Open letter to the Vanguard Dev’s

[SwordMage]

Originally Posted by Tcal

Has the Test server helped the game? do we have you on test to thanks for a very easy game?? I see notes going up on testserver then its the same on Live. So pretty please why would i want to move to test, it's not gonna change a damn thing.

Also, we have had a nice statement lately from the devs saying that they intend to get into a release cycle that actually gives the folks on test some time to try out most changes before they make it to live (there have been times when feature changes get 1 day on test, which isn't enough time to find the bugs and have them fixed). However, there will always be fast track bug fixes that either have little time on test or are simply run through internal testing and applied directly to live.

The folks on test do several things for us. What is obvious is looking for bugs in the changes that are destined for live. What is less obvious is that (as in the case of the death changes), devs will sometimes put proposed changes on test to see how they work with real players banging on them; this is the time when having a thriving test community really pays off for both the devs and us.

[Kiel]

This is one of the best threads I have ever read. Ya'll should be firefighters with the way you put out those flames!

Ok back to the reason for posting. Naiya, I applaud you! Well written and concise!

You will probably be seeing me tonight, for I want to check that hitching bug with the garbage collection thing. I was hit really hard with this bug and have made many posts reguarding it. I feel it is my duty to come over and check it out to see if it was indeed fixed. If not at least I can try to offer some feedback.

I have not shown my ugly fat butt on test yet, because I really didin't like the idea of having to start from 0cp again. To some this may be a challenge, but to those of us that would love to come over and help test specific issues, this makes absolutly no sense what-so-ever! If I could have copied my Necro (LV39) over I would have long ago. I would like the ability to recopy it back to the test server when ever I wanted to tho. No need for gold or inventory, just as is. No need to xfer it back to live either, that is just lame IMHO. I understand your issues of these people flying in to get a jump on the game, and I almost agree with you. I does however keep your population down, and limit the people you have to test.

Sometimes I have alot of time on my hands waiting for guildies to log in, and would love to come over and test. But, I am afraid I do not want to start a new Necro when I already have a perfectly good one sitting right here. Lineage (our guild on Shidreth), has even talked about guild nights on test server.

On the Buff bot note, How about the buff be temporary no exp gained or lost while at a different level? THis would allow more people to go and test specific broken quests. Just a thought, I really don't understand the politics of test.

All in all, great thread gals/guys, you really gave me more of an understanding of what happens behind the magic curtain!
Cya tonight!

[Arcticana]

Originally Posted by Hasium

Surprise, a Dev did read this.

4. Character transfers are being coded in order for us to do the server merges. After the server merges, we will set up a way for players to copy their characters to test.

Feel free to post the rest of the ideas floating around in your head. any and all feedback is appreciated.

One time copy of character to test would be a shoo in for me. I have a couple adventurer's on test, but have never relished starting crafting all over again. I have 5 out 6 crafters from 25 to 35 on a live server. (2 are decent little dips also) Put my little team on test and I won't be seen on live unless test is down. No other incentives needed, just tell me the proper command to get them copied!

*watches with anticipation for the possibility soon!*