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Help EVE's developers get to the bottom of fleet lag this Saturday
The down side to EVE Online's truly massive single-server design that puts all players in the same universe is that lag has been a constant problem since the game's launch. For the most part, the game runs smoothly and lag doesn't affect the day-to-day lives of players. It's when too many players congregate in one place that the server node they're on begins to grind to a halt. Circumstances can rapidly go from bad to worse, with server nodes collapsing under the strain and database failures occurring. It's been noticed by players that lag in fleet battles has gotten considerably worse since the Dominion expansion came out. To get to the bottom of the issue, CCP Tanis has been scheduling regular test-server events in an effort to replicate the conditions experienced on the main EVE server. By logging a fleet battle in action, CCP hope to find ways to resolve fleet lag and prevent further lag-causing defects from reaching the main server unnoticed. On Saturday 29th May between 20:00 and 21:00 EVE time, CCP will be running an important hour-long testing session. They're asking players to turn up and help out, as they need at least 300 pilots to begin testing and ideally would want over 500. For information on what the testing consists of and how to access the EVE test-server, visit the official mass testing sticky thread on the EVE forums.
Star Trek Online hosts a play night on the test server
The team for Star Trek Online has been working on cleaning up bugs, deploying new features, and generally getting the game prepped for the upcoming Season 1.2 patch, which promises a variety of additions and improvements to the game. In order to help facilitate the testing of new features -- and to enjoy getting into the mix with the players -- the development team is going to be hosting one of Cryptic's frequent play nights with the general populace. Unlike normal, this night isn't taking place on the live servers, but on the Tribble test server. From 4-6 PM PST (7-9 PM EST) on May 24th, the developers will be on the server, taking part in PvE content as well as on the PvP maps. Whether you want the developers to hear about your great idea for new task forces, want to tell them how much you want the game to have new content, or are just still recovering from the series finale of Lost, any player with an active Star Trek Online account is encouraged to mix it up with the development team.
Aion 2.0 bosses viewable on Korean test server
MMOSite brings word of a few new boss sightings on Aion's Korean test servers. These bosses, part of the recently released 2.0 update, include Kaisinel's Agent Vielle and Marchutan's Agent Mastarius, as well as the nasty final boss from the Debris instance at the core of the Abyss which requires a 12-man group and plenty of coordination. Additionally, a new rock-themed world boss has been sighted, as well as the Red Tear dragon, the latter of which reportedly reflects player damage and must be killed in under one hour. Drop by MMOSite for the full article as well as a selection of screenshots from the test server.
Aion test servers to open for NA and EU
This is a test of upcoming content, this is only a test... server, that is. Aion's quality assurance team is proud to announce a pair of bug-stomping, issue-resolving, feedback-spurring test servers -- one for North America and one for Europe. These servers are primed to open on April 29, so that players can preview patches and engage in some winged QA. Aion testers won't be given a fancy pre-made character, but instead will see a MMO in fast-forward: XP, Abyss Points and drop rates will be jacked through the roof to allow for rapid progress (in the name of testing, of course). The Aion team specifically notes that any test server characters won't be included against character limits. As public test servers (PTS) are always a great way for studios to involve the playerbase in making the game better, Aion subscribers should be happy to be included in the process. You can read the entire announcement over on the Aion forums. [Thanks Nick!]
Warhammer Online brings 1.3.5 to be tested
With all of the billing nightmares apparently resolved, complete with the peacemaking gifts, Warhammer Online is ready to move back to its core focus. The development team has been talking about the improvements set to come with patch 1.3.5, continuing the game's process of strengthening the Realm vs. Realm gameplay by adding fully PvP-focused city sieges. On top of the improvements to Scenarios and the addition of PvP-bought weaponry, the game is playing to its greatest assets. How successful it's been will soon be in the hands of the players, as 1.3.5 is going to the public test server. The obvious large-scale changes can take some of the flash away from smaller changes, such as allowing Marauders the option to properly dual-wield and improved AFK flagging in scenarios. Numerous bugfixes, changes to NPC locations, and revisions to the Open RvR currency are also present in the patch. And that's not even talking about inventory space... all in all, it promises much for players to be happy about, and little to be disappointed with. Warhammer Online's players can take a hop to the test server Warpstone to take a look at all the changes, and those who'd prefer to abstain can take heart that the changes will likely be going live soon.
