Nintendo's mysterious playtest is no longer a secret
Nintendo will host its "Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program" in the coming days. The company will run the test from 23rd October to 5th November. The sign-up for the test was closed on 15th October.
The test will be limited to Japan, the USA, the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. The participants also needed a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
As it turns out, not making your participants sign an NDA and relying on them to keep it a secret is just wishful thinking. As expected, Nintendo has already started issuing copyright strikes on leaked media.
Moments after a 2.2 GB update was pushed out to eligible users, people have already begun sharing details of this new project. According to leaked documents, Nintendo wants to "test the boundaries of mass multiplayer functionality and gameplay" on their servers.
The goal of "The Game" is to work together with other players to create a "massive, expansive planet" using shared resources. As the planet begins to take shape, players will be rewarded with "new lands, enemies and resources".
The creation process involves using "Beacons" that will help develop this planet. The higher a Beacon is placed, the farther its range.
The "Beacon Zone" will allow players within it to edit and change items as they see fit. Lands outside the range of a Beacon are considered public zones where anyone can work. You won't be able to edit lands that fall under other players' Beacon Zones.
There is a social hub called "Dev Core," which allows players to gather and commune. The Core will also serve as a space to level up characters and trade items.
Nintendo is focusing on User Generated Content (UGC), allowing players to create and share UGCs.
Sharing and trading requires an UGC licence. This can be gained by taking a test to show "you understand the importance of respectful communication."
Development Positioning System (DPS) will show players the development status of their planet and the positions of other players. DPS will allow you to spectate and see other people's Beacons. If you misplace your Beacon, DPS can find it for you.
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