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Xsyon deploys extensive beta update
Notorious Games has updated Xsyon, its post-apocalyptic sandbox MMORPG. The pre-order beta client now boasts an extensive list of tweaks, fixes, and feature improvements. In addition to the changes, the developers have upgraded both the game and download servers. "Both the download server and the game server are now running from our new machines at a better location. This took a while to set up, but so far it looks like the switch was worth the bit of trouble," declares the update post on the game's official forums. "We've overhauled the server code and there are more changes to come. Hopefully the lag that was being caused by terraforming will be eliminated now, but this needs to be tested further. We are still in the process of optimizing the server code, but this build is a major step and has been our main focus over the past few weeks." The new patch also brings a number of changes to crafting, skills and actions, and interface tweaks. Check out all the details on the official site.
The Daily Grind: Too many games?
You know, sometimes I long for the old days when it comes to MMORPGs. Not necessarily because the games were better (though in some ways they were), but mainly because there were fewer of them competing for my time. As the genre has exploded in popularity, it seems like there's an interesting title launching every other week, or worse yet, an old favorite decides to inject some spiffy new feature, expansion, or update into the mix and dare me to return and check it out. Just in the last couple of weeks, you have Age of Conan's first expansion, EVE's Tyrannis, the mammoth Everquest II content update known as Halas Reborn, Aion's long-awaited 1.9 patch hitting the PTS server (with live to follow next week), and ongoing betas including Xsyon and All Points Bulletin. Keep in mind that list doesn't include older MMOs tempting me with their siren songs as I peruse news feeds, colleague's columns, and the internet in general. I'm looking at you Vanguard, Ryzom, and City of Heroes. Finally, you have sprawling single-player epics like Red Dead Redemption just begging to eat up weeks of free time if you let them. What about you, Massively readers? How do you deal with the glut of interesting games that seemingly never goes away?
Xsyon launch delayed until August, further delays possible
The developers of Xsyon have have been working hard to make sure that they release a quality game when the time comes, but unexpected problems have led to the announcement of a launch delay. Notorious Games' Jordi Grau Davis has been maintaining regular communication with those looking forward to launch, explaining exactly what the team is working on and what this means for the community. The latest post announced the most current round of updates, as well as the news of the delay: "The official release is now planned for August 15th. We will reassess our progress every month and if we need to push this date further into the future we will. We do not want to force an unfinished release. Instead we are going to continue working as hard as possible until we can fully stabilize the server and finish implementing the planned game features. We're going to stick to our plan, it's just going to take longer than we hoped." He went on to detail what the team will be working on from here on out, and to ask that everyone bear with them as they make the needed changes and fixes. Take a look at the full forum post for all the newest information.
Xsyon pre-orders open, players show off in-game videos
Notorious Games' post-apocalyptic sandbox MMORPG Xsyon has officially opened its doors to pre-order customers, who have responded by filling a thread on the official forums with in-game video footage. Developers are allowing a trickle of players into the pre-order/beta phase in order to test systems and stability prior to the game's May 15 release target. If you pre-ordered but aren't sure how to access the beta, sit back and relax, as Notorious Games will be emailing pre-order customers instructions for downloading and installing the beta client as the need for more testers arises. In the meantime, enjoy the player videos, which include everything from character creation, to harvesting timber from trees, to laying down roads. Look for Massively's impressions on the Xsyon pre-order in the near future. [Thanks Nick!]
Xsyon working towards release
The last time we heard from the development team in charge of upcoming indie sandbox post-apocalyptic MMO, Xsyon, they had planned to let players in prior to launch in small groups. The primary reason was to allow the developers enough time to test, then let another group in, and repeat. Staggering the pre-order invitations to ensure they had bugs fixed sounded like a wise move to us. Now, in the most recent posting to that thread, the current plans are to let the remaining players in to get their hands on Xsyon starting this upcoming Wednesday. From there, they'll focus on fixing the last of the bugs and hopefully testing for two weeks. At that time, they intend to do the final wipe and then let players have their pre-order week.
Xsyon lead developer talks release plans
Notorious Games founder and Xsyon lead developer Jordi Grau Davis has responded to community questions with a lengthy forum post on the game's official boards. The unveiling of this forthcoming post-apocalyptic MMORPG caught many of us by surprise last month, given the extensive sandbox feature set and the rapidly approaching release date. Davis writes that development and testing are preceding as planned, and that pre-order players will be let into the game in groups of 20-50 as the programming team finishes up various outstanding issues including Speed Tree implementation, terrain optimization, combat tweaks based on forum feedback, and a number of other items. Davis also touches on the planned user load for Xsyon. "What are the numbers we are looking for? I'm guessing about 500 before April 15th [release day], building slowly to around 5000 active players by the end of summer," he writes. [Thanks Chris!]
New post-apocalyptic MMO Xsyon to release April 15
Fallen Earth, Global Agenda, Earthrise. As players suffering from orc and elf burnout search for something different, the post-apocalyptic genre is quickly becoming popular. One such title that's been flying well under the radar is Xsyon, an upcoming post-apocalyptic MMO from Notorious Games. The game is scheduled for an April 15 release, with plans to allow pre-order players to begin the game in mid-March. Xsyon's official site is very well done, offering backstory, screenshots, and extensive information about the game itself. The recently added forums rounded the site out nicely, opening the doors for discussion among players anxious for the game to arrive. While the graphics aren't as perfected as bigger name games, the features are where this game really shines. Xsyon will be released in a series of installments, growing in every direction (landscapes, skills, crafts, etc.) as players learn and explore farther. So this means players will directly affect the world and the direction of the game by their actions and choices. Xsyon is a game well worth looking into -- check out the official site for the full story.
