Version 0.9.17 - Coming Today

Hey Everyone,

We've got version 0.9.17 coming out later today. Here's what's new:

Client-Server Connection Improvement - We've made a considerable change to hopefully improve connectivity and reduce "idles"

Some users aren't getting our Auto-Update Message or the new version, we're working on a fix for that as well - You won't require a new build.

Let me know how these connection improvements work out!

Cheers,

Pseven7

Beta Update

We've been hitting the tables; testing, tweaking and improving the game for over 3 weeks now.

Let's take a moment to talk about it...

First off, I want to give a shout out to our testers, they've been great! They've had to endure unexpected downtime, multiple version updates and have helped us catch some nasty bugs. Keep the feedback coming!

Since we've started the beta we've added:

Major Chat Improvements (more still coming)

Connection / Server Improvements (lots more still coming)

6 Brand-New Avatars

Automatic Updates - Easy-to-install newest version

The ability to turn off Vibration (helps improve performance)

The ability to turn off Animations (also helps improve performance)

and much more...

We're in the process of setting up a brand new server with the intent for opening up the game to a bunch of new users.

We're calling the next stage of testing "OPEN BETA"

During the open beta you'll be able to invite your friends to download the game, and start playing. During this stage of the beta we'll be mimicking the live experience.

Features to look forward to in Open Beta:

High Stakes Tables! (8 Different Table Types)

Touch Builds (Storm users rejoice)

Many Server Improvements (We want to limit the amount of times players go "Idle" due to poor connections)

Pretzil Socialize and compete across games with users from all over the world

and more!

Do you have what it takes to be King of the Tables?

Meet the Developers: Stephane Paquette

Part six of 'Meet the Developers' behind Texas Hold'em King LIVE.

Today's THKLive developer is Stephane Paquette! Stephane is Magmic's senior network and tools engineer. He has been instrumental in the server development of THKLive; sharing his knowledge and expertise with the rest of the team. He has been working on improving the performance and stability of the gameserver to ensure that when the game goes live, we can handle as many users as possible. Fun fact about Stephane! He actually worked on Texas Hold'em King 2 (2005), which is now pre-loaded on all new Blackberries.

 Quick facts about Stephane: 

-He has been part of the Magmic team since February 2005

-His THKLive online alias is: domoc 

-His favorite video game of all-time is: Civilization: Call to Power

Check back on Monday when we meet Brad Flood!

Beta is LIVE! Check below for Beta screenshots

We had a few server issues last night, but today the game is online, with A LOT of users playing! Below are some screen shots of the game.

 

Meet the Developers: Ian MacDonald

 Part five of 'Meet the Developers' behind Texas Hold'em King LIVE.

Today's THKLive developer is Ian MacDonald! Ian is Magmic's Tools and Libraries lead. He is responsible for making the developer's lives easier, by developing and maintaining robust and functional tools and libraries. The THKLive team had a list of tools and libraries that were needed for the game, and Ian worked closely with the THKLive team to ensure that they were completed to perfection. Ian is one of Magmic's longest serving programmers and is a excellent foosball player to boot.

 Quick facts about Ian:

-He has been part of the Magmic team since March 2007

-His THKLive online alias is: facetious

-His favorite video game of all-time is: Left 4 Dead 2

Check back on tomorrow when we update the BETA launch!

Meet the Developers: Anthony Trager

Part four of 'Meet the Developers' behind Texas Hold'em King LIVE.

Today's THKLive developer is Anthony Trager! Anthony is the main artist for THKLive, he was added to the project part-way through development in mid May. Anthony joined Magmic as a recent graduate from Algonquin College's Game Development program, and has excelled in his role here. Coming right out of school, Anthony has been steadily improving and THKLive's visuals are a direct result of his awesome artistic talent.

 Quick facts about Anthony:

-He has been part of the Magmic team since May 2010

-His THKLive online alias is: aTrager

-His favorite video game of all-time is: Silent Hill 2

Check back on tomorrow when we meet Ian MacDonald!

Meet the Developers: Joseph René

Part three of 'Meet the Developers' behind Texas Hold'em King LIVE.

Today's THKLive developer is Joseph René! Joseph has been a rock for the THKLive team; he has been developing the network components for both the client and server, making sure the client is never out of sync with the server. THKLive would not be where it is today without Joseph. Joseph has also been researching and implementing new ways to make the server performance better, thus improving the overall gameplay experience.

 Quick facts about Joseph :

-He has been part of the Magmic team since December 2007

-His THKLive online alias is: Marcd_3UP

-His favorite video game of all-time is: Mario Bros. 3

Check back on Monday when we meet Anthony Trager!

Meet the Developers: Conor Nicol

Part two of 'Meet the Developers' behind Texas Hold'em King LIVE.

Today's THKLive developer is Conor Nicol! Conor is Magmic's server developer; he is responsible for developing and managing Magmic's server infasturcture for all Magmic's networked games. Conor is also excited about the THK server development, and implementing new and advanced techniques to make the game silky smooth. Conor busts his hump everyday and does it with a smile on his face!

 Quick facts about Conor:

-He has been part of the Magmic team since April 2008

-His THKLive online alias is: BurnTheWitch

-His favorite video game of all-time is: Civilization IV

Check back tomorrow when we meet Joseph René!

Meet the Developers: Nick Tremmaglia

Part one of 'Meet the Developers' behind Texas Hold'em King LIVE.


Today's THKLive developer is Nick Tremmaglia! Nick is the Product Manager on THKLive; he is responsible for managing the game and ensuring it hits its critical milestones. Nick is also charged with designing the in-game experience, interacting with the developers, artists and any other external resources needed. Nick has a strong passion for gaming and poker which makes him a perfect fit as THKLive's Product Manager.



Quick facts about Nick:
-He has been part of the Magmic team since March 2008
-His THKLive online alias is: PSeven7
-His favorite video game of all-time is: UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves

Check back tomorrow when we meet Conor Nicol!

New Screenshot #2

New Screenshot #1