Beta testing is the final stage before the game is released. When a program is first written it is tested only by a few people, usually all within the company. That's called an alpha release. It is then tested by a larger group of people who look out for bugs and make suggestions for possible improvements. That's the beta release. Sometimes a company can make several beta releases available in fairly quick succession for re-testing as bugs are fixed and areas are polished up. The main advantage of the larger group is that they can find out how it runs on a variety of computers, and it is more likely that bugs will be spotted.

Some beta tests are "open betas", which anyone can join in so long as they don't mind using unfinished software. LDW, though, uses "closed betas", where they invite the testers individully. See the Beta Testing thread for more information.

Don't get too excited because it's in the final stage and expect VV4 to be out tomorrow! There really is no way for the developer to tell when a beta test will be over, because it depends a lot on bugs found and their severity. I've taken part in several beta tests for other software, and the testing periods ranged from a couple of weeks to over a year.

Looks Epic!!

Cant wait

can't wait for the game!

I can't wait!

I can see from all the posts that the servers for LDW are going to be busy the first day of release. Everyone is lining up for their copy of the game; and, I think, three will be plenty who will not do the trial.

Me, I'm going straight for the full download; don't need trials for LDW games.

I'm with you there, QS!

I've got my birthday money set aside already, just awaiting (as patiently as I can--just picture me with tapping fingers asking "Is it done yet?" every few minutes) The screen pics are wonderfully tantalizing

Me too, I know it'll be a really nice game!

I know! I just saw the screenshots, and they look awesome! By the way, arnie, I was wondering if you have graphic designers in your company. I want to be a game designer(mostly for graphics) and I don't know much about designing games, though I have used my dad's old software, Bryce2, but I'm not that good.

I wonder what the selecting villagers thing is for? Maybe you can select the people to start your tribe! Or it could be for selecing a family. I AM SOOOO EXITED!!!!!!!

I tried vv3 and vf, but I know I'm going to buy this one the moment it comes out.