Matrix Games Forums

Curtis Lemay wrote: Thu Apr 23, 2026 6:52 pm I should add that maximKI has evidently created this TOAW Beta Test sign up site:

https://www.matrixgames.com/beta/the-op ... -of-war-iv

So, perhaps late comers can still opt in to the test via that link.

I can't tell if my text even went out. Regardless, the new five can just go to the link above and follow the instructions. Once done, Max added the following instruction:

"Once they have completed the sign-up process, please ask them to reach out to me and confirm that they have completed the application process. I can approve them afterwards."

I decided to move this out of the Hierarchy thread, since it will get buried in there.

Edit: Sound-off when you use the site, so we'll know what's going on.

Applied again (not certain it was necessary but did it nonetheless).
All best,
Marc

applied

I can not find a discord link that works. Does one still exist?

joey wrote: Fri Apr 24, 2026 4:02 pm I can not find a discord link that works. Does one still exist?

Does the application require such a link?

I also applied now. I got no message from you Bob, just to let you know.

Curtis Lemay wrote: Fri Apr 24, 2026 6:40 pm

joey wrote: Fri Apr 24, 2026 4:02 pm I can not find a discord link that works. Does one still exist?

Does the application require such a link?

No, discord is optional. Applicants can however add their discord account if they have one. I signed on without discord (don't have an account).

I have now signed up

Curtis Lemay wrote: Fri Apr 24, 2026 6:40 pm

joey wrote: Fri Apr 24, 2026 4:02 pm I can not find a discord link that works. Does one still exist?

Does the application require such a link?

I was able to sign up without it. It was a question on the application.

Curtis Lemay wrote: Fri Apr 24, 2026 1:45 am I decided to move this out of the Hierarchy thread, since it will get buried in there.
Edit: Sound-off when you use the site, so we'll know what's going on.

Bobby

Now that you have a team forming, have you created a test plan and check list for the testers to follow? You’ll want to make sure the bugs you’ve fixed are actually fixed, new features operate correctly, PBM and solo games are not broken, playing existing scenarios without updating works, updating with commanders gives the intended display and so many more elements to verify thru test. You might even have the team update a small scenario (such as Arracourt 44) with commanders to ensure the instructions and mechanics of updating both work. In essences you want the testers to touch, observe and verify all of your labor of love.

Does the beta test include changes to the manual?

I think the beta testers would benefit by having a defined structure so their efforts to produce a conclusive result.

Regards

rhinobones wrote: Sat Apr 25, 2026 4:17 pm

Curtis Lemay wrote: Fri Apr 24, 2026 1:45 am I decided to move this out of the Hierarchy thread, since it will get buried in there.
Edit: Sound-off when you use the site, so we'll know what's going on.

Bobby

Now that you have a team forming, have you created a test plan and check list for the testers to follow? You’ll want to make sure the bugs you’ve fixed are actually fixed, new features operate correctly, PBM and solo games are not broken, playing existing scenarios without updating works, updating with commanders gives the intended display and so many more elements to verify thru test. You might even have the team update a small scenario (such as Arracourt 44) with commanders to ensure the instructions and mechanics of updating both work. In essences you want the testers to touch, observe and verify all of your labor of love.

Does the beta test include changes to the manual?

I think the beta testers would benefit by having a defined structure so their efforts to produce a conclusive result.

Regards

As a side note: I would suggest to update not Arracourt, but the classic Kharkov 42 sce. It's on the lower end of mid size and also has two nationalities on the Axis side (Ger and Rum) and is just the perfect classic sce.

All else might not be a bad idea, let's see what Bob says.

rhinobones wrote: Sat Apr 25, 2026 4:17 pm

Curtis Lemay wrote: Fri Apr 24, 2026 1:45 am I decided to move this out of the Hierarchy thread, since it will get buried in there.
Edit: Sound-off when you use the site, so we'll know what's going on.

Bobby

Now that you have a team forming, have you created a test plan and check list for the testers to follow? You’ll want to make sure the bugs you’ve fixed are actually fixed, new features operate correctly, PBM and solo games are not broken, playing existing scenarios without updating works, updating with commanders gives the intended display and so many more elements to verify thru test.

Back on 4/6 I posted this:

"Note that the needs will be diverse: Not just PBEM, but play against the PO, play with either updated or non-updated scenarios, and designers to make upgrades. Plenty of slots to fit into."

That still holds. I intend to allow testers to choose what they want to do. That way they are focused on what most interests them, making the test more like fun and less like drudgery.

You might even have the team update a small scenario (such as Arracourt 44) with commanders to ensure the instructions and mechanics of updating both work. In essences you want the testers to touch, observe and verify all of your labor of love.

