Alpha & Beta

[Joëlle_]

I often see "alpha games" or "beta games" written here and there...
What does it mean? What's the difference between the two?
If someone is able to explain it in simple words - it would be much appreciated!
Thanks

[Meeplelowda]

I often see "alpha games" or "beta games" written here and there...
What does it mean? What's the difference between the two?
If someone is able to explain it in simple words - it would be much appreciated!
Thanks

Alpha and Beta testing are software development phases. Alpha and Beta games on BGA are in one of those two phases of testing. There is a sub-forum for both Alpha and Beta games. Each one has a "read this first" post that explains what they are about. If you have questions after reading those, then I'm sure someone can clarify them.
Alpha games: general information (read this first)
Beta games information (read this first)

tl;dr
Alpha: intensive testing/bug reporting by a smallish group of players; not available (or even searchable) in the Games lobby
Beta: game opened up for more widespread play, i.e., it's visible in the Games lobby, but there can still be substantial bugs (which hopefully will be caught with many more users playing)

[Joëlle_]

I often see "alpha games" or "beta games" written here and there...
What does it mean? What's the difference between the two?
If someone is able to explain it in simple words - it would be much appreciated!
Thanks

Alpha and Beta testing are software development phases. Alpha and Beta games on BGA are in one of those two phases of testing. There is a sub-forum for both Alpha and Beta games. Each one has a "read this first" post that explains what they are about. If you have questions after reading those, then I'm sure someone can clarify them.
Alpha games: general information (read this first)
Beta games information (read this first)

tl;dr
Alpha: intensive testing/bug reporting by a smallish group of players; not available (or even searchable) in the Games lobby
Beta: game opened up for more widespread play, i.e., it's visible in the Games lobby, but there can still be substantial bugs (which hopefully will be caught with many more users playing)

Aaah oookay, so its not something that I can /have to choose (for exemple on my pc its better to play alpha and on my phone its better beta)
In short it changes nothing for me, I dont have to care about it Thanks for the answer, very appreciated!