Ranger Archive
Thread: Combat Balance Testing Poll
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Calculus_Entropy
Tue Aug 17, 2004 3:19 pm
#1
So, let's say I were allowed to pick 5 of you to help me test the CB on a private server...this is not going to be all roses and wine, btw; it will be hard work. Would you rather have me pick them (i.e. do you trust me), or would you rather nominate people?
This isNOT,and by'NOT,' I MEAN NOT a request for nominations at this point!!! I will get to that IF you decide you would rather I don't pick the peeps!
Because it outlines things so nicely, I have attached an edited version of NJ62's post from the tailor forum:
NJ Said:
What the heck is that?
The combat balance sandbox is a closed server where the correspondents and the devs will be testing the changes to the combat balance. It will be a very very closed beta.
At this time I do not have the timeframe, but my best guess is approximately 1-2 months from now.
What does that have to do with me?
Well, TH wrote: "we are also going to add the correspondents Top 5 picks from each profession to also come on to the sandbox server and take part in the testing."Link.
So I get to pick 5 of you to help us test the combat balance changes.
What can I expect?
First, let me dispel any myths. This is not a perk, this is a job. You have to take direction, and spend a lot of time doing boring "grunt work". It's not glamourous. You have to be dedicated and committed. Expect to spend a lot of time repetatively testing certain weapon combinations, in either PvP or PvE, and to spend even more time giving feedback and discussing the changes. Expect it to take up the majority of your allotted gaming time, require time every night, and to take priority over logging in to your regular server.
I am trying to get more specific details about what exactly is expected from testers.
Am I a good candidate?
At this point, I don't have the exact criteria that the devs want, but we should get the ball rolling on who is interested so in case I'm called upon to make a quick decision, I have a list of people who are interested, and who would do a good job.
So before you apply, ask yourself the following:
Do I have the time to test this? This may be harsh, but because this is a small selected group, we need testers who will dependably logon every day. If you can't do that, you need to leave the spot open for someone who can. The sandbox will take priority over your normal gaming, including restocking. Normally I say, work around real-life priorities. Now, I say that you need the ability to clear your schedule. If your job is 60 hours a week, if you can only sneak online for 2 hours a night in any case, if workload has a tendency to bloom at inconvenient times, this job is not for you.
Do I have the patience to give feedback? As a correspondent, I can say that you will probably spend twice as long giving feedback and writing up your findings as you are actually online testing. It's not glamourous, expect to feel like a glorified secretary.
Do I have the ability to take direction? This is not a game where you run off and do whatever you want. You're not going to be able to focus on going cool places, getting loot, or making money. The devs want you to test aspect X, you test aspect X. If it's boring, too bad. If you have to do it 50 times, that's life.
Do I have experience testing? If you already play on TestCenter or have previously been involved in beta testing, then you know what to expect, and what is expected of you. It's not required, but it is helpful.
Do I have combat experience? Sorry folks, this is the combat balance, not the crafting balance. We're not going to be crafting (well, probably not), we're going to be whacking each other with sticks. If you have no experience with combat or healing, you won't be useful to the devs. (Now why they want 5 picks from me, the tailor correspondent, is beyond me - but there ya have it.)
The combat balance sandbox is a closed server where the correspondents and the devs will be testing the changes to the combat balance. It will be a very very closed beta.
At this time I do not have the timeframe, but my best guess is approximately 1-2 months from now.
What does that have to do with me?
Well, TH wrote: "we are also going to add the correspondents Top 5 picks from each profession to also come on to the sandbox server and take part in the testing."
So I get to pick 5 of you to help us test the combat balance changes.
What can I expect?
First, let me dispel any myths. This is not a perk, this is a job. You have to take direction, and spend a lot of time doing boring "grunt work". It's not glamourous. You have to be dedicated and committed. Expect to spend a lot of time repetatively testing certain weapon combinations, in either PvP or PvE, and to spend even more time giving feedback and discussing the changes. Expect it to take up the majority of your allotted gaming time, require time every night, and to take priority over logging in to your regular server.
I am trying to get more specific details about what exactly is expected from testers.
Am I a good candidate?
At this point, I don't have the exact criteria that the devs want, but we should get the ball rolling on who is interested so in case I'm called upon to make a quick decision, I have a list of people who are interested, and who would do a good job.
