Jump to content
  • Opt-in Prerelease for 1.1!


    Ted

    KSP_logo_full.png.99743e7d63a15357cde91d

     

    Hi all,

     

    As I'm sure many of you read, 1.1 is to enter Experimentals this week! It's a significant update to KSP in terms of just how much has changed under the hood. We've done a complete overhaul of the user interface from a conglomerate of interface systems to Unity 5's native system. Aside from that, an entirely new system for the wheels had to be adopted due to the major changes Unity made to the native wheels system, and the list goes on!

     

    Quality Assurance is the most bare bone part of the entire testing process and is performed by around five to ten QA testers pretty much constantly. The focussed testing and efficiency mean that instead of going through the motions of the game as a normal player would, QA tends to identify areas of the new content that would usually be prone to issue and hunt for bugs there. This cuts down the time taken to find issues by a significant margin and means that the content is tested more evenly – playtesting can sometimes skip completely past some aspects of a feature. Furthermore, this method allows the testers to work closely with the developers and compare exactly what they intended to occur for specific cases, to what actually occurs – this is where QA becomes more about feedback.

     

    QA is a lot more than just finding bugs. It’s about having the knowledge of the game (especially how it works under-the-hood), the comprehension of the ideas behind the features in the game, the understanding of what a developer wants the feature to turn out like and how you can assist them in making it happen. Furthermore, it’s about condensing all of that into concise and objectively written issue reports.

     

    The QA process on 1.1 has been going for a long time, but it has been incredibly fruitful: crushing 516 issues in 107 builds! There is still more to do however, in Experimentals we hope to only increase the stability of the game, add polish to areas and carry out some bug fixing as always!

     

    The Experimental Team comprises about 100 testers. All of these testers are volunteers who contribute their spare time to playtest the game. They are normal players, sourced from the various communities via a simple application process. Often and understandably they don’t have as much spare time to devote to testing as the QA Testers and thus there are significantly more Experimental Testers ‘signed up’ than we need at any one time. This works in everyone’s favour as it keeps the activity level throughout an Experimental Phase and doesn’t put pressure on the testers while they also deal with their personal and professional lives.

     

    After we have an update go through QA, as detailed above, it is hopefully free from major issues and each feature has had any needed major improvements and refinements carried out; the update is in a feature-complete state. However, many components of a feature may still be unpolished, such as part balancing, or the performance of newer UI on different platforms. This is where Experimental Testing comes in and assists the developers in cleaning up the remaining feedback issues.

    An Experimental Testing phase typically lasts around a couple of weeks, though it is highly dependent on the number of issues that arise and how much further development is required to reach a release state. At the end of the Experimental phase, there are still a fair amount of issues on the tracker that are still open, but it’s important to note that these issues are typically minor ones, ones that aren’t in the scope of the update or simply issues that would take too much time and resources to resolve.

     

    This time around though, things will get even more interesting after Experimental testing! Given that update 1.1 will be unlike any update we’ve seen to date in terms of widespread changes to pretty much any significant and underlying system in the game we're planning to provide an optional pre-release branch of update 1.1. This opt-in branch will run for just under two full weeks before the targeted release date of the final update.

     

    The nature and extent of the changes in the update mean that many plugins and add-ons will require refactoring, updating and at the very least a recompile. Of course modders cannot do this overnight and on the flick of a switch, especially with an update of this scope. Typically a select group of particularly KSP-savvy modders would be given access to the new update to help us find bugs, but the extent of the changes this time around is such that we feel we should open it up to everyone.

     

    The pre-release branch will be opt-in via Steam only, and won't be available via the KSP Store. We really wanted to make the pre-release branch available on all distribution channels but given the frequency of builds, the size of those builds, and the necessity for everyone to be on the latest version for testing it proved to be impossible to facilitate this on the KSP store.

     

    To facilitate discussions of the pre-release branch we’ll be opening up a temporary forum for feedback. Additionally, a separate section will be made available on the bug tracker to report bugs on.

