Darkfall Status Update

[Tasos]

This is the latest Darkfall development update prepared for the members of the Darkfall Community.

Since our last update (http://forums.darkfallonline.com/index.php?showtopic=6598) we've completed a lot of work and we're busy working on our latest Darkfall build which is on schedule and due to be out on February the 3d. This build is an important step towards community playtesting.

These are some of the things that we've been working on since our last update:

- More graphical enhancements have been added to the game engine. Kjetil is definitely in the zone.
- We're continuing to tune physics. Right now we're specifically working on making player character movement as smooth as possible.
- Skills and spells are being fine-tuned for balanced PvP.
- Weather system controls are being installed so that the weather can be controllable by admins or GMs, when needed, like for example for use in global events.
- The integrity and security of the server are being enhanced. The added features will further reduce the risk of exploits.
- As we're moving towards the new version, code is being refactored so that it's easier to update and debug.
- As far as AI goes, pathfinding and navigation are ongoing projects. We're also working on spawn point specification, in other words, how a spawn point will work and how the creatures in it are going to behave. We could, for example, add tactics to a spawn point and turn an encounter into a scenario where monsters try to recapture the spawn, ambush players etc. The challenge here is to redefine spawn points, by making them unpredictable, interesting, and fun.
- The decapitation model is in the works and we're also looking into the possibility of the severing of limbs.


- The Art department is wrapping up Elven architecture next week. When that's done, all player character architecture will be complete.
- Player character models are undergoing polycount optimization which is scheduled to be finished next week. Claus and Henning will prepare something on the player character models and they will be presented to the community.
- The armor and clothing system has been worked out in such a way to be as flexible as possible while preserving racial identity.
- The terrain is still being optimized and we have hired more contractors to help with this task while our artists continue creating extreme terrain features and unique locations that players can discover and use.
- We're creating even more monster architecture, as well as more props to be added to the monster spawn areas. Along with the spawn area specification we talked about earlier, spawns and adventure areas will have more of a unique dungeon-like feel about them, rather than simply working as a repetitive recycling point for monsters.
- We now have over 100 unique monster types fully completed, giving us several hundred different monsters available for the game at launch.


- The worldbuilders are finished with the Dwarven areas and have moved into the wasteland continent. They've also been getting a steady stream of new art to add to the game, and they've been very busy incorporating all this into the world.
- More dungeons and dungeon types have been added since the last update. As with everything else we're going for great variety and we have already built dungeons based on caves, mines, tunnels, sewers, temples, pyramids, towers, catacombs, and various combinations.
- Most of the sounds we need for launch are now done.
- We have started working on a reporting-feedback system to help chronicle the ongoing player-driven history per world.
- The preparations for community playtesting have already started on our end. We'll start a short registration and selection process soon. Findings from our new build will determine when the playtesting will begin.


Our next status update will be after our new build is up. We will also start showing more of the game to the community and we'll open up more involvement, feedback, and participation options for those who are interested.

The Darkfall Team

[PenDragon]

omg :D
This roxz0r!

[AshTheUgly]

Great update, thanks Tasos and the rest of RW.

[Viranth]

Thanks Tasos, good update =)

[Gaintlord]

WOW!!!!

Alsome news :)

The world is getting better and I can't wait to see all the new stuff and explore these cool dungeons.

Keep up the good work guys :)

[Myrd[SUN]]

ty for the update it's a good read.

gotta fix your questionmark though Tasos ;)

[CAT]

Excellent! Well done can't wait to see it!

[Blade]

Woohoo, thnx Tasos! So ill get some tidbits as birthday present on Feb. 4th??? Hehehe, ill be able to see those only untill im back from my aniversary trip. Ah well will have to wait till the 7th then to see whats comming.

Thnx again for the update, sounds as if you are just about ready to let the hordes in and start testing!! ;)

Thnx and bye

[Ferox]

a very good update. Cant wait to see the new website and information.

[MooSeS]

Thx for the update.

