Do you consider yourself a hardcore tester? Think you've got what it takes to do bug reporting on a real QA server? Well, now you have the chance.
We're opening up the QA Test Server for public testing. The QA Test Server will be running a future version of The Matrix Online game--anything from the next upcoming patch to content a month down the line.
Consider this the Wild, Wild West of The Matrix Online. If you choose to log on to the QA Test Server, you'll be playing the game on an "as-is" basis. There's no gamemaster or tech support and no guarantee that the server will be up. Patching will happen as needed and stability isn't guaranteed.
So why would you want to test on the QA Test Server?
We weren't kidding when we said this is for serious testers. We're asking for people committed to good bug reporting and serious testing. As a benefit, you get to see what's coming to the game before anyone else.
What You Need To Do
To begin using the QA Test Server, you need to download the installqatestworld.zip file and unzip it to your hard drive. Double-click installqatestworld.wsf and the script will copy your current game installation to a new directory.
Note: This file only works if you installed The Matrix Online to the default directory. If you installed the game to a different directory, click here for instructions on setting up access manually.
The next thing you need to do is review the Bug Writing Guide. The new installation will take a while, so that's a good time to reread it. The better your bug reporting is, the easier it is for us to fix things, and the faster content will make it to the live game.
Once the new installation is finished, an icon for QA Test World will be added to your desktop. Double click the QA Test World icon to launch The Matrix Online and log on using your normal game account information. The first patch may take a while depending on how recent the last live patch was, so give yourself some time for the first launch.
Make sure you read the patch notes to see what's been added or changed on the game.
Conclusion
What you see on the QA Test Server is being tested for future release to the live game. That means there may be some big differences between what you see there and what's on the live servers. Before you log on, take a moment to check out the QA Test Server information and see what's new.
Again, the normal support found in the live game won't be available on the QA Test Server. It may be up or not at any time of day, any day of the week. If you get stuck in game, have crashing problems, or encounter other playability issues with the game, please report the problem via the normal bug reporting tool (/ccr in game or https://support.warnerbros.com outside -- make sure you mention which server the bug is on). Understand, however, that a GM isn't going to show up to resolve your problem.
For those of you who venture into QA Test Server, you'll be providing us with valuable information on the next big step in the evolution of the game. It won't be the easiest of rides, but your payoff is seeing into the future of The Matrix Online.
Manual Process
If you've installed The Matrix Online somewhere other than the default folder, use the following directions to create a new copy of the game and log on to the QA Test Server.
- Find the folder you installed The Matrix Online in. (Normally installed at: C:\Program Files\Monolith Productions\The Matrix Online.)
- From the next to last folder (for example, the Monolith Productions folder), right click the folder named The Matrix Online and select Copy.
- In the same folder, right click the background and select Paste. Pasting the new folder will probably take a while.
- Rename the new folder (probably called Copy of The Matrix Online) something like The Matrix Online - QA Test Server.
- Launch Notepad (or another text editor). In Windows XP, select Start>All Programs>Accessories>Notepad.
- Copy and paste the following into the new document:
MarginServerDNSSuffix = ".qa.thematrixonline.com"
AuthServerDNSName = "auth.qa.thematrixonline.com"
PatchServerDNSName = "update.qa.thematrixonline.com/qatestworld"
PatchNotesURL = "https://members.warnerbros.com/web/gameClient/getQAPatchNotes.jsp?username=%s&password=%s"
- Save the file as useropts.cfg in the new directory.
- Close Notepad.
- In the new directory, right click launcher.exe and select Create Shortcut.
- Drag the shortcut to your desktop.
- Rename the shortcut something appropriate, like MxO QA Test Server.
- Go back and follow the rest of the directions.
Posted by The Matrix Online Team
