Release schedule
I am happy to announce the dates for Alpha One testing. This schedule will include Alpha One testers for a 4-day stress test starting on December 18, 2020. Now this first test will remain under NDA, as there will still likely be some considerable polish and bug fixing necessary. I will of course provide some recorded footage of the event so the community at large can see the testing. The gap between the December test and the February test will provide our team with the time necessary to iterate and fix bugs, then in March we will aim to have a 1-week test stood up in preparation for the final month-long test in April.[1] – Steven Sharif
The Ashes of Creation release schedule is subject to change.[2]
As we set out into the new year, we have several internal milestones which remain unannounced that I am hopeful will represent significant leaps for the project and company as a whole. Additionally, we have 3 remaining Alpha One testing dates that will be coming up very soon.[3] – Steven Sharif
| Phase | Release | Estimated/Actual date |
|---|---|---|
| Pre‑alpha | Alpha-0.[4] | December 15, 2017.[5] |
| APOC | Ashes of Creation Apocalypse battle royale stress test (NDA).[6] | September 7, 2018.[7] |
| Ashes of Creation Apocalypse battle royale stress test (NDA lifted).[8] | October 19, 2018.[8] | |
| Ashes of Creation Apocalypse battle royale open beta.[9] | December 18, 2018.[10] | |
| Ashes of Creation Apocalypse battle royale early access.[11] | September 24, 2019.[12] | |
| Ashes of Creation Apocalypse castle siege mode PI closed testing.[13] | December 19, 2019.[13] | |
| Ashes of Creation Apocalypse battle royale testing ends.[14] | March 10, 2020.[15] | |
| Ashes of Creation Apocalypse castle siege mode.[6] | After Alpha-1.[16][14] | |
| Ashes of Creation Apocalypse horde mode.[6] | After Alpha-1.[16][14] | |
| Alpha | Alpha-1 early preview livestream.[17] | March 27, 2020.[18] |
| Alpha-1 limited QA testing (NDA).[19][20] | May 28, 2020.[21][22] | |
| Alpha-1 preview pre-test 1 (NDA).[1] | Dec 18 - Dec 21 2020.[1] | |
| Alpha-1 preview pre-test 2 (NDA).[1] | Feb 19 - Feb 22 2021.[3][1] | |
| Alpha-1 preview pre-test 3 (no NDA).[1] | Mar 19 - Mar 26 2021.[3][1] | |
| Alpha-1 release (no NDA).[1][23] | April 6 - May 6 2021.[3][1] | |
| Alpha-2 (persistent alpha).[24][25] | - | |
| Beta | Beta-1. | - |
| Beta-2. | - | |
| Pre‑release | Head start for crowdfunding backers at the Founder level and above.[26] | 1-2 days before launch.[26][27] |
| Release | Launch (live) release. | To be announced.[28] |
| Post‑launch | Major releases (DLC expansions). | Quarterly.[29] |
| Minor releases. | Monthly.[29] |
Contents
Early access
Ashes of Creation early access packages:
- Alpha-0 and "Beta-0" are the invite-only "raffle" alpha and beta test phases.[31][32]
- Alpha-1, Alpha-2, Beta-1, and Beta-2 were available for purchase during the Kickstarter and Summer crowdfunding campaigns.[30]
- Alpha-1 was available in the Intrepid pre-order pack from the cosmetic store.[33]
- Alpha-2 and Beta-2 were available during PAX West 2017.[34][35]
- Alpha-2, Beta-1, and Beta-2 are currently available in Pre-order packs on the cosmetic store.[36]
Ashes of Creation
Ashes of Creation takes place within a medieval fantasy setting, blending imagination with cutting-edge graphics. We are putting the word massive back into massively multiplayer with unique and novel mechanics that will bring meaning to player action. Ashes of Creation will incorporate the best parts of traditional MMORPGs with innovative sandbox concepts. You will choose your fate at every opportunity. Questlines will open and close based on the interactions of the players with their world, because this is a world where choice is consequential. Monsters will roam and grow in ferocity as civilization disrupts the natural order of things. From the location of towns to the size of cities, you will determine the landscape of your world. It will be unique in culture, ecology, and economy.[38]
Ashes of Creation is an upcoming MMORPG set in a world of high fantasy where player’s choices will shape and define the world around them.[37]
