Beta Test Update [6/4/02]

[Hap]

Hmm... I'm surprised Fritz didn't leak a shot of the new desert map. Maybe I'll find it for you guys and post it the next update.

We've got some good progress thanks Juha's help. The listen server is querying and reporting to the master. It is reporting back players and ping. However, these still a major bug that Juha is looking into.

The dedicated server goes crashy crashy with the new query code. I'm working on it. I'm predicting we will have the dedicated server beta test by the end of this week. (Don't hold me to it.)

[Updated Beta Testing Schedule]
- Dates subject to change
- check this forum frequently

Phase 1 (6/7/02) - Dedicated Server Test
Server admins will recieve an abridged version of Purge (not playable) which is enough to launch the dedicated server and query the ASE Master server. Server admins will be instructed to keep servers running atleast 24 hours (preferably longer) so we can a) count the number of dedicated servers and b) make sure all the dedicated servers are updating the Master correctly.

Phase 2 (6/14/02) - Small Closed Beta
This might be launched earlier if Phase 1 goes without a hitch. HAH! About 30 vocal regulars from the Purge forums will be accepted into the beta. The purpose of this phase isn't to balance the game, but to find crashes and "showstopper" bugs. It isn't very much fun, and nothing will be balanced at this stage. The point is keep the beta testers small so we don't get 3000 emails telling us of the same obvious bugs. It should make an overall better beta testing experience for everyone.

Phase 3 (6/30/02) - First Full Beta
This could be earlier or delayed depending on Phase 2. Adam decides the number beta testers based on the number of known dedicated servers. Balance testing on: weapons, armor, Android, Mage, and "combat" attributes (Dexterity, Agility, Life, Strength). The Intelligence, Energy, and Tenacity attribute will do NOTHING! You cannot level. The purpose to focus on balance just those forementioned parts of the game.

Phase 4 (TBA) - Skills and Smarts
Intelligence, Energy, and the Android/Mage skills will be added. More balancing fun.

Phase 5 (TBA) - Levels and NPCs
Leveling and NPCs will be added. The conclusion of this Phase in the beta will be the public Multiplayer Test.

Phase 6+ (TBA) - All classes
A bit after our demo, and perhaps after a MP Test 2 to fix new bugs that the general public found, a smaller group of highly skilled and dedicated Purge beta testers will be put into Phase 6 where they will testing all the classes. I expect to choose about 100-150 testers for this. Adam will make the final decision, as always. Looking for ub3r players of all styles to exploit the classes and suggest balance fixes.
Each new class phased-in, one at a time.

[jimbean4080]

coolness,
thanks for the update! Just remember
Jesus saves, and so should you
lol

[-Blaze-]

(Don't hold me to it.)

of course not lol
/me waits

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Run megaman, RUN

[dougy_fresh]

Originally posted by Hap:
Phase 2 (6/14/02) - Small Closed Beta
This might be launched earlier if Phase 1 goes without a hitch. HAH! About 30 vocal regulars from the Purge forums will be accepted into the beta.[/B]

just makin me vocals known with me vocalizational cords, cause vocalization is what vocals is all bouts, me's correct? and vocals is vocally good

aight, im praying that this isnt anywhere on the FAQ, or ima get my butt chewed out from Mit, but i was wondering... when we find bugs, etc do you wnat them sent to your emails, or posted on the Bug board... and if you want them sent to your emails could you please post the emails you want them sent to? thanx mucho much... ooo, and heres some more of my vocals for my vocalization skills cause vocals are very important in thios forum right voaclas are what vocal chords are all about and vocalization will be the bringing of my vocal cords to this ocal forum, and vocals........ etc.

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Sanity is the playground for the unimaginative.

[Hap]

I'm probably going to just have you guys post it. Our email server, aka VE's email server, is not so reliable. If we did emails, it would have to go to Adam. (I can hear him cringe as he opens his daily 300 emails.)

Hey don't we have that "bugs and s***" forum. We'll probably just use that.

[Aromanov]

*finally finds time to post*

All sounds good to me, June 7th is the last day of classes for me till my exams. So it will all work out for me

[GakFace]

When i'm not working i'll be beta testing. 'nuff said.

Dougy,......about being vocal. I think the rest of the peeps will agree when i just say..... SHHHH!....SHH!...There a whole lot a bags a SHHHHH! here with your name on it. so ..... SHHH!!

i'm all set to beta it out. I can't wait for Phase Six when I playtest the Assassin!!!!!!

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--GakFace--

Diablo II, the place where everyone's a pot addict.

I just talk smack, that way I'm always winning at something!!

[Fritz]

Matt (Tycho) has a problem with leaking images...he thinks if others game developers doesn`t leak early development shots we shouldn`t do so also. So no more leaked images from my side. Sorry.

[Hap]

I fear the wrath of Tycho too. Fortunally, he doesn't check the forums that often.

[Fritz]

HEY! Noone has told me not to update the screenshots site...uhmm...it wouldn`t be "leaked images"..so I will place there some fresh ones.
http://www.purgeonline.net/screenshots.asp