     

    Please feel free to ask any and all questions you have!

     

     


    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments



    1 hour ago, damerell said:

    Steam has, however, forced through a non-trivial change of terms and conditions by offering users the choice of agreeing or losing all their games. You might think that isn't a serious issue, but I disagree.

    Given that I've also seen at least one game (Crusader Kings II) go _retroactively_ Steam-only, I'm not exactly overcome with joy at Squad treating non-Steam users as second-class citizens - let alone at the suggestion of going Steam-only.

    I'm not trying to say steam is the best thing ever or the best thing for SQUAD to do, even.  I don't think they should go Steam only - I'm saying that I'm surprised they haven't, what with Steam Workshop (lesser point, I like CKAN and stuff much better) and delta patches (because we all know they haven't been up to par with patching).

    My only knowledgeable point of view on this subject is from a testing standpoint as a software engineer myself - Steam has an *outstanding* test suite, honestly.   The number of metrics and instantaneous reports you can get for testers is really second to none.  Not to degrade testers, but it really does eliminate the "send an email if it crashes with what you think you did" test model.  The devs can actually view the system logs and other system metrics that wouldn't be included in 90% of independent test cases.

    I just think that it's the best way they could handle a public pre-release stage.  It'll all be better in the end.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    2 hours ago, Korvath85 said:

    I just think that it's the best way they could handle a public pre-release stage.  It'll all be better in the end.

    Aside from the gripe that it's not a "pre-release" because it's been released, I think it would be the best way they could handle it... if they hadn't previously promised not to do it.

    Although since you think upsetting a significant chunk of the userbase is best handled by saying:

    Quote

    Let the butthurt flow through you.

    ... I guess you see that as a trivial issue at best.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I would be happy to hear from devs if with that upgrade to unity 5 we are getting back at least semi 64bit support. Unity 5 is more stable and for ppl like me which likes to add tons of mods and keeps crashing in 32bit it would be cool :) 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    11 hours ago, Korvath85 said:

    What do those two articles have to do with this, exactly?  Darkspore closing it's doors and the Linux Game Publisher being dead in the water?

    DRM decides to pull the wire or pulls the wire, ability to run the content is gone. No DRM - user owns the content. Thats HUGE advantage.

     

    11 hours ago, Korvath85 said:

     Neither are Steam,  and Steam hasn't had many if the issues other content publishers have.

    That's a very weak excuse for an additional layer of bugs.

     

    11 hours ago, Korvath85 said:

    For example, as soon as you purchase a program, you never have to go online again. Launch the app from the file system instead of the Client.

    Which is:

    a) not officially supported, not official way

    b) only available where publisher decides against steam DRM (only a handfull of titles allow that; and its exception rather than rule)

    c) even for a few titles which support that, re-installation/upgrade is not covered.

    Huge strawman.

    Steam requires internet connection (installation, patches, non-offline mode).

    Most of the titles require and launch via Steam, only few titles can be launched via filesystem - and thats undocumented feature (ie such titles have no Steam DRM; but Steam is still used for installation).

    Offline mode is only supported for offline titles, not every game supports offline mode.

    The normal case, is that any titles require and start Steam DRM, which then allows user to run title if it finds it okay and stays resident for the whole time.

     

    When 1.1 comes out, I have full control when I wish to switch, I can install it paralllel to 1.0.5 on my system without fearing any "account lockouts" by misfiring DRM.

    Ah, yeah. FULLY offline, not some cherrypicking.

     

    11 hours ago, Korvath85 said:

    Now, I'm not saying steam is a catch all, and is the best for all involved.

    Steam is catch all and best for people who have no clue. Does everything to become a gateway to content - like any DRM, and execute full control about what customers may run and how they run it, instead of being optional and minimize itself to useful background services, like matchfinding, IM, sub-community management. For this reason, its my opinion that moving to 100% Steam would be a huge degradation and Squad will loose customer base.

