In a first for FunOrb, we have decided to release a beta version of one of our games. The game we’ve chosen, Kickabout League, has been in development for a year, and has been a major endeavour for us. The beta version is available to FunOrb members. To play Kickabout League please choose one of the following servers: our European server or our U.S.A. server. For stress-testing purposes, we recommend starting on the U.S.A. server.

The key information on the Beta is:

* Any member can take part in the Beta simply by playing the game.
* If you have any feedback on the beta version, a Kickabout League feedback thread has been set up in the Members Only Forums (quick find code 44-45-21-30010).
* The servers will be shut down no later than Friday, and may go up and down without warning as we fix issues during that time.
* The Beta will be shut down on Friday 12th June at around 15.00 UK time (GMT+01.00). The game will not be available to play after that time.
* All game data from the Beta will be reset before the game is fully launched.
* Achievements, ratings, orb points, orb coins and orb downloads relating to Kickabout League have all been disabled.
* The full version of the game will launch a few weeks after the Beta has closed, depending on how much development work is required.

We’ve decided to launch the game in a closed beta in order to stress-test the servers, and to get some usage data before we put the game live. Kickabout League is a real first for us, providing real-time, browser-based gameplay on the Java platform. The real-time nature of the game means that it is dependent on an adequate internet connection, and lag may cause some unusual behaviour in the game. This is likely to be intentional on our part, though, as the server adjusts the client’s game state to compensate for lag.

This may mean you notice things like the ball or players teleporting around a little, and we would like to know how this affects your enjoyment of the game. The more feedback we’re able to receive on any potential issues, the better the final game will be, so please be sure to post your comments in the Members Only Forums, where we have a special sticky called ‘Kickabout Beta – Feedback’ (quick find code 44-45-21-30010).

As always, and above all else…

Have fun ;-)

Mod Korpz