Developers typically pre-release test their games by distributing Steam beta keys; Valve calls these "release override keys" to allow access to the game before release, and developers want more than 1,000! If they want more than 1,000, they must contact Valve.

This is an imperfect system, and today Valve announced an alternative, called Steam Playtest. in Playtest, users register their interest in beta testing by clicking the "Request Access" button on the game's store page on the game's store page. The developer can then grant access to players in bulk through the Steam control panel. No keys are sent or redeemed.

In addition to simplifying the process, Playtest solves some of the behind-the-scenes problems with beta keys: like the Steam demo, the Playtest beta will have its own identity on Steam, separate from the actual game being tested. In other words, Steam Playtest will not cancel out or conflict with the Wishlists of the actual game, and Steam Playtest owners will not be able to write user reviews."

This is because providing early access to a game without creating a secondary ID could result in wishlists being cancelled (since the beta testers would "own" the game) or give users the ability to post reviews before release. Wishlists also affect promotion on Steam and are one way for developers to predict how well a game will do at launch.

"We have seen many other surprising or unofficial solutions to the same set of problems," Valve writes in its Steam Playtest FAQ. They offer demos that are simply open betas, or ship free "prologue" games to build momentum. Developers used every tool they could to build community and collect playtest data. It would be great to solve those problems, so we want to provide an official, well-supported solution that is easier for developers and more consistent for players."

Many developers will probably continue with the old way, as it gives them the freedom to run beta key giveaways on multiple websites and share keys on fan mailing lists they manage. However, Playtest seems to solve some serious problems and make the process of running a beta easier.

Interestingly, Steam Playtest is currently in beta, and interested developers must request access if they want to try it out. When it is ready, however, it will be "self-service."

"Steam Playtest is free for both developers and customers," Valve wrote. "It does not support commerce or monetization and is not a replacement for Steam Early Access; Steam Playtest can be used before Early Access or in parallel with Early Access.

The last sentence is an important distinction. Early Access is a category of games on Steam. Early Access games are unfinished, but are available for purchase and will be available until "launch"; Steam Playtests are for temporary access to a game for testing, and participation in a Playtest must be free. Valve states that "monetizing Playtest through in-game trading or selling access is prohibited."

Finally, the Total War Elysium example image above is not just a mockup; you can request access to Elysium's Playtest on Steam. When I tried it, access was granted immediately.