Why Civ IV is doomed to be a hit? (the very smart move by Firaxis PR)

[asleepathewheel]

Originally posted by VetLegion
It could easily be solved by giving beta testers an additional title that says "Civ4-beta tester". Then people could judge for themselves. It's pretty confusing this way. For example, I have seen alva post a lot of positive comments, and only later I see him on the beta tester list (he has no title at all).

You should post that in the apolyton community forum

as far as alva goes, I wouldn't trust him anyway, beta or not

[Paddy]

Originally posted by Solver
Yes, that is a fair point. I said it, I do admit it that I'm not completely impartial - I can't be, being a part of the development process. I would still post negatively about it if I thought it's crap, though.

As for selecting players that don't run websites, there are two points:

1) The beta team consisted of more people than owners and moderators of sites. Check the list of testers, most of them don't run sites.

2) People who are moderators don't become so randomly. Moderators are among the most hardcore civvers, and the goal of Firaxis was largely to get many hardcore players on the team - that makes sense. Civrules, Chieftess, ainwood, Locutus, myself - these people are first civers, and only then moderators.

Well said Solver. We are glad that you were there.

[VetLegion]

Originally posted by Solver

It could easily be solved by giving them custom titles, then people could judge for themselves.

Wouldn't that be a bit like putting a label "they tested the game so don't trust them"?

Heh, you tell me

If you worry about that, then there is some fire where the smoke is.

[SITS]

Originally posted by Blackship


But, if you are part of the develpment process, and you have input as to the product you'll be reluctant to post negatively about the product...right? There is the smell of conflict of interest, whether or not there is one, especially as there are so many CIV players that could have been selected that don't run websites.

You see what I mean?

But if the beta testers from the Civ community are respected (everyone will have their own opinion!) then we need to trust that during their beta work they would have offered criticism etc. If it wasn't taken onboard and the community is complaining about a particular issue then surely they would say "I told them so..." The beta testers have their own reputation to protect as well.

[VetLegion]

The title "civ4-beta tester" is opinion-neutral IMO. It can infer respect, caution, fear, admiration, everything.

[Solver]

Originally posted by VetLegion
If you worry about that, then there is some fire where the smoke is.

Not at all, I just wouldn't want to see people being prejudiced towards certain posters because they're beta testers.

[Solver]

Originally posted by VetLegion
The title "civ4-beta tester" is opinion-neutral IMO. It can infer respect, caution, fear, admiration, everything.

That wouldn't be good either. When I say prejudice I mean any prejudice. Wouldn't be good to have the posters fear or admire the beta testers.

[VetLegion]

[Solver]

And I do have the fact of me beta testing the game in my signature as well .

[VetLegion]

I have signatures off. You also wrote the previews, but not everyone knows that either. Custom titles!

[Solver]

You can't have everyone know about anything, like we announced those previews all over the site, really. At least my custom title infers that I have *something* to do with Civ4 .

[vee4473]

Perhaps the question is: If Firaxis had 2 people, both equal in every respect as civvers except one was a mod on an influential civ website forum, then who would Firaxis choose as a beta tester? (assuming only one could be chosen)

Certainly the mod. And that's not a bad thing. A good PR gamble. Yet as Solver points out, minus any actual kickbacks, it could have easily backfired.

[Solver]

But then it's great that they weren't limited in their choice like this .

Take Aeson, he's the only one who has beaten Deity so far and, thus, he could provide feedback that no else could, obviously. It's great that Firaxis managed to make that diverse team.

[Willem]

Originally posted by Blackship


But, if you are part of the develpment process, and you have input as to the product you'll be reluctant to post negatively about the product...right? There is the smell of conflict of interest, whether or not there is one, especially as there are so many CIV players that could have been selected that don't run websites.

You see what I mean?

If you look at these forums as a whole though, Solver's, Mark G's etc. voices are quite small compared to the rest of the people who are for the most part confirming what the testers are saying about the game. If it was true that there was some cover up of a bad game, that ruse would be exposed very quickly. Which would also spell the end of these forums, since no one would trust them anymore and move on. So it wouldn't be in the Mods best interest overall to lie about their perceptions of the game.

[notyoueither]

They capitalised my username! They suck!