Testing
From CC Wiki
Testing is the process of testing games before they are released. Games have to be tested on bugs and exploits before being released to the public. This way problems can be fixed and the game released is of a higher quality.
Testing is done in two phases; alpha and beta. Alpha preceeds beta in time. Naturally, during alpha the game is less complete. More emphasis can be put on design choices, while beta focuses more on fixing things. Currently The Pirate Game and Backyard Monsters are in alpha and there are no games in beta.
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Alpha
In the first stage, alpha, the game is still far from complete. To get early feedback however, some people get to take a look at the game and give their feedback. Since there is still so much to be done, fixing bugs is not the main point yet. There are 13 alpha testers as of September 8th, 2009. The two games that have been in alpha recently are The Pirate Game and Backyard Monsters.
Beta
In the second stage, beta, the game usually is pretty much feature complete. Then it requires a lot of play testing to find bugs. This includes exploits and cheats, which can be used to unfairly disadvantage other players. As of November 3rd, 2009, there are 109 Beta Testers.
Occasionally games become public beta to registered members. This means they are pretty much done, but not quite ready for the full public yet. This also encourages people to register, to get their hands on new games as fast as possible.
Purpose
The games in testing are not finished. Therefore they contain glitches and may easily be unplayable. The point of being a tester is to find these glitches and report them, as well as to suggest new features. Because bugs are found and fixed and gameplay is polished, thanks to testers' feedback, the game will be of a higher quality when released.
Becoming a Beta Tester
Unfortunately, one can only become a Beta Tester by being invited by one of the Mayors. And it's best not to ask them; people are picked for being excellent members (helpful in the forums, popular with other members etc) or at random using scripts, people who ask do not get.
Becoming an Alpha Tester
In order to become an Alpha Tester , one has to be able to escape Alcatraz with nothing but a toothpick, then survive three months in the African jungle and finally kill an angry bear with just your hands. Just kidding. There is no plan for increasing the number of Alpha Testers at this point, so asking definitely won't help at all. Sometimes members get recommended by other alpha testers or by anyone.
