On that topic...
http://powerleveled.com/pantheon-rise-of-the-fallen-status-update-alpha-1-in-the-works/
Testing done right...
"Years ago, Alpha testing actually meant just that it was early testing, not for the public. Either it was completely internal or a very select group of players that were meticulously chosen to test the beginning stages of a game.
...
With this method of testing in my opinion it will make Pantheon RotF a much more fulfilling experience. For starters if they run through the basics of the game before anyone from the public gets their hands on it then those early judgments will be avoided. I have seen so many ups and downs when games go pre-alpha, players that buy into these expecting a nearly complete game only to be disappointed and then trashing the game relentlessly over the internet. We seem to forget that pre-alpha, alpha, and even beta testing is just that it’s a test ground to attempt to make the game better, not a time to get to play the game for free. Years ago if you were chosen to beta test a game it was actually something to brag about to your friends. You had been chosen in the lottery of all these other players that signed up just like you did. Something different from then to now is that your were expected to work with the developers through forums or even a servery that was mailed to you to let them know your experience with their game. They wanted to know what fundamentals of their game was great and not so great to you. An example would be, is the game fun, what was it like exploring, is it challenging, and so on. Now you might say I am stuck in the past and so is Visionary Realms with this aspect but I beg to differ – lets give them that chance to prove that some old-school needs to come back and show us once again what a real MMORPG is."
Yea I'd like an update as well. I thought we were supposed to get a major update around the end of september to include more details on classes in general and class and race restrictions. As well as other information that was supposed to be a big one. Or at least that was the impression I was given. But now its almost November. Could we get an update on the on when we will get an update?
Think they are prepping up for pledges update. And maybe throw in an update at the same time. What Jakeman linked is a really good read. And gives you and idea where they are in the developement phase. Im pretty sure the whole team in VR are busy more now than ever (good sign), since the official luanch and revamping of the forums. But the silence do add more thrills/excitement to the answers we are seeking.
Azraell said:Think they are prepping up for pledges update. And maybe throw in an update at the same time. What Jakeman linked is a really good read. And gives you and idea where they are in the developement phase. Im pretty sure the whole team in VR are busy more now than ever (good sign), since the official luanch and revamping of the forums. But the silence do add more thrills/excitement to the answers we are seeking.
F that! I'm seeking launch. I'm seeking Exile 2.0. Full on nerd boner for Pantheon. Too much???
Amsai said:Yea I'd like an update as well. I thought we were supposed to get a major update around the end of september to include more details on classes in general and class and race restrictions. As well as other information that was supposed to be a big one. Or at least that was the impression I was given. But now its almost November. Could we get an update on the on when we will get an update?
As far as I am aware, the September updates included the new site and the reveal that they have funding from an angel. The new site itself has new information about the game such as the races and classes. But of course there has been nothing about testing status or release dates.
Asking for info about testing status is probably fair. That article does discuss this a bit.
Thanks for the link Jakeman, I think thats what i must of read that gave me the impression that alpha was this year. But yeah Im hoping for some newer info about it and more info about the game, Pretty please Devs =)
Amsai said:This was based off a conversation I had with Kilsin or somebody. Im not saying he promised that info but I cant even pick a race or class because of limited basic information on it.
Yes same as me I have been following pantheon on and off since the kickstarter I finaly pledged after the website got upgraded because i thought that was the start of a flow of info to come in. I wanna know if i can be a rouge gnome. I also want a more clear picture of what the race will look like in game because art work can be deceving.
Please read the FAQ before posting questions that have already been answered folks, our big update was for the new dev site, corp site, investor news, lore, class, race information etc. which also included a pretty thorough FAQ with questions that we sourced from you all.
https://www.pantheonmmo.com/game/faqs/
Quote from FAQ:
"What are the approximate timeframes for Alpha, Beta, and commercial release?
There are many variables involved and developing a massively multiplayer game is not an easy thing to do. Our goal is to be in alpha by the end of 2015, in beta during 2016, and to release the game in 2017. But this is not set in stone, and the above dates are subject to change."
Updates will be released as they are ready, no ETA at this time, though.
Main point here is, although I know that you guys are excited to get in and playing as soon as possible, and I understand that, but:
Bringing people in too early doesn't do anyone any good. It doesn't really help the player, because you're 'testing' something that's not ready to be tested, that still has significant enough issues that it detracts from 'fun.' And it doesn't help the devs to bring people in too early because the feedback isn't as useful and you just end up with burned out and disappointed testeres who were (rightfully) expecting more. So while we have talked about 'target dates', none of this is set in stone. We won't be bringing people into the game until the game is truly ready, which means at a point where it benefits both the devs and the testers to start testing.