Hope those ingame videos come soon. ;)

[itzkurt]

We will also start showing more of the game to the community and we'll open up more involvement, feedback, and participation options for those who are interested.


Cheers.. just what I was hoping to hear.

[Ezuan]

awesome! Can't wait for what Claus and Henning are preparing.

[Zimone]

Let the slaughtering begin! :D

[Darkmatter]

- The decapitation model is in the works and we're also looking into the possibility of the severing of limbs.


:D :D :D

Excellent news. Excellent work DF team! You rock!

[Satan]

.pwn

[Decius]

This is great news. I can't wait to see what Claus and Henning are preparing.

Mobs ambushing us? Hehe, sounds like fun. :)

[Branora]

Thank you Tasos, that progress sounds amazing. I can't wait to see it.

[Zunaah]

Excellent update B) Further along than I thought and sounds like a public beta could be around the corner (as in acouple months)

[Isophane]

1337! :lol:

Time to get this show on the road!
Thx for update!

[Jax]

thanks to all of r-dub for all the hard work!

[Jangang]

Thanks for the update, and all the hardwork being put into Darkfall. I can't wait to see some of the things you've been talking about.

:D

[ermis333]

The preparations for community playtesting have already started on our end. We'll start a short registration and selection process soon. Findings from our new build will determine when the playtesting will begin.


Our next status update will be after our new build is up. We will also start showing more of the game to the community and we'll open up more involvement, feedback, and participation options for those who are interested


Nice work guys!!!

Can't wait to be a beta-tester!!!

[mudge80]

This is a huge advancement over the last update. You guys really are working hard!

- As far as AI goes, pathfinding and navigation are ongoing projects. We're also working on spawn point specification, in other words, how a spawn point will work and how the creatures in it are going to behave. We could, for example, add tactics to a spawn point and turn an encounter into a scenario where monsters try to recapture the spawn, ambush players etc. The challenge here is to redefine spawn points, by making them unpredictable, interesting, and fun.

I'm very excited about this. One of the things that I have noticed is that taking out a spawn point (nest, base or whatever) is basically the same situation every time. I can't wait to see what you guys come up with!

[rekker]

"The preparations for community playtesting have already started on our end. We'll start a short registration and selection process soon. Findings from our new build will determine when the playtesting will begin."

great news!!

HOPEFULLY see alot of you in beta! this is one beta i cant miss.... im thinkin maybe money in the post....

[kehmesis]

Excitation fills through my body...

*falls to the ground*

[Vicar]

Great update. :)

[Saeren]

Very nice update. Can't wait for the beta.

*hopes for beta selection*

[Extizuo]

*sploooooge*

sorry. I got over-excited.

Sounds great.

No mention about the new website though.

I'm looking forward to playtesting the greatest mmorpg in development. I bet it has all kinds of interesting bugs that no one else could find except for me. =) hint hint.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Originally posted by Tasos@Jan 26 2004, 11:58 AM
for use in global events
havent heard anything on GM Events and stuff like that, this is lookin good :D

love the decapitation ;) and the stuff on spawn points looks fun

but most of all the bit about more interaction, i've been getting bored lately :)

[Aradorn Skyfyre]

Not bad =)


ready to see beta hehee...

[Twaize]

heard that it would be open beta

[Irek]

Sweet!

Sounds like you guys are making awesome progress!

[zen_pollo]

Sweet!

[Mieszko]

Awesome thansk tasos and u all keep up the good work :)

[Yuengling.OoB]

Thanks a bunch.

Decapitation and severed limbs, Oh my!

y

[Exmortis]

Thanks RW! We're all looking forward to playing your game.

[Veilroth]

Now thats an update! It's like sweet music for my ears! Thanks Tasos and the rest of the RW dev team. You rock!

