A
new development
update announces plans for updates to
Elite: Dangerous, including
word on a first major patch that will go live for the space combat game next
month, and how to get in on beta testing if you so desire (thanks
PC Gamer). Here's word:
Following up on my post last week I will
provide more information on our process moving forwards and dates for the next
two major releases. As you’ve seen since the game’s initial release we have
issued a number of point updates, the latest being 1.05 this morning. These are
typically restricted to urgent and/or low risk changes and will continue on a
regular basis as they allow us to respond as we need to. These aren’t scheduled
in the same way as the major updates, but will be ongoing.
More significant updates allow us to add new features and content (as well as
sweeping up a host of fixes and tweaks that haven’t been deemed suitable for the
intermediate point releases).
Currently beta testing will be available for those who already have beta access
for the main game. For players participating in the beta tests there will be a
separate mechanism for playing so testing does not affect your game and that you
can continue to play the retail version as well. Options for players currently
without beta access to be able to purchase beta access will be available.
Details will be made available nearer the time.
Depending on how the update Betas go in test, we expect them to be released to
everyone a week or so after the Beta release.
As you all know we’re also working on paid expansions for the game and these
will have their own beta periods as well, we’ll again make details available of
how this will work as we near their release.
The first planned significant update will be 1.1 and will enter beta in the
first week of February. We’ll be talking next week about how 1.1 will introduce
a new way to collaborate with other players in the galaxy in preparation for
1.2’s major Wings update. We have some some good news for planners of long
journeys - V1.1 will also have a significant increase in the maximum distance
for the route planner. We’re currently looking at extending this to 1,000 light
years!
Looking further ahead there will be a 1.2 update which is planned to enter beta
testing in the first week of March. The focus for this update will be Wings and
other multiplayer goodness. I’ll provide more detail in future updates.