First playable[edit]
The
first playable is the game version containing representative gameplay and assets,
[154] this is the first version with functional major gameplay elements.
[155] It is often based on the prototype created in pre-production.
[156] Alpha and first playable are sometimes used to refer to a single milestone, however large projects require first playable before
feature complete alpha.
[155] First playable occurs 12 to 18 months before code release. It is sometimes referred to as the "Pre-Alpha" stage.
[158]
See also:
Alpha release
Alpha is the stage when key gameplay functionality is implemented, and assets are partially finished.
[158] A game in alpha is
feature complete, that is, game is playable and contains all the major features.
[159] These features may be further revised based on testing and feedback.
[158] Additional small, new features may be added, similarly planned, but unimplemented features may be dropped.
[159] Programmers focus mainly on finishing the codebase, rather than implementing additions.
[157]
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