Closed Beta Update

(Bloodbite) #161

[QUOTE=Raviolay;471290]…
What I find amusing is that there is a (probable) lie within that post concerning the updates during what little time is left in the “Alpha” stage.
…[/QUOTE]

Technically speaking the alpha stage of a game is purely foundational. All the core gameplay mechanics and coding are now in the game, they just need further tweaking. Even the visual style of maps/levels has been established. So from that aspect, their logic to move into what they’re defining as a closed beta is accurate.

And by the way, the game runs fine under Windows 8. 8 is still Vista.3 so it still really comes down to what hardware you’re running. What problems I’ve encountered in the past were the same as everyone else that is on 7… and last I tried DX11 mode it was incredibly unstable, but that I believe is still due to DX11 still being “experimental”

(Raviolay) #162

The core gameplay has been there for months (since I joined a class based shooter with lackluster movement) the only tweaks I saw were weapon handling (+hit boxs), a change to Waterloos layout, nade strength & how effective ammo/health packs were. Ultimately the only change (in my time hear) we got that we wanted is a crouch jump.

Then there was a core switch (that no one asked for) that has been available for testing little over a couple months, So much so that features such as ultimate’s (in game class progression) re-evaluated to fit in this new model and are subject being on the chopping block. The core gameplay is still in flux IMO (MOBA is a term used all to often),and the more experimental and fun maps in the execution mode certainly don’t fit the games visual style. Or even how the game plays out with crawl spaces & ladders that a void in all the other maps.

(spookify) #163

Still need a lot of work to the game before closed beta especially with the medic. The healing seemed OK if you are smart about it and I could finally take out more then one person but standing still and trying to shoot an AFK in spawn in the head without ironsights was crazy stupid. Took forever to kill him! Something with the spread and fall off damage was off and maybe the recoil from that distance.

PS I am not going to use Iron-sights actually I am never even going to bind it.

I did actually enjoy playing medic for the first time in a few months yesterday but TTK is still a little high. If body shots are lowered I think the feel would be perfect and also I like the spread and acc tweaks this last patch but shooting when moving still needs to be more accurate with the small hs hit boxes.

SD must have done something to the medic pistol because I was rocking that last night!

Few minor tweaks and this game rocks.

(Ca9ine) #164

[QUOTE=Bloodbite;471306]Technically speaking the alpha stage of a game is purely foundational. All the core gameplay mechanics and coding are now in the game, they just need further tweaking. Even the visual style of maps/levels has been established. So from that aspect, their logic to move into what they’re defining as a closed beta is accurate.

And by the way, the game runs fine under Windows 8. 8 is still Vista.3 so it still really comes down to what hardware you’re running. What problems I’ve encountered in the past were the same as everyone else that is on 7… and last I tried DX11 mode it was incredibly unstable, but that I believe is still due to DX11 still being “experimental”[/QUOTE]

Pretty much agree here -on both points.
Closed Beta is the next logical step, and will open up for even more tweaks and ECHOness.

I’m also a Windows 8 user, and I have absolutely no problem with the game what so ever. DX11 is enabled, with no issues there either.

(Bloodbite) #165

I reckon the MOBA thing is what has really been a major focus. To be fair it is a complex idea to implement into an FPS without being either a half arsed translation of your typical LoL/HoN/Dota MOBAs, or just a cheap gimmick for microtransactions.

We’re no longer in that realm of a spiritual successor to W:ET, and a shift in concept like that is pretty monumental. It’s a new risk to add to the game’s “will it succeed?” mystery. It’s easy to forget how small a team they are, and how much work we don’t get to see… like things that get prepped and then scrapped before we have a chance to try it because of a shift in philosophy over the game at SD, like the MOBA decision.

(Protekt1) #166

[QUOTE=Raviolay;471316]The core gameplay has been there for months (since I joined a class based shooter with lackluster movement) the only tweaks I saw were weapon handling (+hit boxs), a change to Waterloos layout, nade strength & how effective ammo/health packs were. Ultimately the only change (in my time hear) we got that we wanted is a crouch jump.

Then there was a core switch (that no one asked for) that has been available for testing little over a couple months, So much so that features such as ultimate’s (in game class progression) re-evaluated to fit in this new model and are subject being on the chopping block. The core gameplay is still in flux IMO (MOBA is a term used all to often),and the more experimental and fun maps in the execution mode certainly don’t fit the games visual style. Or even how the game plays out with crawl spaces & ladders that a void in all the other maps.[/QUOTE]

Seems like you think an alpha exists so the developers can comply with the testers’ demands.