Lastly, pre-alpha and alpha testing is *really* going to be about testing. Yes, it's a preview of the game to some degree, and there's no getting around that. But I want to set expectations: you will only be able to play during times when we want the game tested, and you will often be asked to focus test certain areas, or classes, or types of abilities, etc. Early testing is not like Steam Early Access, where you are paying basically for the priveledge to play early. That's not what we're after here. We need people who really want to help make Pantheon incredible, who will work hard, who will give us good feedback, and who are willing to do focus testing, which can often involve repetition and can often be quite boring.
Just keeping things real :)
Personally I finding boring fun :) I recall vanguard early beta where I was the only person falling through world at certain location , no matter how many reports from others as well as myself the HOLE was not found until a developer logged on my character . Seems I made a very unique build . Lol
Shea said:Personally I finding boring fun :) I recall vanguard early beta where I was the only person falling through world at certain location , no matter how many reports from others as well as myself the HOLE was not found until a developer logged on my character . Seems I made a very unique build . Lol
Shea said:Personally I finding boring fun :) I recall vanguard early beta where I was the only person falling through world at certain location , no matter how many reports from others as well as myself the HOLE was not found until a developer logged on my character . Seems I made a very unique build . Lol
Reminded me of something that happened to me when testing EQ2. At one point outside of Qeynos I died and hit release but I just stayed dead. Put in a ticket for it and waited a bit until two devs showed up and laughed at my misfortune. They eventually gave me a rez, but that was only after about 5 minutes of laying there dead chit chating with them.
Aradune said:
Lastly, pre-alpha and alpha testing is *really* going to be about testing. Yes, it's a preview of the game to some degree, and there's no getting around that. But I want to set expectations: you will only be able to play during times when we want the game tested, and you will often be asked to focus test certain areas, or classes, or types of abilities, etc. Early testing is not like Steam Early Access, where you are paying basically for the priveledge to play early. That's not what we're after here. We need people who really want to help make Pantheon incredible, who will work hard, who will give us good feedback, and who are willing to do focus testing, which can often involve repetition and can often be quite boring.
Just keeping things real :)
I enjoy the early testing almost as much as playing the game. While it is a preview of sorts, it's like working road construction outside of the city. Sure, you get to see the landscape and maybe some wildlife here and there, but most of the time your looking at a shovel full of asphalt. :)
Jakeman said:On that topic...
http://powerleveled.com/pantheon-rise-of-the-fallen-status-update-alpha-1-in-the-works/
Testing done right...
"Years ago, Alpha testing actually meant just that it was early testing, not for the public. Either it was completely internal or a very select group of players that were meticulously chosen to test the beginning stages of a game.
...
With this method of testing in my opinion it will make Pantheon RotF a much more fulfilling experience. For starters if they run through the basics of the game before anyone from the public gets their hands on it then those early judgments will be avoided. I have seen so many ups and downs when games go pre-alpha, players that buy into these expecting a nearly complete game only to be disappointed and then trashing the game relentlessly over the internet. We seem to forget that pre-alpha, alpha, and even beta testing is just that it’s a test ground to attempt to make the game better, not a time to get to play the game for free. Years ago if you were chosen to beta test a game it was actually something to brag about to your friends. You had been chosen in the lottery of all these other players that signed up just like you did. Something different from then to now is that your were expected to work with the developers through forums or even a servery that was mailed to you to let them know your experience with their game. They wanted to know what fundamentals of their game was great and not so great to you. An example would be, is the game fun, what was it like exploring, is it challenging, and so on. Now you might say I am stuck in the past and so is Visionary Realms with this aspect but I beg to differ – lets give them that chance to prove that some old-school needs to come back and show us once again what a real MMORPG is."
I still have my EQ beta 1.2 CD somewhere.. that were mailed to my house in 1998..
Brad has a very methodical build process, I think that is how/why VG felt so rushed, because it needed a good 8 months more. (BTW.. Microsoft lost out on their World fo Warcraft... had they given the project 10 months and just 2 million more...(?) VG would be a very different animal.)
I think Pantheon will look like this:
I think Pantheon will re-establish what a beta, or alpha tester means/is.. and will allow spectators to watch the process. Building a community.
Aradune said:Main point here is, although I know that you guys are excited to get in and playing as soon as possible, and I understand that, but:
Bringing people in too early doesn't do anyone any good. It doesn't really help the player, because you're 'testing' something that's not ready to be tested, that still has significant enough issues that it detracts from 'fun.' And it doesn't help the devs to bring people in too early because the feedback isn't as useful and you just end up with burned out and disappointed testeres who were (rightfully) expecting more. So while we have talked about 'target dates', none of this is set in stone. We won't be bringing people into the game until the game is truly ready, which means at a point where it benefits both the devs and the testers to start testing.
