Alpha / Beta Test Schedule


This is the schedule for the release of the testing phases of the Online RPG Battle Tool. There are minimum and maximum numbers for each phase. I will not begin a phase until I have enough interest to warrant doing so. At the same time, I am also putting a cap on each testing phase so that each response can be given adequate attention.

Alpha Test 1 (version 0.10.00+)
In this test I will see how people feel about the tools. I would like everyone in this test to give the tools a good workout. Try making some of your favorite battle locations with the tools in the software. The goal is to get feedback of the ease of use of the tools. There will be no internet testing in this release. This phase of the alpha test will continue until a majority of the testers are happy with the environment and planned features. Once all of the features have been finalized, work on the internet sections will begin.

Minimum Testers: 20
Maximum Testers: 50

Alpha Test 2 (version 0.20.00+)
This will be the first test that includes the player’s version of the software. Players will be able to connect to the DM program, and play out battles. This will be the first real world testing for the program. I have rated this phase an alpha because the internet code will still be in need of a good deal of testing, and I am expecting a lot of feedback. Expect new releases every other day during this phase.

Minimum Testers: 50
Maximum Testers: 100

Private Beta Test (version 0.30.00+)
Once all of the major bugs have been taken out of the system in the alpha test phase, the first beta will be released. The beta will be worked on until I feel the feedback starts to decrease (meaning, hopefully, all the kinks have been worked out). Then I will start the public Beta.

Minimum Testers: 100
Maximum Testers: 200


Public Beta Test (version 0.50.00+)
This is the last Beta test. During this test the program should be almost complete, and I am not expecting a lot of changes. This is where the final version of the program will start to emerge. This is also where people may start pre-registering for the final version. Pre-registration will be at a discount from the final version, and will help pay for more bandwidth, forums, and other enhancements.

Minimum Testers: 200
Maximum Testers: No limit as of 7/21/2003


Release Candidate(s) (version 0.90.00+)

These are the program release candidates. This phase of the beta is open to those who participated the most in the alpha / beta version of the program, and anyone who has pre-registered for the final program.

Maximum Testers: 50 + pre-registered users