[Test server] Special Week

Double load tests, Expandable Islands, PvP

Dear Settlers!

Two load tests and two new versions will be deployed on the test server environment this week.

• Tuesday: Load test 1 (normal game version)
• Wednesday: Load test 2 (early version of Expandable Islands)
• Thursday: New game version test (PvP)

http://static.cdn.ubi.com/0034/archi...d_complete.jpg

Expandable Island load tests

A way to remove mountains was available for a short time on our test server in the past. The feature couldn't be implemented in the live game due to potential technical / performance issues. Since then, the team tested several other ways to implement more building slots on the home island. One of them is ready for a performance test! It will be the basis for further development of: Expandable islands!

There will be two load tests: One with the regular test server game version and one with the Expandable Islands version. After the tests, the results will be compared. In order to have significant results, we will only perform the second load test if the first one was a success!

Load tests details:

• Start test 1: Tuesday, the 23rd of September, 12:00 - noon (BST)
• End test 1: Tuesday, the 23rd of September, 19:00 (BST)
• Goal: Build, move and destroy as many buildings as possible

• Start test 2: Wednesday, the 24th of September, 12:00 - noon(BST)
• End test 2: Wednesday, the 24th of September, 19:00 (BST)
• Goal: Build, move and destroy as many buildings as possible

If both tests are successful:

• Reward:
  
  http://static.cdn.ubi.com/0034/archi...st_rewards.png
  
  In case the server load was high enough in both load tests,
  a Halloween gift package will be sent on Friday to all regular game accounts
  of all language versions that have been active this week.

The Expandable Islands test is supposed to provide information about the behaviour of the game with more building slots.
The feature is not finalized (very early version) and will not be part of a regular game version anytime soon.

http://static.cdn.ubi.com/0034/archi...pvp_teaser.jpg,

The new Battle System & PvP

Another new game version will be deployed on the test server after the load tests:
The new Battle System & PvP! A Sneak Peek providing brief information will be published later this week.
The detailed developer's diary will be announced as soon as the feature development has been finished.

For feedback, please go here.

Happy testing!
BB_Ravel

Dear Load-Testers,

The first load test performed on Tuesday was successful.
The second load test phase, featuring the first test version of expandable islands, started today.

How to use the additional island space?

1. Use your explorer to reveal the new additional sectors
2. Go to the shop and open the “Black market” category
3. Acquire the “Small island deed” item
4. Use the “Small island deed” item (Star menu) on the new islands to capture them
5. Open the building menu and build the “Island Storehouse” on the new islands in order to unlock the sector

Click on the thumbnail to enlarge picture

http://static.cdn.ubi.com/0034/archi...islands1_t.jpg
There are new sectors in the south


http://static.cdn.ubi.com/0034/archi...islands2_t.jpg
Use your explorers to reveal new sectors


http://static.cdn.ubi.com/0034/archi...islands3_t.jpg
You explored one of the new sectors


http://static.cdn.ubi.com/0034/archi...islands4_t.jpg
Use the "Small island deed" buff to capture the island


http://static.cdn.ubi.com/0034/archi...islands5_t.jpg
Build the “Island Storehouse” to unlock the sector


http://static.cdn.ubi.com/0034/archi...islands6_t.jpg
You can now start using the sector...

About storehouses

The new "Island Storehouse" building is needed to unlock the extensions (after using the “Small island deed” buff from the black market).
The regular Storehouse is needed to unlock main island sectors.
After unlocking a new island extension by building an "Island Storehouse", you can build regular storehouses there as well.
The current "Island Storehouse" graphics are placeholders.

Please keep in mind that this is an early test version. The dev team is still working on it and the final version may differ.

Same thread for feedback, please.

Happy testing!
BB_Ravel