Xbox Game Studios is inviting everyone interested in helping out with the development of Age of Empires IV to step in. The Technical Alpha Event begins on Friday, September 17th and will run through Monday, September 20th. The event is designed to test the servers and systems ahead of the October 28th release date of the game. Players will be able to try out matchmaking, lobbies, and other systems to ensure that things perform at scale. The event is available for PC players through Steam and through the Xbox Insider App hub. Those who are interested in signing up for the event can do so on both Steam and the Xbox Insider App hub.
According to the dev team, there will be five maps and four civilizations available including the English, Chinese, Holy Roman Empire, and Abbasid Dynasty. The experience is being tailored mainly to multiplayer but there will also be opportunities to play against AI in the Custom Lobby and Mission Zero (tutorial).
The Technical Stress Test differs from our Closed Beta in three key ways:
- Our goals are different! This time around, we’re focused on scale testing our servers and systems in preparation for the October 28th release date. One reason we are hosting this event over a single weekend is that we are interested in driving as many people into the Technical Stress Test build as possible during this window to make sure that our matchmaking, lobbies and additional systems hold strong.
- The Technical Stress Test will not be gated by an invite! Previously, we had some requirements that won’t be necessary this time around. The build will be available in the Xbox Insider Hub app (available in the Microsoft Store) or Steam regardless of whether you’re an Age Insider or not. The larger our audience for this Technical Stress Test, the more successful it will be!
- We’re welcoming all players who meet or exceed our minimum spec. We’re introducing additional in-game settings in the Technical Stress Test, which means that you’ll be able to join us so long as you meet the Age of Empires IV minimum spec. During this event, the game will automatically detect and select the correct settings based on hardware, including settings specifically included for min spec devices.
Check out the Age of Empires IV official site for more details and links.