Playtesting

As I mentioned on the main Discworld page, I help out on the Discworld by working as a Playtester. This basically means that I go to new areas which have just been coded, and wonder around trying to find bugs and typos, which I then report so that they get fixed before these areas are put into the main area of the game.

The Discworld is growing rapidly at the moment, with a number of really exciting areas currently in the testing stage, and more to come. I can't really tell you much about these areas though, although some gossip does filter through to the normal players. I also get to test new weapons, and also new commands before they enter the game. While this all sounds fun it carrys with it some degree of responsibilty - Playtesters are trusted that they'll report bugs rather than abuse them, and also have to achieve a certain quota of bugs found per numbers of hours online, to ensure that they keep working. Don't worry though, if you're interested in helping out by becoming a playtester - the quota isn't that high and is very easily achieved - there are lots of bugs out there, from silly typos, to major things that cause you to break.

If you are interested in becoming a playtester, the first thing you must do is wait for the applications to open. This is announced on the frog board (which can be viewed on the web, or in the Mended Drum). Once applications are opened you have around two weeks to apply. In order to apply, you need to get three people to vouch for you - this involves them going to the Patricians palace (where you applied) and writing a short statement about why they think you'd make a good (or bad) playtester. You need to choose those who vouch for you carefully - some players will know you better than others, and some are more highly regarded than others. Once these people have vouched for you, your application is sent to Laurana, who will review all the applications after the deadline closes, and will then make her choices.

A few things would help you in your application. Firstly, you need to show a good knowledge of the Disc (after all - how are you going to find bugs if you don't know your way around), and also have completed a good number of quests (Quests go through playtesting just as everything else, and obviously the creators would rather have playtesters who can work through them and figure them out).

You must also be a reasonably high level, though how high I guess depends on Laurana. This is simply so that you can test the weapons and commands better - there's no point having a command you can't use, since this is no use to those who coded it.

Well... I guess that covers it. The last time applications were open was during November 2000... and I think they come around every six months to a year... so plenty of time for you to make contacts and get to know the Disc - happy hunting :)

Mail me here, or return to the main Discworld page here...