Fallen Earth pushes Patch 1.4 onto the test server
It's an exciting time living in the wastelands of Fallen Earth these days. Not only have clones been graced with a new dueling system and the first stage of a town revamp, there's now the opportunity to have a mangy flea-covered slobbering creature follow you around placidly. (Which isn't all that unusual if you're friends with a CHOTA, but bear with us.) There are still bigger things on the horizon, however, and Patch 1.4 promises to bring even more PvP and other violent goodness. While it isn't live quite yet, it has gone live on the game's public test server. Aside from the PvP matchups of Blood Sport, the update promises new mounts such as the Blight Wolf, new crafting recipes, and expanded war between clans. To help facilitate testing (which is implied to be on deck for "the next couple of weeks"), the official forums are posting both specific systems to be tested and large-scale testing events. While this doesn't mean we'll certainly be seeing Fallen Earth's next major content patch in a couple weeks, it's certainly a strong argument in that direction... and if you can't wait another minute, you can hop on the test server and see it now.
Wasteland Diaries: What's on the horizon?
Fallen Earth's Patch 1.4 was originally going to include the Deadfall area, item fatigue, pets and new mounts, item overcharging, dueling, New Gallows revision, and raising of the level cap to 50. That, in itself, is already worth the price of admission. But now we are getting even more! The 1.5 patch was originally slated to have the PvP enhancements, such as clan warfare and arena PvP. We will be getting it all in the upcoming 1.4 patch. The release date is Q2, but that's better than "when it's done" if you ask me. Luckily for us, with the Public Test Server, we can check some of this stuff out early. So if you simply can't wait, jump onto the server and take a gander at some of it, at least. The test server has copies of your characters as they existed on February 25, 2010. If you are a new subscriber, you may have to make new characters. There are also special development tools available to you, so that jumping in and testing this stuff is much easier.
Champions Online's State of the Game for April
Six months out, Champions Online has taken some punches here and given a few as well, but the game continues to press forward. With the most recent changes to leadership, it's fitting that the game has dropped a new address on the current state of the game, covering everything from the recent mini-expansion to the upcoming power revisions and future changes. Considering that the test build of the recent power changes has stirred up a fair boil of controversy over on the test forums, more communication from the development team is probably a very good thing at the moment. The next patch is apparently slated to contain not just the Supernatural and Melee adjustments, but also changes to offensive passive abilities and the recurrence of Blood Moon on the full moon. After that, the first major Adventure Pack is slated for sometime between late May and early June. Named the Serpent Lantern, the long string of missions will lead any hero level 11 or up on a quest into Africa to uncover the source of VIPER's power. The team seems to be hard at work bringing Champions Online up to being the best game it can be, which is good news for the fans.
Fallen Earth opens test server, details upcoming content
Icarus Studios has just announced the formation of a Public Test System for their post-apocalyptic sci-fi MMORPG Fallen Earth. Interested players can download the test server client and "let the devs know what you like and what sucks!" Specifically, you'll get early looks at forthcoming game updates including item overcharging/decay, revisions to the conflict town of New Gallows, a new dueling system, and a new companion pet for those lonely wasteland nights. In addition to content sneak previews and the ability to make your voice heard, players will be able to "play alongside the developers...or kick their asses!" Check out the full announcement as well as the client download. Stay with Massively over the next few days as we'll be meeting up with the Fallen Earth team at PAX East in order to bring you all the juicy details.
Help develop Tyrannis on the EVE test server
EVE Online's Tyrannis expansion is due for release in a few months and players are looking forward to the new planetary interaction mechanic. Although the core ideas for the expansion have been settled on, many of the game mechanics have not been fully fleshed out. In an effort to get players involved, CCP have begun releasing early prototypes of the planetary interaction feature on the EVE test server Singularity. It's important to keep in mind that nothing on the test server is final. As a studio that makes heavy use of agile development strategies, CCP will use feedback from players on the test server to incrementally refine the design. Dierdra Val, director of EVE University, has been on the test server to bring the EVE community details of CCP's current designs. They've released a video showing the process of installing structures on a planet and setting up factory links. So far, planetary interaction seems very similar to the moon mining and reacting industry but it's definitely a much more active process. While moon mining operations produce an endless supply of moon minerals at a steady rate, planet-based material deposits will vary in total size and yield per cycle. The materials produced on planets are also different than those produced by existing industrial operations. Skip past the cut to watch EVE University's test-server planetary interaction tutorial or set up a test server client and try it out for yourself.
