I have Beta tested the past 2 years. Nice way to get free games way ahead of time. :) I always send a list of all games I have Beta tested, send stats on both systems (AMD2000) & (AMD800), and what I could add to the input on the game play. That way I get a better chance testing. They do want older systems and newer systems testing their games. Most of the times they want the top of the line systems, but sometimes the older systems will catch their eye. My friend only has a (AMD1000) and was accepted everytime against my (AMD2200).
When all else fails, piss on it. At least you will feel better in some kind of way.
Three people thought this was a Windows beta test.
The game has been available on Windows for over a year and there were some people that thought this was a Windows test? Yet...why doesn't this suprise me?
"Some things have to be believed to be seen." - Ralph Hodgson
"Negative points for using a hotmail email address (possible warez monkey)."
Naaah, couldn't *possibly* be that the applicant put a hotmail address in there because they were afraid that your company was planning on selling their e-mail address to spammers?