Persistent alpha

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Alpha-2 is known as the persistent alpha.[1][2] Persistent means that the Alpha-2 servers will be kept up all day and night until launch.[3][1]

  • There will be downtime for patches.[3][4]
  • Alpha-2 servers will become the public test servers (PTS) post-launch that are used to test patches and updates.[7][5][1]
Alpha-2 will remain even post launch as our public test server.[7]Steven Sharif
The ultimate goal for A2 is to be persistent and the PTS, but before we get that far there's gonna be some wipes I would expect.[5]Steven Sharif

Alpha-2

Alpha-2 launcher teaser video.[8]

Alpha-2 is really the testing grounds for a lot of the more minute details of how a particular system works; and you can change a lot of those details without actually needing to change the feature that's been developed. These are variables that exist within the code that we have control over so that when we want to iterate upon it it's easy to do iterations: and some of those iterations can feel very impactful to the system overall. So Alpha-2 really is meant to gauge this initial approach and then we're afforded the ability to change that drastically by tuning and changing some of the aspects of the specifics of the system.[9]Steven Sharif

Alpha-2 character creator user interface (first pass).[10]

When we talk about Alpha-2's perspective, it's really focused around core systems and their ancillary counterparts. When we talk about what those core systems are, it's the siege systems; it's the guild war systems; it's the node advancements; it's the story arcs; it's the character class progression; it's the augments; it's our artisanship loops and the gathering, processing and crafting cycles; it's homeownership; it's vehicles and mounts; and any number of professions that exist there; and then also a big chunk of Alpha-2 is obviously content: The ability to ensure that the hooks for these quest hubs within the nodes; the points-of-interest are stood up and reflective of the content necessary to facilitate that those story arcs; and commissions and buy orders. That's really the CORE of what we need to achieve in order to demonstrate the loops, collect feedback from those loops and the players who are play testing them; and then make iteration as necessary based off of the feedback we've received.[11]Steven Sharif

Ashes of Creation's core game systems are expected to be in place at the start of Alpha-2.[11][12] By the end of Alpha-2, the game is expected to be feature complete, but it will not be content complete until launch.[3][4] Alpha-2 will last until launch and will run in parallel with Beta-1 and Beta-2.[3][1]

Alpha-2 is intended to be a true functional representation of all the core systems and features.[13]Steven Sharif

Alpha-1 and Alpha-2 testers may be invited to participate in spot testing prior to the Alpha-2 release.[54][55]

Alpha-2 is known as the persistent alpha.[1][2]

Q: What systems are still needed to be rolled out before Alpha two?
A: I don't think it's at a core level that there's a particular system that has yet to be feature developed. Right now, it's more along the lines of expanding on those features, getting UI support for those features... UI, VFX, audio effects: Those are all big bottlenecks because they tend to occur at the end of the pipeline of content development; and then also ensuring that the interactions are polished and working. So from a large feature perspective- let me think about that, what large feature endeavor is still outstanding on the Alpha-2 front? A lot of it is content. I'm not sure that it's a feature one. I can't think of any large system features that haven't been stood up from a core functional perspective that don't just need expanding on, slash content development on.[56]Steven Sharif
Q: And when you say content, that's like art and implementation and so on?
A: Narrative quests, the assets, the modelling, the particular types of buildings, the armor sets, the creatures, the visual effects, audibility systems. Those are all content that accompany what the code is creating from a mechanical perspective.[57]Steven Sharif

Alpha-2 core features list.[11]

Alpha-2 availability

Phase Release Estimated/Actual date
Alpha-2 Alpha-2 spot testing (NDA).[58][59][54][60] November 2023.[61]
Alpha-2 (No NDA).[58][54][1][2] Q3 2024.[62][58][63]

Read more...

Pre-order-packs with Alpha-2 access are ending

September 2023 - January 2024 (The Unseen Order) were the final pre-order packs for Ashes of Creation as the developers have reached their desired number of testers for Alpha-2.[64]

Why are the pre-order packs ending?
Our pre-order packs were intended to be a way for players to support the project by providing an opportunity to collect exclusive cosmetic appearances that are used in creating the world of Verra, while respecting our commitment to zero-tolerance pay-to-win whatsoever. As we draw closer to our Alpha Two and Beta testing periods, we want to ensure a glorious experience for our players who have signed up to help make Ashes of Creation the MMORPG it deserves to be. To that end, we have decided to discontinue the packs until such time as our internal and/or external testing supports the admission of additional testers. We will continue to update our community when more ways become available to access Alpha Two or Beta testing through our communication channels.[65]
When will the final pre-order packs end?
The final Pre-Order Packs will end on January 17, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific in order to ensure everyone has enough time and notice with regards to the final Pre-Order Packs’ availability.[65]
Does this include the Beta-1 and Beta-2 pre-order packages as well?
Yes. While we anticipate we will reopen the ability to purchase Beta packages in the future, these options will not adopt the same format of regularly recurring monthly exclusive cosmetics as our existing Pre-Order Packages currently offer.[65]
If I do not get a pre-order pack, does that mean I will not be able to join Alpha-2, Beta-1, or Beta-2 in the future?
Not necessarily. We will continue to engage with our community and content creators to offer various giveaways that players will have an opportunity to participate in. After our internal and/or external testing satisfies the admission of additional testers, we may provide alternate methods of purchasing access into testing periods.[65]
When the pre-order packs end, will there be other items on the Ashes of Creation shop?
We may provide cosmetic items and merchandise in the shop at a future date.[65]
I purchased a previous pre-order pack, but I like The Unseen Order cosmetics better. Can I switch out my cosmetics for these?
Previously purchased cosmetics may not be exchanged, though we do provide a 90-day return policy. If you own an existing Pre-Order Pack, you may also purchase individual cosmetics offered in the current pack a-la-cart.[65]
Can I upgrade my pre-order pack after sales for the pre-order packs end?
Yes. You will continue to have the option to upgrade your Pre-Order Pack to a higher-tier package after sales of Pre-Order Packs end. If you upgrade, it will not give you the cosmetic items of the same type (Accessory, Pet, Mount, etc.) that came with the previous pack you purchased. Only the additional cosmetic items from the upgrade to The Unseen Order Pre-Order Pack will be granted.[65]
Can I purchase add-on cosmetics from The Unseen Order after pre-order packs are removed from the shop?
Yes. You will continue to have the option to purchase add-on cosmetics from The Unseen Order, based on what your Pre-Order Package level gives you access to.[65]
How long will I be able to upgrade my pre-order pack or purchase The Unseen Order add-on cosmetics?
We don’t have a date to share for this yet, but we’ll give everyone plenty of notice before ending the ability for them to upgrade their Pre-Order Packs or purchase add-on cosmetics from The Unseen Order.[65]
What about upgrading Kickstarter packages? When do those end?
You will still be able to upgrade Kickstarter and Summer Backer Packages. We’ll give plenty of notice before ending the ability for people to upgrade their packs.[65]

