I appreciate everyone's feedback on the issue of publishing the weekly article on the new community site. I really wish I were able to continue posting daily updates to the beta community, but we're working towards how things will be structured after launch. In that scenario, the time constraints make a weekly update to the site more attainable.

Besides, don't you think it's time we started letting those bluepills know what they're in for? Well, buckle your seatbelt, Dorothy, because Kansas is goin' "bye-bye".

Upcoming Stress Test
As you may have already read, we have a major stress test coming up. It's time to give the game a workout and see where things stand.

FilePlanet will be giving out keys on a first-come, first-served basis until they run out of supplies. Keys will be activated for the first day of the stress test and last for that week only. However, they'll also be good for open beta and any other stress tests we schedule before launch.

We're currently scheduled to begin the test on Monday, February 7, 2005. The date is dependent on us nailing a few remaining bugs in the upcoming large patch. Once we have that done, we'll be able to give a firm date for the stress test.

Man, That's a Lot of Hoverbarges
With any large influx of testers, there's always a period of adjustment for both new players and veterans.

If you're one of the folks who joins for this test: There's plenty of information about the game on this website and on the beta forums. Make sure you check them both out if you have questions about anything. We also have a great community already in game that usually lends a helping hand to new players.

If you're one of the beta veterans: Remember, jacking into the Matrix for the first time can be a bit...odd. Our community has a reputation for welcoming new folks into the mix, which is a record I'd like to see continue.

Giving Sentinels a Purpose in Life
What does a Sentinel do when there's a truce in effect? Moderate the forums, of course!

With all the new testers coming in, we're going to need some help watching the forums and directing traffic. While they only have two eyes (as far as I know) I'd like you all to welcome aboard our first group of volunteers working on the forums. Congratulations Adonai, djsandman, Ic3b3rg, and Sneaker98 for being the first community members added to the forum team!

We chose these folks for their history on the forums, helpfulness to new redpills, and contributions during the beta-testing process. We'll be adding some more during beta test, but these were the first to answer the call to duty. Thanks for volunteering to help out.

They'll be working with mxo.abacus, who is heading up the volunteer program. His primary responsibilities are working with the volunteers and overseeing The Matrix Online forums.

There Is No Room...Or Is There?
We've been digging around in the data for to see if we can get a handle on the extent of the Inventory situation. We're still doing some manipulation of the data, but what we're seeing so far is interesting.

Overall, the median number of Inventory slots being used across all active accounts is about 25.5, which translates to 53% of available Inventory per player. On the other hand, over a two week period, 13% of active accounts maxed out their Inventories.

This initial data is leading us in a few directions. One is that there doesn't seem to be an Inventory shortage issue across a majority of the population. We're still looking at different data points to get a clear picture, but that's what it looks like so far. On the other hand, there is a measurable population with no Inventory space. Again, we need to play with the data some more to see if there's a specific trend.

For example, is a majority of this due to storing clothing? Are players filling up on unique items? Maybe it's the current issues with Coding and people aren't Decompiling extra items.

Your feedback is helping us find more data points to investigate--thanks for your input. We'll continue to investigate the data and I'll let you know what we see. In the meantime, let's talk about a way to spare some Inventory space.

Support Your Local Coder Thanks to Lady3Jane and the Children of the Code for starting the Coder revolution on the forums. Yes, folks, using the Coder tree or knowing someone who does is critical to fully enjoying all the Matrix has to offer. After the last patch, Coding became more important. When the next large patch hits, you're definitely going to want a buddy who's "handy with fragments". There are some economic-system changes coming with the next large patch; one of those has to do with where you can get Ability Codes. Here's how Ability Code availability is going to break down: Level 1-15: All Ability Codes available from Vendors. Level 16-30: Only core abilities available from Vendors. (No optional abilities.) Level 31 and up: Only the base ability for each discipline available from Vendors.

Wait For It...Wait For It...
I know what you're going to say: "But there are problems with the Coding system!" Well, our abused Coders deserve a little love, so I reviewed fixes scheduled for the same patch. Some of the big issues include:

• Coders will be able to craft items level 21 and above.
• Decompiled recipes will persist from game session to game session.
• Code recipes will be available for enhanced weapons.

There are some more Coding enhancements and fixes, but that covers the big ones. Might I suggest looting some special code bits for your favorite Coder this Valentine's Day?

Inventory: 48. Code Archive: 500
Your Inventory holds 48 items plus what you have equipped. However, your Code Archive holds 500 code items: bits, fragments, and Ability Codes; and most of that stacks. If you gather bits and fragments, or decompile extra items, you can Code most of the things you want.

Sure, there are still some specific items you'll only be able to find in-game. However, if you're a clothes hound like me, learn your Coder recipes and hunt those bits.

Big Info! Big Info!
I'll be releasing a special report this week on what's coming in the large patch. There are a ton of changes to the game, bug fixes…oh, and a bit of interior design. Aether is going to be giving you the details on that as he's much better at decorating than I am. Although I'm tempted to steal his thunder since he gets to talk about fashion. (Well, also because I'm excited about the changes.)

I know we've been talking about the upcoming patches for a week now, but that's just the name of the game when you're trying to get a title out the door. Our QA team is doing their job and calling us on bugs that slip through the cracks. Once we satisfy them, you'll get to see everything the team's been working on...

...and then you get to tell us what we missed. And you're doing a damn good job of it so far.

See you next week on The Other Side of the Looking Glass!

}8

Not a beta tester? Head over to Broadcast Depth to chat about this article.
Beta tester? Head over to Beta: Broadcast Depth to chat about this article.

Posted by Walrus