PIONER - Results of the demo testing
As we wrap up the testing of the demo version, we’d like to summarize the results. Despite various difficulties with server access and a large number of bugs present in the demo, we want to highlight this: we are satisfied with the results we’ve achieved, and most importantly — we are truly inspired by you, our community.
Thousands of dedicated players supported us with their feedback and bug reports. Thanks to their efforts, we were able to identify and prepare fixes for a wide range of issues in PIONER — many of which we wouldn’t have found on our own. We're already implementing valuable changes in these areas.
Here are a few facts about the improvements we’d like to share:
Bug Reports: The community helped us compile a list of over 200 unique bugs and user-reported issues. As of now, 62 of those have already been resolved by the development team.
Server Infrastructure: Due to the high server load — something we hadn’t encountered before — we were able to uncover critical issues and stress-test the game’s current technical limits. Without this demo, we wouldn’t have discovered these vulnerabilities in time.
Player Population: Based on the demo’s insights and fixes, we’ve managed to increase the number of active players in the hub location. On release, areas like Wandering Pass will feel more populated and alive.
Optimization: We received valuable data on how the game performs across a wide variety of hardware. This will help us better optimize the game for various platforms and PCs. At present, the game consumes too much video and RAM — something we do not consider acceptable, and we’re actively working on optimization.
Graphics: User feedback and direct consultations with players helped us improve character design, lighting across locations, and confirmed several rendering issues — some of which we’ve already fixed. For example, lighting in Wandering Pass has been reworked so that characters and weapons now look more consistent. We’re also continuing to improve facial animations during dialogues.
Functionality: Among the functional shortcomings, we want to highlight the lack of FOV settings and more advanced mouse sensitivity controls. We’re currently working on these issues, and the default mouse sensitivity will also be further refined.
Interface: We’re improving both bugs and overall UX, including control bindings and hotkeys. The dialogue UI and inventory interactions are being enhanced — including stack management, item descriptions, and stat adjustments.
Audio: Thanks to your reports, we found and are fixing an issue with vertical sound positioning. Character reaction voiceovers will also be adjusted based on feedback.
Development: The demo’s outcomes helped the studio draw necessary conclusions and redirect efforts toward the most critical areas.
We’re absolutely committed to making the game world more vivid and impactful. And thanks to your efforts, we now have a real opportunity to turn PIONER into a remarkable adventure. We fully intend to make the most of it. Testing will continue — both in large-scale and limited formats.
Thank you — and we’ll see you again soon in the next rounds of testing, where we’ll once again call upon the heroes who impressed us.
To close, we’d like to share a video — for the first time, we’re revealing the “Mainland.” The Mainland is the most visually familiar open world in PIONER, and the first to receive updated lighting and a full day-night cycle. This location is a clear example of how we’re actively improving the game’s visuals.