The release of UFL planned for this year is unlikely to happen. However, the alpha version is now ready and further test runs are planned, as revealed in the latest “The Journey” update
“We don’t make games for us, we make them for players,” is the simple motto of Strikerz Inc CEO Eugene Nashilov, for whom it is therefore clear: “We want to show people the game.” After this had already happened involuntarily for a short time due to a glitch, the developer is now taking this step into the public eye as planned. An alpha version of the game will be put through its paces by interested parties in a closed test phase almost nine months after the first gameplay was unveiled
Strikerz Inc. rewards “very active” users
But before you start looking for an opportunity to take part in the test, we have to take the wind out of your sails. All places for the closed alpha have already been allocated. These went to the fastest applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. According to CTO Max Chernega, Strikerz Inc. wanted to ensure that they found testers who were “very active” and would follow development closely.
Instead, you can sign up for future test phases. You can find a form on the game’s website where you can shape the game with your feedback. “This feedback is extremely important to us. It’s our philosophy,” emphasizes Nashilov, who leaves the start of the open beta open.
Small group, big impact
Instead of discussing data, Nashilov and his colleagues commented on the reasons for launching the test phase. According to Chernega, the Alpha would be a kind of maiden voyage. “We will be testing a lot of things for the first time and we don’t know what the outcome will be,” the CTO admits and explains: “That’s why we need to test with a small group first to find out where there are problems – and there will be.” This will ensure “that our players don’t experience any technical problems after the release.”
In addition, the outside perspective is important, according to Chernega, as developers “may not test enough, or may not think the way some players do”. According to Head of Game Design, Mikhail Vovchenko, developers make this “classic mistake” in game design time and time again: “You work in your own bubble for so long that you end up developing a game for yourself that no one else can play. “
Is the release delayed again?
Strikerz Inc. now wants to avoid an overly narrow-minded approach with the alpha – and, according to CEO Nashilov, is taking its time. “There’s nothing bad or scary about early alphas. Many developers do it,” he explains, pointing to a prominent example: “Baldur’s Gate 3 was in alpha for about three years.” But they don’t want to take that long with UFL. “We are aiming for a completely different time frame.”
However, Nashilov did not reveal what exactly that means. However, the release originally planned for 2022 appears to have been postponed for another year. “Quality concerns” had caused a delay at the time, after which a release for 2023 had been targeted, which is now likely to follow in 2024 at the earliest