[Alistair]

Lol, nice update Tasos. Looking forward to the new website, i really am surprised at how excited I am to see what the Mahirim character model looks like :D

--Alistair

[Dozier]

*weee :D

[Demilich]

I have been Clammering for some new information and it came just in time, you prolly saved many innocent lives today ;p

[Falstaff]

very nice!
:D

[Yggdrasil]

Thats realy great news, lets rock B)

[dohdohburd]

NICE! B)

[ryan10230]

Thanks for the continued updates.

[Riva]

Nice work!

[Arathalus]

lots of good news in that there update.

[BauB]

my turn: woot :blink:

[Gilthoniel]

Thanks for the update.

[illicit]

Well everyone else is so...

w00t!

Seriously though nice update. Looks like closed beta will be soon :)

[Mobed]

Now I can sleep at night again!

[Afgar]

Everyone has basically said it already, but


WOOT

[Atticon]

Sounds fantastic, can't wait to see more updates.

[Reizlanzer]

THIS is what I wanna hear, thank you so much - you guys have not ceased to amaze me, shows real dedication - hopefully this dedication carries over after the game goes gold.

[the regulator]

Thank you for the update, I'm sure a lot of us we're waiting for this.

[E36]

SCORE! = )

[Zeralith]

The game we've all been looking forward to, for so long, is almost upon us!!!
My Guild and I, just can't wait!

Thanks for this awsome update.

---> Nightrunners of Anainn, Leading the Mahirim Pack (http://www.anainn.com/df) <---

[Cybermoose]

Sounds like you dont have *very* much left to do... woot.. WooT..WOOOT!
Thx for update, n1

[Red-Eye]

Yes, finaly.

Damn I have almost been depressed these last weeks... :P

I have even gone back and looked at WoW :blink: (not good)


Great work, whole Darkfall team.

[Eternalsinner]

Awesome, it looks like this whole thing is finally coming togather, i cant wait to see the results. I envy RW and thier dedication to thier development and community. You guys have been verbaly beaten time and time again,but still stick with the gameplan without losing confidence. This will indeed be a very succesful game if this kind of dedication keeps up! :D

[stounedi]

Sounds rather interesting. Seems the game is forming up and its only matter of finalizing, and then eventually beta testing.

They say they are studying for possibilities to make more limbs than just head seperable. Sounds interesting. Thumbs up!

[PenDragon]

My guess regarding the new website is Soon

[Quale]

Halleluja!

[Ren]

On the eve of beta, excellent news. WoW signups start tomorrow, this could get real interesting.

[Stereoviewer]

I sure hope vegetation will be improved. I wanna see some grass/bushes/mushrooms/fern/what-ever-on-the-ground. There are sooo many great looking games with a similar orientation as Darkfall coming up, and the devs can

[Czeris]

I've been cheerleading this game to my friends for a few months now. This update is going to make the job a helluva lot easier.

Great stuff!

2 points stand out:

1) Intelligent Spawns!

2) 100 unique monsters at release!

[rakessh]

Awesome!

Cheers

*Downs a mug of mead*

[Drake Whitewood]

Great news. Ya'll are rather free with the info on how much you've finished and what exactly you're working on down to the tee, which I think is outstanding

As for exploits? I swear, if there's exploits, Me and my boys (and girls) will find them when the beta opens up.

Keep up the good work.

[Farooq]

WooT!!! Very nice update.....!! Can't wait to BETA test it.

[Niccoli]

Cool stuff, can't wait to see how it all turns out. :D

[soy]

please save me, I'm actually looking forward to world of warcraft.. Just months ago I scoffed at the idea of playing this game..

[Ruim]

Thanks for the update, looking forward to helping iron out the wrinkles.

[Alaytes]

total ownage.

[thantos911]

Thank God. I am glad to hear Darkfall is coming along, been getting rusty. Having to frag people in Jedi Academy, and quake just to get any type of pvp. No other game out there really suits me for pvp and mass pvp...... SB came close for awhile.

[Sonn Fere]

/sigh ...you taunt us! Dangle a mug of grog in front of my face without letting me taste a drop! Give us beta already...I want to help the production of this game!

