During the early years of Shakes & Fidget, our testing process was informal, relying on Community Managers and engaged players to identify issues and provide input. As our game and vision grew, we saw the need for a more structured approach.

In 2023, we strengthened our Quality Assurance (QA) process with a dedicated internal team in QA and Development. A key turning point was the introduction of a Peer Group, originally formed to assist with server fusions and class balance discussions. This group quickly proved invaluable, providing feedback on new content such as the Sandstorm Dungeon before its release.

Recognizing their impact, we formalized their role and renamed them the Alpha Group. Their access to internal test servers and direct communication with our Game Design team allows us to gather crucial early-stage feedback on new content and features. The Alpha Group helps us fine-tune ideas, anticipate gameplay impacts, and detect bugs before broader testing begins.

A recent feature rework greatly benefited from their early involvement. The feedback we received encouraged us to remove certain behaviors from the rework concept, ensuring that long-term players would appreciate the enhancements implemented. The Alpha Group will continue to play a pivotal role in the testing phase before the feature moves into Beta and will be officially announced.

Their contributions enable us to pinpoint critical bugs and gain valuable insights into actual player behavior regarding various features. This collaboration ensures that our updates are well-received and polished before reaching the live servers.

Stay tuned for next week’s Producer's Note, where we will share insights regarding the personnel structure of the Alpha group.