14 DAY TRIAL // Epic Games has shared a few more details about the upcoming Fortnite 2 Online Test 1 (OT1) alpha stage, confirming that it will be employed to test regular mechanics, but also that it uses a non-disclosure agreement through which participants are restricted from sharing impressions, screenshots, or videos with others.
Fortnite is the next big project from Epic Games, as quite a lot of the studio's fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to see the Unreal Engine 4-powered experience in action. After checking out plenty of gameplay videos and screenshots with the ambitious shooter, the alpha is finally getting ready to debut later today, December 2.
The alpha stage tests out many basic mechanics
According to the official FAQ, the game's Online Test 1 (OT1) alpha stage has the main goal of ensuring that all systems work as intended. It's also going to help Epic see just how players are going through Fortnite outside of actual events like E3 or PAX, meaning the data can be used to tweak the overall direction of the title.
"OT1 is the first phase of the Alpha process for Fortnite. During the month of December, we’re testing to make sure all of our basic systems are working. This includes our onboarding process, launcher, and other systems that are important for an online game like Fortnite," the studio explains.
"We’re also getting a baseline for how people play in order to make Fortnite better. It’s a little rough around the edges, but we’re excited to hear feedback from real players and take this first step in bringing Fortnite to everyone."
A limited number of invitations are available for OT1
The studio also expresses its desire to let as many people into Fortnite as possible, but highlights that for OT1 the number of players will be limited. Invitations are being sent out right now and a select number of them also come with an extra code that can be given by the recipient to a friend who didn't get his own invitation. Expect other alpha tests to allow for more people to join in on the multiplayer shooter.
Those who do get to play Fortnite as part of the Online Test 1, however, need to bear in mind that there's a non-disclosure agreement that they have to sign, which forbids them from sharing opinions, videos, or screenshots with others outside of the actual forum maintained by Epic.
No reason has been given, but the team stresses that it's "something we’ll open up in the future."
