Singularity 6 announced on July 12th, “Palia]announced that it will conduct a beta test for PC. A closed beta test will be held from 2:00 am on August 3, Japan time. After that, an open beta test will be held from 2:00 am on August 11, Japan time.
“Palia” is a free-to-play MMO open world life sim game. The setting is Palia, a fantasy world where elves, robots, and other races once lived, but suddenly no one is there. The player becomes a human who suddenly appeared in Palia over a long period of time, aiming to restore the world and live a self-sufficient life. And it is said that a story will be drawn that explores why this land has suddenly become empty.
As a life sim type MMO, this work allows you to live a free life with one or more people. From harvesting elements such as logging and mining, to cooking and fishing, crafting and building a house, it seems that the typical elements of life sim works are included. In addition, golems and elves NPCs also live in the towns where players come and go, and it is said that they can build friendships. It is also possible to pick up weapons and leave the city and enjoy hunting and adventure in the vast land.
This time, the beta test of this work will be carried out for PC.announcementwas done. From today, account registration for this work, which is necessary for beta test participation, has started on the official website. It seems that there is also a mechanism to get benefits by inviting friends. The beta test will be carried out in stages, and a closed beta test will be held from 2:00 am on August 3, Japan time. After that, an open beta test will be held from 2:00 am on August 11, Japan time. All the game progress in the beta test will be saved, and it seems that it will be possible to take over at the time of the official release.
Prior to this work, a closed alpha test was conducted from 2021. The test is conducted under NDA (non-disclosure agreement), and the NDA will be canceled with the start of the closed beta test at 2:00 am on August 3rd. In other words, it is also possible to share on SNS and video distribution sites. Alpha test participants do not need to create new accounts.
Singularity 6, the creator of Palia, is a studio founded by former staff of major game companies such as Blizzard Entertainment, Epic Games, and Riot Games. This work is said to have been produced under the concept of creating a virtual world where people can play together. The target model is a work like the “Animal Crossing” series, and it is said that it is trying to develop a comfortable game that respects the player’s choice and freedom.
The studio has so far raised funds from various venture capitals, and it was reported that the total amount of funds acquired was about 5.4 billion yen (TechCrunch). As a new studio, it seems that they have a policy of not rushing to monetize even with this free-to-play game.
As of January 2022 last year, it was revealed that charging would be limited to decorative items only, and that items that would affect gameplay would not be sold (related article). Items that make it easier for characters to grow or increase intimacy with friendly NPCs will not be sold, and they want to make it a work that can be enjoyed slowly over time. Also, it was stated that they wanted to create a system where they could get their favorite items at any time. It seems that they are aiming for a design that is not driven by pressure.
The beta test in August will be an opportunity to experience the gameplay of this work, which has been refined as an alpha test since 2021. Those interested should register an account on the official website.
In addition, at 2:00 on July 19th Japan time, this work will be released.TwitchandYouTubeA gameplay video will be shown on the channel. If you’re interested, check it out here as well.
『Palia]will be distributed for Nintendo Switch in the winter of 2023 with basic play free. A PC version is also scheduled to be distributed, and the closed beta test for PC is expected to start at 2:00 am on August 3, Japan time.
