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I recently got my hands on a Starcraft II beta key and although I’m itching to play, I started wondering about the utility of Beta Programs. The basic idea is that you allow a whole mess of people to play your game in exchange for free Quality Assurance. People play, find problems, submit metrics for the developers to analyze and the developers polish the game. The PTR in WOW does essentially the same thing. In exchange for free labor, players get to see content before anyone else and gain +10 points to their nerd cred. (I’m sure you’ve run across these guys in WoW, their text registering in your head as a naisely, librarian voice, “Well, I consider myself and authority on Azeroth since I’ve been playing since Beta.”)

How many people actually do what they’re supposed to do in Beta programs? Are players assiduously documenting issues they come across in game? Noting the precise balance between different units? Are they making regular reports back to Blizzard on their experiences in game? The short answer is: no. Players are playing simply to play. If they do come across a problem, it most likely deals with something that is so obviously broken that Blizzard wouldn’t have needed several thousand players to find in the first place.

The real reason to have Beta Tests is not necessarily to test, but to get our collective nerd blood racing. No doubt many people, such as myself, have been given access to the Beta and are reporting back their experiences in game (and if Blizzard’s previous track record is any indication, their experiences are most likely extremely positive). So, I will be doing the same. I’ve taken a deep drink of the Kool Aid and now I’ll be spreading the gospel of Starcraft II. Please feel free to load me up with any questions or requests so that I can give you all some insight into the game.