Difference between revisions of "Alpha-1 testing"
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Revision as of 17:44, 7 May 2021
While we will have specific spot tests for certain systems as we develop them post the Alpha one month, it should be expected and understood that after this Alpha one month there will be probably a significant amount of downtime where there won't be spot testing as we break apart a lot of systems, take what we learned from alpha one month and implement and iterate upon those learnings. So there's gonna be several months probably worth of significant downtime where there will not be access to spot testing, where we are going to go in and really rejigger a lot of systems[2] – Steven Sharif
Phase | Release | Estimated/Actual date |
---|---|---|
Alpha-1 | Alpha-1 early preview livestream.[3] | March 27, 2020.[4] |
Alpha-1 limited QA testing (NDA).[5][6] | May 28, 2020.[7][8] | |
Alpha-1 preview pre-test 1 (NDA).[9] | Dec 18 - Dec 21 2020.[9] | |
Alpha-1 preview pre-test 2 (NDA).[9] | Feb 19 - Feb 22 2021.[10][11] | |
Alpha-1 preview intermittent spot testing (NDA).[12][13] | Mar 19 - Jul 9 2021.[12][13] | |
Alpha-1 preview weekend (no NDA).[12] | July 9 - July 11 2021.[14][15][12] | |
Alpha-1 (no NDA).[12] | July 14 - August 15 2021.[16][17] |
The term "alpha" is a tricky one, and it typically has 2 meanings in gaming. The development meaning for alpha is a point in the process where we are ready to test the fundamental systems in their core form, without polish and without much of the content. Then, there is the external or "marketing" term for alpha. This is typically applied to Eastern-ported MMORPGs, when in fact that is a completed game being localized for a region, and not really indicative of a true development alpha. As you may know by now, game development has many stages - from the initial tech demos to the pre-production and pre-alpha states, then on to the alphas and betas and eventually launch.[9] – Steven Sharif
I want to make emphatically clear, our alphas and betas are true development alphas and betas, and some have said I am crazy to allow these phases to be seen without an NDA…maybe I am crazy? lol… But I am trusting the community of gamers out there to get a glimpse into the process, and understand the long road ahead for what will eventually be worth the wait. Given time and talent, amazing things can happen, so make sure you help us in communicating that we are in open development which means people get to see the bare bones before the meat. And look, I know people see our 4K footage and say, "This looks better than most released games!", but trust me when I say, you ain't seen nothin’ yet.[9] – Steven Sharif
Alpha-1 combat revamp
A revamped combat system will be rolled out during and post Alpha-1 testing based on player feedback.[19][20][21][22]
- I just want to give kudos to the combat team, because in my opinion having played this and watched this and seen the community's response to it, they've done a great job in moving away from what was our direction prior to Alpha-1 to now having developed for Alpha-2 a significantly revamped combat experience; and I think it feels good and it plays well and it's fun.[19] – Steven Sharif
- The goal is to give more agency to the player and achieve a more fluid flow of combat with greater mobility when using abilities.[23][24]
- The current hybrid tab and action combat system will remain after the revamp.[23]
- This revamp will not represent the final form of combat, but will set the general direction that combat will be taking.[25]
- The revamp will be iterative and will be rolled out to testers in different phases.[24]
- The developers will be testing whether or not to use global cooldowns GCDs on different types of abilities during Alpha-2.[26]
- As of July 2023 global cooldowns are not currently in the game.[27]
- Instant cast abilities are referred to as off-global-cooldown or OGCD abilities.[27]
The revamped combat system will feature split-body animations, where the character's upper body can be locked by weapon attack animations while the lower body is free to continue moving.[18][28][29]
- You'll be able to move forward while swinging your weapon; and this will allow you complete control over your weapon attacks for melee.[18] – Steven Sharif
Alpha-1 combat was focused on core functionality rather than combat balance.[29] Alpha-2 combat will include archetypes, significant ability support, augments, split-body combat, weapon attacks, and many additional items, among other things.[30]
- Changes that allow templated abilities to apply to 3D positions in the air or water will be prototyped and may be included in Alpha-2.[31]
Alpha-1 availability
Pre-order pack upgrades are possible for current pack holders for the difference in price.[32][33][34] Upgrades to Kickstarter and Summer crowdfunding packs are also available in the store for the difference in package price.[35]
- August 15, 2018 was the last day for purchases of Alpha-1 through Intrepid pre-order packs (History).[36]
- August 13, 2021 was the last day for purchases of Alpha-1 through the Adventurer pre-order pack (History).[17][37][32][38]
Adventurer pre-order pack FAQ
- How long will the Adventurer pre-order pack be available?