So before you apply, ask yourself the following:
Do I have the time to test this? This may be harsh, but because this is a small selected group, we need testers who will dependably logon every day. If you can't do that, you need to leave the spot open for someone who can. The sandbox will take priority over your normal gaming, including restocking. Normally I say, work around real-life priorities. Now, I say that you need the ability to clear your schedule. If your job is 60 hours a week, if you can only sneak online for 2 hours a night in any case, if workload has a tendency to bloom at inconvenient times, this job is not for you.
Do I have the patience to give feedback? As a correspondent, I can say that you will probably spend twice as long giving feedback and writing up your findings as you are actually online testing. It's not glamourous, expect to feel like a glorified secretary.
Do I have the ability to take direction? This is not a game where you run off and do whatever you want. You're not going to be able to focus on going cool places, getting loot, or making money. The devs want you to test aspect X, you test aspect X. If it's boring, too bad. If you have to do it 50 times, that's life.
Do I have experience testing? If you already play on TestCenter or have previously been involved in beta testing, then you know what to expect, and what is expected of you. It's not required, but it is helpful.
Message Edited by Calculus_Entropy on 08-17-2004 04:43 PM
Owen-Lars
Tue Aug 17, 2004 3:22 pm
#2
Rather you pick because you'll know whos gonna put the effort in to do it.
Plus itdoesnt make it a competetion or anything hehe. I hate singling anyone out, all you guys rock
Vorpaks
Tue Aug 17, 2004 3:27 pm
#3
I've been sensing a discussion on the Corr forum. 
This is a tough one. I like n'Jessi's approach on the tailor forum where she laid out certain guidelines and asked people to PM her if they are still interested. I guess that means I think you should pick 'em!
Privacy means less room for flaming or public humiliation if someone isn't picked.
This is a tough one. I like n'Jessi's approach on the tailor forum where she laid out certain guidelines and asked people to PM her if they are still interested. I guess that means I think you should pick 'em!
Privacy means less room for flaming or public humiliation if someone isn't picked.
Calculus_Entropy
Tue Aug 17, 2004 3:27 pm
#4
Owen-Lars wrote:
Rather you pick because you'll know whos gonna put the effort in to do it.
Plus itdoesnt make it a competetion or anything hehe. I hate singling anyone out, all you guys rock
I just want to make sure it is considered impartial...we are all so close in here, that it is hard to pick AND hard to be impartial doign so! I think that y'all will agree that my picks are the right ones
. Anyone that I pick OR anyone that gets nominated has the right to turn down the offer. BTW, this post is so vague as to the actual testing because I have absolutely no details on the Sandbox Server.
Calculus_Entropy
Tue Aug 17, 2004 3:28 pm
#5
I plan on stealing her post at some point..it was perfect!
Vorpaks wrote:
I like n'Jessi's approach on the tailor forum where she laid out certain guidelines and asked people to PM her if they are still interested.
Direpath
Tue Aug 17, 2004 3:55 pm
#7
I think that those that are willing to put in the time and effort should contact you, then you pick from that group. Not much point in picking someone if they do not have the time to do it.
AgonThalia
Tue Aug 17, 2004 4:03 pm
#8
I trust your judgment...
you can pick the 5, send them a PM, if they respond with a no, then find a replacement for that person.
you can pick the 5, send them a PM, if they respond with a no, then find a replacement for that person.
Seiryuu
Tue Aug 17, 2004 4:20 pm
#10
Both. Calc, you should pick who you feel is going to be best suited to helping out. There are a few people you probably have in mind that would make good testers.
But maybe there is somone you forgot. At least seeing who would be nominated might jog your memory. You aren't obligated to take anyone, and several of them will likely be people you would choose anyways.
But maybe there is somone you forgot. At least seeing who would be nominated might jog your memory. You aren't obligated to take anyone, and several of them will likely be people you would choose anyways.
Phenix1050
Tue Aug 17, 2004 4:34 pm
#11
I'm with Seiryuu on this one. A little nomination would help flesh out the list of potentials, and would allow you a complete list of who the Ranger community thinks are worthy.
in the end though calc, i trust whoever you pick will be worthy testers.
Washell
Tue Aug 17, 2004 4:34 pm
#12
Just pick the 5 calc, keep timezones in mind and try to pick both creature centric and combat (stealth) centric rangers to help you test.
WildBil2Me
Tue Aug 17, 2004 9:27 pm
#13
Calc ... I think you're the best to decide. I support any names you send along.
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