20 replies to this topic

[Sir Kalthorine]

First of all, don't get excited... while progress on Chrysta has been steady (i.e. no slacking experienced from team members yet with an average of 2-3 key dialogues and a similar number of banters coded each week!), there is still a loooong way to go.

Basically, I am still aiming for a first-quarter-2006 release if we go with SoA only initial release, but I wanted to poll peoples' opinions as to the preferred release method, as it will enable me to pace development better if I know sooner rather than later. The choice is simple (as given in the poll above), and I have tried to give these in likely chronological order. Note that if my research into this kind of thing is accurate, the difference between options 1 and 4 may be as much as six months:

• SoA only released first, ToB section released a few months later as an add-on. Mod has open (public) Beta Testing.
  
• SoA only release first, ToB section released a few months later as an add-on. Mod has closed (private) Beta Testing beforehand.
  
• SoA and ToB simultaneous release (full mod). Mod has open (public) Beta Testing.
  
• SoA and ToB simultaneous release (full mod). Mod has closed (private) Beta Testing beforehand.

My own preferred option is currently number [4], i.e. keeping all our cards close to our chest, allowing the full integrated plotline to develop, testing it in private with a few selected Beta Testers, and then releasing a (hopefully) stable version of the whole shooting match in one go. The downside of this is that it might mean pushing release back into 2nd or even 3rd quarter of 2006.

As has been the case with previous polls here, I want to get the general feeling regarding release methods for a mod like Chrysta which contains multiple new quests and new areas as well as a dialogue-heavy new joinable NPC. So please feel free to help Chrysta's development by giving your honest comments so we can discuss the options and peoples' opinions of them thoroughly.

Edited by Sir Kalthorine, 11 May 2005 - 06:01 AM.

[Lord Ernie]

Hmmm... I'm not sure. Releasing the mod in one piece is nice, but a late 2006 release isn't. I do have a preference for fully released mods however, even if it takes a longer time. I strongly dislike halfly finished stories, which is what you get when the mod's story stops at the end of SoA.

As for the beta tests, I vote for closed ones. Pick your betatesters wisely (I'm gonna stop myself from shouting "Pick me! Pick me!"), and you should have most problems fixed. An open beta is generally better at finding each and every bug, but in my experience the bugs still left after a closed beta are few, small, and usually not that hard to remove. And I just don't like the idea of an open beta.

So, as hard as it is (I want to see this mod released as much as everybody else), I vote #4.

Edited by Lord Ernie, 11 May 2005 - 06:08 AM.

[the bigg]

#3: I am one of those who cannot stand people who put up an half-done work (especially when I've done the same thing myself).
On the other hand, a NPC project isn't going to require extensive beta-testing as much as a tweak pack or something like that, hence the open beta, which have also the advantage of being exposed to more, and more experienced, modders' de-bugging eyes, which is good again for reducing time before a stable version is done.

[SConrad]

Closed beta, no doubt. As for SoA / SoA+ToB, I prefer the latter. It also depends on the overall size of the mod, of course.

[Erephine]

SoA first, closed beta.

Because I almost never play through ToB anyway.

[Togashi Renshi]

SoA first, closed beta tests. That was we get to nag Sir K longer.
:turnip: <- loves to nag

[Sillara]

I voted for #4. Much as I dislike the idea of waiting longer (and is there any way we can push that date forward? ), I do not like half-finished stories. I also prefer the closed beta method. That way any large bugs will be squashed before release. But I think you could have guessed my vote beforehand, Sir K! :^^: After all, you were one of nethrin's and my beta-testers!

Sillara

[Sir Kalthorine]

I voted for #4.  Much as I dislike the idea of waiting longer (and is there any way we can push that date forward?  ), I do not like half-finished stories.  I also prefer the closed beta method.  That way any large bugs will be squashed before release.  But I think you could have guessed my vote beforehand, Sir K!  :^^:  After all, you were one of nethrin's and my beta-testers!   

Great minds do, indeed, think alike...

[SimDing0]

Given primarily that ToB is a total joke, the model adopted by a fair number of NPC mods so far has been separate SoA and ToB components, released when they're ready resepectively. This doesn't seem to have caused problems with players.

[Lord Ernie]

Great minds do, indeed, think alike...

I've always thought the saying was "Sick minds think alike"... Could be just me though.

[khay]

SoA first, ToB later sucks heavily. Like uber-heavily, I really dislike it when I see NPCs with 'ToB portion coming later'; it mostly means it will never come. Voted 4.

[SimDing0]

SoA first, ToB later sucks heavily. Like uber-heavily, I really dislike it when I see NPCs with 'ToB portion coming later'; it mostly means it will never come. Voted 4.

...except neither's going to come with the other option, because it still depends on the completion of that same section.

[insomnia]

In a fit of impatience and strong desire to play chrysta I voted for #1.
Upon reflection, #3 or #4 would probably be better. SoA will take about a month to get through if I take my time, and I'd hate to have to leave it hanging for 6 or more months.
If you go for 4, I have no shame in jumping up and down saying "Ooh! Ooh! Pick me! Pick me!"

[AnnabelleRose]

SoA first, closed beta.

Because I almost never play through ToB anyway. 

Ditto.

[Miss Sakaki]

I voted for #4, because though I'm as excited as anyone it's niggling to only have one half of the story. And closed beta tests, because that way a general release won't be associated with having lots of bugs etc.

[Andyr]

I concur with Lightspeed.

I'd say keep the beta closed - there shouldn't be any need to prove yourself by rushing something out...

Also, I would advise for separate SoA/ToB releases. After all, a lot of people don't bother with ToB due to the fact it was crap. If desperate, you could always do an interim no-content ToB version so people can summon her after SoA.

[Sir Kalthorine]

Well, I can certainly confirm that we will be going with closed beta tests when the time comes.

Whether or not we go with a simultaneous SoA/ToB release or a staged one will depend on how developed the two separate strands are - we will decide nearer time and announce the decision well in advance. My preference is still for a simultaneous release, but that is not set in stone and I retain the right to change my mind as and when I see fit!

[T.G.Maestro]

Definitely SoA+ToB, even if it takes more time. Beta tests do not concern me that much.

[Archmage Silver]

I'm also giving my vote for the SoA+ToB releases at the same time though it takes more time.