Prototype

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

• Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (drx Beta) (Sega Mega Drive/Genesis)
• Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Wai Beta) (Sega Mega Drive/Genesis)
• CD Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Mega CD)
• Sonic Crackers (Sega Mega Drive/Genesis)
• Sonic 3D (Sega Mega Drive/Genesis)

Unavailable

• Sonic X-treme (Sega Saturn)