speaking of beta tests, do you remember the q3tests? i'd favor that testing model.

Nope. That has been a bit before my time I guess
Would be nice if you could explain the testing model.

Which models exactly are you looking for? q3tests doesn't really ring a bell here.

q3test, well.

q3test was id software's innovative open beta programme for quake3arena. q3test used the q3a code, but contained only 3 maps and few models, but all the game mechanics was there. you could download the program and play q3a legally long before it has been released. you were even encouraged to do so, as the player's feedback was one of id software's most important inputs. they constantly updated the q3test and released new versions, improved it, added new models, new effects, changed weapon balancing etc. it somewhat made the development process interactive, and served another purpose: to make the players hungry for more... sure.

so, it was no "sign up for a programme", just download it, playit, enjoy, give feedback, get a new version every couple of weeks, play agin, etc, until it "fits". it's not really been a "beta" version, but a game mechanics test, more like a demo. but not of a finished product.

Sounds just like a beta test should be :P
Anyway, as I really like that idea, we will try to design our beta test like that ... well as good as it is possible with a web server

I see, thanks for explaining. I guess I totally missed out on that back when q3a was in development.

1999... not too long ago.

@michael: normally, "beta test" means "testing a finished product to squish the bugs".

Yes, unfortunately. What I meant is that, in my opinion, beta tests should be like you described them (i.e. like the q3test) as there are other important things that have to be tested.

Mmm, I agree more with this definition;

A beta version is the first version released outside the organization or community that develops the software, for the purpose of evaluation or real-world black/grey-box testing. The process of delivering a beta version to the users is called beta release. Beta level software generally includes all features, but may also include known issues and bugs of a less serious variety.

In other words a bit more emphasis on testing the software in general and less on fixing bugs,

Cheers