So here we are about ready to start 2.5 beta, and we're working out some logistical concerns.
First off, one thing we are noticing is that there are still quite a few kinks to work out - it's pretty surprising just how much code changed while the gameplay, overall, remains relatively the same. That said, the game seems playable enough I think to warrant getting player input and prioritizing those broken things. But right now, there are still some gaps that, while they shouldn't be too hard to bang out, require some time. But getting all these listed and sorted is really important. We don't want to drag 2.5 out forever.
What this means is we're thinking about doing a two stage test - the first is really more of an alpha test where we know we've still got a lot wrong (strings, for example, are right now pretty busted up because they are all out of alignment between the two clients). For this "alpha" test, we'd ask for a subset of beta testers who REALLY want to help stabilize the game before a broader beta test. One way we thought about approaching this is to provide test characters (pre-leveled to various degrees, with known equipment) and allow people to do some work with those. The drawbacks to this approach are obvious, but it means less worrying about reimbursing gear and such while we expect there may be problems. Another approach is just the brute-force method of character copying and letting you use your live characters. This may sound more attractive, but bear in mind there's the chance of things like equipment loss and AAs and such not working initially.
Once we stabilize it in the alpha round, we will do proper character copies and link up experience and such so that you derive real benefit from participating in the beta. Hopefully that "alpha" round is short and we can move into beta quickly.
So with that, what do folks think? Do you prefer one over the other? Are there folks willing to truly brave the crazy initial release and provide feedback? We're asking a lot of you certainly, but hopefully the rewards of a new client and all the additional things it will allow us to do will be worth it.
My goal, time willing, would be to open up a few slots as soon as this weekend, with more people getting invited after the bonus exp week. But for folks who want in on that first round, we're very much looking for people who would be ok with putting in detailed bug reports, having zones crash on them on occasion, needing to get an item reimbursed, etc.
Anyway, post your thoughts on these topics here! I will follow up as we figure things out.
First off, one thing we are noticing is that there are still quite a few kinks to work out - it's pretty surprising just how much code changed while the gameplay, overall, remains relatively the same. That said, the game seems playable enough I think to warrant getting player input and prioritizing those broken things. But right now, there are still some gaps that, while they shouldn't be too hard to bang out, require some time. But getting all these listed and sorted is really important. We don't want to drag 2.5 out forever.
What this means is we're thinking about doing a two stage test - the first is really more of an alpha test where we know we've still got a lot wrong (strings, for example, are right now pretty busted up because they are all out of alignment between the two clients). For this "alpha" test, we'd ask for a subset of beta testers who REALLY want to help stabilize the game before a broader beta test. One way we thought about approaching this is to provide test characters (pre-leveled to various degrees, with known equipment) and allow people to do some work with those. The drawbacks to this approach are obvious, but it means less worrying about reimbursing gear and such while we expect there may be problems. Another approach is just the brute-force method of character copying and letting you use your live characters. This may sound more attractive, but bear in mind there's the chance of things like equipment loss and AAs and such not working initially.
Once we stabilize it in the alpha round, we will do proper character copies and link up experience and such so that you derive real benefit from participating in the beta. Hopefully that "alpha" round is short and we can move into beta quickly.
So with that, what do folks think? Do you prefer one over the other? Are there folks willing to truly brave the crazy initial release and provide feedback? We're asking a lot of you certainly, but hopefully the rewards of a new client and all the additional things it will allow us to do will be worth it.
My goal, time willing, would be to open up a few slots as soon as this weekend, with more people getting invited after the bonus exp week. But for folks who want in on that first round, we're very much looking for people who would be ok with putting in detailed bug reports, having zones crash on them on occasion, needing to get an item reimbursed, etc.
Anyway, post your thoughts on these topics here! I will follow up as we figure things out.