ArcheAge Chronicles Devs Address Network Test Issues, Confirm Gender Locking Stays

Did you get into the ArcheAge Chronicles network test? If so, you're part of the reason the servers got a real workout.

The executive producer of ArcheAge Chronicles took to Steam to write a letter to players, talking about building a direct relationship with XLGames' Western audience. And that means being upfront about how the recent network test actually went.

Here's the good news: the infrastructure test went smoothly. Even with demand running higher than expected, the average player logged about an hour and a half in the game. That's a solid chunk of time for a test, and it suggests things held up under pressure.

But not everything was smooth sailing. The letter also addressed issues that popped up during the test, and the team used the feedback to talk openly with the community rather than staying quiet.

One topic that came up is gender locking. The executive producer confirmed that gender locking will remain in ArcheAge Chronicles. That's a decision some players won't love, but at least the studio is being direct about it instead of leaving folks guessing.

The bigger takeaway here is the communication style. Rather than dropping a test and disappearing, the team is framing this as an ongoing conversation with Western players. That kind of back-and-forth can go a long way when a game is still finding its footing.

So where does that leave you? If you played the test, your hour and a half helped shape what comes next. If you didn't, there's still time to keep an eye on how the team responds to feedback.

What do you think about gender locking staying in? Will you be picking this up when it launches?