Hard Light Productions Forums

Hosted Projects - Standalone => Wing Commander Saga => Topic started by: Tolwyn on October 30, 2006, 02:29:46 am

Title: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Tolwyn on October 30, 2006, 02:29:46 am
Our team is seriously considering starting a beta test at the beginning of November. There is a caveat, though; the number of beta teaters will be limited. However, we are now accepting applications for the upcoming beta test of Wing Commander Saga, our remake of the famous space simulator universe. To participate in this exciting adventure, To participate in this exciting adventure, fill out the  beta tester sign up form (http://www.wcsaga.com/beta/).

Beta testers need to meet the minimum computer specifications – detailed on the "About" page (http://wcsaga.com/information.htm) – and have internet access.

Interest in games-- especially space sims-- is an advantage, as is any testing experience you might have. Applicants have to be aware that beta testing is not just about playing and having fun with the game, and that there is work involved. Testers will be asked to devote several hours per week to testing and will be asked to test certain missions, weapons, or ships. Testers will also be required to send in bug reports and answer the occational test survey to be able to continue their participation in the beta test.

We are looking for people that can communicate their ideas clearly and have an eye for detail. During the testing process, you will have to explain to us how you found potential bugs and problems in the game and how to reproduce them. We will also ask for your views on game design and playability in order to improve the game. This gives participants several opportunities to contribute to the creation of Wing Commander Saga.

We can't overestimate the value of fresh playtester eyes on the product. As developers, we look at the thing all day, everyday, and to be honest, we lose perspective. When we're able to watch a new "fresh to the game" player run through the game, we get to see the game play out in a whole new way. We get to see when things are good, but more importantly, with the aide of our new set of eyes we can't hide from something that's just not working. We're forced to face it and fix it -  which leads to a stronger product.

- Tolwyn
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Tolwyn on October 30, 2006, 03:59:17 pm
As of now you can use the web application form located here (http://wcsaga.com/beta/).
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: NGTM-1R on October 30, 2006, 06:28:21 pm
And you need to know my name why?
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Mefustae on October 30, 2006, 07:08:01 pm
And you need to know my name why?
*Cough-identity theft-cough*
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Tolwyn on October 31, 2006, 02:12:14 am
And you need to know my name why?

There are two reasons:

firstly beta testers will get full credit

secondly we would like to know who we deal with :)

And, at any rate, you can type a phantasy name. Nobody would bother :)
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: gevatter Lars on October 31, 2006, 03:14:28 am
A name or a nick will be ok...or should we call you Mr. Unkown. Mostly its easier to know someones name instead of saying "Hey you their" ^_^
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Colonol Dekker on October 31, 2006, 03:20:43 am
*signs up*
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Azrael15 on November 01, 2006, 01:51:10 am
Well, if I can't be a voice actor I'll be a beta tester! Signed up!  :yes:

I'm doing my part!  8)
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Tolwyn on November 01, 2006, 02:41:50 am
if I can't be a voice actor...

I never said that :)
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: hazend on November 01, 2006, 06:57:21 pm
Decided to stop lurking and applied.  It's looking better by the day.
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Azrael15 on November 02, 2006, 12:00:55 am
if I can't be a voice actor...

I never said that :)

Don't you have some Black Lance operations to go run?  :lol:
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Colonol Dekker on November 02, 2006, 06:38:34 am
Decided to stop lurking and applied.  It's looking better by the day.

Target locked.....................................
Charging.........
Charging......................
..........................................WE HAVE TONE !!!!

:welcome:

Welcome to the HLP Station, All references to FS and the number 3 must be removed from  your person to prevent accidental :snipe:. Do not feed the redident Shivan Carl as he will become voracious and chew your leg off. Flamethrowers can be found under your seat but due to financial constraints have been re-filled with holy water, Phased Plasma rifles (40 watt range of course) can be found in storage lockers. To prevent act of n00b however, These can only be opened by Moderators, :v: or a hyperintelligent shade of BluE. In the event of catastrophioc hull failure please board the nearest lifeboat which is pre-programmed for autonymous flight to our sister station the Game-Warden outpost.

Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: hazend on November 02, 2006, 09:50:49 am
(Salutes)

Thank you Colonel.
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Colonol Dekker on November 06, 2006, 05:07:54 am
Welcome i'm sure, :)

Hows this recruitment drive going then Geoff?
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Starman01 on November 12, 2006, 01:56:57 pm
We would like to thank everyone who submitted an application to help us beta test the Wing Commander Saga Prologue. If you have been selected as a beta tester, we will contact you as soon as possible at the e-mail address that you have provided for us. If you have not been selected, please don't feel bad or take it personally. We received a very large number of very well-qualified applications, putting us in the difficult position of trying to decide how to narrow things down and choose a more focused number of beta testers. Thank your all for your interest and support, it has been nice to see your enthusiasm. We look forward to this beta test and hope that it will allow us to provide you with a very polished game experience when the Prologue is released. Whether or not you were chosen as a beta tester, you will be able to get your chance to try Saga soon enough.