     

    11 hours ago, Korvath85 said:

    But fir a developer the size and resources of SQUAD, my opinion is that it's the best way to go. Read: delta patching.

     

    Delta patching is just another "excellent" idea to wreck the game. Try to fly a pre-1.0 SSTO in 1.0.5 and realise why. Not only there is chance to trash the savegame, it will make both players and moders life much harder, and will require more effort from SQUAD to deal with legacy content. KSP is not some shooter, people build stuff there. And new releases often change rules, which may easily require to redesign everything or even start from scratch.

    I consider the way current development is going - ideal. Releases are tested and frozen stable, limitations are well known, game can be improved or fixed by mods until new release.

     

     

    Edited by Kerbal101
    mistyped offline mode and steam-less mode
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I'm against DRM in general, but not only do I not mind Steam, I like it a lot better than the patchwork of separate, buggy DRM implementations that I had without it. I'd rather have games with no DRM at all, but if they do have DRM, I would rather handle it all in one place. I have many games old enough that I have reinstalled them on new computers over and over again, and it gets really tedious. Type in one 24-digit code for the base game, then another one for the expansion module, etc. PITA.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    3 hours ago, Kerbal101 said:

    Steam requires internet connection.

    Offline mode is only supported for dedicated titles.

    The normal case, is that any titles require and start Steam DRM, which then allows user to run title if it finds it okay and stays resident for the whole time.

    I don't think that's true. What are these dedicated titles?

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    1 hour ago, Legendary Emu said:

    I don't think that's true. What are these dedicated titles?

    I mistyped : / sorry, what I meant was:

     

    Steam requires internet connection (installation, patches, non-offline mode)

    Most of the titles require and launch via Steam, only few titles can be launched via filesystem - and thats undocumented feature (ie such titles have no Steam DRM; but Steam is still used for installation)

    Offline mode is only supported for offline titles, not every game supports offline mode

    The normal case, is that any titles require and start Steam DRM, which then allows user to run title if it finds it okay and stays resident for the whole time.

    Edited by Kerbal101
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Since previous posters have established the precedent, here are my demands squad. 

    People keep saying they only paid $15 for KSP, but I had to pay $30 each for the 3 copies I bought for myself and family. So I demand a check for $45. Just so we are all fair and even. But wait.

    squad failed to personally notify me of the early access release of KSP through their storefront, and due to this gross oversight, I was not able to play the game for over year, while other players were enjoying it. So we can call this even if you just refund my full purchases price. So just make that check $90. You know to be fair. It so not fair people were playing this so much before me.

    though I'll make a compromise just give me double the content of what everyone who paid $15 for their copy has. More planets would be nice. But only for me. You know to make us all fair and even. Since I contributed more and matter more.

    also since I clearly became an investor in squad and am now part owner of squad through my purchase, we need to discuss why my profit sharing checks have not arrived yet. Depending on which choice above is taken,we can just take my $90 you owe me out of my profit share, since it's all my money anyways.

    also it's about 7:00 here in SoCal and I'm feeling a bit hungry. Since I own you all now, please send your best culinary person over asap to make my dinner.

    also pick those low scrubs on the totem pole and send them over to clean my house as well. Since you know I own you now. 

    Thanks. I'll be waiting. :)

    Edited by Hevak
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    6 hours ago, Kerbal101 said:

    DRM decides to pull the wire or pulls the wire, ability to run the content is gone. No DRM - user owns the content. Thats HUGE advantage.

     

    That's a very weak excuse for an additional layer of bugs.

     

    Which is:

    a) not officially supported, not official way

    b) only available where publisher decides against steam DRM (only a handfull of titles allow that; and its exception rather than rule)

    c) even for a few titles which support that, re-installation/upgrade is not covered.

    Huge strawman.

    Steam requires internet connection (installation, patches, non-offline mode).

    Most of the titles require and launch via Steam, only few titles can be launched via filesystem - and thats undocumented feature (ie such titles have no Steam DRM; but Steam is still used for installation).

    Offline mode is only supported for offline titles, not every game supports offline mode.

