Insurgency Beta 2.1 RC ready to go!Dr. Spielmann // Jun 25, 2008 // 277 comments
 Hello everyone! Now that development of Insurgency 2.1 is coming to an end, we're getting ready for the launch of our first release candidate of the new version, codename Insurgency 2.1 RC. The objective of this release, as most of you will probably know already, is to test it with your help during a few weeks, collecting feedback and suggestions. After those few weeks, we'll tweak the final version with your suggestions and release Insurgency Beta 2.1. Forum threads and feedback questionnaires will be put in place immediately after release in order to better gather all your impressions.  One of the latest images of ins_buhriz, included in 2.1RC This version has been in development for 6 months. It's primary goal has always been to become the last major release of Insurgency under the previous generation of the Source engine (INS 3.0 will work under the Orange Box engine). This doesn't mean we'll stop supporting it as soon as it's out: on the contrary, minor updates and extra contents that we didn't have time to include in this version are already scheduled and will be released during the summer. We want INS 2.1 to have a code base solid enough to be enjoyable on public servers and clan matches, and to serve as the basis for Insurgency leagues and championships. This is the reason why we have chosen to deploy it first as a release candidate and not as a beta: we still think that you'll want to tweak the game closer to perfection, so we're giving you the chance to do that. Many of you have asked about a release date. We're still under the last polish passes and the installers have yet to be built. However, this is only a matter of days. That's it, folks, neither weeks, nor months. We are very happy to say that the last private beta tests have yielded excellent results. The new maps are very playable, they will all be included in the release and, although the final verdict belongs to you, they offer new and exciting gameplay elements that are likely to change the way INS is played. The new shader effects add immersion and atmosphere, the new animation system lets you focus on the game and the tactics, not limiting you with clunky, artificial limitations.  Open spaces and realistic terrain are the trademark of this large map But in any case, we think that the best way to introduce you to Insurgency Beta 2.1 RC is to post the changelog and known issues list. This changelog is not 100% complete or final yet, but we can assure at this stage that, in any case, any variation from this list would be due to some minor additional fixes that might still make it into the RC build. BETA 2.1 RC Changelog Key Features
INS News Update - Testers Wanted!Dr. Spielmann // Mar 31, 2008 // 180 comments
Hello Everyone!  Want to be an Insurgency Tester? Do you want to help making Insurgency Beta 2.1 and Beta 3 better? are you ready to participate in testing sessions (minimum once per week) and provide good feedback and bug reports? If you think you've got what it takes, email testing(at)insmod.net with your details, timezone, and relevant previous experience. If you're selected, you will be able to download the latest client and jump in our testing sessions. Only a few will be selected, so make sure read this information before applying: What we are looking for are experienced Insurgency gamers, that have been with us for some time and are familiar with this mod. Since most testing takes place on the weekends, you would need to have at least 3-4 hours of spare time on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays. Testing sessions are announced in advance so people can plan their weekends properly. Prior beta testing experience for other FPS or commercial software is considered a plus. You need to be fluent in English, and any previous experience with software versioning and support ticket systems will also boost your chances of joining our team. In addition, you must be at least 18 years old to be an INS tester. Please remember to include the following details in your email:
The maps Ins_Buhriz and Ins_Abdallah have seen a lot of progress these last weeks. The maps are now going through the finishing process: detailing, replacing placeholders for final props and textures, refining and testing the gameplay. Beta 2.1 will also include improved ironsights: as you can see, the field of view has been increased taking those ironsights further away from the player so that they remain useful but unobtrusive. Check the screenshot below to see how the new ironsights will look like. It's not only aesthetics though, the weapons are now much more accurate, sniper rifles land their shots where they should, and all weapons have been affected by the changes. We are however waiting for larger playtests in order to make the final adjustments.  Ins_Buhriz is now being tested. Although it's not complete yet, it's already playable and its gameplay will be really interesting. Insurgents can advance into Buhriz with intelligent use of cover, smoke deployment and diversion manouvers, while the USMC can defend their positions with well-placed machineguns, sniping spots, and have the benefit of being protected by the town's buildings. This map captures the feeling of being inmersed in a large battle, surrounded by a war-torn landscape with open spaces.  Deploying a M249 in Buhriz Ins_Abdallah has also made it into testing last week. This urban map will provide very intense close quarters firefights, as well as some good street-by-street action with Insurgents and Marines trying to reach the capture points through different routes. Ins_Sinjar has also seen an increase in its draw distances, something that doesn't only make the map look better, but also helps correcting some balance issues. As promised, here are some screenshots from Haditha Night and Samawah Day, that will also be included in Insurgency Beta 2.1.:  Daylight makes Samawah look completely different!  The main street in Haditha  This well-known map looks good in the dark As usual, don't forget to check our developer logs if you want to know what we've been up to! Beta 2.1 News UpdateDr. Spielmann // Mar 7, 2008 // 88 comments
Hello everyone!
If you are experiencing frequent materialsystem.dll crashes, please write to mail (at) insmod.net, with a screenshot of the materialsystem.dll error message, your name and location, and the subject line "materialsystem.dll". You might be elligible for a restricted Beta Test with the new version to verify that the error has disappeared in Insurgency Beta 2.1. and try to squash this bug once and for all. If you don't get this particular error, please ignore this message. Keep in mind that this beta test will be exclusively for fixing this bug, and a lot of other features will be missing from the client, so it's only interesting if you were one of those that kept having this particular problem with Insurgency 2.0e. Media Update: We'd like to show you some screenshots of Abdallah and Buhriz, the 2 new maps you will be able to play in Insurgency Beta 2.1. ins_abdallah  It's time to introduce ins_abdallah... the rebirth of a classic INS map  A dense urban environment, that will see intense firefights  Notice the debris on the floor and the many details of this map ins_buhriz  The lighting on this map creates an unique atmosphere  Walls, vegetation, did anyone say "ambush"?  Open spaces, now that's something new in INS!  The streets of Buhriz The most veteran INS regulars will surely remember ins_abdallah (some screenshots of it were published before Beta 1 was released); this map has been in development for over 3 years, and has seen quite a few versions, but never as polished as this one. You'll have to agree that it was worth the wait! Haditha Night and Samawah Day add a new twist to some popular Insurgency maps. Some familiar locations look totally different, and the shadows in Haditha create some unexpected hiding spots. We will bring you some additional screenshots soon. You will still have to wait a little bit more for 2.1, and we don't want to announce a release date yet. We believe that the inclusion of 2 new maps, and 2 new versions of existing maps - together with important gameplay improvements - will be worth the wait. We were not originally intending to release them with 2.1, but since they're progressing faster than expected and we're still knee deep into bug fixing, they will be added to this release. We will keep you updated as soon as we set the content lock date, with the final changelog, and we'll give you prompt reports about the testing of the new version. Don't forget to check the developer logs if you want to know more! |
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