Alpha server controversy finally settled

 I don't know how many people will remember the controversy but we were given access to game development news and information that we shared with the community.  Some of it was upcoming features or changes to the game in general like how GvG would be removed completely and how blue fighting boosts would be on par with red fighting boosts as examples.  

Some of the news and information was about the new ages or events.  Sometimes it was quality of life improvements.  It was interesting to see how things like "Guild Raids" changed from early development into "Quantum Incursions".  A game feature that now barely resembles the original concept with everything guild raid-y about it now removed.

Anyways the community discussed the news and information on the official forums and people at Inno were not pleased that information was released without going through their official channels.  Part of that was Inno just wanting to shape their own narrative and part of it was to protect their relationship with paid shills who promote their game on social media.  Part of that protection was having Juber and other mods and shills (Uber youtube) actually state that there is no Alpha server.  It simply doesn't exist.  Now I don't know if they were knowingly lying to the community because they don't know how games are developed or if they knew and were just flat-out lying.  They are not stupid people so I have to believe they know but were lying.  Maybe I'm wrong and they are that stupid?

Now imagine the gaul to state such an obvious lie.  They are trying to say that an alpha/test/dev/pre-beta call it what you want server doesn't exist.  How insulting is that to the community?  Every game has an alpha/test/dev/pre-beta test server.  Do you think they develop game features and not test and refine it?  Well that would explain why some things are poorly balanced and buggy now wouldn't it.

Anyways Inno is opening aspects of this test/dev server to more people.  Here is the announcement.

Become a prototype tester!

Our development team has created a series of Event mechanic prototypes that need testing, and there's no one better to ask than you, our players.

So, we're kicking off our first-ever prototype testing, and it's easy to participate!

On April 4, all players on Beta will receive an invite in the Message Center (Official tab). Click "Accept Invitation" to register for the test, and that's it! The registration will be open until the test starts on April 14.

On April 14, all players who have accepted the invitation will gain access to the exclusive Prototype Test world where the new mechanic will be available for testing—but no other features.

Please note that by clicking "Accept Invitation" you register your consent to participate in the test and have your City layout copied to the test world. No other information other than your player ID is used in the process.

More detailed instructions on how to participate and give feedback will follow when the testing starts.

Always wanted to take a peek behind the scenes of game development? This is your chance! Stay tuned for the invite, and thank you for helping us shape the future of Forge of Empires!