I searched the ASSEMBler wiki but couldn't find the answer. So I'll just ask: What is the difference between a prototype and alphas/betas? I know alphas/betas are early builds of games, so is a prototype a near finished/finished version of a game? Just wondering.
hehe, I answered that some time ago! A prototype is generally something that is one of a kind, for "proof of concept". Take an example from cars. A prototype Lamborghini is a one of a kind car used for an expo, or to prove a concept. It may be 100% complete, but it is not in production form. An alpha (α) is a very/extremely early version of a machine/software/game/whatever. The words beta (β) is used to describe an item which is nearing its final shape and form, and having achieved usually above 50% of completion.
in its own way yes. A prototype, being a proof or demonstration of a concept, can be considered complete in its purpose of demonstrating or proving a concept. Unlike an Alpha/Beta, a prototype is not a stage in the game's development. It's before the game's development. The procedure of prototyping is summerized as creating the First Type from the greek words Protos Typos (πρωτότυπος) which is literally translated as "original" and "innovative". Clearly, in terms of gaming, a prototype, being an exhibitional object, does not need to conform with debugging etc, beyond the needs of the presentation. Prototypes can be further categorized (in hardware and software as well) as Prototype Majoris, and Prototype Minoris (both latin) Prototype Majoris designs are the "broad brush" examples, which are not refined for cost-efficiency or taking into consideration other balancing factors. Such example would be the nickel XBOX chassis originally presented. Over-ambitious working demos of games are included in this category. Prototype Minoris are those which are below the standards of the final commercial product. Be it an underpowered console (but not an alpha kit) or a conceptual design (eg the PSP concept initialy released to the media) the time line of a prototype would be this: [prototype A] [prototype B] .................. [prototype n] If one of those candidates is approved for further materializing and mass production, then the Alpha is built upon the knowledge gained by the prototype. More than one prototypes can be chosen, resulting in different projects. important note: Obviously, a software (and only a software, not hardware) cannot be confined to having only ONE copy, because developers make constant backups (hopefully for their own sake) etc. of their works. However, it is safe to assume that one original copy of a prototype (and not a demo build) is what "makes it" out of the studio for whatever presentation purposes. Regarding hardware, there may be many prototypes, but no duplicates (or VERY EXTREMELY RARELY), as the object is usually shown behind closed doors for conceptual purposes. As such, there's no such thing as "only 10 same prototypes of XBOX 360" but there can be "10 different prototypes of XBOX 360" -- Demo builds are not prototypes 99% of the time. The word Demo derives from demonstration, but it is often used to mean public and not limited demonstration, and is intended to be something which is either a) distributed as a sample among a circle of people or b) used to exhibit an item to a range of people (although they may not be able to take it with them). Demos are meant to be interactive as demonstrations, and a marketing tool. As such, they represent efforts built upon Alpha and Beta project states. PS: your question is not dumb at all. This should be made a sticky, as it would help determine the value of an item more accurately, considering most people use the words "beta, prototype" and "alpha" whenever they please, creating different emotions regarding rareness and availability of an item, often driving prices higher than they should be. I would go as far as to suggest that a rule be made that Marketplace posters should "filter through" their items in the above "test" in naming their items of sale, in keeping with the formalities and technicalities, and distuinguishing truly rare items from mere demos.
An alpha or beta is an example of a prototype of a game that is in development. "Alpha", "Beta", etc are terms used for stages in the development process, usually attributed to versions of incomplete software built for testing purposes. Once the development is complete, the prototype moves into the final build which is the version you or I would normally get to buy in a store and play. Edit, for clarity: Basically an incomplete game is called a prototype until it is completed. At least, that is what I was taught.
Not discrediting Taucias, prototyping in manufacturing takes place right after RnD. Alpha and Beta follow. You can have Alpha and Beta stages OF a prototype nevertheless! (although that is extremely rare as a tangible object is labeled a prototype on its slightest ilteration) In my view, keeping the technical distinction would perhaps serve the price-comparison mentioned earlier and the collector's status of the object in question. To be fair though, your distinction centers more on software whilst the technical approach is more clearly depicted in the case of hardware.
With engineering the process is different, you make prototypes until you get to the final design, then you move it to mass production. But in games the process of building a game is somewhat embryonic, meaning that it evolves as features are introduced and things are taken out, so the game is always a prototype until it is finished. Phew.
Hmm... Well, I got in contact with the guy I'm buying it from, and he says he's never had the means to boot it up. So I guess I need a dev kit too if I want to play a prototype?
thats another topic some debug builds run on standard consoles, some don't (eg NR-reader) and some images aren't yet compiled in their final master disc format and need a test environment (like a GDEV) what's the medium the software is on? what platform?
'Tis a Saturn proto. Don't know what kind of disc its on though... The seller said he never had the means to boot it though. So I'm guessing I'm going to have to buy a devkit. *sigh*
i have no expertise on Sophia and Saturn dev units. Others here will most definetely do. Your best shot is to scroll down the main forum page and spot some member discussing on related matters in the appropriate category of development.
I think Prototypes should be reffered to as "Omegas" from now on. Come on, it sounds awesome. :icon_bigg
