There's a number of questions one could ask when considering a game demo or beta. This is the thread to discuss them.
- What is the difference between a demo and a beta (and an alpha/release candidate/other terms)? Is there a distinction here in the Game Dev section, or is it just a personal naming preference?
- What tends to be included in a demo and/or beta? What do you think should be included in them?
- What are the advantages/disadvantages of releasing them?
- Should they be released at all?
Answers below!
As a commercial Game Programmer, I'll answer the following questions.
An
Alpha is a Feature Complete Stage, which means that nobody cares about how your game looks like, as long as all features are fully implemented, and you have at least 1 playable Level.
Stuff like Menus, Credits, Level Clear, etc. are none of the importance for now.
A
Beta is practically a complete game, all Features AND Assets have to be completed.
All you see in the Beta is what you see in the Final product, but they can possibly be subject for change, that's what I'll explain in the next paragraph.
A
Release Candidate is a Stage where you do all the legal paperwork (Age Ratings, Publisher Agreements, Translations, Lot Checking (if releasing on a Console/Handheld), etc.), as well as QA Testing.
Based on the feedback of QA Testers, you'll provide eventual changes to a game.
For the most of the time, the changes are based on Level Design, but it might occur a Tester says something like, "The wall is to scary, change it!", so an Artist needs to make a different Texture for that wall.
Now up to the second question.
There is a difference between a Demo and an Open Beta.
Open Betas are usually provided by PC/Mac/Linux, Web, or Mobile Developers, where the general public provides them a feedback, instead of their own QA Team (if they have any).
A Demo is usually provided when the game is almost ready to go on sale, so people can try a section of the game, in order to be satisfied enough to buy it.
The answer of the third question is basically already included in the second question.
As for the forth question, it's all up to you to release them or not.
When working on a Console and/or Handheld, make sure you notify Nintendo/Sony/Microsoft much ahead of time about that, Lot Checking for Demos is the same as for the Full Game.