Ashes of Creation is a unique take on the MMO experience. Our world structure is dynamic and built to react to the actions of our players. Cities will rise and fall, their populations based on the history of the world as the players create it. Quests will unlock as these populations gather, their needs grow, and secrets are unlocked. As the world’s NPC structure is established in real time, players will have the ability to destroy what they’ve created, paving the way for new development, new populations, and real change. Political strife and intrigue will play a very real role in the structure of your world. Gone are the days of static worlds, change is here to stay.[38]
Alpha-1
This is a true development alpha. This is not a marketing alpha; and what that means is as you know part of the process here in developing Ashes of Creation is being open with that development so you guys can see that progress; and it is a double-edged sword. There are going to be a spectrum of people that exists who are very involved with the game's development and those who are just completely at an arm's length away in understanding the process; and they may look at alpha one- the people who don't really understand the development process or haven't been a part of it- they may look at it and they may think oh you know this is trash, looks like trash, you know whatever it's the end-product. But at the end of the day what's important for us and what yields the best possible product is for us to include as much as possible the community in that development process with no NDA so that you guys give valuable feedback; and as we go through the iterative process in further defining the game and fleshing out that content were doing so with the player in mind and their voice in our ear. That is I think one of the key distinguishing factors between our development and many developments that you guys may have seen in the past.[39] – Steven Sharif
Alpha-1 is a testing release of the Ashes of Creation MMORPG.[42] Alpha-1 will test:
- Hybrid action/tab combat.[43]
- Progression to level 20.[43]
- 4 playable races.[43]
- Cleric, Fighter, Mage, Ranger, and Tank archetypes will initially be present in Alpha-1. The Bard, Rogue, and Summoner archetypes will follow later in development.[44]
- Secondary archetypes will not be present in Alpha-1.[45] These are planned for Alpha-2.[46]
- The Alpha-1 map will have many islands and a mainland area. It will be almost 100 km2 in size.[47][48]
- This is approximately 20-25% of the total world size.[47][49]
- Alpha-1 takes place in the north west part of the map.[50]
- Nodes will be fully featured.[51]
- Node progression to Village (Stage 3).[51]
- This was previously stated to be Town (Stage 4).[43]
- There will be 9 node locations in Alpha-1.[52]
- Questing.[43]
- Portions of player housing.[43]
- Portions of crafting/artisan classes.[43]
- Guilds.[43]
- Castles.[55][56]
- Corruption.[57]
- Character creator.[43]
- Merchant systems.[59]
- Player trading.[59]
- Social organizations.[43]
- Name reservations.[43]
- Two to three servers.[51]
- Daggers (Dual weapons).[62]
- Ships for "island hopping".[63][64]
- Loot rules.[65]
- UI and tutorial systems will be placeholders until Alpha-2.[1]
Alpha-2
Alpha-2 is the Persistent alpha.[24][25] This release is expected to include the following:
- Tulnar race.[66]
- Ships.[67]
- Religions.[68]
- Secondary classes.[46][45]
- Emblem, logo and symbol editor (tentatively).[69]
- Family summon mechanic.[70]
UI, tutorial systems, and much of the questing will remain placeholder for Alpha One, and won't really come online until Alpha Two.[1] – Steven Sharif
Beta testing
The Beta-1 and Beta-2 testing phases of Ashes of Creation will be short.[71]
- Bear McCreary's music will be unveiled in Beta-1.[72]
The game should be pretty much done (at beta stage) and final polish and stuff like that being put in. We don't want people to get totally burnt out on the game before we actually release. So once we get to the beta phases it should be short and sweet.[71] – Jeffrey Bard
