betas, ndas, and bears, oh my!

[NoahsMyBro]

As I just wrote in another thread, I seldom play any in-depth games on the PC. That is likely to change soon.

I've just received an invite to participate in a beta-test for a new (I think online) PC game. I will need to sign an 8 page NDA, after which I'll receive info to get to the game.

I've never beta-tested anything before, and I've never signed an NDA. While I don't think anything significant would happen if I said something I shouldn't, I can't afford to risk anything so I'm erring on the side of silence here. One thing that struck me in the agreement was a line that basically said, 'we can't exactly determine what harm will come to us if you do soemthing forbidden, so we agree the damages are $100,000.' WHEW! I'm certainly not going to f@#$k with them. I can't even afford to phone a lawyer for an appointment, regardless of any merit to a complaint.

BUT I don't expect any trouble, and hopefully the game will be fun, so I'm going to do it. Once I can say more, I'll post more details. I'm excited.

-- Steve

[Bratwurst]

I smell a TRAP.

[Darth Sensei]

I smell a TRAP.

I'd be careful too. Is this a major company offering the beta test? How did they get your name? :hmm:

[linlhutz]

I've just received an invite to participate in a beta-test for a new (I think online) PC game. I will need to sign an 8 page NDA, after which I'll receive info to get to the game.

Glad to hear it. Beta testing can be a very rewarding process and can also be a way into the world of game developing if you so choose that route.


I've never beta-tested anything before, and I've never signed an NDA. While I don't think anything significant would happen if I said something I shouldn't, I can't afford to risk anything so I'm erring on the side of silence here. One thing that struck me in the agreement was a line that basically said, 'we can't exactly determine what harm will come to us if you do soemthing forbidden, so we agree the damages are $100,000.' WHEW! I'm certainly not going to f@#$k with them. I can't even afford to phone a lawyer for an appointment, regardless of any merit to a complaint.

I wouldnt let the NDA scare you too much. It's basically there to make sure you dont leak the game or any spoilers. So dont think about ripping it and throwing it on Kazaa or anything like that :)
Most beta discs have code that is unique to the person the disc is sent to. So if you leak it, they will know exactly where it came from.
This being a MMORPG, I would assume a login/password would be assigned so that should'nt be a problem.

All I can say is read the NDA carefully. Some NDAs specifically spell out that you not even admit you are a tester on the project. I wouldnt worry about getting fined for something like that though. But you may get removed from the beta program. If you have any questions dont be afraid to use the beta testing board. The developers are there to help and I'm sure will be happy to answer questions like that. Better to be safe then just assume its OK.


BUT I don't expect any trouble, and hopefully the game will be fun, so I'm going to do it. Once I can say more, I'll post more details. I'm excited.

I'm sure you will have a blast. Just be careful what you post :P

[Bratwurst]

Really, I was being facetious with that comment up there. Legal contracts can also protect YOU just as much as the company, but the onus is on the signee in the end to read the fine print.

[bigdaddychester]

Just exactly how do you become a beta tester? Is there an application or a company that screens for possible candidates?

[WiseSalesman]

I love the word onus.

[Arcade Antics]

I smell a TRAP.

http://www.eyeonstarwars.com/trilogy/character/images/ackbar.jpg
"IT'S A TRAP!"

Sorry, I think of that every time I hear the word "trap" and it always cracks me up. :)

@Steve: Just make sure you read the NDA carefully... and game ON!

[NoahsMyBro]

This is with a mainstream game development company. I don't remember the details at all, and I had completely forgotten about this whole thing until I got the email this morning about it. Some time ago (maybe a month or two?) I came across info somewhere online about registering to be a beta tester for this game. I registered, and then forgot all about it until today.

As I've liked pretty much everything I've played that's come out from this company, even the games that most players considered only average, I'm looking forward to it.

[Bratwurst]

I love the word onus.

A letter away from the bootey term.



http://www.eyeonstarwars.com/trilogy/character/images/ackbar.jpg
"IT'S A TRAP!"

YUS

[ManekiNeko]

If there's anything I've learned from The Simpsons, it's not to take legal advice from Lionel Hutz. LOL

JR

[hezeuschrist]

I'm sure it's not going to be in the NDA that you can't say what game you're testing.