With the next HyperScale Alpha Playtest for Edge of Chaos happening August 15, you may have questions about how testing works and what it offers. Fear not—we've got answers! Read on to learn about how to access playtests, the rewards you can earn, and what games are included in the program.
HyperScale Alpha is an initiative by MetaGravity, developers of Edge of Chaos, to offer access to games created with MetaGravity's HyperScale Engine. (Read more about the HyperScale Engine here.) It offers gamers, game testers, developers, and tech enthusiasts worldwide a chance to see the future of supermassive multiplayer games, and to try these games out firsthand. As members participate in playtests, they also build up rewards including ingame currency for Edge of Chaos and other games, unique Discord roles, ingame titles, and a spot on the Chronicle, a permanent list of names of those who helped shape the future of gaming.
Check out highlights from the last global playtest here:
First and foremost, keep in mind that the HyperScale Alpha Testing Program is a voluntary, unpaid program, and is primarily intended as a way for gamers to see cutting-edge multiplayer gaming tech in action, while being part of a vibrant global community. There are several ways to participate:
The Discord server and stage are open to all members of the community, whether or not they are participating in the test, and includes commentary and a livestream by members of our game and dev teams. Even if you can't participate in a test, stop by the Discord and join in the fun!
For the time being, playtests are only available for Windows PC users with an active Steam account and the Steam client installed.
Here are the minimum recommended system requirements:
We hope to offer additional configurations and platforms in the future, and will keep the community updated with any changes.
Still have questions? Read the full FAQ below, and be sure to join the Discord to keep up with all the HyperScale news!
When is the next playtest?
The playtest schedule appears on the signup page - scroll down to view the full schedule: https://metagravity.com/playtests
A Discord event also exists for each playtest; visit the official MetaGravity Discord Server and click the “events” listing at the top of the channel list.
Times are listed UTC; you can convert to your local time here: https://dateful.com/convert/utc
How do I sign up and participate in tests?
Can I stream or share screenshots from the playtest?
We ask people to refrain from streaming or recording the playtests in their current phase as the game is still in a very early version. We will present a live stream in the Discord stage for all participants. We’ll keep everyone updated if this changes.
How do I get rewards?
We'll be tracking participants' engagement in playtests and rewarding them with prizes such as accreditations, Discord titles, digital collectables, or game currency. So, it's worth being part of as many tests as possible! For more information, please keep an eye on e-mails and follow our Announcements channel on Discord.
What are the system and OS requirements?
The game is currently only available for PC desktop devices via the Steam platform. We will provide updated info if that changes in the future. General minimum system requirements for playtests are below. These are assessed and updated regularly.
If you experience frame rate issues during a test, open the Graphics settings and lower render distance. This setting determines the draw distance of characters, and reducing it may increase performance, especially during crowded battles.
How do I get access to the test client on Steam?
Access to the test client is via a unique Steam key that will be emailed directly to you. Since this key is assigned to you, please do not share it with anyone, and redeem it as soon as possible.
Your Steam key will unlock the test version of the game in your library. If you’ve redeemed your key but can’t see the game in your Steam Library, please make sure you have "Games" and "All" selected on the left-hand navigation bar. It should show up as "Edge of Chaos: HyperScale Test". If you have any issues, please ensure you’ve redeemed the correct key, and open a ticket on Discord if the problem persists.
The final version of the test client is usually available to download approximately 2 hours before the playtest starts. Keep an eye out for Discord announcements and e-mails to make sure you have the latest version installed. If you don’t receive a Steam Key at least 24 hours before a test or encounter any other issues, please create a Discord ticket and provide us with your e-mail address and the Steam ID you used to sign up.
There’s no need to uninstall the game after the test, but if you want space on your PC you can do so. The test client will remain in your library and can be downloaded for future playtests without redeeming a new key. If your country or IP is blocked by Steam, you unfortunately won’t be able to participate in playtests.
How can I be invited to private gameplay feature tests?
The current tests are open to all, but some future tests will be smaller and more focused on a single-game feature. Those will have their own rewards progression, and the testers will be chosen from players who've done two or more regular HyperScale Alpha tests.
Do I have to join the Stage during playtests?
We recommend joining the HyperScale Alpha Stage during playtests - our team will be on hand to provide valuable gameplay and background info, and give exclusive updates on the game’s development. The Stage usually opens 30 minutes before the test, and you can use the in-stage chat for any questions or feedback.
Can I list playtests on my CV or LinkedIn?
You can always list our playtests in which you participate as one-off events, as long as no employment is implied.
We’re working on a plan to offer accreditations for testers who complete a certain number of tests, which could then be included on a CV. We will have more information about that in the coming weeks.
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Ready to experience the future of HyperScale gaming? Sign up today!
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