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Agent Lex

Beta testing puzzles

**Posted:** Mon Mar 09, 2009 6:16 pm

thebruce

that is an interesting proposal...

an image came to mind of a website where registered users could submit puzzles (of any kind really, text, images, tasks, etc), mark them as public or private, and choose to allow specific users, by their own choice, access to test the puzzles. The site would include the ability to comment (public or private) about the puzzles, and perhaps even the identity of the puzzle-creator/user could be anonymous as well.

As a creator, I could choose from the list of other users who I'd like to test my puzzle. If I want to remain anonymous, I can make the puzzle private, and my identity unknown. Then I'd watch as my selectees attempt to solve and comment on the puzzle.

As a player, I could look through public puzzles, perhaps browse by creator (only listed are those who have public puzzles), and check notifications for requests to attempt a puzzle. Those requests could be anonymous puzzles or not, public or private. Perhaps before seeing a private puzzle, I have to agree to a terms of use, just to ensure privacy. If/when I finish a puzzle, I can offer comments, criticisms, suggestions, compliments...

Unless...you were just meaning creating a group of people to accomplish something similar =)

**Posted:** Mon Mar 09, 2009 6:29 pm

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redct · Entrenched Joined: 20 Jun 2007 Posts: 1233

That website-based system sounds like it could work if you could get it self sustaining enough (i.e. people use it a while then slowly fades into obscurity).

**Posted:** Sun Apr 12, 2009 11:56 pm

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Dominic1978

I believe it's a great idea whether a site or a group of people judging and commenting on the puzzle.

One thing that could be a problem is that some puzzles can only be solved through knowledge of the backstory. Or through clues that players were supposed to pick up earlier in the game.

To have people test a puzzle like that that would mean you also have to provide this type of info, BUT when you provide this type of info the testers immediately know that it is important, while some players might overlook it during the actual game.

That's the only problem I can think of that could influence the testing.

Aside from that, I think it's a wonderful idea and if needed I would love to help out.

Greets, Dominic

**Posted:** Tue Apr 14, 2009 5:27 pm