For the final (?) Crowd Sourcing project, I am looking for a small and select group of testers.
Please read the following “rules” very carefully. In fact, not following rules will automatically disqualify you as a tester. After all, a basic requirement is the ability to read and follow some simple instructions.
First, the most important thing in summary:
There is some compensation, but your primary motivation should be to do this for fun. There is some time commitment (both to playing the game and writing about it). You may be playing a broken version, may need to restart and lose all progress, may only get to play sections of the game, etc., depending on the needs of the testing process. So don’t expect this to be simply a chance to play the game for free - your experience will be an interesting (and hopefully fun) one, but it will likely be quite different than that of someone buying the completed game upon release.
Now the details:
Timeline:
The testing application window is open until July 27th. After that, I will select 6-8 beta testers from the eligible applicants. Actual testing will likely run throughout August and September. Of course, all dates are subject to change, but that should be a rough guideline.
Application:
To apply as a tester, I need an email to midnight@midnightsynergy.com with the following information. (Please be entirely honest - don’t try to guess what I’m looking for - I’m looking for a variety of things, and not telling the truth on any of these questions may well hinder your chances of being selected).
1. Your full name, as well as your forum name.
2. Your age and current country of residence.
3. Your primary computer that will be used for testing: Desktop or laptop, which windows version, what graphics card (if known), the rough age of the computer. Note: your test version will be locked to a single computer.
4. A brief paragraph of why you want to be a tester.
5. A copy and paste of the following rules (read them first!):
“By submitting this application, I understand and agree to follow these rules:
a) I agree to not tell anyone on the forum about the outcome of the application - i.e. whether or not I have been selected as a beta tester. All beta testers will remain secret until Midnight Synergy announces the names (after the main testing period). I understand that this secrecy is important. I will not even hint at being selected or not selected as a beta tester!
b) If selected, I will receive a beta version of WA3 that will be locked specifically to my computer. I will not distribute this beta verison in any form.
c) An approximate testing window is August and September 2013. I understand that during those months I am expected to commit sufficient time (at minimum 4 hours a week) to play the game. (Note: you are of course allowed to go on holiday, play more one week and less one week, but you should have a decent amount of time for this project).
d) I am also required to communicate with other testers and submit regular written reports, including general comments, found bugs, etc. A special forum section will be made available for this purpose. I agree to be respectful to other testers on this forum section.
e) I understand that I may be asked to restart the game with a new version (losing progress), play only specific parts of the game, or follow other instructions to deal with unforseen circumstances. And just to let me know you are still reading this, replace this sentence in your application with one that says yes I am still reading this far. I understand that my experience of playing the game will likely be different than of someone who buys the finished product.
f) I accept the following compensation package upon completion of work:
i) A free copy of the finished game.
ii) A US $40 honorarium. A paypal account is required.
iii) My name (either full name or forum name) in the credits.”
Please do not post your application online on this forum, only via email. You may post any follow-up questions here, though. Any questions?
