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Sony launches Beta Program to allow testing of new titles

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Bristol, UK
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The new Beta Program for PlayStation will provide a hub to keep track of any and all pre-release tests for upcoming PS5 and PC games, Sony has announced.

A new initiative by Sony will allow easier tracking and access to beta versions of new titles, according to the company’s latest blog post.

Suitably titled the ‘Beta Program,’ this feature will work in a similar way to Microsoft’s Xbox Insider program, which allows players to register interest in a range of tests for new games and features.

If you want to get involved, you’ll need a valid PlayStation Network account, live in a supported region and be above the legal age of requirement for your area. All sound good? Sign up your interest over at Sony’s dedicated landing page here.

All that’s well and good, but what will players actually do as part of the program?

 

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Those who sign up will be able to test new on-console functionality and system software updates, meaning they’ll be able to try out new features before they’re finalised. This might include user interface tweaks, menu changes, or brand-new capabilities. Expect surveys and feedback forms aplenty.

This extends to Sony’s PlayStation App and website, where players can provide their thoughts on the latest changes and patch updates.

Perhaps most importantly, participants will have access to new games before they’re finished or released, at various stages of development. Creators will want feedback and test information on areas like usability, fun, or glaring problems. This will be both on PC and PS5.

In theory, the Beta Program should help to eliminate rocky day one launches of big AAA titles. Gaming in the modern era is rife with buggy releases, bloated gameplay, microtransactions, sloppy AI art, and tons of unfinished, messy games that haven’t been adequately tested before being pushed out the door.

With more users providing feedback earlier in the process, we may be able to promote more stable games that don’t need years more work after launch.

In addition, the ability to test Sony’s other products with new features could also see much-needed improvement in areas outside of games, such as the PlayStation mobile app. As a product it is currently quite buggy and still needs a lot of work. The Beta Program may be ale to streamline this process and ultimately improve the consumer experience.

This news comes weeks after Microsoft announced several of its exclusive titles were to be brought to PlayStation, suggesting an abandonment of the console wars that has dominated the industry for nearly three decades.

With Sony now also following other competitors in bringing extra feedback options to players, we could be in for more stable, polished releases before launch. One can dream, at least.

You can sign up for the Beta Program here.

Senior Remote Writer Bristol, UK

I’m Charlie (He/Him), a Senior Remote Writer at Thred. I was previously the Editor at Thred before moving to Bristol in 2024. As a music and gaming enthusiast, I’m a nerd for pop culture. You can find me curating playlists, designing article headline images, and sipping cider on a Thursday. Follow me on LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.

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