What do we do when we find a bug that can affect gameplay and needs to be fixed ASAP?

[Ultatra]

<DIV>As soon as the server came up, some friends and I started testing some new stuff, and quickly found that there was a way to duplicate items/coin with ease.</DIV> <DIV>After testing it, to verfiy it was in fact a bug, I submitted a /bug report, and logged to chat, so that it could be logged, and looked into.</DIV> <DIV>I contacted two GMs in Chat, and basically was told that bugs were tested by the Dev Team...which I know.</DIV> <DIV>I guess I was expecting them to say that they would inform the Dev team...but instead was told that the Dev Team tests bugs on Test, and that *If they needed my help, they would contact me*  I wasnt reporting the bug because I wanted a Dev or GM to contact me. I was reporting it, as when I see a bug that allows a player to potentially duplicate any item in the game, and make as much money as they can want, I was expecting them to take it seriously, and at least advise the Dev Team.  Instead of it being brushed off, and stated that Test is handed by the Devs.  Yes, I understand that it is a different Team which handles Test, as I have played on Test since it started, and 3 years on EQL Test.  Perhaps such a bug isnt life altering, but I think that when people can make anything they currently have in inventory, as well as coin, that it would be something big to worry about.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I ask the question, as I enjoy playing on Test, and dont want to see it ruined when a bug which can have a large impact on the server isnt treated as such.</DIV> <DIV>And yes, I know that /buging and reporting the bug is standard process, although if it doesnt get fixed in a rather quick way, I would suspect that it could ruin the test environment.  Should I just assume that the /bug is good enough, and not even try contacting a differnt GM?</DIV> <DIV>When I was a Guide with the program, and we encountered bugs/or large exploits, it was the instruction to contact the on-call GM, and it was their call.  I guess I perhaps care too much about Test, and the Testing enviroment staying in a state which will allow for proper testing.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Thank you...</DIV> <DIV>Necessity</DIV>

[Shunidar]

<P>I agree that it is frustrating that when issues pop up in test, no one really seems to care.  I see test as home since moving over, and thus far the dev team and even many of its population seem underwhelmed when things that could break the game pop up.  Test server is not a "Junk" or "Throw Away" server.  Most of us care that we have a stable and functioning economy and don't want to see it ruined because we aren't production server.  They allowed heritage items to sell for 100 times thier intended worth for a week before posting a fix.  A week back or so we found a bug that let you sell back totmes of the otter for 760plat (that was found on a saturday, and was fixed by the following tuesday I believe so there was probably some weekend interference).  </P> <P>But by its very nature, test is prone to such issues, and we should have some way to report emergency issues that can be addressed rapidly so as not to spoil the good things we have going on test.</P> <P>*Edit for clarification*</P><p>Message Edited by Shunidar on <span class=date_text>03-17-2005</span> <span class=time_text>08:45 AM</span>

[goboy]

<P>I agree, I love test.  I think Sony should deal with testers with the same severity if they abuse known bugs - ie duping of money.  I don't include the heritage items in this since this was not an exploit.  And no, I only have 20gp to my name if anyone is wondering.</P> <P>Playing on test we should find exploits and then report them.  Any abuse of this is just as wrong as a proddie server.</P> <P> </P>

[Shunidar]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> goboy wrote:<BR> <P>I don't include the heritage items in this since this was not an exploit.</P> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR> <DIV>Actually, that is the heart of the matter.  It was never labeled as an exploit, it was just "one of those things" that happens to test.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Journeyman boots for 80plat anyone?</DIV>

[Moorgard]

If you ever find a dupe bug or obviously broken exploit, please PM me and Blackguard right away. We'll get it taken care of. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Shunidar]

<DIV>Check your PM's.  It is already widespread, and there are folks running about with stacks of copied rare items, money, whatever.  If it is time for a rollback, sooner is better than later.</DIV>

[yaen]

i think it's already fixed too