Developing and releasing buggy software is something we only do when we have no choice. Zandronum 1.3 was sort of like this. We basically had no testing team helping us, and had to do a blind release and just hoped that nothing went wrong. Luckily, everything is great thus far, but we can't be that lucky all the time -- especially with 2.0 due to how many things have been upgraded. Some of you may be asking 'why don't the devs test it?', which we do. We test every release before releasing it. We cannot however test with multiple people and test over every single wad known to mankind since we don't have enough knowledge about the popular mods or what people play to do so.
Furthermore, some of the items getting into 2.0 are massive. You guys are used to seeing us increment slowly and add major features one at a time. This new version though is going to quite a new level. We have 1 ridiculously massive upgrade (ZDoom 2.5.x), and some awesome upgrades to the engine that needs major testing. Remember that you won't be seeing some new epic interface, the core of the game is stable and will remain so, it's the new features, tweaks, and bug fixes that there is so much of (ranging from minor to major).
Therefore, due to the massive size of this upgrade, it is not getting released until we get people testing it, unless it goes on for a year or more and we have no choice. Releases are only done in an untested state if the apathy of testing is so large that we can't wait any longer. I would rather not wait another full year for 2.0. In fact, I'd rather see it out this year if we're lucky. Wouldn't it be a nice December 25th present if 2.0 came out? I think it would!
Before I reach the testing options part of this post, I want to let you guys know that there are still major features incoming over the next few months, so one testing session won't cover it.
We cannot release without testing, and therefore... we need you. Testing is not meant to be a chore. Testing should be enjoyable, and this is what you can do to help us:
Option 1: Join the testing team
- Join up in #zatesting
- Let myself or Arco/Qent know you are interested in joining the testing team
- In hopefully 2-3 weeks we will be doing testing sessions on the weekends. We will only need an hour of your time at most. The more you give the better, but it's completely optional
- Maybe there's a forum tag or something that comes with this or some kind of voice/hops in #zatesting
- You cannot be banned on the master server
- Should have a tracker account to report bugs (not mandatory as long as you inform myself or another lead tester)
- It is mandatory to attend these testing events, if you join the testing team and never show up... that's bad. Obviously RL events that prevent you from coming are okay.
Option 2: Testing at your own leisure
- Just test a 2.0 build we will be posting
- Pick your own wads and report any bugs you find
- You may attend testing sessions if you want (highly recommended!)
We will be aiming to set something official up for the weekend. Right now this thread's goal is to get people thinking of what they can do to help test Zandronum 2.0. If you are interested, check out #zatesting and we will be providing a plan on the weekend.
FAQ:
Where can I get the 2.0 binary?
There will be an official post very soon.
What do we test?
- Test your favorite wads (just play them and see if it plays normally)
- Test new features
- Test your favorite wad offline
- We will provide a feature list for people to try out soon!
As a note, we do have to go through all the gamemodes and make sure they work normally. Expect to cover each game mode, doom[2], heretic, hexen, strife, and maybe some other things.
How can I host? I am lazy.
Because you are as lazy as I am, I'll be working over the next 1-2 weeks to set up hosting on BE with 2.0 so you can whip up any server for easy testing.
A feature is missing on the wiki... I don't know anything about feature X.
Let me know and I will add it to the wiki
I found a bug.
Post it on the tracker (or PM me on IRC).
Will this make Torr Samaho happy?
Yes.
How often will there be testing sessions?
I'm hoping for one every two weeks on either Saturday or Sunday.
Do I have to test until I am bored?
No. This should be fun, if you don't like testing -- this isn't the place for you. Sometimes it may be tedious, but I'm going to try to make the wads enjoyable as possible with what I have to work with.
I have a feature request I want in 2.0! Am I too late?
No, but hurry up and post it on the tracker so it doesn't get left until 2.1 or possibly 3.0.
As a parting note, this should be fun. You will be testing new features and helping Zandronum 2.0 come out to the masses. We will get to play a wide array of mods and hopefully generate some good laughs together. Anything you contribute will go towards 2.0's release. Remember, even finding nothing is a success, because you tested something and found out it was bug free!
Suggestions?
Comments?
Ideas?
Want to join?
Post!
Note: I need a list of popular mods, if you know them, please provide them so I can add it to the list of wads to test.
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