Ashes of Creation Changed Everything (AGAIN)

Summary

Ashes of Creation has made a major announcement regarding its server changes for the Alpha 2 phase. With the delay of Phase 3 until August, the game will test a server merge, combining both NA realms into a mega server. This will be a temporary test, with fresh start servers and a focus on testing performance under heavy load. While this is a positive for active player populations, it may cause issues for EU players with ping. The game's developers, Intrepid Studios, are confident in their tech but acknowledge the volatile nature of alpha testing, emphasizing long-term goals and community feedback. The update has sparked excitement and concerns alike within the community.

Takeaways

• 😀 The recent announcement from *Ashes of Creation* has created a lot of buzz in the community, especially regarding changes to the server plans.
• 😀 The start of Phase 3 of Alpha 2 has been delayed from May 1st to August, but players who purchased Phase 3 will still have access from May 1st.
• 😀 The two current NA realms will be merged temporarily for testing purposes, and this merger will be deleted shortly after the test on April 30th.
• 😀 *Ashes of Creation* Alpha 2 is temporarily becoming a 'mega server' with no EU server, causing concerns about ping for EU players.
• 😀 Intrepid Studios is confident that their server tech can provide good connectivity for EU players despite the relocation to US East servers.
• 😀 The combined NA server population will bring both positive and negative effects, including overcrowded grind spots and potential conflicts between guilds.
• 😀 One of the criticisms from the community is the lack of clear communication regarding these changes, leading to confusion among players.
• 😀 The game's alpha state means that changes can happen at short notice, and players must be aware that the experience is not final.
• 😀 There will be a fresh start server alongside the merged servers, leading to debates within guilds about whether to start fresh or remain on the merged server.
• 😀 Developer messages emphasize that the test is aimed at pushing the system to its limits and optimizing dynamic gridding, which will impact long-term gameplay.
• 😀 Intrepid Studios' focus is on the long-term development of *Ashes of Creation*, with the understanding that the current testing phase is a work in progress and subject to change.

Q & A

What is the main announcement from Ashes of Creation in the transcript?

The main announcement is that Ashes of Creation will temporarily merge the two current North American (NA) servers and introduce a single mega server, which will also test server performance. Additionally, the fresh start servers will be the only available servers, with no European (EU) servers for now.

Why were the servers merged in this phase of the Alpha 2 test?

The servers were merged as part of a stress test to evaluate server scalability, performance, and to ensure the infrastructure can handle a large number of concurrent players. The goal is to test the game's server technology and the network infrastructure.

What is the impact of the server merge on European (EU) players?

EU players are expected to experience higher latency due to the NA servers being located on the US East Coast. While Intrepid Studios is confident in their technology to minimize the impact, EU players may face a less stable ping compared to having dedicated EU servers.

When will the EU servers return in Ashes of Creation?

EU servers are expected to return on August 4th, after the ongoing testing phase and the implementation of dynamic gridding, which aims to optimize the game's scalability and performance.

What is the purpose of the 'fresh start' server?

The 'fresh start' server is designed to provide a new beginning for players, with a clean slate for everyone. This is meant to test the server merge, server performance, and the overall game experience with a fresh start for all players.

How will the 'mega server' affect the gameplay experience?

The 'mega server' will bring a large number of players together, creating a high-population environment that can lead to intense competition for resources, grind spots, and world events. This may cause overcrowding in some areas and increase conflict among players, which can be both positive and negative depending on the player's preferences.

What is the main concern regarding communication from Intrepid Studios?

The main concern raised in the transcript is that Intrepid Studios has provided updates on server changes with short notice, leading to confusion and uncertainty within the community. Some players have expressed frustration about the lack of clear communication about the server structure changes.

How does the development phase impact player expectations?

Since the game is in an alpha stage, players should expect frequent changes and updates, and their current gameplay experience may not reflect the final version of the game. It’s important for players to keep in mind that things are still in development, and the testing phase is meant to gather data for improving the game.

What is dynamic gridding, and why is it important?

Dynamic gridding refers to the system being developed to handle large numbers of players in one area without causing performance issues. It’s crucial for ensuring that the game can support high-density player populations while maintaining a smooth and enjoyable experience.

What message did Steven, the developer, share regarding the alpha testing process?

Steven emphasized that while the alpha testing phase might lead to issues or disruptions, it is crucial for long-term development. The testing phase is necessary for refining the server architecture and ensuring that the final product meets the vision of Ashes of Creation.