[phyloo]

OMG mobs ambush, new dungeons ... :P
I wanna see that !!!
Can't wait for Bete-test it !!!

Good job guys !! :D :D :D

[kROY]

WTG RW, can't wait to see DarkFall in action.

[togatort]

excellent feekback. gl to everyone taking part in the creation of this game. i am ecstatic and can't wait until it's release.

[jarhead]

Yeah. This is intriguing to say the least. The one thing that caught my eye was the decapitation & limb removal. Not that I'm a "blood freak", but I do like realism and effects.

[Dether]

Well if you are a Jarhead Gyrene like meself, of course the decapitation and limbs aflyin is er well interesting heehehaaaha ooooooohhhhh RRRrhhhhahaaaaaaa

[Dominion]

Great news indeed!

[Vhalember]

Wha-wha-what... A gaming company that releases real updates?! :)

Sounds great, can't wait to see some of these ideas in action.

[KniteFlux]

This is excellent news indeed. I

[Drax]

All sounds very encorageing i look forwards to playing this game in future ;))

[Pokeroo]

Good to hear that the development is still heading forward. Something to look forward to in the month of February! Keep up the good work team.

[Andonis]

hmm better late then never, thnx for update and keep up the good work
Can't wait for the new info to come up should be interesting.

[Dreyhan]

this game is gonna own

[Ochosi]

Ditto on the kudos. Keep on keeping on.

O

[BloodLingDa2nd]

Wow, seems like progressions are rapid. From what I have currently seen, it seems that the game will be a hit... at this rate. One question, how will loading be implemented? Will there be "Blocks" that will periodicaly load and re-load? or "Zones" or contintents loaded "zones" at a time where a zone calculates when the next zone must be loaded?

Im curious because it seems that in Shadowbane, the constant-loading of zones made the game pretty slow in loading and gameplay

[jittles]

I finally got un-hooked on lurking here and it worked! I check back every once and a while and now I find this.

Now I'm all excited again. I even went back to playing shadowbane...

Well I signed up for L2 and WoW betas but hell if this comes out I'll be rid of those two timesinks, and one major timesink will be created.

[Insaiyan]

<3 thanks for the update guy ^_^

[Demonfang]

I like progress :P

[PheniX DragoN]

Originally posted by Tasos@Jan 26 2004, 08:58 AM
- The terrain is still being optimized and we have hired more contractors to help with this task while our artists continue creating extreme terrain features and unique locations that players can discover and use.
I hope this shushes the people complaining about them not having enough people working there. :D

[Ammut]

Nice update. Keep on the good work :D

[Soul]

Thanks for the update, sounds very promising! :-)

[Grimmace]

Originally posted by PheniX DragoN@Feb 1 2004, 10:58 AM
I hope this shushes the people complaining about them not having enough people working there. :D
people shouldent be complaining about the amount of anyone working on anything when the game there not paying for isnt even out yet ;)

[Emiljo]

Heeya, cant wait till it comes ...

If I dont get Beta tester I'll simply die! God please help me on this :)




Nice to see that your workin' on it

[BalanceFx]

Hoping I get to beta test it. I got to beta EQ and UO and those games ended up being pretty awesome. I didn't beta Shadowbane or Daoc and I'll just say that I think I make beta testing worth it if the above doesnt speak for itself. :-)

[Exmortis]

TODAY IS THE DAY!

