What is an “Alpha” version?
The transition from boxed games to dematerialised versions has truly revolutionised the video game world. Nowadays, publishers involve players throughout the existence of their designs (these are the alpha, beta and omega phases). From the early development of a title to its various expansions, we download, test and play in a world that is constantly moving and changing. Finally, it becomes an MMO.
The alpha version is an unfinished version of a mod or video game. Most of the time, the alpha version gives the possibility to test an unfinished project in order to see as soon as possible the main issues, even if the version only focuses on a small part of the project. This is why it is common to see alpha versions of video games, with the objective that developers are not bothered by a problem that originated at the beginning of development. In short, the alpha phase is the first optimization phase of a game and its usefulness is undeniable. It offers the possibility to rework various important or not important points. Thus, while giving a taste to the gamer, it allows to detect possible defects. At the end of the process, it will become an Online Game.
The “Alpha” phase + Some examples
To have a schematic vision, publishers design a mock-up, which is followed by a prototype, and then implement the programming of the title. The latter offers the possibility of obtaining an alpha version. With the latter, the first elements of gameplay are revealed, but without all the different functions. Moreover, the alpha version is increasingly accessible to so-called player-testers. This is the case with the title Star Citizen, for example. This real phenomenon has managed to raise an incredible amount of money in the history of participatory video games, with approximately 144 million dollars received in March 2017.
This title, Roberts Space Industries, first presented a free test of its alpha 1.2 phase in 2015, then the alpha 2.1.2 version for a few days in 2016. During these phases, many gamers were able to discover the world of this space adventure conceived by Chris Roberts, through various missions and exploration, obviously limited. Then, a few months later, other alpha phases appeared. Thus, there can be several alpa phases for the same title. The alpha phase precedes the beta phase.
So to sum up, the alpha version has a big advantage for the studios, that of testing the basics of the game with gamers, who are obviously more than happy to be among the chosen ones to test the title.
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