Q: What is the purpose of the Test server? [ back to top ]
A: The purpose of having a Test server is to allow the developer to test new code and data in an environment that more closely resembles a Live (Mourning, Redemption, etc.) server. We have internal servers, but cannot duplicate all the possibilities that become reality when many players are involved. In short, the mission of Test is to make Shadowbane a better game.
Q: How do I access the Test server? [ back to top ]
A: Here are the steps to follow in order to play on the Test server:
- Copy the entire contents of your Shadowbane directory (folders, executables, dlls, etc.) to a new folder, and rename it (i.e. Shadowbane_TEST).
- Download the ArcaneIP.cfg file for the Test Server (available here).
- Extract ArcaneIP.cfg from the zip file and place it in the /Config directory of your Test Server installation, overwriting the existing file (i.e. Shadowbane_Test/Config).
- Download the ShadowbanePatcher.cfg file for the Test Server (available here).
- Extract ShadowbanePatcher.cfg from the zip file and place it in the root folder of your Test Server installation, overwriting the existing file (i.e. Shadowbane_Test/).
- Create a Shortcut to the Shadowbane.exe located in the Shadowbane_Test folder and use it any time you wish to help us on Test!
Q: Where do I find information about updates to the Test server? [ back to top ]
A: The most recent updates to the Test Server can be found on the Patcher which you view when updating the client. You must update the MOTD line correctly that is found in the ShadowbanePatcher.cfg file described in the question above this. More information can be found on the News Section of the Chronicle of Strife.
Q: Has Test been successful in this mission? [ back to top ]
A: Yes! Very much so. The real strength of Test is that it allows us to see how new code interacts with existing characters, guilds, and city assets. By using Test as a proving ground we have found and fixed many bugs before a patch is released to Live.
Q: When is a patch placed on Test? Is it 'raw'? [ back to top ]
A: A patch is placed on Test after our internal Quality Assurance (QA) team has tested it. This means that most crashers have been found and fixed and that most features work as intended. Since it is impossible for a small team to duplicate the conditions that occur when thousands of characters are involved, the patch is moved to Test for a period of time before going to Live.
Q: Will Test be subject to unscheduled reboots? [ back to top ]
A: Yes, this will occur. We will always try to give our Test players a reasonable amount of warning. However, this is not always possible.
Q: Will Test be wiped? [ back to top ]
A: Yes, Test will be wiped from time to time. While there is not a schedule for wiping Test there are times that we will need to start from a 'clean' environment. Again, we will try to give our players a reasonable warning, but there will be times when this is not possible.
Q: Will I be able to interact with developers on Test? [ back to top ]
A: Yes, from time to time developers will be logged into Test. They might be conducting their own tests or simply interacting with players to get feedback.
Q: Can I help the developers in these tests? [ back to top ]
A: Often the answer is yes, but this will not always be the case. If a developer needs help they might advertise in the System channel, send tells to specific characters, or teleport into a group of players and use the Say channel to communicate.
Q: Why would a developer only need particular players to help test? [ back to top ]
A: Sometimes specific powers, equipment, trainers, or items might need to be looked at. For instance, if there has been a change to Braialla's Blade we might ask several Rangers to use them for us and report back on the results of the changes that were made. If the Ranger has trained for bow only we might provide access to a high-level Ranger trainer and a Refiner as well as gold to pay for that training.
Q: Would that sword be taken back after the test? The gold? The skills that were trained? [ back to top ]
A: In some cases an item might be taken back, in others it would be left with the character. Any excess gold would probably be removed, but the training would not be changed.
Q: Do the developers have favorites that get all the good stuff? [ back to top ]
A: No, there are no 'favored' or 'hated' players or guilds. We have no interest in giving an advantage to any particular player or guild. There are, however, players that have demonstrated not only a willingness to participate in testing and provide accurate and timely feedback, but have shown themselves to be trustworthy when performing these tasks. These might be the ones that we call on first when things need to be done.
Q: Can I become a player that is more likely to be asked to participate in testing? [ back to top ]
A: Yes. We look for those players that are willing to test the newest features, items, powers, etc. (Note that this can possibly have negative effects upon the character.) During the testing follow the instructions given by the developer, and report results in the manner specified.
Q: Do I have to participate in testing if asked? [ back to top ]
A: We will not force anyone to take part in tests. However, by playing on Test you have essentially 'volunteered' to help test. Please remember; Test is not a normal "live" server such as Vengeance or Mourning. Our purpose here is to Test features and changes that we want to integrate into the regular service. Therefore, if you play on Test you have a certain obligation to help us when we need it. Your reward for this may be a higher experience gain, more gold, and the opportunity to see and interact with new features to Shadowbane before they are released to the general public.
Q: I saw that a developer was online and sent a tell, but no response came back. Why did I not receive a response? [ back to top ]
A: There could be several reasons for this. Developers usually have a list of specific things to accomplish. At times the task will include talking to players, but other times this will not be possible. Another factor is that sometimes Tells scroll up fast enough to part your hair (especially after making a System announcement). It is nearly impossible to respond to any single player under these circumstances. Remember that developers are at work when on Test; treat them as you would if calling a friend while on the job.
Q: Will this posting be updated? [ back to top ]
A: Yes, as we see the need to update or modify this posting we will do so.
