| • | Beta - Accepting |
| | The game developer is accepting beta applications. In this development phase, only a limited number of testers are chosen to play the game. |
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| • | Beta - Closed |
| | Typically following the Beta – Accepting phase, no new testers will be accepted during this development phase. |
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| • | Beta - Open |
| | This is generally the last phase of testing before a game goes Gold. Anyone can sign up to test the game. |
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| • | Development |
| | The earliest stage of development where no playable versions of the game are available. |
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| • | Gold |
| | Playable by all, the game has been released to the general public and is no longer under development other than patches or expansions packs. |
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