- The Adventurer pre-order pack was available for purchase from May 5, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific until August 13, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific.[17][37]
- If I purchase the Adventurer pre-order pack, when can I participate in Alpha-1 testing?
- The Adventurer pre-order pack includes access to both NDA and non-NDA Alpha-1 testing. Testing periods may be delayed or suspended, and do not represent the final game. Do not purchase Alpha-1 access if you are looking to play a finished game - testing will require your feedback and patience. Testers with the Adventurer pre-order pack can join in our NDA spot testing, as well as our non-NDA Alpha-1 preview and testing. As Adventurer pre-order pack owners will have access to Alpha-1, Alpha-2, Beta-1, and Beta-2, stay tuned to our helpful knowledge base article here for more details on future test dates![37]
- Will there be a limited number of Adventurer pre-order packs available?
- We have not announced any plans to limit the quantity of available Adventurer Pre-order Packages. However, keep in mind that the Adventurer Pre-order Package will only be available for purchase until August 13, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific..[17][37]
- If I already own a pre-order package, how can I get access to Alpha-1?
- If you already own a Wayfarer pre-order pack, Expeditionary pre-order pack, Voyager pre-order pack, or Voyager plus pre-order pack, you will see upgrade options in the shop when you are logged in. This will allow you to purchase the Adventurer pre-order pack (which includes Alpha-1 access) for the difference in price.[37]
- If I’m a Kickstarter or Summer crowdfunding campaign backer, how can I get access to Alpha-1?
- If you are a Braver of worlds, Leader of men, Royalty, Hero of the people, or Avatar of the phoenix backer, you already have access to participate in Alpha-1 testing. Please check your email for further information. If you did not receive an email, please reach out to our Support team directly here.[37]
- If you are an Explorer, Settler, Pioneer, Founder, or Warrior of old backer, you will see upgrade options in the shop when you are logged in. This will allow you to purchase the Braver of worlds package (which includes Alpha-1 access) or higher for the difference in price.[37]
- Who is eligible to participate in Alpha-1 testing?
- Anyone who won and claimed an Alpha One Key through a giveaway.[37]
- Adventurer pre-order pack and Intrepid pre-order pack owners.[37]
- Braver of worlds, Leader of men, Royalty, Hero of the people, and Avatar of the phoenix Kickstarter backers and summer campaign backers.[37]
- Official content creators.[37]
- Where can I get more info on Alpha-1 testing if I’m participating?
