Pre-Alpha Test Recap

[p]Survivors,[/p][p][/p][p]It’s been a little over a month since our pre-alpha test, and we figured it’s a good time to catch you up on what’s happened since then. Our goal for the test was simple–to see if we’re heading in the right direction, find out what clicks, and spot glaring issues that need to be addressed for our next test.[/p][p]Before talking about the test itself, let’s first talk about who did the testing.[/p][p][/p][h3]Who Joined the Test?[/h3][p]We received 3,811 signups, but since the game isn’t optimized yet, we invited only those with high-spec PCs and prior survival game experience. 2,329 invites were sent and in the end, 1,497 testers participated, and 395 completed a 31-question survey. All results shared below come from the 395 responses.[/p][p]Over one weekend — from September 19 to 22 — testers dove into the core gameplay loop, offering detailed feedback that helped us understand what’s resonating and what isn’t.[/p][p]The test build was identical to the Gamescom and PAX West demo, limited to 30 minutes per session. We figured that if the build was engaging enough, players would naturally play more than 30 minutes, and thankfully, we were right. 66% of testers played for more than 30 minutes, and nearly half played for over an hour. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Is the Game Headed in the Right Direction?[/h3][p]We’re thrilled to report–yes, it is! This was a very early build–it was a pre-alpha test, after all. But even so, the results were encouraging. [/p][p]When asked how fun their very first session was, 133 testers rated it 9 or 10 out of 10. That number grew to 145 when asked about their overall experience–meaning the more they played, the more fun they had.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Even more exciting, when asked about the game’s potential heading into Early Access, 219–that’s 55% of the testers–gave it a 9 or 10, showing strong confidence in the game’s future.[/p][p]
[/p][p]To check if our testers understood the game concept as intended, we asked them if they agree God Save Birmingham is a “medieval zombie survival simulator with physics” after playing the game. And once again, we were relieved to see that the majority agreed, with 214 (54%) testers strongly agreeing with either 9 or 10. [/p][p]
[/p][p][/p][h3]What’s Working, What’s Not?[/h3][p]Since God Save Birmingham aims to be the medieval zombie survival simulator with physics, we wanted to make sure that the core gameplay and presentation are moving in the right direction. And this is how everything netted out in terms of scores.[/p][p][/p][p]
The scores matched what we expected–and the lowest scores came from areas we’re already working hard to improve. In the next test, we hope to see improved marks on physics, survival, and combat. [/p][p]Many of the top player suggestions are actually in progress![/p]

• [p]Add co-op mode to the game[/p][p]By far the most requested feature, we’re happy to confirm that co-op is indeed coming. It’s already on our roadmap for the Early Access launch. Because it’s such a massive undertaking, it likely won’t appear in the Alpha or Beta tests — but we’re actively designing our systems and content with it in mind. [/p]
• [p]Add base building[/p][p]There will be base building. However, our approach will focus on fortifying existing structures for shelter and zombie defense rather than freeform construction. Think barricades, not new houses.[/p]
• [p]Give more things to do[/p][p]We completely agree that the world needs more activities and more depth. In future tests, you can expect to see more craft-able items, more cooking recipes (authentic medieval dishes, no less!) ability to repair items, and more harvesting. We’ve just added picking raspberries to the game last month![/p]

[p]We’ve also heard your feedback on: integrating physics more deeply into gameplay, adding hotkeys for smoother inventory management, improving hitbox accuracy during combat, and more.[/p][p]We will be sharing our progress on what and how changes are made via the monthly dev blog, so be sure to follow us on Steam and any of our channels below. Announcements for future tests will be posted right here on Steam too when the time comes. [/p][p]To the 394 testers who said they want to return — we’ll definitely see you in the next one![/p][p][/p][p]Thank you for being part of this early chapter of God Save Birmingham. Your feedback, enthusiasm, and support are helping shape the world we’re building. And we’re just getting started.[/p][p][/p][p]-ODS Team[/p][p][/p][p](Accurate depiction of how we limber up to start a long day at work. Highly recommend.)[/p]