Server wipes

Alpha and Beta servers will be wiped prior to launch.[6]

  • Servers may be wiped between individual tests.[66][67][5]

As a general rule, if the testing phase contains the word Alpha, it is safe to assume there will likely be wipes.[5]Steven Sharif

See also

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Livestream, January 18, 2018 (25:22).
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 alpha and beta phases.png
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Livestream, April 7, 2023 (28:08).
  4. 4.0 4.1 Livestream, July 29, 2022 (1:08:49).
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 server-wipes.png
  6. 6.0 6.1 server wipe.jpg
  7. 7.0 7.1 Livestream, July 29, 2022 (1:10:05).
  8. roshen-a2-launcher-teaser.png
  9. Podcast, July 15, 2023 (5:23).
  10. Video, March 31, 2022 (34:16).
  11. 11.00 11.01 11.02 11.03 11.04 11.05 11.06 11.07 11.08 11.09 11.10 11.11 11.12 11.13 11.14 Livestream, March 31, 2023 (1:24:21).
  12. 12.00 12.01 12.02 12.03 12.04 12.05 12.06 12.07 12.08 12.09 12.10 Podcast, September 29, 2021 (59:29).
  13. Interview, July 9, 2023 (1:30:10).
  14. Livestream, April 29, 2022 (56:24).
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 Livestream, October 14, 2022 (6:38).
  16. Livestream, April 29, 2022 (32:29).
  17. 17.0 17.1 Blog: Creative Director's Letter, October 16 2020
  18. Newsletter, 2018-08-7
  19. 19.0 19.1 Livestream, April 7, 2023 (13:35).
  20. Livestream, April 7, 2023 (22:15).
  21. Interview, July 9, 2023 (1:49:39).
  22. Video, March 31, 2022 (0:00).
  23. Livestream, April 7, 2023 (54:02).
  24. Livestream, December 19, 2023 (1:41:54).
  25. Livestream, January 28, 2022 (15:35).
  26. Interview, July 9, 2023 (1:11:29).
  27. Interview, July 9, 2023 (1:06:53).
  28. 28.0 28.1 Livestream, April 7, 2023 (1:14:05).
  29. Livestream, October 14, 2022 (15:44).
  30. 30.0 30.1 30.2 30.3 Podcast, September 29, 2021 (23:00).
  31. Livestream, March 28, 2020 (1:41:11).
  32. Interview, October 20, 2018 (12:38).
  33. steven-a2-summoner.png
  34. Livestream, 2018-04-8 (AM) (2:17).
  35. steven-family-summon-2.png
  36. Interview, October 20, 2018 (0:00).
  37. Livestream, September 24, 2021 (1:18:06).
  38. Livestream, September 24, 2021 (1:19:17).
  39. steven--town-vs-city.jpeg
  40. Steven Quote 5.png
  41. Livestream, April 29, 2022 (21:00).
  42. Interview, July 9, 2023 (1:28:32).
  43. Livestream, September 27, 2018 (54:02).
  44. Interview, February 7, 2021 (35:30).
  45. Livestream, June 30, 2022 (1:17:34).
  46. Livestream, April 29, 2022 (25:16).
  47. Livestream, February 25, 2022 (1:10:00).
  48. Interview, July 9, 2023 (1:52:20).
  49. Livestream, January 28, 2022 (7:26).
  50. Livestream, December 23, 2021 (40:53).
  51. Livestream, December 23, 2021 (50:50).
  52. steven-bear-a2.png
  53. Livestream, October 31, 2018 (47:44).
  54. 54.0 54.1 54.2 Livestream, March 31, 2023 (5:57).
  55. Livestream, July 30, 2021 (45:11).
  56. Interview, July 9, 2023 (1:11:53).
  57. Interview, July 9, 2023 (1:13:08).
  58. 58.0 58.1 58.2 Livestream, September 29, 2023 (55:34).
  59. Interview, July 9, 2023 (26:35).
  60. Livestream, October 14, 2022 (17:05).
  61. steven-a2-spot-testing-started.png
  62. Intrepid Studios Support - What are the Alpha/Beta Release dates?
  63. vaknar-a2.png
  64. Ashes of Creation Store: August cosmetics.
  65. 65.0 65.1 65.2 65.3 65.4 65.5 65.6 65.7 65.8 65.9 Ashes of Creation Store: September cosmetics.
  66. Alpha one test schedule, Mar 12, 2021.
  67. Livestream, November 30, 2020 (7:27).