This week Elemental Beta is to begin. It will go out to all users who have pre-ordered it. For the rest of September, new users will be able to pre-order and join in as well and then it will be closed (people can still pre-order but they won’t get access until we roll out Beta 2.
ALL REPORTS can go here: Elemental BETA forum.
BETA 1
BETA 2
BETA 3
BETA 4
BETA 5
GAMMA
RELEASE
Betas will also include additions and enhancements to previously released milestones (i.e. additional game modes, additions to multiplayer options, additional single player quests, more single player game options, etc.).
On October 1st, we will have BETA 1A which will implement some of the “game” features that we took out of beta 1 along with a lot of features that we’ve been focusing on since PAX (computer AI, economic AI, research tree stuff, etc.).
The entire BETA 1 (and BETA 2) series will only play on the cloth map (seen above). The cloth map mode will remain the standard game experience for the Elemental beta until the Beta testers (AND Stardock) decide the game is sufficiently fun without having to rely on next-generation graphics. This will take as long as it takes.
Good luck!
Nice schedule! Even tho, I am a bit surprised, that the tactical battle system won't get implemented 'til phase 4, which won't happen 'til the next year IIRC.
its great to see it broken down like this.
so we don't even get the "skeleton" off the bat, eh? I'm curious to see what that contains over whats in the 1st version. I'm glad we'll have magic and quests before the end of Beta 1. I was scared about that for a while.
CaesarsGhost slaps slurple with the Beta 2 schedule
You know Frogboy, posting this schedule was way more effective of convincing my of this fact than all your previous posts about the matter.
I'm am curious how we're going to test gameplay and economy without an AI opponent.
What's the magic system in beta 1F going to do if beta 3b implements magical spells?
You have to remember that isn't when something will be developed by, that is when it'll be introduced to the public beta. Interally, they are probalby already testing it.
The thing is that while public testing is useful, it doesn't get you the same kind of information that dedicated testers do. With paid testers they can be given instructions such as "Do this 100 times, document the results each time." A player woudl get bored and not want to do that, but the tester will do it as it is their job.
So more or less you test the stuff internally first, get the real problems hashed out, then send it out for wider testing, see what player comments are and see if any unexpected issues crop up.
From the looks of it, they want to publicly test one peice at a time. They are directing our beta testing through the efficient method of not allowing you to mess with what they aren't interested in.
Excellent
Wee that's some extensive scheduling! Sounds like fun.
Can't wait!
Beta 3 is about graphics, nothing says the spells won't be implemented without any graphical effect before 3rd phase.
In fact, according to starfdock policy, i'd say that the spells would have to be playable without fancy graphics.
.... and I don't count how many games should have follow this policy ...
So well planned that it seems as if you had alrady done it.
Wait, if I got this right, if I just preordered just now I wont get to beta?
Must. Know. More.
You did not get this right...
For the rest of September, new users will be able to pre-order and join in as well and then it will be closed (people can still pre-order but they won’t get access until we roll out Beta 2.
Relax, Syltman. You should be fine if you preorder during September. After September you could still preoder but wouldn't be getting access until Beta 2.
Wow, that´s what i´d call an extended beta schedule.
I´m really glad to see that such a big portion of the beta cycle will be devoted to the tactical battles.
Well, if I understand correctly the OP:
People preordering before the end of september will be able to participate in all beta 1 step.
People preordering after the end of september will be enter in the beta phase starting at beta 2.
Beta 4 is going to be the toughest part. Guaranteed.
Kinda think the MP should come first before the initial AI's and stuff, to get a hint of what the Ai needs to look for, but that can be done later.
Wow, this early beta's going to be awful! Rubbish! Can't imagine what they're thinking letting people play it...
I've got the pre-order acknowledgement from Stardock, but I can't tell whether Impulse 'knows' that I've done so. I'm very much looking forward to making this game exactly how I want it , but I'd hate to miss out.
Is there any simple way to tell that I'm in? Or is the mere fact that I can see the beta forum enough evidence?
Cheers
John
I don't think it is available to download quite yet. If I understand correctly you should get an e-mail with your registration key when it is.
Kudos on the open-ended development schedule, that is a bold move! I hope it pays off in praise and profit. I can't imagine what the end product will be, but I am looking forward to the whole process.
With the open beta, everything is transparent, so people can see the game isn't vaporware. If SD has closed development, these delays would start a "Duke Nukem Elemental" joke meme places by mid next year.
One thing concerns me
So what about the betas before that? No AI? What? Just a little confused here
Other than that, I can't wait for beta 1 so I can complain about it not working (<- the point of beta 1, not trollin ) and not being fun
I think that in beta 1A and 1B you will simply play the game with no enemy.
The AI is in the game now but it's really dumb.
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