- Keep an eye out for emails from our team with more details on how to download and play! We'll also email you more info on how to get the latest testing updates on our Discord and forums. If you don’t receive any emails and you believe you should, please reach out to our Support team directly here.[37]
Alpha-1 participation
Alpha-1 testing was available to the following participants:
- Anyone who won and claimed an Alpha-1 Key through a giveaway.[37]
- Adventurer pre-order pack and Intrepid pre-order pack owners.[37]
- Braver of worlds, Leader of men, Royalty, Hero of the people, and Avatar of the phoenix Kickstarter and summer campaign backers.[37]
- Official content creators.[37]
There were approximately 9,600 participants in Alpha-1 testing as of August, 2018.[39][40]
- As of May 31, 2021, just under 5k additional participants have been added since Alpha-1 sales resumed. Less refunds and unclaimed codes, leaves a total of slightly over 13k testers.[39]
- The weekend test of May 27, 2021 saw 5,300 unique logins over the 3 day period.[39]
There were roughly 9600 if I recall A1 participants prior to my closing the preorder packs in 2018. Since opening them up again there have been just under 5k additional participants added. And prolly around 300 refunds give or take. Of the roughly 14,000 a1 testers, there are still about 1k unredeemed ks codes which leaves a little over 13k testers? The weekend test saw 5300 unique logins over the 3-day period. And I think discord flags stand around 4k roughly?[39] – Steven Sharif
Alpha-1 castle sieges
Alpha-1 castle sieges are based on Ashes of Creation Apocalypse castle sieges.[44][38]
- Players will be able to join guilds. These guilds can register for the siege events.[42]
- Castle siege events will be 100v100 battles that occur daily and will last for three hours.[42]
- Attackers will start on the opposite end of the map (from the defenders).[42]
- Attackers will be able to use trebuchets to drive to and assault the castle.[42]
- When the attackers have breached the castle they will be able to channel a cast on the relic in the throne room to try to capture the castle from the defenders.[42]
- The victors of castle sieges will receive benefits, such as cloaks, flying mounts for guild leaders and potentially also for guild officers.[42]
- Alpha-1 castle sieges are in a separate zone that is accessible via a NPC teleporter.[45][46][47]
- Currently the siege zone is actually in the open world, but separated by mountains and off in the sea a bit. There is actually no instancing in A1, although the siege zone will only be accessible in A1 through a registration NPC teleporter.[45] – Steven Sharif
- This zone includes the following raid bosses.[44]
- These bosses will also appear in the open-world (outside the siege zone) with slightly different mechanics.[46]
- The opposing team is notified when these raid bosses are being attacked.[44]
- Teams who get the last hit on these bosses will receive buffs that will help them in the siege battle.[44]
Last year, I spoke of attempting to incorporate sieges into the Alpha One experience. This has obviously been a goal of mine because it provides considerable data and a consistent event within the world that players can participate in to help stress test the deployment. Well, I am happy to say that it is appearing more and more likely by the day! Initial implementation of the Apocalypse siege code has been migrated into the Alpha One client, and we should begin internal testing next month. I will caveat this expectation with the fact that we are cutting it a bit close from an internal QA standpoint, but I have some confidence that the system will be online and capable of inclusion for the Alpha One test in the month of June. The siege component will obviously not be representative of what the siege system will be at launch, or even in Alpha Two.[38] – Steven Sharif
- Destructible structures (such as walls and gates) are present in Alpha-1 castle sieges.[48]
- The ability to repair structures (and siege weapons) is a long term design goal that will not be present during Alpha-1.[48]
Alpha-1 PvE content
- There are over 200 quests in Alpha-1.[46]
- Approximately 10 percent of the artisan system will be online in Alpha-1.[49][50]
- There are approximately 49 unique gear sets obtainable in Alpha-1.[46]
- These are unique sets with different stats, but some may be similar in appearance.[46]
- There is no instancing in Alpha-1.[45]
- Approximately 6 or 7 dungeons with one almost raid-level difficulty.[51]
- Two world bosses requiring party-sized groups.[51]
- One true 40 person raid boss.[51]
- Alpha-1 castle sieges occur in a zone that is accessible via a NPC teleporter.[45][46][47][38]
- This zone includes three Elder dragon raid bosses.[46][44]
- These bosses will also appear in the open world outside the siege zone with slightly different mechanics.[46]
