Steam Playtest simplifies beta testing of PC games

Valve has introduced a new feature to Steam to allow developers to pre-test their games with players before release. This feature, called Steam Playtest, appears to be a viable alternative to current technology that involves demo and beta key releases.

Steam Playtest allows developers to invite players to test their games. However, no keys or external mailing lists are required . Developers can control how many players can access the game, when they can access it, when to invite more players, and when to end the testing program.

Players will see a “Request Access” button on Steam’s game listing page to participate in the testing program. Click the “Request Access” button to be added to the queue of other interested players. Developers can then approve players in the queue. This feature is currently available in games such as Total War: Elysium, Prodeus, and Iron Conflict.

Steam Playtest creates a second child appID to separate your tests from the actual game. “This means that Steam Playtest will not cancel or conflict with your actual game wishlist, and Steam Playtest owners will not be able to write user reviews,” Valve explains. .

Steam Playtest is currently in beta. Interested developers can use Steam’s contact form to participate in Playtest before the full-scale rollout begins. Valve promises to make the tool autonomous in the coming months.

Valve has made it clear that Steam Playtest is not a replacement for Steam Early Access. Additionally, the company says developers can use Steam Playtests before or in parallel with Early Access to get relevant feedback from players.