Hello Plexpeople!
In order to ensure that we're constantly providing new games and new content on our journey, we'd like to share what we'll be categorizing our new games as: experimental games.
★ What does it mean?
The idea behind experimental games is inspired by Hypixel's prototype lobby. Hypixel, a popular Minecraft server network, introduced a system where developers could rapidly create and release new game concepts to players. This system allows for direct feedback from the player base, enabling developers to iterate quickly based on that feedback. The primary aim is to test new ideas in a real-world environment without the need for a thorough quality assurance process before release.Advantages:
- Rapid Development and Release: Developers can quickly put together a new game concept and release it to the players.
- Direct Player Feedback: Players provide immediate feedback, which is invaluable for understanding the game's strengths and weaknesses.
- Iterative Improvement: Developers can make rapid changes and improvements based on the feedback received, fostering a dynamic development environment.
- Player Uncertainty: Players are often left wondering whether a game will receive updates or be abandoned. This uncertainty can lead to frustration and decreased engagement.
- Prolonged Prototype State: Some games remain in the prototype stage for extended periods without significant updates or clear communication about their future.
Solutions and Improvements
To address these issues, the following measures have been implemented:- Timebox Implementation:
- A strict time limit of 90 days will be set for each experimental game. Within this period, the game must either be promoted to a full game or be removed entirely.
- This ensures that players are not left in the dark about the status of the game.
- Clear Decision Points:
- Promotion to Full Game: If an experimental game proves to be stable and well-received, it will be promoted to a full game. This promotion comes with a commitment to long-term support and regular updates.
- Removal: If the game does not meet the criteria for promotion within the 90-day period, it will be removed. This avoids cluttering the game library with unsupported or unfinished games.
Benefits of the New Approach
- Clarity and Transparency: Players will have a clear understanding of the game's lifecycle and can manage their expectations accordingly.
- Focused Development: Developers will be motivated to make quick, impactful updates within the 90-day window, leading to more focused and efficient development cycles.
- Quality Control: By only promoting games that are stable and well-received, the overall quality of the game library is maintained.
★ What can we expect?
Setting Clear Expectations
When introducing experimental games, it's important to manage player expectations right from the start. Here's a detailed breakdown of what players should anticipate:- Uncertainty of Quality:
- No Guarantee of Excellence: Experimental games are in a testing phase, meaning their quality can vary significantly. Players should be prepared for the possibility that a game might not be highly engaging or could have significant flaws.
- Potential for Removal: These games might be removed without prior notice, especially if they do not perform well or pose significant issues.
Limitations and Restrictions
- Impact on Plexverse Progression:
- No Contribution to Cosmetics: Playing experimental games will not earn players any cosmetics within Plexverse. This ensures that cosmetic rewards remain tied to stable, full games, and aren't accidentally getting flooded from .
- No Currency or Experience Points: Similarly, players will not gain currency or Mineplex experience (exp) from these games. This helps maintain balance and fairness, as experimental games might have unbalanced or easily exploitable elements.
- Known Issues and Stability:
- Potential Bugs: Players should expect that experimental games may contain significant bugs. These can range from minor glitches to major issues like duplication exploits or game crashes/freezes. Understanding this helps set realistic expectations and reduces frustration.
- Frequent Statistics Resets: In the development and testing phase, game statistics might be reset often. This means any progress or achievements in these games could be wiped out without warning.
★ How do I leave feedback/report bugs?
You can leave feedback and discuss it with other community members on our discord server: https://discord.gg/plexverse in #server-feedback. Our developers and quality assurance team will be watching this chat to collate ideas and act on them appropriately. As for bugs, you'll be able to report bugs on our forums (here!) when we release!Note: Micro battles, Skywars, and Speed Builders are not experimental modes.