There's over 200 quests in the game right now. There's a bunch of dungeons. We've retooled all of the boss fights. Those dragons that you see in the siege are also in the world- part of the open-world too. There will be a slightly different- there are some extra mechanics in the siege versions versus the ones that are in the world, but there's plenty of cool things to get on both of them, so make sure you check them out and hunt them down.[46] – Jeffrey Bard
Artisan classes in Alpha-1
Artisan classes (Gathering, Processing, Crafting) is expected to come online fully in Alpha-2 and the Betas.[49][50]
- Approximately 10 percent of the artisan system was online in Alpha-1.[46][49][50]
- Crafting honestly will not come online in any sense of its true form until Alpha-2. Alpha-1 has essentially what are intended to be the core gameplay loop of crafting, meaning the collection of materials, the translation of those materials into processed goods, and the use of those processed goods into item acquisition. That's the core gameplay loop that is currently present in Alpha-1. But those are mostly facilitated piggy backing the merchant systems right now and not actually using the real crafting system; and that's because crafting hasn't been completed in a form that can be implemented in Alpha-1, but will be for Alpha-2. What's present in Alpha-1 doesn't even really scratch the surface for crafting.[50] – Steven Sharif
Alpha-1 servers
Alpha-1 servers were provisioned in the following regions.[52]
Alpha-1 servers will support 1,500 concurrently connected users per server.[54][55][56]
Server wipes
Alpha and Beta servers will be wiped prior to launch.[57]
As a general rule, if the testing phase contains the word Alpha, it is safe to assume there will likely be wipes.[60] – Steven Sharif
Alpha-1 NDA
Alpha-1, Alpha-2, Beta-1, Beta-2 releases are not covered by NDA (non-disclosure agreement).[61]
- Alpha-2 testing prior to the full release of Alpha-2 will be under NDA.[62]
- Alpha-1 testing prior to the full release of Alpha-1 was covered by NDA.[63][6]
- The developers will not necessarily announce when NDA testing starts.[64]
- We may not always announce when the NDA testing is, because we're not definitive how that testing is going to influence the future testing schedule; and we don't want to set the wrong expectation from a broader audience perspective on what they should be expecting with regards to testing.[64] – Steven Sharif
Alpha testing system requirements
Minimum and recommended computer specifications for Alpha-2.[67]
- Minimum Specs - 1080p
- Processor: Intel i5 8400 | AMD Ryzen 5 2600
- Memory: 12GB
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1070 or equivalent
- DirectX: Version 12
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 100GB SSD Storage
- Windows 10/11
- Recommend Specs - 1440p
- Processor: Intel i7 8700 | AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- Memory: 16GB
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 3070 or equivalent
- DirectX: Version 12
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 100GB SSD Storage
- Windows 10/11
- Please note that these requirements will change throughout our testing phases.[67]
Alpha testing zone
Alpha-1 testing took place in a zone to the north west of the world map.[73] This zone has many islands and a mainland area.[74]
- The Alpha-1 starting area is set in the ruins of an Pyrian divine gateway.[75]
- There are 12 different (sub)zones in the Alpha-1 testing location.[72]
- The Alpha-1 map was approximately 70 km2 of playable area.[76]
- Alpha island (also called Alpha-0 island) was the first open-world testing zone for Alpha-1 participants.[80]
- There are approximately 4 biomes in Alpha-1: Flood plains, Desert (Desert), Snowy mountains, Forest.[81][82]
- Temporary teleportation points will be present in early tests until ships are introduced later in the alpha testing.[83]
See also
References
- ↑ Livestream, May 28, 2021 (1:36:43).
- ↑ Livestream, July 30, 2021 (20:30).
- ↑ March 2020 newsletter.
- ↑ Video, March 23, 2020 (0:01).
- ↑
- ↑ 6.0 6.1
- ↑
- ↑ Creative Director's Letter, 2020-04-1.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 Blog: Creative Director's Letter, October 16 2020
- ↑ Livestream, February 26, 2021 (14:58).
- ↑ Blog: Creative Director's Letter, January 2021.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 Alpha One Schedule Update, May 10 2021.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 An Update on Alpha One Schedule, March 12 2021
- ↑
- ↑ Ashes of Creation Twitter - Alpha-1 Preview Weekend Begins
- ↑
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 Livestream, July 30, 2021 (31:22).
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Livestream, December 19, 2023 (1:30:29).
- ↑ Livestream, May 28, 2021 (1:14:50).
