So when the game is launched

[Justme]

Many moons from now, when the game is launched a question.

How much of a difference do you think the experience of the testers will make vs the brand new players? I imagine the combat, trading etc would be initially very one sided. Thoughts?

[Henry d'Esterre Darby]

A lot in my opinion. Just the mechanics of manual sailing and ship capabilities will provide a large edge to those used to something more along the lines of PotBS.

[Sir Darric Vandhelm]

Many moons from now, when the game is launched a question.

How much of a difference do you think the experience of the testers will make vs the brand new players? I imagine the combat, trading etc would be initially very one sided. Thoughts?

Well, my experience is many of the testers are a helpful bunch, so getting up to speed shouldn't be a chore for new players. But yes, experience will tell. Sailing, shooting, positioning, line sailing, all require experience.

Or another way to look at it, is it will be "the first happy time" for testers. But It's worth remembering there are 7000 or so testers...