Taking part in game BETA testing.

[mobias]

Just wondering how many people have ever taken part in a game's BETA testing? I'm currently nearing the end of Starhawk's private BETA testing phase on the PS3 and finding it a really interesting process. I guess its a little insight into what it must be like to work as a game tester. There's so many little balances that have to be ironed out and its been interesting to see the game change on a almost daily basis as different ideas are implemented.
Starhawk is going to be an amazing game by the way. We were only given two different maps to play on but I've never played a game where the player and team actually get to construct areas of the environment in real time as they play. Incredibly fast paced and there is naturally a rather large learning curve but once you crack it its amazingly good fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyT1DPd7Zk8

[Consignia]

I beta tested for a while, the PS2's network service and a bunch of games for it. It wasn't as fun as anticipated, not least because I discovered I didn't like online multiplayer games. But I also didn't enjoy spending ages setting up, only to get a couple of minutes of buggy playtime, and then having to fill out surveys on the experience.

Frankly, if offered, I would never beta test again.