They’ve done a ton of things during the alpha while I’ve been here, which is probably shorter than you. The game used to run terribly with many fps drops and now it is 10x more stable in framerate and higher as well.

I don’t understand you criticism about the execution maps since they are texture-less how could it fit the visual style if no visuals have been added? And I don’t understand your point with the last sentence or what you’re saying.

(TS420) #167

They should work on gameplay, balancing and maps more than worrying about making different characters and abilities. My shooting seems to change a lot depending on the class and character. More balancing here please? Guy and gal skins are cool but they really only need those 2 choices per side. Make the sides look a little different instead of colored red or blue names. Get rid of the stupid health gen also. Everyone including medics should have to pick up packs or whatever. Get back to the basics some maybe. Visible spawn timer.

(Raviolay) #168

[QUOTE=Protekt1;471321]Seems like you think an alpha exists so the developers can comply with the testers’ demands.

They’ve done a ton of things during the alpha while I’ve been here, which is probably shorter than you. The game used to run terribly with many fps drops and now it is 10x more stable in framerate and higher as well.

I don’t understand you criticism about the execution maps since they are texture-less how could it fit the visual style if no visuals have been added? And I don’t understand your point with the last sentence or what you’re saying.[/QUOTE]

First off look up what the word Void means remove the letter a before the word void and replace it with is/are it’s a typo. When you say a ton could you be so kind as to give examples (pre-major shift in focus would be preferable). Also my framerate and stability have progressively gotten worse with each subsequent patch, in anycase the post was not aimed at you it was aimed at Bloodbite. As he reasoned the game is ready for beta and I happen to not agree with that along with his reasoning for why it is. As for the “criticism” of the execution maps are ask yourself this are they beta ready?

[QUOTE=Bloodbite;471320]I reckon the MOBA thing is what has really been a major focus. To be fair it is a complex idea to implement into an FPS without being either a half arsed translation of your typical LoL/HoN/Dota MOBAs, or just a cheap gimmick for microtransactions.

We’re no longer in that realm of a spiritual successor to W:ET, and a shift in concept like that is pretty monumental. It’s a new risk to add to the game’s “will it succeed?” mystery. It’s easy to forget how small a team they are, and how much work we don’t get to see… like things that get prepped and then scrapped before we have a chance to try it because of a shift in philosophy over the game at SD, like the MOBA decision.[/QUOTE]

+rep for you (for what it’s worth).

I play the game and I keep thinking square pegs and round holes. The MOBA direction is great, however the content that they have does not fit IMO. If they were to hold back the beta so they could make one or two of the blockout maps fit the new game direction. Leaving the older stuff as an pre-agnosic patch game mode (“classic” mode) in the beta also. They could cater for more people, and have MOBA content that is not slapdash and well thought out, never going to happen mind you.

(Protekt1) #169

[QUOTE=Raviolay;471337]First off look up what the word Void means remove the letter a before the word void and replace it with is/are it’s a typo. When you say a ton could you be so kind as to give examples (pre-major shift in focus would be preferable). Also my framerate and stability have progressively gotten worse with each subsequent patch, in anycase the post was not aimed at you it was aimed at Bloodbite. As he reasoned the game is ready for beta and I happen to not agree with that along with his reasoning for why it is. As for the “criticism” of the execution maps are ask yourself this are they beta ready?
[/QUOTE]

I assumed you meant “avoid” which still doesn’t make complete sense and if you meant “are avoided”, I still don’t know what you meant. And your criticism was towards their visual design. You are criticizing maps that aren’t nearly completed yet for their visual design. And insinuating that they should hold off beta because these maps are not in the beta stage themselves seem silly.

As for the changes, the patch notes exist for a reason and I don’t see the point in making a laundry list of things they’ve done over time which you could easily look up. But some of the notable changes to me have been the additional mercs, airstrike/artillery changes, weapon and character balancing, HUD changes, additional weapons and abilities, weapon recoil behavior changes, reticule options, tons of lighting changes and character visibility increase, Camden was brand new when I joined or it was added as a textureless map after around that time… It seems like you are judging them harshly for not putting in changes you and other testers have demanded.

I know your post wasn’t “aimed” at me; didn’t stop me from responding.

(attack) #170

when will come the next patch?

(Rex) #171

When it’s done.

(BMXer) #172

TOTALLY understandable that its not a trivial thing to code. We are still in alpha! The fact that you have stated that you guys are working on it is great news. I just hope that you guys can appreciate the implications of doing it properly.