Global Agenda drops patch 1.2 to the test servers
We're only about a week out from the first patch to Global Agenda, but Hi-Rez Studios has been hard at work in their super-secret laboratory (only slightly less secret than that) producing new content for the game. Patch 1.2 has already gone to the test server for experimentation and stress testing, and it expands the Alliance vs. Alliance gameplay substantially. Instead of forcing you into direct conflict, it opens up the possibility for theft missions to draw resources and hamper production for enemies, as well as letting players take part in battles where their Agency controls no territory. New defense facilities are also being added, allowing those under attack more options to keep themselves safe. There are also options to trade territory to other forces or abandon areas that an Agency can no longer defend confidently. And that's not counting the large list of updates to the game's systems, expanded battle brackets, and re-tuned maps to make the existing gameplay more enjoyable. Take a look at the full list of updates for more of the changes, as well as a sneak peek of what's coming in Global Agenda's subsequent patch -- it might be young, but the game is clearly firing on all cylinders.
The Road to Mordor: Vol III, Book 1 test realm notes analyzed
Every Friday, the Road to Mordor brings you the latest in Lord of the Rings Online news, guides and analysis. Turbine's Lord of the Ring's Online has just announced the Volume III, Book 1: Oath of the Rangers free content expansion and the patch is already up on their test server, Bullroarer. And with a test patch, comes patch notes. I have to give the normal disclaimers about test notes changing before going live, but given that, let's dig in. Two highlights are listed in the notes right off the bat with little explanation other than a promise of a dev diary to come at a future date. Those two new changes are: Duo mode now available in Skirmishes Extensive changes to the original Shadows of Angmar Volume I epic quest line Players have been gimping the Small Fellowship (3-man) system by significantly dropping the level of the mobs when creating their Skirmish. That costs them Skirmish marks. Hopefully the new system will fix that. The changes to the original epic quest line are probably to make it more solo friendly. It's very hard to complete it now that most players have leveled past it. If you are new to the game, you are probably begging higher level guild members to help you or skipping it altogether. Skipping it, though, is cheating yourself out of some of the best lore-based content in the game. I hope Turbine is changing it to make it more accessible for newer players who don't have access to groups at their level. New level 64 player skills, Skirmish changes and new crafting after the jump!
Mass Testing in EVE, Wednesday, to determine source of lag in fleet battles
EVE Online's latest expansion, Dominion, brought sweeping changes to how alliances claim and hold space, and more recently revamped capital ship warfare. However, there has been a downside of late in terms of server stability and lag. Twitter is pretty much aflame with players lamenting the server issues, not to mention the forums, and it's something CCP Games needs to address right away. To that end, CCP is looking to the playerbase for help with "Mass Testing" on Wednesday, to determine the source of lag in large fleet battles. The devs will be looking into the problems widely reported with medium and large scale fleet combat and will need at least 50 pilots, though if 200 or more showed up this would be even better, says CCP Tanis. Players interested in helping out should hop on the Singularity test server on Wednesday, January 27, at 17:00 UTC. Mass Testing participants should join the "MassTesting" channel in-game on the test server as well. All EVE pilots who want to get involved should see CCP Navigator's announcement for more info about tomorrow's fleet combat tests and the discussion in a related forum thread.
Star Wars Galaxies' Galactic War update jumps onto test server
When patches hit the test server, it's almost like an official patch day, but without the luster of permanence. Still, Star Wars Galaxies players can now check out (and help bug test!) the Galactic War update on the game's test server. The update is loaded with a substantial ranking system that aims to supply players with a bevy of new rewards to earn -- seriously, the amount of rewards is simply staggering. Seems like a pretty good deal, assuming you're interested in fighting for your faction. Then again, what member of the Rebels or Empire wouldn't want to kick butt and take names for, well, glory? Mmm, glory, it's almost as delicious as bacon with twice the daily fiber content. You can check out the enormous list of new mechanics on the official SWG site, and if you'd like to dive deeper -- and maybe give some input -- there's always the official forums, too. [via MMOCrunch] [Link fixed. We apologize for the simple, non-SWG-hating, post-NGE-loving oversight - Editor]
Warhammer Online announces 1.3.3 patch tests
It's been a dance of extremes on Warhammer Online of late, mixing up good news and rather unsettling news -- but did you come to the game to bite your nails and be nervous? Or did you start playing to lay waste? Assuming the latter, there's some good news to be had in the near future, as two mass playtests are scheduled to occur within the next week on the public test server, Warpstone. Both are testing features slated for 1.3.3, which implies that this patch is not so far off on the horizon. Both tests will start at 8 PM EST (that's 5 PM for those of you on the other coast). December 1st will see the test of the War Report, which was explained in the November newsletter to be a new service helping players see what was taking place nearby and jump immediately to the conflict. Two days later, December 3rd will be the kick-off of a mass battle stability test, also featuring the new graphical improvements slated for 1.3.3. The announcement also mentions the possibility of winning an Enslaved Manticore or an Imperial Griffon Mount, although details are not given. Whatever the future holds for Warhammer Online, it's nice to get a chance to test out the new features before they go live, so clear away some room on your schedule next week.
