Many articles ago I wrote on the subject of beta testing - serious gamers testing out company's games before release to search for bugs and other needed improvements. Beta testing seems to be only one of numerous ways gaming companies are trying to get consumers to help in the process of producing games currently. They're going out to the public for our ideas and thoughts. Two recent events reinforce this concept.
Railroad Tycoon II
Pop Top Software, makers of this update to Sid Meier's classic Railroad Tycoon, are asking for gamers' ideas on features used for the strategy game. To encourage participation, a contest has been set up. Gamers can contribute their thoughts on the upcoming game, and the top five ideas will be declared the winners. These lucky winners receive a free copy of the game Railroad Tycoon II, an HO gauge train model used in the game, and a mention in the game's credits. For game rules and other information on the contest, go to Pop Top Software's web site at http://www.poptop.com. The contest has been up and running for awhile now, but they'll accept ideas up to July 31, so start thinking. When the game arrives in stores near the end of the year, your name may appear in the credits.
Monopoly
This isn't exactly a computer game, but it involves computers. From now through September 30, Hasbro, creators of the board game, will have the polls open for you to vote. "Vote for what?" you ask. Hasbro has decided to add a new token to the classic game, and wants everyone to vote for his or her favorite. The options include a piggybank, sack of money, and biplane. The winner will be the first token addition in forty years. The victor will join the battleship, cannon, dog, horse and rider, iron, racecar, thimble, top hat and the wheelbarrow in their travels around the board to make money. To vote, go on over to the official Monopoly site at http://www.monopoly.com. Influence perhaps the greatest game ever made.
Not everyone can be a beta tester, but everyone can do something for gaming companies. With your vote or idea you can change games for the better. In some cases (like Railroad Tycoon II) you'll get the exposure and credit you desire. When you see your name emblazoned in tiny type, you'll know all your effort was worth it.
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