Starman
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: spartan_0214 on November 12, 2006, 03:33:32 pm
*signed up and ready to fly*

erm, what program doth thou useth for voiceth acting?
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Tolwyn on November 12, 2006, 04:03:23 pm
goldwave, 'cause its free :)
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Azrael15 on November 13, 2006, 04:01:13 am
Finger's crossed...
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Colonol Dekker on November 13, 2006, 04:31:18 am
I need tyo un-apply, Who knows when i get back.... it might be done :D
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: spartan_0214 on November 13, 2006, 03:43:11 pm
Goldwave is nice....

btw, what codec should you save the Freespace music so that Windows Media Player will play it?
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Fade Rathnik on November 25, 2006, 12:34:33 pm
So has the beta started yet or are you still preparing for it? And if it started is it going well?
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Tolwyn on November 27, 2006, 06:19:02 am
t've been two hectic weeks: we've shifted entirely to bug fixing and preparing to launch this thing. We had a team-wide play through of the entire game. Everyone was looking for problems and places we could add that last little bit of polish. I was ecstatic at the amount of feedback I received and have been spending the past two days sorting through it all, prioritizing issues, and slamming stuff into our Bugtracker. As I've said before (ad nauseum by this point) the game we have right now is already good. All the feedback was just minor little things that we can do to really make it great.
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Fade Rathnik on November 28, 2006, 01:07:39 am
Ohh i understand that its the polish that makes a game great and the more the better, i'm not asking for a release date, just seeing how your doing. thank you take your time.
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Polpolion on December 01, 2006, 02:21:53 pm
t've been two hectic weeks: we've shifted entirely to bug fixing and preparing to launch this thing. We had a team-wide play through of the entire game. Everyone was looking for problems and places we could add that last little bit of polish. I was ecstatic at the amount of feedback I received and have been spending the past two days sorting through it all, prioritizing issues, and slamming stuff into our Bugtracker. As I've said before (ad nauseum by this point) the game we have right now is already good. All the feedback was just minor little things that we can do to really make it great.


So can we expect a release [relatively] soon? But like Fade said, don't hurry, get everything 100% perfect.
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Starman01 on December 04, 2006, 01:38:43 pm
So can we expect a release [relatively] soon?

We truly hope so, if nothing unexpected will happen again :)
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: TheLeadSled on December 05, 2006, 02:02:35 am
Are you fininshed making the movie scenes for the prologue cause it says on the status page of the information section that movies are only 60% finished
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Tolwyn on December 05, 2006, 04:49:12 am
we finished them about two months ago :)
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Starman01 on December 05, 2006, 11:59:26 am
Yep. But you could take that subtile hint and update the status page,  Tolwyn :)
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Tolwyn on December 05, 2006, 12:12:25 pm
Yes, I know. I have to overwork a couple of pages anyway.
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Polpolion on December 05, 2006, 02:44:36 pm
So can we expect a release [relatively] soon?

We truly hope so, if nothing unexpected will happen again :)

Excellent!!  :)                                  Wait...

Quote
again



:confused:
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Knarfe1000 on December 05, 2006, 03:05:37 pm
Oh man, Christmas 2006 playing Wing Commander Saga...Santa must be real!! ;)
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Starman01 on December 06, 2006, 10:42:07 am
Oh man, Christmas 2006 playing Wing Commander Saga...Santa must be real!! ;)


Weee, hold your horses. I didn't said that, it just confirmed "relatively" soon. ;) Important word is the "relatively", and (i.e.) from natures sight even 100.000 years is relatively short :D



But don't give up your hope, it wont be THAT long  ;)
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Tolwyn on December 06, 2006, 11:17:52 am
I bet, you love to tease people, huh?

Still, the release is coming closer. Only 660 yers till the release of the first installment of the game. Winter 2666 will come and we will be prepared :)
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: TheLeadSled on December 07, 2006, 03:53:05 am
we finished them about two months ago :)

Wow that sounds real promising

Oh man, Christmas 2006 playing Wing Commander Saga...Santa must be real!! ;)

Yeah December 26th sounds good I think that will be the best christmas I may ever have....
.
.
.
Hmmm, no wait next years christmas for the final release  :)
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Polpolion on December 07, 2006, 02:02:13 pm
I would totally try to donate if you released it Christmas morning
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Starman01 on December 07, 2006, 02:11:04 pm
Offer me a virgin (female, + 18 years old  please (impossible, I know)  :)  )   and I see what I can do :D
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Polpolion on December 07, 2006, 02:18:22 pm
I think I got a couple floating around my room somewhere... :p


Seriously, if I could donate, I would donate. This project looks awesome :yes:

I would totally <colon>color=black<colon><colon>size=1pt<colon>try to<colon>/size<colon><colon>/color<colon> donate if you released it Christmas morning

:nervous:
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Starman01 on December 07, 2006, 02:49:14 pm
Thanks  :)

Believe me, we are trying to do as fast as we can. Our perfectionism often stands in our way though. Not to mention, christmas is getting close (again) and the time is flying by at an incredible speed.

Besides that, everyone is busy doing other things this time of the year. But in order not to promise anything (like a release date) we can't hold in the end (which will help nobody), we decided not to work with a release date again, at least not until we are close before the real release.

It's a used up talk (thanks Duke Nukem forever  :doubt:), but we have to say : "It's done when it's done". All I can say and want to say at this time, is that we are really close, and that we want to get it finished as eager as you people want to play it (if not more, because I want to start on the next step) :) But there are still some technical matters and minor bugs we have to adress first.

So we must ask you, and all the other fans out there for just a little more patience (again). Thanks :)
Title: Re: NEWS: Apply for the Closed Beta Test!
Post by: Tolwyn on December 07, 2006, 03:59:14 pm
It's a used up talk (thanks Duke Nukem forever  :doubt:), but we have to say : "It's done when it's done". All I can say ..... *blahblahblah*

The release date of this game is "When it's done".  Anything else, and we mean  anything else is someone's speculation.  There is no date.  We don't know any date.  If you have a friend who claims they have "inside info", or there's some game news site who claims they know - they do not. They are making it up. There is no date. Period.

And yes, we know the game has taken a long time. There's no possible joke you could make about the game's development time that we haven't already heard.  :)