So far, only Telumar has scenario design experience. But Arracourt 44 would be easy for non-designers to try, if they're interested.

Does the beta test include changes to the manual?

There will be/are separate documentation for the update instructions. I doubt the manual will be updated short of a TOAW-V.

I think the beta testers would benefit by having a defined structure so their efforts to produce a conclusive result.

Regards

Defined structure, yes. Marching orders, no.

Telumar wrote: Sat Apr 25, 2026 6:35 pm

rhinobones wrote: Sat Apr 25, 2026 4:17 pm

Curtis Lemay wrote: Fri Apr 24, 2026 1:45 am I decided to move this out of the Hierarchy thread, since it will get buried in there.
Edit: Sound-off when you use the site, so we'll know what's going on.

Bobby

Now that you have a team forming, have you created a test plan and check list for the testers to follow? You’ll want to make sure the bugs you’ve fixed are actually fixed, new features operate correctly, PBM and solo games are not broken, playing existing scenarios without updating works, updating with commanders gives the intended display and so many more elements to verify thru test. You might even have the team update a small scenario (such as Arracourt 44) with commanders to ensure the instructions and mechanics of updating both work. In essences you want the testers to touch, observe and verify all of your labor of love.

Does the beta test include changes to the manual?

I think the beta testers would benefit by having a defined structure so their efforts to produce a conclusive result.

Regards

As a side note: I would suggest to update not Arracourt, but the classic Kharkov 42 sce. It's on the lower end of mid size and also has two nationalities on the Axis side (Ger and Rum) and is just the perfect classic sce.

All else might not be a bad idea, let's see what Bob says.

I was kinda expecting that Telumar fellow to update his Anzio scenario.

Edit: That's why Ben and Jeremy joining in would have been nice. Oh well.

I'm in the process of updating my 'Race to the Sea 1914 scenario' to TOAW IV standards (from TOAW III). I could try it against the new version if need be.
Best,
Marc

nemo69 wrote: Sat Apr 25, 2026 8:29 pm I'm in the process of updating my 'Race to the Sea 1914 scenario' to TOAW IV standards (from TOAW III). I could try it against the new version if need be.
Best,
Marc

+1

nemo69 wrote: Sat Apr 25, 2026 8:29 pm I'm in the process of updating my 'Race to the Sea 1914 scenario' to TOAW IV standards (from TOAW III). I could try it against the new version if need be.
Best,
Marc

Nice, I always liked that one

Curtis Lemay wrote: Sat Apr 25, 2026 7:10 pm
I was kinda expecting that Telumar fellow to update his Anzio scenario.

Yes that is the plan, but I fear it is quite a task as I think I will have to redo the structure of a good chunk of the sce's German OOB to make it fit for the hierarchy module. This means I will have to go through the event structure too. Also, since the first iteration of the scenario and today, the Bundesarchiv (Federal Archive) has made digitally public a plethora of original documents of which I have become aware only recently and I am currently going through various war diaries, oranizational charts and other documents to update the scenario or at least the German part of the OOB/TOEs. I do not want to convert the sce without having integrated new info and findings first. In short: It's a lot of work time-wise.

That's why I thought updating a less complex scenario first like i.e. Kharkov 42 would be a good exercise for acquainting myself / ourselves with the hierarchy module.

Telumar wrote: Sun Apr 26, 2026 6:47 am

Curtis Lemay wrote: Sat Apr 25, 2026 7:10 pm
I was kinda expecting that Telumar fellow to update his Anzio scenario.

Yes that is the plan, but I fear it is quite a task as I think I will have to redo the structure of a good chunk of the sce's German OOB to make it fit for the hierarchy module. This means I will have to go through the event structure too. Also, since the first iteration of the scenario and today, the Bundesarchiv (Federal Archive) has made digitally public a plethora of original documents of which I have become aware only recently and I am currently going through various war diaries, oranizational charts and other documents to update the scenario or at least the German part of the OOB/TOEs. I do not want to convert the sce without having integrated new info and findings first. In short: It's a lot of work time-wise.

My experience with France 1944 and Next War 1979 confirms that it can be quite a task. But a fun one. And I'm expecting that giving the scenario a hierarchy will help organize players themselves.

That's why I thought updating a less complex scenario first like i.e. Kharkov 42 would be a good exercise for acquainting myself / ourselves with the hierarchy module.

Yes. Starting with something simple is always recommended (for designers and players).

OK, so far, nemo69, Cpl GAC, Telumar, joey, and Ratbag55 have chimed in. Still waiting on kutaycosar.