Nightingale Release Date Change | February 20, 2024
Good tidings, Realmwalkers!
Mark your calendars because we're opening the Portal network ahead of schedule!
Nightingale will now launch into Early Access on February 20, 2024.
This will not only allow you all to start your adventures as a Realmwalker two days earlier than originally planned but also give our team a head start in addressing any issues at launch before the busy weekend period.
We're working on your feedback from the Server Stress Test and will share some updates for you in a Dev Update which should be coming out in the next week or so.
For those who got emails from Steam late, or even past the start date, apologies for the confusion.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in trying to break the portals and provided your feedback! The servers held up for the whole test, and we have some takeaways on what the launch might look like.
We'll share more details in the coming weeks.
- The Nightingale Team (Inflexion Games)
Server Stress Test Extension
Heya Realmwalkers,
Our servers so far have been holding up, so we’re going to extend the test for those who are experiencing longer download times.
The new end time is 7:00 pm MST (6pm PST, 9pm EST, 2am GMT).
Feel free to invite your friends!
For feedback, bugs, and basic troubleshooting, join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/playnightingale
For stress test and game tips, see: https://playnightingale.com/news/stress-test-tips
See you in the Realms! 👋
The Server Stress Test is LIVE NOW!
Heya Realmwalkers,
The Server Stress Test is available now!
Head on over to our store page and click the button under "Nightingale Playtest". Then locate "Nightingale Playtest" in your Steam library to download.
Once it's downloaded, jump into the Realms until 2:00pm MT.
We have some tips for you here: https://nightingale-staging.netlify.app/news/stress-test-tips
We'll have live updates in our Discord server: https://discord.gg/playnightingale
But otherwise have fun!
Performance Expecations
Heya Realmwalkers,
As we approach the Server Stress Test and the Early Access launch of the game, we wanted to share some estimated benchmarks so you have a rough idea where your PC is at, and also some tips on how to maximize your experience while playing.
Please note that these numbers are subject to change throughout Early Access as we continue to develop Nightingale.
One of our goals with Nightingale is to bring people together and create memorable experiences for players of all backgrounds.
We recognize that there can be many different barriers that could prevent someone from enjoying games in the same way as others. While we recognize there will always be room for improvement, we want to provide a sneak peek into the accessibility features that will be available at launch:
Customizable key inputs (unavailable in the Server Stress Test, supported at launch)
Controller support (partial support for the Server Stress Test)
The page above is just the beginning; we already have an additional list of features that we want to implement throughout Early Access and we look forward to getting feedback from players as to what new additional features, or adjustments to the existing ones, would assist them in enjoying the game further. The feedback loop has already begun, as arachnophobia mode and third-person camera mode were implemented thanks to requests on our various community channels!
We’ll be updating this new page throughout development, and we look forward to welcoming more and more folks to the faewilds as we continue to make it an inclusive experience for as many aspiring Realmwalkers as possible.
- The Nightingale Team Inflexion Games
Nightingale Server Stress Test Details
As we continue to travel toward Realms unknown, we’re ready to reveal additional details on an upcoming Nightingale milestone, the Server Stress Test!
When is the stress test?
Players will start receiving access to download the game at 10:00 am MT on February 2, 2024. Servers will open access to the Realms starting at 11:00 am MT and will close at 2:00 pm Mountain Time.
How will it work?
At 10:00 am MT, we will start granting access to people who signed up on Steam in waves. These players will be selected randomly by Steam’s system.
We will monitor how many people have downloaded the game and will grant access to more batches throughout the test based on various test factors (how many people are active, how servers are faring, etc.).
We recommend that folks download the game as soon as they’re given access, but players granted access before the server live time will not be able to load into a Realm until the servers start at 11:00 am MT. Those granted access after this start time will be able to join the game as soon as their game has finished downloading.
Our goal is for all players who signed up for the test to be able to participate. How quickly that happens will be dependent on how the test progresses.
What will I play during the test?
Players will enter a tailored version of Nightingale’s early game experience that skips tutorial content and has each Realmwalker equipped with upgraded tools and gear, as well as a variety of recipes unlocked (this will be the equivalent to what a Realmwalker can earn approximately 10 hours into a typical playthrough). Players will be able to immediately join and play together with friends in the Realms.
This will be a different experience than what players will encounter when they first enter the Realms on February 22, but we wanted the stress test to offer a few more tools and resources at an earlier stage in the journey to give players more of a taste of what’s to come ahead of our launch later in the month.
No hard limits have been placed on the build so anyone in the Realms can play as long as the servers are online and functional.
We’ll be sharing some gameplay tips and things to look out for, closer to when the test begins.
How will I know I was selected?
Participants will receive an email from Steam, but the quickest way to check is to refresh the Nightingale Steam page periodically after 10:00 am MT on February 2, 2024.
Why are you granting access in waves?
There are two things the team wants to assess during the playtest:
How we handle large amounts of players logging in at the same time Our ability to rapidly scale up access if there is an influx of players
Doing this in waves means we can test both.
A way to think about it is that instead of turning on a tap at 100% the first time, we’ll be turning it on at 50%, checking for leaks, and all looking well, we’ll see if it handles at full capacity. This way we can check for various bottlenecks throughout the test.
What if something goes wrong during the test?
It is possible that something may go awry during the stress test - and that’s all part of the reason why we’re doing it!
