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#Post#: 5263--------------------------------------------------
Alpha Game and Donations
DIR By: AName
Date: July 9, 2015, 9:42 pm
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Okay, so here's the deal: I want to release my game really,
really soon as an alpha game. It would not come with fully
playable Sheep Tag in it, and I'm currently debating with the
help of some friends whether it will even have a very basic
Sheep Tag implemented when I go alpha. I'm also considering
whether I should have it be an open or a closed alpha (closed
would be e.g. only 20-100 players are allowed to play the game).
If I release early, I get these advantages:
- quick quality testing on peoples' computers to find bugs,
overlooked problems, and general feedback
- earlier exposure, which gives the game and the community
behind it a lot longer time to develop
- a lot of encouragement to me as the developer (and those
helping me with various stuff) to work harder on it
However, I'm afraid of releasing too early because it could lead
to:
- a hole in my pocket: this is because as soon as I release the
game, I need to host the server publicly and that costs money,
anywhere from $6/month to $40/month per server (will start with
1 for the first few weeks at least) - note that I'm already
paying it a lot of my time and some $72/year on the website for
domain name and good hosting
- players driven away from the game (possibly) due to its
suckiness (underdeveloped state*), though I will probably set up
an email list to play so that I can at least email everyone at a
later time when the game gets good
So I really want your feedback, and it would be great if
everyone could respond and get those who would still play the
game but aren't active on WC3/STC to give their feedback as
well. What's best for you and me is the same.
- If I set up a Paypal donation, would you donate some money,
and if so, what kind of money? $1? $5? $20?
- Of course, on what conditions/promises/rewards/etc. would you
donate money, and what would cause you to donate more?
- What do you think the most effective release time for the
alpha game would be? How playable would the game need to be for
it to benefit the most?
- When I announce the game and its website and forums, will you
help to make and keep the forums active over the next few
months?
Basically I need your guys' support in whatever way you're
willing to give it: money, testing, advice, etc. So let me know
what I can expect so I can plan this alpha release better,
thanks.
#Post#: 5264--------------------------------------------------
Re: Alpha Game and Donations
DIR By: Nmcdo
Date: July 9, 2015, 10:22 pm
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Based on what I read I think you should hold back, a little bit.
Wait until the game has maybe 2-3 playable modes where bug
testing can be done on multiple fronts. Because the game I
assume would have the same kind of interface ish from game to
game I would assume some bugs would tie into each other. Also
the servers / websites seem expensive, so I think you should try
to start the game by storm sort of speak. Once it's officially
moving forward obviously get the general knowledge into people's
heads, they will either support you or not. Within th alpha
stages are you planning on including chat? I think it would be
awesome to talk to others and see what they have to say RIGHT
after a game. I'm not sure how well you could publicly advertise
the game AT FIRST so I'm not sure about open / closed alpha. I
can test the game and attempt to give advice like this in the
future. Thanks.
#Post#: 5265--------------------------------------------------
Re: Alpha Game and Donations
DIR By: AName
Date: July 9, 2015, 11:13 pm
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The website is up for good now. The cheap server I can get for
only $6 a month ($72 a year), and it should be able to support
chat and games just fine for the alpha stage. If we can raise a
little money like $30-200 from donations (over time) why not?
What are good reasons not to release the alpha early?
#Post#: 5266--------------------------------------------------
Re: Alpha Game and Donations
DIR By: Myll
Date: July 10, 2015, 8:19 am
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Is the game even ready for multiplayer (no offense)? Or is it
just going to be a bunch of sheep and wolves running around not
doing very much? You can probably just have us test single
player for the time being to test out the feel of the game,
running around, building farms, check out the UI, etc. Have
cheat commands to spawn wolves, reset the game, etc.
#Post#: 5267--------------------------------------------------
Re: Alpha Game and Donations
DIR By: Nmcdo
Date: July 10, 2015, 8:25 am
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It's just that I feel the overall experience to those who are
aren't from this community etc would be more inclined to see the
potential and see the development through with because they can
see that potential. Don't get me wrong it's fine if you release
alpha as early as you want.
#Post#: 5268--------------------------------------------------
Re: Alpha Game and Donations
DIR By: Myll
Date: July 10, 2015, 8:37 am
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--- Quote from: Nmcdo link ---
>
> It's just that I feel the overall experience to those who are
aren't from this community etc would be more inclined to see the
potential and see the development through with because they can
see that potential. Don't get me wrong it's fine if you release
alpha as early as you want.
>
--- End Quote ---
I doubt it'd hurt the public image for the game if he keeps the
alpha within this community and close friends.
#Post#: 5269--------------------------------------------------
Re: Alpha Game and Donations
DIR By: Nmcdo
Date: July 10, 2015, 8:41 am
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I had meant if it was open to all, Myll. As for donations I sure
as hell could if my current position was different, but I'm sure
some people would. All at differing levels.
#Post#: 5271--------------------------------------------------
Re: Alpha Game and Donations
DIR By: XXXandBEER
Date: July 10, 2015, 4:03 pm
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Closed alpha definitely (If you think its ready), but start
going public with pictures/videos as soon as you can.
#Post#: 5275--------------------------------------------------
Re: Alpha Game and Donations
DIR By: AName
Date: July 12, 2015, 12:39 am
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HTML http://www.fragilegame.com
HTML http://www.fragilegame.com
I do ask that you make an account on the forums. :) Feel free to
subscribe to the blog as well.
#Post#: 5277--------------------------------------------------
Re: Alpha Game and Donations
DIR By: Nmcdo
Date: July 12, 2015, 11:33 am
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I think you should put even just a little of a description going
on within that website.
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