40K Source

This month we completed our model trade with Renegade 40k, a couple of high detail RenX weapons, for one of our Tyranids.  The weapons models should come in handy for a later release, we're not planning to add any more weapons to the the first version of Exterminatus as we've frozen the EX feature set to focus on balance.  In the weeks since our last news post we've conducted a seven small scale beta tests, which have improved the stability of the Orange Box version and balance and learning curve of the maps.

Exterminatus model contributor and beta tester Farseer17 would like to thank Micheal "Cryrid" Taylor of XSI Forums and http://cryrid.com/art/ for his help.  Here you can see an in-game shot of a prop Farseer built for Typheron's latest map "Thunderhawk".


We have some minor loose ends to tie up, however I (ChromeAngel) have the feeling there is not much more we can do with closed Beta tests.  With some time consuming, real life, commitments coming up I foresee one of two things happening:

1) A full playable public beta release of EX next month, allowing us to gather feedback on large scale games, the work so far and maybe attracting a few new contributors.

2) EX "goes silent" during this busy period (possibly lasting several months) and until I get time to polish up the mod to a more public friendly, playable version.

Now, because I would be busy their wouldn't be much in the way of support for the Beta and as it stands the EX Beta *might* permanently deter the more demanding or optimistic players if I were to go down that route.  The decision hasn't been made yet, so watch this space...

i personally vote for number 1, it would make us happy.

Ah but is it the right ting to do.

A period of close workign and "silence" could allow us to uncover any major flaws in the game that may be unbalancing or game breaking and correct them.

If we give out a seriously flawed mod then it could be totally un-fun to anyone who plays it with game killing team exploits or really bad imbalances.

Got to think about these things.

Well the work is looking great so far guys!  :)

I am little dismayed to hear about the predicament facing EX however and I am rather torn over the decisions to be made.

On one hand releasing a fully playable version, albeit with unresolved bugs and player issues, may go one of two ways.  Either it would bring in larger crowd of people willing to contribute, develop and test for the game as well as starting a stable base of communities and members to play the game (I know I am setting up a community which will use this game).  On the other hand it could make the game seem amatuer in the eyes of a potential audience make it severly unenjoyable for players, leading to critisicm and a bad image of the game before it is even properly released.

If you do decide to release it I would recommend making it blatantly clear that the game is not ready yet but has been released because of the situation facing development.

Whatever way you guys go I will support you and I hope that this has helped in the decision you will make.

Option 2 seems the right way to go....

What's to stop you from releasing the open Beta then? And any Beta if it has some flaws or imbalances is better than nothing.

the danger is that anything we release could have serious, game killing, flaws were currently un-aware of.

Stuff like class imbalances, or exploits we have not encountered that would unfairly swing the game to one team, thus making it pointless to join the other team or use anything but one class.

Our testing focuses on small scale balancing and bug reporting, we have no idea what will happen if 32 people are in a server.

A really bad game is even more destructive than not releasing, were making sure we have covered all bases before we put anything out.

The positive side to this would be discovering any serious, game killing, flaws that you are currently unaware of.

How else would you do it if you're using small scale tests?  ???

small scale testing over a long time would reveal any issues.

You have to remeber that if we released it next week, it would be about 4-6 months before we could do anything about any bug or glitches. Were not going to be able to patch it on the fly, so you would have to live with any killer problems for that timeframe.

And for the record the decision has been made, im just not tellign what it is. Buhahahah!

Hmm, the decision has been made, eh?

Well, to be honest I thought I knew what it was going to be, but now I am not too sure.

When will we know?

Personally I'm hoping for option 1.

Going silent risks potential players losing interest.

An open beta will find more bugs, more quickly, than continued closed testing.

If you truly believe in the emperor, you shall give the people his word so that they may conquer the xenos under humanties mighty boot.

Brave words Brother, but to go to war without proper and prudent preparations is simply to waste life, when that life could be used to serve the Emperor!

A life without struggle, is a life not worthy!

http://www.40ksource.com/forum/index.php?topic=833.msg4804#new

little poll about peoples views

I think you should just release. Atleast you will get more feedback that way... all I have to say really...

Well, it has been some 5 months.

Could we perhaps have an update on whether or not things are going to start up again any time soon?

when we have something to tell you we will, theres nothing to tell right now, chrome is still working on his house so no progress has been made.