    The normal case, is that any titles require and start Steam DRM, which then allows user to run title if it finds it okay and stays resident for the whole time.

     

    When 1.1 comes out, I have full control when I wish to switch, I can install it paralllel to 1.0.5 on my system without fearing any "account lockouts" by misfiring DRM.

    Ah, yeah. FULLY offline, not some cherrypicking.

     

    Steam is catch all and best for people who have no clue. Does everything to become a gateway to content - like any DRM, and execute full control about what customers may run and how they run it, instead of being optional and minimize itself to useful background services, like matchfinding, IM, sub-community management. For this reason, its my opinion that moving to 100% Steam would be a huge degradation and Squad will loose customer base.

    firstly bravo on just insulting a huge amount of people with that statement.  <golf clap>

    second you are WAAAAYYYY of base. The vast majority of my steam titles, numbering in the 100's do not need steam running in anyway shape or form to play. 

    The majority of the games that I do have that require drm authentication do so through 3rd party software and again don't need steam to run. 

    So in fact a very small number of titles require steam to be running at all to play. Stop spreading lies just because you don't like something. If you have a legitimate reason you're against steam that's great. Don't use it.

     

    Quote

     

     

    First off great job insulting an vast amount of people in one swipe there. <golf clap>

    2nd you are so off base with your assertions. In fact the majority of my steam titles do not require steam to be running at all to play. Most drm titles I have that actually use a constant drm are done through the developer and not steam. I run most of my games in offline mode, and they number in the 100's. Also no matter if it's steam drm or publisher drm, if the dm is pulled you are In the same boat. 

    Its funnyhow the anti steam people who hate it and don't use it seem to think they are experts on how it's works. 

    Also you may want to realize this game probably received a huge boost in popularity and by being put on steam. Without steam I don't think this game would have achieved the success it has. As according to steam there are over 3k people in ksp right now as I type this. 

    So being a somewhat smaller game, and in ways niche product, how important do you think the over 3,000 sales squad got from steam helped them? Since out of all the copies sold there, there are 3k people still playing it right now. As a lot of people never make it through early access. And I'm sure many of the 600+ steam users that posted negative reviews aren't playing much. But what about the 27,542 positive reviews on steam from unique steam accounts? Sure some may not be legit. But I doubt it's many that aren't. And mind you those are people who left a review, what about the many that probably never left a review but own the game in steam? So again how important were these clueless ones in you having the game you have today? How much did these clueless people and the service you so seem to detest help squad in achieving their goal of making a successful game, and continuing to be able to support it? Now realize that you either activated a product bought elsewhereand laucnhed it through steam, or played it one a free weekend event (which I don't think ksp has had) or played it through they family share feature of steam (if possible) or outright bought it through steam to leave a review. Therefore since I only know three ways to get ksp which is through squad store, or steam or gog, which I think gog may be steam keys they sell, either way, let's cut that review number in half for arguments sake and say 13,771 people didn't buy through the steam,  but 13,771 people did just as a guess.  How much did that benefit squad and all of us?

    So im thinking you're the one lacking a clue. 

    Edited by Hevak
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    58 minutes ago, Hevak said:

    Since previous posters have established the precedent, here are my demands squad [...]

    It took me way too long to figure out if you were joking or not

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Is there any place where I can find the changelog for 1.1? I already used the search function for 1.1 and I cannot find anything at all

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    5 minutes ago, Aghanim said:

    Is there any place where I can find the changelog for 1.1? I already used the search function for 1.1 and I cannot find anything at all

    It's not out yet. 1.1 is only in experimental so what's in and not could change before release. Change log is only posted the day of the official release. Though there may be one for the pre release when it hits steam, hard to say what will happen with that since this is a new process. But it will definitely be posted once the official release happens

    Edited by Hevak
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    7 hours ago, FullMetalMachinist said:

    Except that it is a pre-release. It says it right there in the title of this article. 

    "A rose, by any other name, would smell as sweet".

