Public Optional Beta Patches

That's a great idea! I'm not sure if MM will like it though, otherwise why wouldn't it already be done?

As a modder I would probably find public betas useful (especially for the current changes), but it is not strictly necessary.

-Unnamed

What's the downside, anyhow? Stupid people confusing betas with the final patch or something?

There must be something.

I would like to see public beta patches, too.

I can't see any downside.

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The problem is that a beta piece of software could screw your files big time, if you are not carefull enough. And there will be a lot of people that will blindly install this and then seriousy complain about it, just for the sake of complaining.

That being said, I would like to have the choice to download it or not. I'm often waiting to get some updates to start a new game. MM just needs to make it very clear it's a beta.

Yes - i was requesting this before

I think that accidental downloads could be handled by creating special group in download that will be avialable for users that want join or some kind of newsletter for beta testers with links emailed to members

I would realy rather wait as a casual modder I would like fewer not more patches and those I do get to be debuged throughly be fore release. There is nothing to stop people who want beta patches volenteering as Beta testers.

BTW, how do you do that? Ask MM directly?

The problem with more patches publically released is that each patch release require reworking your mods, and sometimes restarting your current game.

SEV, more than a feeling.

I just asked MM about this (se5@malfador.com), and he said that public beta patches cause more problems than they would help, so there will be no public patches.

Specifics (from MM):

1. Errors that are quickly fixed in a beta version would impact a wide audience.
2. Testing new ideas doesn’t work well with a large group.
3. Sometimes we require quick feedback on a beta patch.
4. Too often items in public beta’s get reported to the public as final features (when they’re not).

Not quite sure what he means by #1, but I think he's referring to significant problems that are caused by a new beta patch that might not be easily corrected by a newer patch.

Although, for #3, I think he would still get quick feedback, he would probably get more than he could handle, thus actually slowing down the feedback progress.

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so iam opt for increasing beta group even under NDA agreement etc
iam beta tester of many games and always there is not enough beta testers .. for any game

Considering the terrible state of the released game, I don't see his point.

not sure I sugest asking might be an idea MM does like his feed back.

btw MM is late with pac\tch they posted (via Kwok) changelog every firday - last time Kwoks say that now we could expect final one and MM is silent ...