Difference between revisions of "Prototype"

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==Dictionary Definitions==
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A '''prototype''' is a stage of design before the final one. Prototype [[video game]]s are created during development for playtesting and bug reporting purposes. Usually, a prototype game doesn't leave the developers' offices, but occasionally one finds its way out and onto the internet.
===Webster's Dictionary definitions===
 
#An original model on which something is patterned.
 
#An individual that exhibits the essential features of a later type.
 
#A standard or typical example.
 
#A first full-scale and usually functional form of a new type or design of a construction (as an airplane).
 
  
===Dictionary.com's definitions [1 exception]===
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==Prototypical stages==
#An original type, form, or instance serving as a basis or standard for later stages.  
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* '''Alpha''' - the first or a very early build, demonstrating the game's engine with one or two levels.
#An original, full-scale, and usually working model of a new product or new version of an existing product.  
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* '''Beta''' - bearing some resemblance to the final game, often containing bugs or missing features.
#An early, typical example.  
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* '''Release candidate / prerelease''' - outwardly identical to the final game, but may contain minor bugs which have yet to be fixed. Prereleases are often sent to journalists to preview/review, and are sometimes released as demo or shareware software.
  
===Oxford's Dictionary definitions===
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==Examples of well-known prototypes==
#A first or preliminary form from which other forms are developed or copied.
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===Available on the internet===
#A typical example of something.
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* ''[[Sonic 2 Beta|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'' ([[Sega Megadrive]])
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* ''[[CD Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' ([[Sega CD|Sega Mega CD]])
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* ''[[Sonic Crackers]]'' (Sega Megadrive)
  
===Encarta.com Dictionary definitions [1 exception]===
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===Unavailable===
#Original used as model: something having the essential features of a subsequent type, and on which later forms are modeled.
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* ''[[Sonic X-treme]]'' ([[Sega Saturn]])
#Standard example: a standard example of a particular kind, class, or group.
 
#Full-size functional model: a first full-size functional model to be manufactured, for example, of a car or a machine.
 
  
 
[[Category:Definitions]]
 
[[Category:Definitions]]
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[[Category:Prereleases|*]]

Revision as of 12:20, 24 January 2006

A prototype is a stage of design before the final one. Prototype video games are created during development for playtesting and bug reporting purposes. Usually, a prototype game doesn't leave the developers' offices, but occasionally one finds its way out and onto the internet.

Prototypical stages

  • Alpha - the first or a very early build, demonstrating the game's engine with one or two levels.
  • Beta - bearing some resemblance to the final game, often containing bugs or missing features.
  • Release candidate / prerelease - outwardly identical to the final game, but may contain minor bugs which have yet to be fixed. Prereleases are often sent to journalists to preview/review, and are sometimes released as demo or shareware software.

Examples of well-known prototypes

Available on the internet

Unavailable