I now post the cockboat in celebration of the new Darkfall world build!

~~~~~~~\<span style='color:red'>8==========D/</span>~~~~~~~

[Rancor]

i haven't seen anything new...anyone care to share where it is?

[Dulin]

:D :D

[NikkiZ]

I must be blind.. Cause I skimmed through Tasos message and I don't see anything about Feb. 3rd being the date for the new site.

[NikkiZ]

Oh nevermind! Sorry! I found it :P

[Alistair]

Aww, dag, i was really hoping we would get some update or something yesterday. Hehe, oh well. :rolleyes:

--Alistair

[Murray]

:lol: YAY!!!! We got an update!! :lol: YAY!!!!!

[Dorundain]

hehe, Murray, you can't go posting things like that.

I dropped everything I was doing the moment I read your post and rushed over to the homepage with all haste, only to find out that you were referring to the *last* status update.

Blah.

[Kinison]

Nice, thanks for the Status/Update.

With the code being updated to make things easier to debug, I take it an Open Beta isnt too far away.

[ryan10230]

Considering they haven't had an actual closed beta yet, I'd say an open beta may be longer than you think.

[Shad]

They are in closed beta now ryan.

They will most likely have a limited public beta soon prior to an open beta though.

[Spawl]

"Soon" is a registered trademark of the Darkfall developers. Soon should not be confused with the english word soon that means: In the near future; shortly.

Soon in a darkfall context has a variable definition that can only be determined after the event that was to happen soon has allready happened. More information on the definition of soon will come out soon, stay tuned.

Thank you for your interest in Darkfall.

[Kinison]

Id rather they take their time and get things right when they RTM. How many MMORPGs have had major problems when they were released? Asherons Call 2 was rushed out the door a year after they announced development on it, released with far too many bugs. For 2-3 months the game didnt even have a chat ability! Seriously, they spent months fixing other bugs before they fixeded a major annoyance.

Just because your incredibly bored with your current game is no reason to be impatient.

[Spawl]

Not sure how you understood that I am bored, but ok. Ya might want to laugh a bit more, it is therapeutic.

[Skinwalker]

nice...so far so good. keep up the good work and thanks for the update.

[Morlem]

Nice. Im happy to hear there are making a point to focus on making the player movement smooth. To me that is an integral part of where or not the game is immersive and fun. Few things are quite as annoying to me as cumbersome player movement.

Keep up the good work.

[Exmortis]

I'm not frustrated with the length of Darkfall's development in the least, because they give us constant updates to tell us about progress and current design. Other companies that say "It'll be out soon" and then ignore the community certainly aren't doing a good PR job. Fortunately, that hasn't been the case with Razorwax. If they need more time to polish and refine the only mmorpg in development that seems to be doing everything right, then so be it. I know I'll only be happier with the final product.

[AkielVonStrife]

Originally posted by Kinison@Feb 5 2004, 10:44 AM
Just because your incredibly bored with your current game is no reason to be impatient.
I do a lot of complaining about the wait, but it's all in jest. I can wait as long as is needed. There's no reason to rush things, I think most people understand that.

:)

[ryan10230]

I was under the impression that they were in technical beta right now.

[AkielVonStrife]

Originally posted by ryan10230@Feb 5 2004, 06:01 PM
I was under the impression that they were in technical beta right now.
True.

[Paganizer]

Exciting news!

hurry up with the open beta.. cant wait

[Irek]

This build is an important step towards community playtesting.

I really want this game to succeed. This quote though could mean anything. Could a dev please clarify whether or not they think playtesting is more like 2 weeks, 2 months, 6 months, or a 2 years away?

Everyone here is hyped on this game, but it would be great if you could give us some kind of relative date when we can expect an open beta, or release.

We just want to know whats up.

[Shad]

They are pretty sure the game will be released this year.

[Platon2x]

:D

Now throw us a bone... feed us mighty Master

[PheniX DragoN]

Originally posted by Shad@Feb 6 2004, 12:02 AM
They are pretty sure the game will be released this year.
Thats what they said a year ago. :blink:




But I'm sure it will be a few months away. Personally I want a working game. They can add in features later on as long as the core is there. :D

[Tryn]

