I don't see it as labels driving action. I see it as labels clearly defining at what point of development a piece of software is in so the consumer knows what to expect.
The issue is that Early Access has corrupted the meaning of Alpha as most software in EA should be considered Pre-Alpha as per the definition supplied bu an industry dev.
Regarding the "Near beta" thing, it's because it's been stated twice now. I believe it was the video where MM was showing off his castle build and the copy rotation function for A16. He stated THEN that A16 was likely going to be the last Alpha... and then it wasn't. Now A17 is apparently going to be the "last Alpha" and we're looking at going gold in 2019. That's why I'm concerned about ripping things out and bringing out the actual definition of "Alpha Software" when people try to justify it with that reasoning.
That is not what Alpha is for. That is what pre-alpha is for. If people wish to defend the decisions that TFP make, at least say "Well it's early access" but I'm still going to counter with the evidence that we've apparently been "on the last alpha" or "close to beta" twice now.
Thats cool. I understand what you are saying now so far as clear communication goes with the customer. That's all really marketing when it comes to conveying a state to the consumer. I can cede that part of this certainly. However, I would maintain my thought that, calling the stage alpha does not actually do anything for the production. If TFP have a workflow then they can technically arrange and name it however they want or not use names at all. At best its just stating round about where they feel they are in the process. The way I personally feel is that Alpha is for building, making systems, connecting things, testing how that works until you get the engine/parts working they way you need it. Beta would then be for the polish and fine tuning of established systems. But again, regardless of what I call these stages, it doesn't change what I am actually doing. I am just doing what needs to be done, or more accurately, what I want to be done. (In this case of course its what TFP want to do)
So my thought is, standardizing a general state of the game to the customer is a plus...agreed. But having the name of alpha telling you what you can and can't do as opposed to doing what needs to be done, I am not sold on. I feel TFP have explained to final points that this game is a work in progress and things are going to be added and removed until the mix feels right.
They are not mass producing cars on an assembly line like most AAA publishers do with their games...where you have a station for these things to be done, and on down the assembly line it goes from alpha to gold.
Think of this more as they are custom building a dream car...restoring an old classic or tricking out a new car of their dreams, (Dragula anyone?
) Soooo yeah, they are trying different pieces to make this car the exact car they want, seeing it come together, and taking liberties to go back and change some things to facilitate new stuff they still want to incorporate...there is no assembly line process for this because its a custom or even a "concept car". This is crafting a game...not producing a game. If they are saying they are somewhere near the stage where the engine is good, and all the doors and wheels are on but they need to go with a different hood or alternator or what not...they can do that without having to cause "backup" on an assembly line. It may slow them down from getting to the painting stage, sure...but its not like there is another car right behind it thats needing to be produced and shoved out the door....this is their DREAM game...levity to ignore the label of Alpha because its not following a paint by numbers production...this is custom. Alpha, Beta just doesn't really matter, its attaching arbitrary labels from one system of mass production to the process of hand crafting...its very approximate and that is all. Calling it spaghetti and meatballs as the current state it is in could be accurate, or Frankenstein state...it has no actual bearing on how they are doing it. From where I see it anyway.
Again, I see what you are saying about the label not matching the work lineup in what the industry has set forth...but they don't actually have to, or even benefit from a name. TFP = Rebels....and bless them for being so!