EVE Online Sovereignty playtest to be held on Friday, Oct 30
CCP Games is holding a play test of the new Sovereignty system in EVE Online on Friday, October 30th at 17:00 GMT/UTC on the Singularity test server. The devs are looking for players to jump in and help them fine tune Sovereignty for the Dominion expansion release, which is very much focused on this particular game mechanic. Interested parties are encouraged to show up early, as the devs want to give players a short demo of the new Sovereignty system beforehand. Also, they'll need to divide players into two teams, Red vs. Blue. EVE Quality Assurance dev CCP Tanis writes, "We will be testing several aspects of the new Sovereignty system, think of this kind of like a 'king of the hill' game in EVE." EVE players interested in helping out (and getting a feel for how the new system will work) should read through the info the devs have listed in the playtest announcement. The developers have stated the testing event will take two or three hours to complete. (As an aside, they're putting the Sovereignty game mechanics through its paces on Mischief Night... what could go wrong?)
EVE's planetary graphics kicked up yet another notch for Dominion expansion
We pointed out last month that EVE Online will get a new look to its planets this December, when the Dominion expansion launches. There's now more footage of the improved planetary graphics which is even better than what we saw in September, with a closer look at the swirling clouds, continents, and oceans, as well as light and shadows on the horizon. The footage is courtesy once again of EVE Online player Flamewave -- who may just live on the Singularity test server. We've got a video embed of Flamewave's footage of the new planetary graphics as seen on the test server, so stick with us after the jump for a stunning look at New Eden as it will appear in Dominion.
New starry backgrounds in EVE Online spotted
CCP Games has been rolling out some major graphical improvements to EVE Online since the Trinity expansion launched, bringing with it a new graphics engine and an updated look to the game's setting through the premium client. The first iteration of graphics enhancements added a shiny new veneer to EVE's ships, but those changes weren't skin deep. The models themselves were recreated through months of effort by the game's art team, and the look of the ships is now much improved. Later space stations (both inside and out) and stargates were given a facelift with much greater detail and shadows. The Apocrypha expansion brought new effects for electronic warfare modules and weapons, but it also introduced something else to the aesthetics of EVE -- those gorgeous backdrops found in the uncharted expanses of wormhole space.By comparison, some players feel that the nebula-laced appearance of mapped solar systems is starting to look dated. While EVE's nebulas aren't likely to change anytime soon, players on the Singularity test server are posting screenshots of starry backgrounds which have made an appearance this week. You can check out the shots taken by various players at Scrapheap Challenge and in these threads on the official EVE forums. Whether these new starry backdrops will make their way into the Dominion expansion release in December isn't certain, but combining this look with the swirling clouds on New Eden's planets would certainly kick EVE's aesthetics up another notch or two.
CCP Games seeking Dominion expansion play testers, Oct 15th onwards
The Dominion expansion for EVE Online will bring some major changes to capital ships and sovereignty when it goes live on December 1st. As that release date approaches, the developers at CCP Games are seeking feedback from the EVE playerbase on some of the changes being made to the game. They aim to do this through large scale fleet battles on the Singularity test server with a minimum of 100 pilots, although hundreds more would be preferable. The tests will first focus on open combat between large fleets and later switch focus to player-owned starbase (POS) sieges. There are three play tests (tentatively) scheduled, with more to be announced: Thursday, October 15, @ 17:00 GMT Friday, October 16, @ 18:00 GMT (this is specifically a Sovereignty test) Thursday, October 29, @ 17:00 GMT Read the full post from EVE Quality Assurance dev CCP Tanis for more info on the tests and how players can connect to the Singularity test server. Players are encouraged to bring out their capital ships and unleash plenty of drones during these mass-tests of Dominion.
Fallen Earth opens testing server before official launch
If you're the type of player who enjoys testing and reporting bugs, the Fallen Earth team has a project for you. The new Decon Test Shard is a temporary test server that will be running from now until September 21st, as they get the game's final tweaks ready for the official launch on Tuesday, September 22nd.What's in it for you, you may ask? Well, you'll get the satisfaction of helping the game you love become better. Take a look at the complete FAQ to learn more about the test server and stay with Massively for your complete Fallen Earth launch day coverage.
