What is it like to test a game in development? What are some of the challenges? These are some of the questions we wanted to know. So we went behind the scenes an interviewed Prodipto Roy (a.k.a. Pro), a games tester for Catan Online.  We asked him to share with us some of his day-to-day activities in working on the Catan Online game.

MSN Games: Tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you do, what projects are you working on, and what are some of your favorite hobbies?
Pro: My official title at MSN Games is “Software Test Engineer” although we use the term “Tester” or “STE” interchangeably.  My current focus is solely on the Catan Online subscription service and the Catan download game.  Amazingly enough, my hobbies are principally playing games of all sorts (board games, card games, roleplaying games, and yes a few computer games).  I also like watching movies, reading, and costuming.

MSN Games: When was the first time you played The Settlers of Catan board game? What do you like about the board game?
Pro: My first time playing The Settlers of Catan was at a local science fiction convention six or seven years ago.  I’m a big fan of strategic expansion games, so The Settlers of Catan intrigued me immediately.  Some years and several hundred games later, I still don't feel like I've played the same game twice.

MSN Games: If you could change anything about the board game what would it be?
Pro: I think the core game is very solid as it is.  I don’t think I’d want to change anything fundamental about the rules.  It’d sure be nice if setting up the board went a little quicker, but it’s still faster than some other games out there.

MSN Games: How long have you been working on the Catan Online game? What areas are you specifically working on?
Pro: I’ve been working on Catan and Catan Online since the end of March.  I’m the primary tester for the game, so I haven’t been specifically on any area, but more testing both versions of the game as a whole.  My focus is changing more toward the online version now.

MSN Games: Share with us some of the challenges of working on the online version.
Pro: The biggest challenge is coordinating with all the people involved.  While we are developing the platform that Catan Online will be sitting on here at MSN Games, Castle Hill Studios is developing the online game itself.  A lot of times it’s been tricky, particularly with the three hour time difference between MSN Games and Castle Hill to keep coordinated as we progress.  Logistics aside though, it’s critical that we capture the “feel” of the board game in the online version.  To that end, there is a lot of subjective analysis we have to do to make sure the online version delivers a similar experience to players as the tabletop game.

MSN Games: Is part of your job to make sure that the online version is close to the board game? Or is that the developer’s responsibility? How is the online version coming along?
Pro: I answered this a little in the previous question.  It’s pretty much a shared responsibility with everyone involved on the project to try to make this as close to the board game as possible.  There are plenty of discussions and debates among the team to make sure we meet that vision.

MSN Games: Can you share with us some of the cool things we can anticipate in the online version that’s not available in the board game?
Pro: The first and most obvious is the automatic board setup.  Without a doubt, one of the deterrents to playing The Settlers of Catan board game is the time spent in game setup, with randomizing the board, shuffling cards, etc.  With all this handled for you, entering the game is much simplier.  Additionally, players will see a robust computer players, with several settings to adjust the difficulty of the game in the downloadable version.  The trade interface will be new to players, but will capture the fun of working resource trades with other players around a table.

MSN Games: In your opinion what do you think players are going to love about the online version?
Pro: Getting in and playing right away is hands-down the greatest thing for players.  With the board game, you have to have at least three players just to start a game.  With the online game, there are numerous ways to get those three to four players you need.  With our automated matching service, you can be hooked up with players from around the world, or you can fill seats with computer players.  Players will still be able to invite their friends to play as well.  And if a player ever has to leave, the game will quickly fill the seat with a computer player so the game can continue.

MSN Games: Any other thoughts you’d like to share with our readers?
Pro: As a games enthusiast, I’ve considered it a true privilege to work on Catan Online.  Hopefully we’ll see you all out there playing this winter!