These features would give a massive boost to the competitive community if implemented on release.
Its also another chance to monetize and brand the game. Put Xt/Nexon logos and possibly ads all over it… can’t do that on IRC. Increase the number of teams by making it super easy for them to form/play/customize and increase your opportunities to sell stuff to them. I would be willing to bet that most teams would pay to have custom gear, their clan logos on the scoreboard and stuff like that. Add clan/team/ladder statistics and you are really on to something!

I think SD/Nexon should take the casting/spectating/tournament/anticheat/clan/stats features VERY seriously and run with them. Again, I understand its a ton of work but I think its a great chance for SD/Nexon to do something great. I just don’t see Xt really shining as a stand out, long lasting game without it or some other drastic changes and ideas. Sure, people will play it, but it will just be another run of the mill F2P FPS people play for a month or two and move on.

If done properly, these are the kind of features every other FPS game copies forever.

sorry for the rant/sales pitch

(Protekt1) #173

[QUOTE=BMXer;471380]TOTALLY understandable that its not a trivial thing to code. We are still in alpha! The fact that you have stated that you guys are working on it is great news. I just hope that you guys can appreciate the implications of doing it properly.

These features would give a massive boost to the competitive community if implemented on release.
Its also another chance to monetize and brand the game. Put Xt/Nexon logos and possibly ads all over it… can’t do that on IRC. Increase the number of teams by making it super easy for them to form/play/customize and increase your opportunities to sell stuff to them. I would be willing to bet that most teams would pay to have custom gear, their clan logos on the scoreboard and stuff like that. Add clan/team/ladder statistics and you are really on to something!

I think SD/Nexon should take the casting/spectating/tournament/anticheat/clan/stats features VERY seriously and run with them. Again, I understand its a ton of work but I think its a great chance for SD/Nexon to do something great. I just don’t see Xt really shining as a stand out, long lasting game without it or some other drastic changes and ideas. Sure, people will play it, but it will just be another run of the mill F2P FPS people play for a month or two and move on.

If done properly, these are the kind of features every other FPS game copies forever.

sorry for the rant/sales pitch[/QUOTE]

I think DOTA2 has the best spectating/casting features atm.

(Raviolay) #174

Void = empty space nothing

The maps were/are void of ladders and craw spaces until recently in newer maps.

In any case 4 maps almost finished where one is only half decent, and two near identical game-modes and TDM is going to go down a storm. Be as that may ready 8 months of fixed classes and 8 weeks of no classes and the Beta version is made up of latter in my eyes is not Beta ready. The general consensus seems to be too soon, but hey I guess I should not voice this as it’s demanding on the developers I guess.

(attack) #175

btw what will be the price for the closed beta?

(biz) #176

maybe this will open up more parts of the day to play the game

when I get home from work all the servers are empty

(Protekt1) #177

[QUOTE=Raviolay;471390]Void = empty space nothing

The maps were/are void of ladders and craw spaces until recently in newer maps.

In any case 4 maps almost finished where one is only half decent, and two near identical game-modes and TDM is going to go down a storm. Be as that may ready 8 months of fixed classes and 8 weeks of no classes and the Beta version is made up of latter in my eyes is not Beta ready. The general consensus seems to be too soon, but hey I guess I should not voice this as it’s demanding on the developers I guess.[/QUOTE]

I understand what void means. I must’ve missed the part of the post where you in fact meant it was void. Your use of the word just doesn’t fit correctly.

“Or even how the game plays out with crawl spaces & ladders that are void of in all the other maps.”

I’m not trying to be nit picky but it was merely very confusing.

And come on… voicing an opinion or suggestion is different than a demand. My remark about demands wasn’t regarding your suggestion/opinion, it was regarding perceived shortcomings of the developer during the alpha. Seems like you are only willing to acknowledge the changes developers make when the testers demanded it.

(prophett) #178

Has anyone other than the people arguing over the definition of void actually read the last page?

(Bloodbite) #179

I understand you’re reasoning, but I don’t think maps need to stay in the ‘alpha’ phase, not for the overall game anyways. They’ll be building new ones over time while the game is out and, hopefully, thriving so I think the focus on map issues can wait. The MOBA side of it though I agree, it still is hard to embrace totally, but it may very well be a balancing thing. There are enough characters in the rotation now to offer a proper taste-test of what types of balancing concerns will have to be factored in for the future.

Now that we’re locked into character skills rather than what we’d all consider the traditional Enemy Territory class/leveling system, the same movement expectations may not apply any more as the best-choice. I for one am starting to feel like perhaps I’d like to move a lot faster on the battlefield than right now. Possibly at a twitch pace for movement and weapon swaps/reloads/sights… or maybe it’s just a phase I’m going through :tongue:

(Protekt1) #180

No one is arguing over the definition of void…