Hello, Masters. I'm Kwon Dae Ho, the Executive Producer of Black Stigma. Since February, we haven't been able to update players on testing or service schedules.
Today, we will inform you about the test dates that will showcase the developments of the past 6 months.
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# New Test Ahead [/h3]
Based on the feedback and support we received from the past four alpha tests,
we have been putting a lot of effort into elevating the fun of "Black Stigma."
Now, we are planning to conduct a
"Global Testing Tour" in order to share the results with everyone.
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# What is a Global Testing Tour? [/h3]
A Global Testing Tour is a test that allows us to gather data
on the gameplay characteristics and methods of the playerbase for each country
by providing an optimal gameplay environment for different regions.
Through this test, we will make plans for Early Access services and attempt to provide a smooth
and pleasant gameplay experience for as many people as possible.
- Therefore, we have prepared testing plans for 5 regions, in which we will conduct the tests one by one.
- Starting at ASIA on October, we will proceed with the testing in the order of SEA->NA ->EU->LA.
- Anyone can participate by pressing the "Request Access" button under "Join Playtest" on the official Steam page.
- We are grouping countries with access to the game into regions to allow for a stable network environment (latency, ping, etc.). We ask for your participation in the tests during your region's testing dates.
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# Main Content of the Global Testing Tour [/h3]
Since it has been 8 months since the last alpha test, we have additional content to showcase:
(1) New Masters (characters); (2) Expanded weapon grades; (3) New game modes and map arrangements.(1) The addition of new Masters and the establishment of each Master's play styleWe have added 6 new Masters on top of the 6 existing Masters we revealed up to the last test.
You will be able to play 12 different Masters on this test.
The 6 existing Masters were created with a solid base while reflecting the game's characteristics.
On the other hand, the 6 new Masters are focused on a different and fresh play style.
We highlighted each Master's unique traits during concept creation
and further developed them in a way to allow for more unconventional gameplay.
In addition, we categorized the Masters into four different groups and gave them stats accordingly. We recommend that you try playing with various Masters and find the one that suits your play style.
(2) Weapon grade limit expanded to "Legendary"Along with the addition of new Masters, there will be new Legendary grade handguns,
which will be the highest tier for firearms.
The main features of Legendary grade firearms include the ability to equip laser sights
and extra ammunition attached compared to the same gun of a different grade.
Unlike crosshairs, the dot sights and laser sights in Black Stigma are optical aiming devices
that display the exact point at which the bullet will hit.
Furthermore, Legendary firearms have more ammunition compared to other guns.
Having more ammunition than the opponent will give you a clear advantage in long-range combat.
Legendary firearms have not only better performance but also in-depth expressions of stats
and stylish designs to fit the title "Legendary."
▲ Differentiate design by grade of the same gun implemented in real games
(left) 3D model of 'PFW30L' Rare grade gun; (right) 3D model of 'PFW30L' Legend grade gunWe take pride in the handgun gameplay of Black Stigma
and will therefore provide players with various firearms in-game.
(3) Different experiences provided through new game modes and additional mapsThe main game mode will be the "Kill Them All" (elimination, "KTA") mode that we revealed in the last alpha test,
with the addition of a new PvP mode called "Team Deathmatch" ("TDM") and a PvE mode called "Challenge Mode."
▲ new maps; ‘Old Manor’ and ‘Abandoned Subway’In the "Kill Them All" mode, which is a PvP mode where you win by killing all opponents in the enemy team,
we have added two new maps called "Decrepit Mansion" and "Abandoned Subway Station".
On the Decrepit Mansion map, players will battle in and out of a classic mansion,
whereas the Abandoned Subway Station features an all-indoors map
that will provide players with a different atmosphere.
"Team Deathmatch" is a game mode where two teams compete for higher kills on a respawn-enabled map.
Players killed by enemies will respawn in a safe location within a few seconds and can enjoy nonstop action without having to wait.
"Challenge Mode" is where players clear stages with AI bots.
This is a single-player mode where clearing a stage will enable players to enter stages of higher difficulty.
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# What we encourage players to do during the Global Testing Tour [/h3]
Combat that can be enjoyed in various ways Black Stigma is a "Killer Action Game". Within the world of Black Stigma, there are various killers who live their everyday lives in disguise. We aimed to provide players with a thrilling experience and create combat through each killer's unique shooting and fighting skills.
Unlike other shooting games where you have an excruciating learning period when your shooting and aiming skills are subpar, we want to provide players with an alternative combat method to face opponents. The 6 new Masters are especially focused on those aspects, so we hope you playtest all the Masters.
Adaptation to the game through the new PvE systemSince Black Stigma claims to be a PvP-focused game, we thought a system where players could prepare and practice for fair competition was required. Therefore, "Training Mode" and "Challenge Mode" were added.
"Training Mode," as can be commonly seen in fighting games, is where players can practice different skills on training dummies while switching Masters and equipment. "Challenge Mode" is where players clear stages by defeating the AI bots that charge toward the player.
Find the Master and gun customization options that suit you in Training Mode and Challenge Mode, and reap the results of training in PvP game modes.
Excitement alongside streamersStarting with this Global Testing Tour, we aim to create opportunities for Black Stigma and small streamers to grow together. We are also considering streamer support events for this cause as well.
One of those events is the "Custom Game" feature, which is a spectator-inclusive mode that can be manually controlled. Streamers can create event games through the Custom Game feature, while viewers and players can enjoy the video content produced by it.
Along the lines of the event above, we plan to support small streamers so that a mutually beneficial cycle can start between our game and the streamers. We hope people can enjoy the game and share opinions by watching its content, even if they don't play Black Stigma.
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# What we ask of the players + Future plans [/h3]
We hope the game is played and enjoyed by many players.
We worked hard to improve the aspects that we felt were lacking while going through the previous alpha tests. We are looking forward to players experiencing the three revamped game modes, various maps, and 12 unique Masters. Please give us feedback on your experience playing Black Stigma through the in-game surveys or our socials.
We plan to conclude the Global Testing Tour in December by showcasing the final Global Testing Tour build, which will be refined through the various feedback we will have received during the testing period.
We will collect feedback through various methods and use the feedback to quickly change/improve the parts that we can work on internally. We are also planning to showcase a refined, updated version in December, when all the regions of the Global Testing Tour will be coming to an end. We will unlock all content to prevent players from thinking, "How does this still not exist?" and provide an Early Access-adjacent version of the game.
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# Lastly[/h3]
The developers of Black Stigma are committed to finding a "unique type of entertainment in a shooting game." The game strives to be a perfect blend of killer action, handgun action, and close combat, which isn't a common theme among other games. In order to provide an exquisite level of entertainment, we are seeking to conduct multiple tests to identify the specific points of the game that players like and the style in which they play.
We are happy and grateful to be showing you the fruits of our hard work and trial and error over the past several years. We ask for your feedback and support through the Global Testing Tour period.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Producer Kwon Dae Ho 
※ The list of countries accessible in each region will be provided in a separate announcement.