After the results form our Beta Community Testing were proved successfully we started to brainstorm on how to mitigate the high fluctuation of our testers. The main focus was on improving the motivation over a longer time period.

LONGTERM MOTIVATION

As there was no goal a tester could achieve over time we started to give points for each valid bug report and composed an everlasting leaderboard. With defined levels which granted higher bonuses and a variety of badges the testers stayed for longer as they were further motivated to reach higher levels. Even a couple of old testers returned.

After some time the leaderboard was growing but especially new testers were frustrated rather early as they thought they had no chance to reach the top ranks.

MIDTERM MOTIVATION

Seasons were also a leaderboard but in a smaller scale and only lasting for 3 months. To give a different motivation we handed out in-game items instead in-game currency. With this setup also new testers had a chance to reach one of the top ranks and test for glory.

Overall the fluctuation of our testers was now tackled, they stayed for around 5 to 10 sessions with us instead of only 1 or 2.

As all this composing was done manually at first you can think on how time consuming it was, so an automated process was our next goal. Maybe more on it next time.