Beta testing of Ashes of Creation (the MMORPG) will be closed.[73]
Head start
Head start grants early access one or two days prior to the live launch of Ashes of Creation for crowdfunding backers at the Founder level and above.[74]
- Head start is a means to gradually ramp up the population to avoid player concurrency issues at launch.[75]
- Head start will also be a way to address any last-minute launch or deployment issues.[76]
The point of head start is twofold: One for testing, making sure that the live launch servers pre-wipe are good; and then Two, it's a way to stagger the population move into the game. Because if you have servers with 10,000 concurrent player capability and you have everyone logging in at the exact same time, that is a problem I've never seen an MMO tackle successfully, ever.[75] – Steven Sharif
Headstart servers
The number of head start servers is estimated to be three. This is subject to change.[77]
Headstart limitations
The game functionality is limited during the head start period so that players cannot decide the world-scape earlier than others.[79]
- During the head start, the node system will be deactivated.[79]
- Head start specific servers are also planned.[79]
- It will not be possible to secure player housing during the headstart period due to the deactivation of the node system.[79]
Head start was not a mistake, I tend to listen to my development team with regards to their vast past experiences in mmo launches and development. Advice from engineering on head starts was they are extremely desired in order to test any last minute launch/deployment issues that “always” happen. So I did as much as possible to mitigate the potential p2w elements/issues while still adhering to sound development principles. Including designating which servers are head start servers. So wanna make sure we don’t “chop” this one as a mistake or misstep. Everything done is done to ensure a quality launch/product.[76] – Steven Sharif
NDA
- Alpha-1, Alpha-2, Beta-1, Beta-2 releases are not covered by NDA (non-disclosure agreement).[23]
- QA testing prior to the full release of Alpha-1 is covered by NDA.[80][20]
Our plan at the moment is for you to review and accept the NDA as part of the game client itself. Keep an eye out for emails in your inbox on how to test as we get closer![81] – Sarah Flanagan
Participation
Alpha and Beta participation is expected to grow with the sale of pre-order packs.[83]
Server wipes
Alpha and Beta servers will be wiped prior to launch.[84]
- Servers may also be wiped between individual tests, unless the developers require progression to be saved for certain spot tests.[85]
As a general rule, if the testing phase contains the word Alpha, it is safe to assume there will likely be wipes.[86] – Steven Sharif
Ashes of Creation Apocalypse
The standalone prequel to the upcoming epic MMORPG Ashes of Creation - both a testing ground for new systems and content, as well as a unique last-man-standing action game where magic, steel, and chaos reign supreme in a high fantasy, free-to-play experience.[88]
Ashes of Creation Apocalypse (also referred to as APOC)[90] was a free-to-play[91] matchmaking-based arena game with three primary modes.[92]
Ashes of Creation Apocalypse utilizes action-based combat.[92][43][94]
- Ashes of Creation Apocalypse will be implemented side-by-side with the Ashes of Creation MMORPG.[95][96]
- 6.25 km2 map size.[97]
- The Forest of Erinthia map is roughly 1/5th the size of the original map.[98]
- A Character creator will be available to allow creation and saving of characters for use in the MMORPG.[95]
- Establish Player housing and save Furniture arrangements for use in the full game.[95]
Ashes of Creation Apocalypse battle royale early access testing ended on March 10, 2020.[15]
- It was previously available for download on the official website and on Steam.[15]
Milestones
- First team members were hired in December 2015.[99]
- Ashes of Creation development began in February 2016.[99]
- Official website was launched and project announced, December 10, 2016.[99]
- Official discord was launched, January 18, 2017.[100]
- Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign launched with $750,000 funding goal, May 2, 2017.[101]
- Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign completed with 19,576 backers raising $3,271,809, June 3, 2017.[102]
- Summer crowdfunding campaign launched, June 21, 2017.[103]
- Summer crowdfunding campaign completed with 2,485 backers, July 22, 2017.[104]
- PAX West 2017, September 1-4, 2017.[105][106]
- Raised $16,500 for Extra Life children's hospitals, November 4, 2017.[107]
- Alpha-0 released on schedule, December 15, 2017.[5]
- Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2018, March 19-23, 2018.[108]
- PAX East 2018, April 5-8, 2018.[109]
- Last day for purchases of Alpha-1 through Intrepid pre-order packs, August 15, 2018.[43]
- At Gamescom with My.com, August 20, 2018.[110]
- 100 developers working on Ashes of Creation, August 27, 2018.[111]
- PAX West 2018 panel, September 1, 2018.[112]
- Ashes of Creation Apocalypse battle royale (previously called Alpha-1 phase 1 battlegrounds), October 19, 2018.[8]
- Raised $20,518 for Rady Children's hospital with Extra Life, November 4, 2018.[113]
- 60 developers working on Ashes of Creation at San Diego offices (following disengagement with Malaysian art team), April 15, 2019.[114]
- Raised $20,901 for Rady Children's hospital with Extra Life, November 3, 2019.[115]
- Announced a mutual parting of ways with publisher My.games, August 21, 2020.[116]
- Almost 3,000,000 registered accounts for Ashes of Creation, October 17, 2020.[117]
- ~87 developers working on Ashes of Creation, October 17, 2020.[118]
- Raised $88,546 for Rady Children's hospital with Extra Life, November 8, 2020.[119]
Accomplishments
- Kickstarter's most funded MMORPG.[120]
- Kickstarter's #7 most funded video game.[121]
- Most anticipated MMO – MMORPG.com's Best of 2017 Awards.[122]
- Most anticipated early access hands-on MMORPG – MMOs World.[123]
- Gamescom 2018: Best Independent game.[124]
- Gamescom 2018: Best Online game.[124]
- Best indie MMO of 2020 – massivelyop.com reader's poll.[125]
- Most anticipated MMO of 2021 and beyond – massivelyop.com reader's poll.[126]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 Blog: Creative Director's Letter, October 16 2020
- ↑
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Blog: Creative Director's Letter, January 2021.
- ↑
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Livestream, 18 January 2018 (2:48).
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Livestream, 1 September 2018 (54:06).
- ↑
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2
- ↑ Press release - Ashes of Creation Apocalypse Launches December 18.
- ↑
- ↑ Blog: Ashes of Creation Apocalypse heads into early access.
- ↑ @AoCApocalypse on Twitter.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Livestream, 17 December 2019 (18:33).
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Blog: Early Access for Ashes of Creation Apocalypse Battle Royale Testing Ends.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2
- ↑ 16.0 16.1
- ↑ March 2020 newsletter.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 Video, 23 March 2020 (0:01).
- ↑
- ↑ 20.0 20.1
- ↑
- ↑ Creative Director's Letter, 1 April 2020.
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 Livestream, 18 January 2018 (49:26).
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 Livestream, 18 January 2018 (25:22).
- ↑ 25.0 25.1
- ↑ 26.0 26.1
- ↑
- ↑ Livestream, 8 March 2019 (57:26).
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 Livestream, 8 May 2017 (11:14).
- ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 Kickstarter packages.
- ↑ MMOGAMES Interview, 8 September 2017.
- ↑
- ↑ Intrepid pre-order pack.
- ↑ PAX West 2017 Alpha package.
- ↑ PAX West 2017 Beta package.
- ↑ Ashes of Creation cosmetic store.
- ↑ 37.0 37.1 A reactive world - Nodes.
- ↑ 38.0 38.1 Ashes of Creation MMO.
- ↑ Livestream, 30 October 2020 (15:35).
- ↑
- ↑ Livestream, 28 March 2020 (54:48).
- ↑ Video, 5 April 2018 (1:01:40).
- ↑ Interview, 17 October 2020 (53:50).
- ↑ 45.0 45.1 Livestream, 28 March 2020 (1:41:11).
