Alpha, Beta, Demo, or Trial? Do you know the difference?

[Jon Bon 43]

Please answer the poll before reading the thread.

 

Introduction

 

Too many people and game developers(yes even commercial ones) mislabel their product, with demo, trial or beta, depending on what they wanted. If you are a PSN member then you have likely downloaded a Beta version of something that had no user feedback options, or bug reporting features, nor a forums to support such options, in other words it wasn't a test at all and just a trial version. The same goes with demos, I have downloaded games that say demo, only to be booted out after an hour of play, which is by definition a trial release. This type of confusion is ridiculous, it is far from difficult to understand the meaning of this terms, and assign the correct one. So I write this to encourage independent developers to use these terms correctly, as well as give everyone a better understanding of their true meanings.

 

Alpha Version (1)(2)

The first version of your game ready for testing. Likely done closed, and not public. Likely done to software that has the majority of its features complete, or done to feature complete sections of software.

 

Beta Version(1)(2)(3)

Second round of testing done to full feature incorporated software (near if not complete). Can be made public. Is always the last round of testing before official release is considered. Further testing is simply a second round of beta testing.

 

Demo(1)

Short for demonstration, this one should be self explanatory. A demo is a complete (likely small compared to the complete product) version of your software. Demos are used to show your work to prospective users. Demos are normally released after the entire product is complete or near completion, and generally when at least a release date has been given. These are primarily used to generate hype and get basic user feedback from the intended user base.

 

Trial(1)

A full and complete but limited version of your product. Normally limited by time or amount of use. These serve the purpose of allowing your user base to do everything they want with the product, but inevitably still require to buy it for complete and unrestricted use.

 

Conclusion

Properly identifying and labeling products is extremely important when it comes to reaching your intended target audience and keeping them properly informed. Even if your product is free upon release, it doesn't mean you want your user base to be confused about your products intended use, or limitations. Proper terminology is extremely important in any setting, it leaves little room for error and misinterpretation. Whether you are releasing a game for free, for pay, or just for fun, you are still part of an industry that has terms with standard definitions, why not use them, and properly? The pro's do things a certain way for a reason, because it's proven to work. That doesn't mean there isn't a better way, it just means there is already an effective way. If you would like to read more on the basic release cycle of software, check this Wikipedia link out as it covers it rather nicely.

http://en.wikipedia....ease_life_cycle

[Foxkit 4]

Is this in reference to my demo comment in my game post? I don't think I was using demo wrong then.....

[Jon Bon 43]

Nope, definitely not in reference to your post. I read it, and nothing struck me as off.

EDIT: Reread it and, yeah you used it totally correct. Purely coincidence. Your post is also very well put together, with spoilers etc, an excellent example of a project thread.

Edited April 29, 2012 by Jon Bon

[Foxkit 4]

Thanks, I try, and so does bob who I used as reference :P

[ForeverZer0 44]

I thought this was common knowledge...or am I wrong?

 

Also, you forgot RC's, but that mainly applies to software more than games.

Edited April 30, 2012 by ForeverZer0

[Jon Bon 43]

I thought this was common knowledge...or am I wrong?

I know man. It should be but I have downloaded at least half a dozen games on the playstation network that were clearly mislabled. Speaking with gamers I have also noticed a huge disconnect in the proper understanding of these terms, like people complaining a game doesn't work right during beta, which makes no sense, since we are there to test it. In any event the proof is in the pudding, check the poll, not everyone agrees what the words mean, as I knew they wouldn't. The point is not to single out people, but to recognize that they may not understand these terms properly. The blame lies with the pros who mislabel their product.

 

Also, you forgot RC's, but that mainly applies to software more than games.

 

I wouldn't say I forgot, I considered adding that but I agree, it does apply more directly to general software, which is why I linked to the life cycle of software release, which covers release candidates, and release, as well as when you would send to manufacture etc. I thought it better to keep this concise and about the comprehension and difference of these four terms, rather then the full release cycle etc. The release candidate is relevant to the topic matter but not really relevant to the purpose of the article.

[ForeverZer0 44]

Very true, you make a good point.

[Jon Bon 43]

Very true, you make a good point.

 

Thanks, I value your opinion and especially on this topic.

 

BUMP.

I would love some more people to fill out the poll, remember to do it before reading the original post.