When a video game is about to launch in the future, its fans like to call it by various weird names like alpha or beta. Today, we’ll explain what that first phrase means!
Curious about this alpha thing everyone’s talking about but have no idea where to find the answer? Welcome to our quick Alpha Explained!
Alpha Meaning in Games
In the video game development process, alpha refers to one of the early stages of the game’s existence. Preceded by pre-alpha and replaced by beta, alpha is when the title is already playable but still incomplete. While not yet ready for public testing, the game undergoes alpha tests by the developer and a small group of pro testers.
What is Alpha Version?
The alpha version of a game is technically playable but pretty raw. It doesn’t have the full content, the mechanics don’t work as they should, bugs are everywhere, and the physics still needs some polish. That’s why the title requires a lot of testing before it enters the next development stage, beta.
Games Released in Alpha
- Indie Games
Since indie developers often don’t have resources for creating games and are several-person (or even one-person) studios, they tend to release titles in alpha to gather the necessary feedback and finances for further development. Thanks to this strategy, players can support a promising developer with funds and opinions, enjoying a sense of involvement in return.
Created by Markus “Notch” Persson, alpha Minecraft saw the light of the day on May 17, 2009. Despite many bugs and overall rawness, the title gained tremendous recognition from players who had the opportunity to test it. Hence, its massive popularity today!
- Star Citizen
It’s a unique MMO game that remains in the alpha phase. While no one knows when the title will officially launch, it’s gathering an enthusiastic fanbase that loves to put it through many challenging tests.
Although a title in its early alpha development stage may initially sound uninteresting, the examples above prove it’s a truly inspiring moment in any game’s life. That’s when indie titles shine, engaging audiences with their content from the very first, not-so-perfect days.