Hello everyone! Providing the best experience for our players has always been our focus here at thatgamecompany, and we want to thank our beta testers who have helped us on this journey. We’re excited to share some changes in how we handle beta moving forward to further improve how we work together and build an even stronger connection with our testers.
Sky has grown so much over the years. Our teams have tried to balance changes to the development and production process with the demands it all puts on the studio’s beta testing structure—which has been mostly unchanged since 2018—but it was clear that we needed to evolve the process to make improvements.
Starting on March 20th, we’ll be restructuring our beta program to improve feedback collection, enhance security against hacked leaks, and create a more efficient testing process which will allow us to partner more closely with our testers. As part of this transition, on this day all existing beta access will be removed and beta accounts will be reset.
Players interested in participating in the beta program can apply through an open application process, and we’ll select testers from the applicant pool when participants are needed. We’ll rotate new testing groups too, which will create opportunities for even more dynamic feedback from various perspectives as more people participate in testing.
Key Changes and What to Expect
- New application process: Instead of first-come-first-served invite links, Sky players interested in helping to test can apply through a questionnaire—we’ll share the form soon! When new groups of testers are needed, applicants will be contacted directly.
- Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) required: Testers will need to sign an NDA, meaning no beta footage or content can be recorded or shared outside of designated private beta channels on Discord.
- Discord-focused testing community: Our official Sky server will be the center of feedback, conversation, and reporting for everyone participating in a round of testing.
This was a tough decision, as we have relied on our entire beta community who has always been there for us. We wanted to address the ongoing concerns and take meaningful steps to create the best version of Sky with your valued feedback.
Why These Changes?
This new approach allows us to:
- Gather more structured and more varied feedback
- Ensure greater security for in-development content
- Maintain higher testing standards for future updates
Next Steps and Timeline
Beta will be shut down on March 20th. Exact dates are subject to change, but we plan to share the beta testing sign-up form within the next few weeks. Our new beta program will reopen around the week of April 14th.
A Message to Our Community
We deeply appreciate the passion and dedication of our players. While these adjustments will take some getting used to, we’re confident they will lead to a stronger game with smoother updates for everyone.
Hand in hand, we’re building a better Sky—and we look forward to collaborating with our testers to make that happen. Thank you for your continued support, and for flying in the skies with us together!