Lastly, pre-alpha and alpha testing is *really* going to be about testing. Yes, it's a preview of the game to some degree, and there's no getting around that. But I want to set expectations: you will only be able to play during times when we want the game tested, and you will often be asked to focus test certain areas, or classes, or types of abilities, etc. Early testing is not like Steam Early Access, where you are paying basically for the priveledge to play early. That's not what we're after here. We need people who really want to help make Pantheon incredible, who will work hard, who will give us good feedback, and who are willing to do focus testing, which can often involve repetition and can often be quite boring.
Just keeping things real :)
cookie
testing done right
Jakeman said:On that topic...
http://powerleveled.com/pantheon-rise-of-the-fallen-status-update-alpha-1-in-the-works/
Testing done right...
"Years ago, Alpha testing actually meant just that it was early testing, not for the public. Either it was completely internal or a very select group of players that were meticulously chosen to test the beginning stages of a game.
...
With this method of testing in my opinion it will make Pantheon RotF a much more fulfilling experience. For starters if they run through the basics of the game before anyone from the public gets their hands on it then those early judgments will be avoided. I have seen so many ups and downs when games go pre-alpha, players that buy into these expecting a nearly complete game only to be disappointed and then trashing the game relentlessly over the internet. We seem to forget that pre-alpha, alpha, and even beta testing is just that it’s a test ground to attempt to make the game better, not a time to get to play the game for free. Years ago if you were chosen to beta test a game it was actually something to brag about to your friends. You had been chosen in the lottery of all these other players that signed up just like you did. Something different from then to now is that your were expected to work with the developers through forums or even a servery that was mailed to you to let them know your experience with their game. They wanted to know what fundamentals of their game was great and not so great to you. An example would be, is the game fun, what was it like exploring, is it challenging, and so on. Now you might say I am stuck in the past and so is Visionary Realms with this aspect but I beg to differ – lets give them that chance to prove that some old-school needs to come back and show us once again what a real MMORPG is."
Amen Brother ! :)
Hieromonk said:
I think Pantheon will re-establish what a beta, or alpha tester means/is.. and will allow spectators to watch the process. Building a community.
I hope so, the last couple betas I did have been nightmares with people crying and moaning about the most insignifanct things, not even related to the games current status.
What I would truly love to see (when the time is appropriate of course) is for the developers to send specific Pre-Alpha/Alpha/Beta invitations to forum members even if they aren't necessarily a specific pledge member. It would be incredible from a community perspective to see those invested in the success of the game rewarded for their involvement outside of a monetary gain.
If developers wanted to go above and beyond, maybe award an Originator's Pledge (Or perhaps you exclude the physical items of this pledge) every month to active forum members for their ideas, positive energy, and overall dedication.
Aradune said:Main point here is, although I know that you guys are excited to get in and playing as soon as possible, and I understand that, but:
Bringing people in too early doesn't do anyone any good. It doesn't really help the player, because you're 'testing' something that's not ready to be tested, that still has significant enough issues that it detracts from 'fun.' And it doesn't help the devs to bring people in too early because the feedback isn't as useful and you just end up with burned out and disappointed testeres who were (rightfully) expecting more. So while we have talked about 'target dates', none of this is set in stone. We won't be bringing people into the game until the game is truly ready, which means at a point where it benefits both the devs and the testers to start testing.
Lastly, pre-alpha and alpha testing is *really* going to be about testing. Yes, it's a preview of the game to some degree, and there's no getting around that. But I want to set expectations: you will only be able to play during times when we want the game tested, and you will often be asked to focus test certain areas, or classes, or types of abilities, etc. Early testing is not like Steam Early Access, where you are paying basically for the priveledge to play early. That's not what we're after here. We need people who really want to help make Pantheon incredible, who will work hard, who will give us good feedback, and who are willing to do focus testing, which can often involve repetition and can often be quite boring.
Just keeping things real :)
Can you tell us how you are going to be choosing players for alpha who have pledged for Alpha Access?
There is a small thread here on reddit that claims the higher donation folks will get preference --- I commented that I didn't think this would be the case as the game is group-based gameplay. Fewer people playing may mean that content may not get tested thoroughly enough --- especially because people play at different times. Clarification would be appreciated.
As much as I would like to donate more or be more active on the forums, I simply cannot. Many of who played EQ have aged and have other obligations.. financial or otherwise. We can still however be useful for testing.