    At the point it is released to a significant proportion - perhaps the majority - of the playerbase, calling it a pre-release does not make it one.

    2 hours ago, Hevak said:

    Since previous posters have established the precedent, here are my demands squad. 

    People keep saying they only paid $15 for KSP, but I had to pay $30 each for the 3 copies I bought for myself and family. So I demand a check for $45. Just so we are all fair and even. But wait.

    This sort of fatuous hyperbole is not very productive.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Let's leave DRM discussions for another thread. Asides Kerbal Space Program currently having no DRM and Squad having at least one guaranteed DRM-free distribution channel via GOG, it has nothing to do with the 1.1 pre-release.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    On 3/8/2016 at 9:19 PM, CliftonM said:

    You need to remember that this is an opt-in beta test, meant mostly to be used by modders to update their mods, to prevent the same mod massacre that we experienced in 1.0.5.  If you want to have access to it to just have 1.1, you shouldn't even be considered for it.  People keep misunderstanding this one.  I agree that it shouldn't be only for Steam users, but I don't think it should be on either the KSP store or Steam.  I know it's hard to review everyone, but I think a select group of about 100-200 people who either have mods, or are willing to help with finding bugs should be made and given access via either the experimentals team, or some other method.  Either that, or give people at random the opportunity to apply to get the beta.

    As one of those who complained about the policy, I am distressed by the number of people who paint us whiners as people who are upset because they can't get their hands on the new toys. In fact, I was very excited by the idea of participating in the bug hunt, and giving back to Squad--for the first nine paragraphs, anyway. Still feels cruddy.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    56 minutes ago, Perry Apsis said:

    As one of those who complained about the policy, I am distressed by the number of people who paint us whiners as people who are upset because they can't get their hands on the new toys. In fact, I was very excited by the idea of participating in the bug hunt, and giving back to Squad--for the first nine paragraphs, anyway. Still feels cruddy.

    If your posts were like this one then I certainly don't paint you as a whiner, I don't paint everyone who has complained as a whiner. 

    It is one thing to say you are unhappy with what happened. It's one thing to say you don't like it. 

    It is a completely different thing for people to trash squad and the devs, to outright insult people and try to to turn the community against each other, as many here are doing. Squad is not fracturing this community as many people are claiming here. The loud people trying to paint squad and steam as some evil entity doing this for some other reason other than it makes business sense at this time is who are fracturing the community.

    i absolutely agree this sucks for those who want to take part in it. Squad stated perfectly valid and reasonable causes for it only be on steam at this time. And the stated they are going to look into making this available in every way next time. Think of this as simply a small pre test to doing pre releases to everyone in the future. Maybe doing a pre release turns out to be a bad idea, or simply ends up not being useful for squad. Maybe even with just those few who do take advantage on steam it becomes an unmanageable cluster you know what. 

    Generally forum users represent a small fraction of the actual users of a game. And still yet many people on steam don't care enough to worry about opt-in pre releases. And then some people don't want anything to do with pre releases to updates. So for anyone to act like squad is favoring steam players over others is just crazy, as many probably won't even know or bother opting in.  As a steam user you have to know about this, and you have to seek it out if you want, otherwise you will never even know it happened.

    We should all be happy that squad is so active In communicating with its users. And be happy that they even considered doing a pre release which they have never done before. And maybe be hopeful this goes well and they can find a way to make pre releases possible no matter how a user purchased it. And no this doesn't mean you can't be unhappy with not being able to participate. People have every right to be u happy and state they are, in a reasonable and respectful way. 

    Or we can try to turn this into some stupid thing of the haves vs have nots, and crap all over squad and steam including its users for some reason. And we can just be overly rude as a community and talk about how much money a person contributed to squad, or how long someone has been playing to prove who matters more. Then maybe we can end up like many game communities who end up realizing in the end that, "this is why we don't get nice stuff anymore"

    There is no need to attack and fling filth at squad for this decision though. And there is no reason at all to try and fracture ones own community over this, which is what many have been trying to do.

    and while I quoted you perry apsis I am in no way saying what I posted is applying to you specifically. Just throwing some thoughts out there, maybe some people can see more of the good that this presents rather then focusing on what they aren't getting soon enough that's all. 