Darkfall is teh awesome. :ph34r:

[/\/eO]

Hey ya, I am a complete n00b here and I live in the USA. I am wondering when/if Beta sign ups have started and how/where can I register?

[Goty]

From another fellow USA'ian I'll tell you that no, beta sign-ups are not up yet.. Although, hopefully somewhat soon. Make sure to read the Faq and browse through the site and forums to gather most of the answers to your questions

B)

[PheniX DragoN]

I would expect beta signups when the new site is posted. From what is sounds like is they have this new build that needs to be tested a bit to make sure it is stable enough to handle more people to beta it. Once it proves it can handle it I expect the new site to be uploaded which will allow us to sign up for the beta.

I speculating form reading between the lines on this thread and also another stating they are waiting on uploading the new site for strategic reasons because the new site is ready. So it sounds like weeks away if that long. :D

[Rancor]

Whens the new site gonna be up?...anyone know something i don't?

the update is great but i'm a visual type of guy

[ryan10230]

I'd guess we'll get probably one more update like this before the site goes up.

[TheBigBadWolf]

And the update before this was on Dec 7th so it could be a while.

[Veilroth]

correction, it was the 9th heres the link (http://forums.darkfallonline.com/index.php?act=ST&f=9&t=6598&st=0#entry105549) to Tasos' post on that... :D

[TheBigBadWolf]

Yeah well reading is never a strong point for a dog.
Still looks like 2 months to a month and a half between.
Still a while.

[Carak Dae]

Originally posted by TheBigBadWolf@Feb 8 2004, 10:25 AM
Yeah well reading is never a strong point for a dog.
Well even if you are having a hard time reading, I'm very impressed with your typing skills! :D

[stalwart]

the more i look at this game, there seems to be the potential for limitless ownage over other MMORPGs.

the amount of information coming from the devs about game development is greatly appreciated!

[zarbok]

hehe i mis read this Post the first time and thought there was going to be a BIG update on the 3rd. then i on the 3rd i reread it and found out i messed up. and ever since i have been itching real bad for a Update. SHark smells blood kind of thing =p.

[/\/eO]

Is the Beta to go live by August 04?

[Brannoc]

Try reading this (http://forums.darkfallonline.com/index.php?showtopic=72) Neo, it'll help.

[Murray]

Originally posted by Dorundain@Feb 4 2004, 06:39 PM
hehe, Murray, you can't go posting things like that.

I dropped everything I was doing the moment I read your post and rushed over to the homepage with all haste, only to find out that you were referring to the *last* status update.

Blah.
Whoops!!!

Sorry, life moves much slower for me these days now that I have a job... or is it faster? No, no... I'm home from work, I don't have to think anymore, YAY!!!

[Elminster]

nice and gj, but pls don't rush it and give us a broken game, take your time to polish it:).

[Baragon]

Yeah I agree. Some of the content can be left out when it's released, and added, but for heaven's sake, make sure the BUGS ARE GONE!! If bugs do come out, or features are broken, don't leave it for 12 months to fix them, because you're too busy adding new content.

Every MMORPG I've played, the devs are so busy adding new stuff, they completely ignore the old stuff that stays broken for years.

Having said that, I'm sure we won't mind playing BETA with bugs in :) Heck, I get some sadistic satisfaction from pointing out people's mistakes - in the nicest, most constructive may of course :)

[FatCat1307]

When the hell do you think this amazing game will release.... any idea ....2005?

[Shad]

Sometime in 2004.

[Evilplayer]

I am guessing that this game will probably release sometime in November.


Man i can't wait ! i am so excited about this game i pretty much lost interest in WoW. This game reminded me way to much of UO , and i loved UO

[bigbud120]

Originally posted by FatCat1307@Feb 19 2004, 06:50 PM
When the hell do you think this amazing game will release.... any idea ....2005?
Q1 2003.

[Thrain Grimbeard]

really looking forward to this game.

[Laz]

Originally posted by bigbud120@Feb 22 2004, 11:20 PM
Q1 2003.
long past my friend

[Exmortis]

Can we get another update please? Just something to inform us how smoothly things are coming along to the community beta.

[Nikolas]

Yes please Devs! I'm playing SWG at the moment and Ideally I'd like to stop as soon as possible. At least some idea roughly when things are going to start happening :)

It's been quiet for the last 4 weeks B)

[smOke]

Give us some hits :P about the beta release ...
I Have a good feeling about this game :)