- ↑ 46.0 46.1 Interview, 20 October 2018 (12:38).
- ↑ 47.0 47.1 Livestream, 30 November 2020 (22:43).
- ↑
- ↑ 49.0 49.1 Interview, 19 July 2020 (1:21:49).
- ↑
- ↑ 51.0 51.1 51.2 51.3 Livestream, 1 September 2018 (1:02:99).
- ↑ 52.0 52.1 Livestream, 30 November 2020 (37:16).
- ↑ 53.0 53.1
- ↑
- ↑ Livestream, 30 October 2020 (20:40).
- ↑ Livestream, 28 August 2020 (1:29:17).
- ↑ Interview, 8 August 2018 (18:55).
- ↑ Livestream, 26 July 2019 (1:10:44).
- ↑ 59.0 59.1 Interview, 8 August 2018 (19:02).
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑ Livestream, 30 January 2020 (35:12).
- ↑ 63.0 63.1 Livestream, 30 November 2020 (24:51).
- ↑
- ↑ Livestream, 30 November 2020 (1:01:40).
- ↑ Livestream, 8 April 2018 (AM) (2:17).
- ↑ Livestream, 27 September 2018 (54:02).
- ↑ Interview, 20 October 2018 (0:00).
- ↑ Livestream, 31 October 2018 (47:44).
- ↑
- ↑ 71.0 71.1 Livestream, 31 October 2018 (57:22).
- ↑
- ↑ Livestream, 8 April 2018 (AM) (6:39).
- ↑
- ↑ 75.0 75.1 Podcast, 4 August 2018 (2:00:05).
- ↑ 76.0 76.1
- ↑ Interview, 8 August 2018 (25:53).
- ↑
- ↑ 79.0 79.1 79.2 79.3
- ↑ 80.0 80.1 Livestream, 29 May 2020 (31:37).
- ↑
- ↑ Interview, 24 August 2018 (12:18).
- ↑ 83.0 83.1 83.2 Livestream, 17 November 2017 (28:50).
- ↑
- ↑ Livestream, 30 November 2020 (7:27).
- ↑
- ↑ Ashes of Creation Apocalypse official site.
- ↑ 88.0 88.1 Ashes of Creation Apocalypse Early Access.
- ↑ Video, 24 September 2019 (0:10).
- ↑ Livestream, 31 October 2018 (35:00).
- ↑ Livestream, 31 October 2018 (38:47).
- ↑ 92.0 92.1 Interview, 24 August 2018 (13:17).
- ↑ 93.0 93.1 93.2 Livestream, 17 August 2018 (30:29).
- ↑ Podcast, 4 August 2018 (1:07:59).
- ↑ 95.0 95.1 95.2 Livestream, 1 September 2018 (1:05:10).
- ↑
- ↑ Livestream, 27 September 2018 (9:08).
- ↑
- ↑ 99.0 99.1 99.2 MASSIVELY OP interview: Ashes of Creation on a new way to MMO.
- ↑
- ↑ Ashes of Creation Kickstarter campaign
- ↑ Ashes of Creation Kickstarter.
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑ PAX West 2017 Schedule.
- ↑ PAX West 2017 Map.
- ↑ Intrepid Studios Dev Team.
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑ Ashes of Creation Gamescom 2018 Interview: Responding to Criticism.
- ↑ Intrepid Studios Extra Life 2018 (@MediaAoC).
- ↑ Interview, 15 April 2019 (5:09).
- ↑
- ↑ Blog: New Adventure Awaits.
- ↑ Interview, 17 October 2020 (18:36).
- ↑ Interview, 17 October 2020 (56:55).
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑ MMORPG.com's Best of 2017 Awards.
- ↑ Most Anticipated MMORPGs For 2018.
- ↑ 124.0 124.1 DualShockers’ Gamescom 2018 Awards
- ↑ MassivelyOP 2020 awards reader's poll.
- ↑ MassivelyOP reader's poll.
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