    We all need to try and remember that this forum could be a persons first introduction to KSP, before they even decide to buy it. This thread could be the one they first see since it's about a new update. "Hey let's see how new updates go around here"..........."wow people really hate the developer of this game, maybe I shouldn't buy it."  Also some people may only buy a game from squads store, or gog, or steam. And if people want to talk about why they don't like steam, or why they don't think people should use steam for ksp, fine. But do not outright lie about things.

    keep in mind the longer this game lasts, the more copies squad keeps selling could very likely translate into a longer period of updates and improvements for KSP. The more successful this game becomes they more likely it could end up leading to a bigger better KSP 2, or who knows what kind of crazy fun game they people at squad could come up with.  Or let's try to push or keep people away from this. And if people, want to let one pretty small thing ruin a great game for them I guess they can do that too. 

    Edited by Hevak
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    3 hours ago, damerell said:

    "A rose, by any other name, would smell as sweet".

    At the point it is released to a significant proportion - perhaps the majority - of the playerbase, calling it a pre-release does not make it one.

    This sort of fatuous hyperbole is not very productive.

    Read without the previous quote - this makes actually more sense now.

    9 hours ago, mikegarrison said:

    I'm against DRM in general, but not only do I not mind Steam, I like it a lot better than the patchwork of separate, buggy DRM implementations that I had without it. I'd rather have games with no DRM at all, but if they do have DRM, I would rather handle it all in one place. I have many games old enough that I have reinstalled them on new computers over and over again, and it gets really tedious. Type in one 24-digit code for the base game, then another one for the expansion module, etc. PITA.

    This. I have no nerves for an increasing number of launchers and store applications. Steam handles most of the authorization processes for my games - most, not all, but it is a start.

    2 hours ago, Perry Apsis said:

    As one of those who complained about the policy, I am distressed by the number of people who paint us whiners as people who are upset because they can't get their hands on the new toys. In fact, I was very excited by the idea of participating in the bug hunt, and giving back to Squad--for the first nine paragraphs, anyway. Still feels cruddy.

    This does not concern people disappointed in not being able to test the game, this is about people complaining about broken promises (that were never made, not in the way they want them to be understood), indeed those that see it as some kind of unfair "headstart" for Steam users and those proclaiming to be able to see into the future.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    6 hours ago, Perry Apsis said:

    As one of those who complained about the policy, I am distressed by the number of people who paint us whiners as people who are upset because they can't get their hands on the new toys. In fact, I was very excited by the idea of participating in the bug hunt, and giving back to Squad--for the first nine paragraphs, anyway. Still feels cruddy.

    Or those of us who CAN take part on the bug hunt if we want, but still consider keeping you promise important and that the end does not justify the means.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    6 hours ago, Hevak said:

    It is a completely different thing for people to trash squad and the devs, to outright insult people and try to to turn the community against each other, as many here are doing. Squad is not fracturing this community as many people are claiming here. The loud people trying to paint squad and steam as some evil entity doing this for some other reason other than it makes business sense at this time is who are fracturing the community.

    Indeed, this...and those few (I don't think I've seen any really, but wouldn't be surprised if there had been some) bragging about being able to get/test 1.1 before others.

    If I read the latest dev blog post correctly, after experimentals are over, and before the release of the "pre-release" on steam, they're going to do some live streaming of 1.1. I guess this is to head off some of those who will likely be plastering screenshots and videos of their "testing" all over the internet. They may also use the streaming (if they're smart) as a way to show those who aren't that familiar with the bug reporting process what they can do. That is, if steam doesn't automatically send in reports. Will be interesting to see how the "special" forum section for bug reporting works, the moderators I'm sure will be quite busy.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites




    Guest
    This is now closed for further comments

×
×
  • Create New...