Nightingale will get a big server stress test in “early 2024” in order to prepare for the Early Access launch in February.
The Inflexion team announced the upcoming test will take place as a completely separate test event, designed to help the devs “break the portal network” by loading as many players as they can to see how the infrastructure holds up.
Early Access launch is set for February 22nd, 2024 after several previous delays. With the announcement of a test like this, it certainly looks like the team is getting close to the final stretch. They’ll announce more details sometime in January, so we don’t know exactly when the test will take place, but given that announcement is yet to come and it will take time for signups, mid to late January might be a good estimate.
Realmwalkers, we need your help to test the portal network!We'll be running a server stress test in the new year, for details on the test and how to sign up, see here: https://t.co/K13yYQm084 pic.twitter.com/6fVZBelEYQ
— Nightingale (@PlayNightingale) November 29, 2023
As this test is separate from any other playtest that they've held, there will be a new signup for those who are interested in taking part. This will go through Steam and determine eligibility. If you’re eligible, then you have a shot at the test. Final test capacity goals and numbers are yet to be confirmed, but those numbers will be announced along with the test dates and full details as to what Inflexion expects from the session.
They have teased some things with their announcement, though, stating that the test will aim to include the first couple of hours of Nightingale.
“There are no bad outcomes to this test. Whether it’s all smooth connections, or the servers catch fire, the team will gain valuable information to prepare for the Early Access launch in February.
We hope that all participants can connect to the Realms and enjoy the first couple of hours of the game without interruption.”
Of course, being a stress test, things might lean a little closer to “the servers catch fire” for a bit while the sort things out, but that should make the launch better.
