Forums

RS Beta Progress Update

Quick find code: 294-295-180-64947154

of 19
Mod Pips

Mod Pips

Jagex Moderator Forum Profile Posts by user

HTML5 Beta Progress

Hi everyone,

It’s nearly two weeks since the HTML5 closed beta began, so we wanted to talk about how it’s been going and discuss our plans for the next few weeks.

Even with such an early beta, the response from testers has been great and really helpful for us. On the first day alone, the HTML5 client logged over 100,000 sessions. You've also submitted thousands of bug reports, and we've gathered lots of data about lag and frame rate. This will be invaluable for improving the stability and performance of the client.

Working with emerging technologies like HTML5 and WebGL is exciting for us, but also a bit nerve-wracking! RuneScape is the first browser game of its size and complexity using this technology, and while we’re proud to be pioneers in this field, it also makes development a real challenge. We really appreciate you helping us.

Right now, we’re focussing on fixing the crashes and other major bugs. We expect, after another week or two, that the worst bugs will be fixed and you’ll have a much more stable client to test. Fixes are being released frequently, so it’s worth keeping an eye on Mod Chris E’s HTML5 Beta patch notes thread in the Beta Feedback and Discussion forum if you're playing the beta.

In a couple of weeks, we’ll turn our attention towards optimising the client. Right now ,the lag and low frame rate are making the beta awkwardly slow for some players, which obviously gets in the way of a fun experience. Interestingly, performance isn’t just affected by how powerful your computer is - even seemingly small differences in graphics driver or computer spec can have a big impact on frame rate. Similarly, some in-game locations can run fine, but others can really lag the client. These are examples of the issues we have to iron out, and demonstrate why your feedback is so useful. We’re confident we’ll get there – we’ve seen certain mid-spec PC configurations which run the HTML5 client at a good frame rate, so we're on the right track!

Over the next few weeks we’ll also be working through fixing the graphical glitches; making sure all of the game’s water looks right, and that all the sky environments are properly implemented. The water you see in the beta client now is created with only a basic version of our new water shaders, and you’ll see further improvements as we implement more of this new technology.

Last week we also launched the first alpha version of the New Interface System. Your feedback has been superb – very constructive, creative and insightful. Mod ThatJim has posted in the NIS Feedback and Discussion forum with an outline of the features the team are tackling next based on your suggestions. More information to come when the NIS alpha build is updated later this week.

It’s still early days, and the HTML5 client has significant improvements to come in the next few weeks and months. You’re helping bring this new technology to life and making RuneScape a better experience, so thanks to all who’ve got involved!

Mod Pips

If you want to find out even more about the RuneScape Beta Programme, why not come to our next Around the Campfire event this Wednesday? JMods from the beta team will be there to answer your questions on all things HTML5. So, join Mods Conor, Brain and Chris E, along with the Community Management team, on 1st May 16:00 GMT – we’ve set up a forum thread with more information here.

29-Apr-2013 16:17:16 - Last edited on 29-Apr-2013 17:20:27 by Mod William

Mod Drebin

Mod Drebin

Jagex Moderator Forum Profile Posts by user
Battosai Kon said:
Quick question when is jagex going to expand the amount of beta testers & allow new people to test the beta out?


I'd imagine we'll look at expanding the group of testers when we have core stability and performance in really good shape. Then we can focus on further fine-tuning with a wider audience. It's won't be too long to wait, in any case. :)

Mod Drebin | RuneScape Community Team | @JagexDrebin

29-Apr-2013 17:52:45

SonGokuSSJG

SonGokuSSJG

Posts: 586Steel Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
Dat first page O_o

Anyway, I can't wait to actually test out the beta once the terrible lag is fixed. I find myself enjoying Runescape more when I log onto the Alpha for the new interface.

~Goku

29-Apr-2013 17:53:39

Free From XP
Feb Member 2024

Free From XP

Posts: 540Steel Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
Thanks, I am really loving the HTML5 beta.

I only hope that the improvements on HTML5 and RS3 overall won't be delaying or slowing the other awesome content you've planned for 2013, aside from RS3.
Although it's still a long year to go, I would really want to see you guys pushing it to the max with the lore (God content, new(er) quests and quest finales overall to be able to move on with the main content that changes the lore dramatically,...); and of course the other planned content you've mentioned earlier to be releasing this year; examples:
-new skills,
-more reworks (like the Construction skill, Falador, Black Knight's Fortress, Trouble Brewing and much more,...),
-more dungeons (Ranged Slayer Dungeon);
-completely new content (Fossil Island, God Content together with the lore changes following after The World Wakes);
-with quests, quests and more quests!


I understand that all the aforementioned future planned content is so much easier to release with RS3, but there are some things that should be set into motion soon like the gods returning, and the lore which isn't especially necessary release with RS3, although it would make it better in a graphical sense.

Like always, keep the good stuff up and remember to keep the community up to date with the awesome stuff you're planning this year!
Not addicted but committed

29-Apr-2013 17:54:26 - Last edited on 29-Apr-2013 17:56:52 by Free From XP

Quick find code: 294-295-180-64947154Back to Top