- ↑
- ↑ Video, February 26, 2021 (6:17).
- ↑ 23.0 23.1
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 Livestream, February 26, 2021 (27:41).
- ↑ Interview, February 7, 2021 (49:18).
- ↑ Livestream, July 29, 2022 (1:05:20).
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 Video, July 28, 2023 (10:18).
- ↑ Interview, June 13, 2021 (4:12).
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 Livestream, May 28, 2021 (1:13:05).
- ↑ Livestream, May 27, 2022 (1:11:41).
- ↑ Livestream, May 27, 2022 (1:16:17).
- ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 Livestream, April 30, 2021 (4:02).
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑ 37.00 37.01 37.02 37.03 37.04 37.05 37.06 37.07 37.08 37.09 37.10 37.11 37.12 37.13 37.14 37.15 37.16 Ashes of Creation Store: May cosmetics.
- ↑ 38.0 38.1 38.2 38.3 38.4 Blog: Creative Director's Letter, April 14 2021
- ↑ 39.0 39.1 39.2 39.3
- ↑ Livestream, August 17, 2018 (24:07).
- ↑ Video, May 28, 2021 (24:44).
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 42.2 42.3 42.4 42.5 42.6 42.7 42.8 Video, April 30, 2021 (19:25).
- ↑ Video, May 28, 2021 (19:04).
- ↑ 44.0 44.1 44.2 44.3 44.4 Video, April 30, 2021 (13:02).
- ↑ 45.0 45.1 45.2 45.3
- ↑ 46.0 46.1 46.2 46.3 46.4 46.5 46.6 46.7 46.8 46.9 Livestream, April 30, 2021 (41:18).
- ↑ 47.0 47.1 Podcast, April 11, 2021 (49:40).
- ↑ 48.0 48.1 Livestream, May 28, 2021 (1:04:29).
- ↑ 49.0 49.1 49.2 Livestream, March 26, 2021 (42:28).
- ↑ 50.0 50.1 50.2 50.3 Interview, February 7, 2021 (35:30).
- ↑ 51.0 51.1 51.2 Livestream, March 26, 2021 (39:08).
- ↑ 52.00 52.01 52.02 52.03 52.04 52.05 52.06 52.07 52.08 52.09 52.10 52.11 Alpha-1 screenshot.
- ↑ 53.0 53.1 53.2 53.3 53.4 53.5 53.6 Alpha-1 screenshot.
- ↑
- ↑ 55.0 55.1 Interview, July 19, 2020 (1:21:49).
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑ Alpha one test schedule, Mar 12, 2021.
- ↑ Livestream, November 30, 2020 (7:27).
- ↑ 60.0 60.1
- ↑ Livestream, January 18, 2018 (49:26).
- ↑ Livestream, September 29, 2023 (55:34).
- ↑ Livestream, May 29, 2020 (31:37).
- ↑ 64.0 64.1 Interview, July 9, 2023 (26:35).
- ↑
- ↑ Livestream, March 26, 2021 (12:34).
- ↑ 67.0 67.1 What are the minimum and recommend computer specifications for Alpha Two?
- ↑ Alpha-1 screenshot.
- ↑
- ↑ Guide to Alpha One.
- ↑ 71.0 71.1 Livestream, November 30, 2020 (12:09).
- ↑ 72.0 72.1 72.2 72.3 72.4 Livestream, November 30, 2020 (22:43).
- ↑ 73.0 73.1 Livestream, November 30, 2020 (9:51).
- ↑ 74.0 74.1
- ↑ Livestream, March 26, 2021 (16:05).
- ↑ Interview, January 14, 2022 (3:50).
- ↑
- ↑ Podcast, April 11, 2021 (53:01).
- ↑ Livestream, November 30, 2020 (25:45).
- ↑
- ↑ Livestream, January 29, 2021 (26:38).
- ↑ Livestream, October 16, 2017 (12:08).
- ↑ Livestream, November 30, 2020 (24:51).