Smuggler Archive
Thread: Smuggler Sand-Box Openings
Page 1 of 8
Smuggler_Caylin
Wed Aug 18, 2004 5:19 pm
#1
Many of you are aware that the developers are asking correspondents to select five members of their community to help test the combat revamp on a special test server.
I do not intend to be taking open applications for this though from the entire community. In short, I am not an equal opportunity person in this matter. I know several of you will feel excluded, and if I could take 30+ of you, I would. I have made a small list of some of our community members that I feel might have what it takes to get this done. If you aren't on the list, it doesn't mean I don't think you aren't capable, but I had to draw the line somewhere. A few have let me know via PM's you were interested in getting in on this, but I'm going to stick with people I know have had a presence here.
There are a couple players I will be wanting in here should they be willing and able. An example would be Dreven, who I have been able to get in contact with. These people will have asterisks beside their names and all they have to do is tell me they want in, to get a spot on my list.
Final Results:
- DrevenStrobe
- Fishbrains
- Geevo
- JTGAlpha
- Ipseck
For those who are on this list, I copied something from N'jessi that I feel is right on target with how this should be taken though it does address tailors instead of smugglers. If you don't think you can make the commitment that this will likely require, it's cool. I don't even know if I can meet up to my own expectations.
If you think you can handle it, please let me know via PM or here on this thread. When you do, I should be making your name appear blue on the list above.
The rest of this... I'll take in a more diplomatic fashion. I have potentially 4 spots open here. I hate making things look like a popularity contest but if you feel I am missing someone who would do an outstanding job, let me know. I can't remember everything that everyone has done and for that I apologise as many of you have made wonderful contributions. Feel free to add support to anyone you feel would do a good job, there is no need to say you don't agree with a name here though. I have reasons for every name on that list It was very hard to narrow this down, I had over 30 people on here as I kept trimming things down...
I'll be seeing what kind of support other names get for the remaining spots and I'll update as I can.
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 glamorous. You have to be dedicated and committed. Expect to spend a lot of time repetitively 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 glamorous, expect to feel like a glorified secretary.
Do I have the ability to take directions?
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. It's true that combat-related crafting will be tested and tweaked (such as armor and weapons), but tailoring will probably not be receiving tweaks. So, primarily 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 will be less 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." 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 glamorous. You have to be dedicated and committed. Expect to spend a lot of time repetitively 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 glamorous, expect to feel like a glorified secretary.
Do I have the ability to take directions?
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. It's true that combat-related crafting will be tested and tweaked (such as armor and weapons), but tailoring will probably not be receiving tweaks. So, primarily 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 will be less useful to the devs. (Now why they want 5 picks from me, the tailor correspondent, is beyond me - but there ya have it.)
Message Edited by Smuggler_Caylin on 08-23-2004 12:06 PM
One of the Four Horsemen of the Smuggler Apocalypse! 
Hattrix
Wed Aug 18, 2004 5:50 pm
#2
Guys .... to back up Caylin here, I was lucky enough to get into SWG Beta1. It IS a job. It's usually not much fun. It requires alot of time. This is basically Beta2 for testing the Combat Balance. Beta2 in SWG was, other than cool looking for the first time, really frustrating.
Only accept this position if you REALLY can work at this. You'll help shape the way our profession plays out when the Combat Balance goes through.
I for one DON'T want to do this but I hope there are those who really DO want to give up their regular play time to work at this.
Good luck to those who do it. We're counting on you!
Derec
WesBelden
Wed Aug 18, 2004 5:59 pm
#3
Would have loved to have been on that list, but ah well, life's full of dissapointments 
For those thatdo get in, good luck, and stick it to 'em
Message Edited by WesBelden on 08-18-2004 06:00 PM
Smuggler_Caylin
Wed Aug 18, 2004 6:20 pm
#4
WesBelden wrote:
Would have loved to have been on that list, but ah well, life's full of dissapointments
For those thatdo get in, good luck, and stick it to 'em
Message Edited by WesBelden on 08-18-2004 06:00 PM
You've done some great stuff WesBelden and I notice that I have 11 people there. I hate odd #'s so how about we go to 12?
/makes a note that this is the only time he's going to just toss another name up.
Message Edited by Smuggler_Caylin on 08-18-2004 06:22 PM
BleysAhrens
Wed Aug 18, 2004 6:22 pm
#5
Smuggler_Caylin wrote:
I hate making things look like a popularity contest
Too late. 
Smuggler_Caylin
Wed Aug 18, 2004 6:26 pm
#6
BleysAhrens wrote:
Smuggler_Caylin wrote:
I hate making things look like a popularity contest
Too late.
I know, but it's either this or I sift through 50+apps. 
Orcajum
Wed Aug 18, 2004 6:34 pm
#7
Excellent candidates Caylin. There are a handfull of other people that I could see going up there, but the vast majority of them are no longer with us unfortunately. EN and Solo woulda killed on this kinda semi-beta testing. Don't suppose the could be called up eh? 
Smuggler_Caylin
Wed Aug 18, 2004 6:38 pm
#8
Orcajum wrote:
Excellent candidates Caylin. There are a handfull of other people that I could see going up there, but the vast majority of them are no longer with us unfortunately. EN and Solo woulda killed on this kinda semi-beta testing. Don't suppose the could be called up eh?
They actually suggested a few of the names on that list. I keep in touch with them as I can 
They may not play the game anymore, but they help even now in more ways than most would realize.
Nerj
Wed Aug 18, 2004 6:49 pm
#9
Good Luck to all that participate, make it the best it can be for all of us.
SatyrDustwalker
Wed Aug 18, 2004 7:05 pm
#10
Im new to Smuggler but if there is an opening (which i doubt) i would love to help out
Just looking to do something new to help improve the game
NJ62
Wed Aug 18, 2004 7:30 pm
#11
Smuggler_Caylin wrote:but tailoring will probably not be receiving tweaks. ...(Now why they want 5 picks from me, the tailor correspondent, is beyond me - but there ya have it.)
Dude, if you're going to copy, maybe you should edit it first
You're not a tailor Message Edited by NJ62 on 08-18-2004 07:32 PM
Smuggler_Caylin
Wed Aug 18, 2004 7:37 pm
#12
I know, that's why I flat out said it was from you and the tailor forum. I don't like altering things if I dont need to
Smuggler_Caylin
Wed Aug 18, 2004 7:44 pm
#13
Smuggler_Caylin wrote:
For those who are on this list, I copied something from N'jessi that I feel is right on target with how this should be taken though it does address tailors instead of smugglers. If you don't think you can make the commitment that this will likely require, it's cool. I don't even know if I can meet up to my own expectations.
See? Credit where credit is due!
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