We’ll be opening a Discord forum channel for test feedback, as well as providing a form on Discord for major technical issues shortly before the test is live.
If there are delays in the servers going online, performance issues, or complete server failure, players will be unable to access the Realms, or may experience Travel Errors and Network Errors. This can prevent people from entering a Realm or playing the game at all depending on the scope of the issue.
Whatever happens, it will be valuable data for the team to ensure we’re ready for Early Access launch.
Will my save data/character from the stress test transfer to the launch version?
Unfortunately not. We have critical updates and patches planned for the launch version that aren’t in the parked stress test version and these changes may cause stability issues.
How do I sign up?
Head over to our Steam page and click on “Request Access” before February 2 for the best chance at participating.
What if I sign up after the test starts?
We may grant access to people up to half an hour before the test ends, but it will depend on team availability and the volume of requests. Our goal is to get everyone into the Realms as long as we have the test running, and we don’t experience any technical difficulties.
Can I stream or capture video/screenshots from the stress test?
This test is not under NDA and if you choose to make content about the game based on this test, please ensure that it is explicitly obvious that the footage and impressions are based on the server stress test version and experience.
For those who played in previous playtests, information such as your previous playtesting impressions, non-public game knowledge, or any captured footage (screenshots/video) from those playtests remains prohibited.
Does this test mean that the launch will work smooth like butter?
We wish that we could say with 100% certainty that this was the case, but as we’ve learned from many experiences, nothing is guaranteed. Our team remains very committed to delivering a great first time experience and solving any issues quickly and effectively. We are grateful for your support and understanding in this process! Whatever happens at launch, this test gives our team a chance to remove as many potential issues before that date.
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As always, we extend our sincerest gratitude to every one of you who join this expedition with us. We’ll see you on February 2, but until then, we’ll accept all crossed fingers, toes, and good vibes to send toward the servers and the team members who wrangle them.
The Nightingale Team (Inflexion Games)
IGN Preview | First Looks, Apex Fight, and More!
Heya Realmwalkers,
Throughout the week IGN has been publishing some exclusive first looks of Nightingale.
Check it out!
Game Preview:
20 Mins of Early Gameplay:
Apex Fight:
We're a little over one month away from launch, so buckle up and get ready for more coverage and information in the coming weeks.
Also, keep an eye on our channels for details on the upcoming server stress test.
As always, thank you for joining us on this journey.
- The Nightingale Team [Inflexion Games]
Message To Our Community
As we approach the conclusion of 2023, we wish to convey our heartfelt appreciation for the remarkable year Nightingale has had. Early Access launch is just two months away, and we’re committed to not only delivering a great survival-crafting experience but one that is elevated by our unique Realm Card system. So, thanks to all of you for keeping us inspired and determined throughout this development process with all of your support and enthusiasm!
While we’ve been focused on polishing and evolving the game, we’ve also been growing and connecting with our community. Over the course of several closed playtests, many of you have helped us shape the experience into something we’re incredibly proud of.
Early Access is just around the corner but we're not done yet! We still need your help testing our servers for Early Access launch in our open Stress Test being held sometime in the new year. If you haven’t already, you can sign up on Steam to help us break the Portal Network. More details, such as the date and time of the stress test, will be announced in January.
So, here’s to you, Realmwalkers! Thank you, and we look forward to all of you joining us in the lands of Fae very soon.
- The Nightingale Team [Inflexion Games]
Inflexion Reflections | December 2023
It’s the holiday season and what better gift than the final Inflexion’s Reflections of the year!
To celebrate, we want to introduce a new recurrent section called: Inflexion Flexes - allowing members of the Inflexion team to show off some of their creative endeavours within the Realms. But before we jump into that it’s time to delve into some Nightingale newness.
COMPACT CRITTERS
New critter alert! Ever the heartwarming sight, we have two of our newest critters to introduce, as they rustle and swish their way into the Realms in time for Early Access.
Eoten Sapling
Catepelose
BRANCHING OUT
Speaking of creatures, one that you’ll already be familiar with is the Sere Eoten. These desert dwellers might spark hesitation when you first encounter them but, if you tread carefully, they’re actually quite generous… The Eoten already had a “shimmy-like” animation, so we added a bit of function to its skittish movements. It now drops/poops a pile of sticks!
NAME CHANGE
Earlier this year, we introduced the swamp native Brippo. The team has since given it a name change! So, we thought it only fair to reintroduce you all to the Galumph. Given its look and surly demeanor we think the new name suits it brilliantly.
FIN-TASTIC ADDITIONS
We added fish to the game! Depending on where you see these new scaly friends, whether it be in oceans or lakes, the fish will correspond to its proper ecosystem. Meaning, saltwater fish will be found only in oceans and freshwater fish will be found in lakes. And, of course, with the addition of fish there must be a way to catch them. Yes, you can fish in Nightingale!
Saltwater Fish
Freshwater Fish
Fishing!
INFLEXION FLEXES
Now for our new Inflexion Reflections section full of fun Inflexion flexing. In honor of our oFISHial friends above (we won’t stop with the puns), here is a beautiful Fishing Pier created by our Art Director, Neil Thompson and Media Capture Artist, Manuel Aguirre, built out of the Pagoda Estate set in a forest Realm.
BUG OF THE MONTH
Honestly… this one is a mis-TREE. We wish you all a great holiday season and we’ll see you in the new year!
