I never really got into eschalon series until now because my computer can run it

But now that i do, ive got to say its definitely up there with my favorite games (spiderweb and the like). Im currently in book 1 and i dont even want it to end. Its really a lot of fun. Ive got a few questions for the developer.

1-will book 3 be the final installment of this great trilogy?

2-If yes to question #1, will you possibly think of developing a party-based roleplaying game or something different than the current. Im probably in minority, but i happen to think that either spiderweb or basilisk could make a really kickin turnbased fantasy/arcanum type rpg.

Yes, Book III will be the end of this series. Specifically, it will be the end of this engine- we will continue making RPGs using a different engine and exploring new ideas.

Will we ever return to the world of Eschalon? I don't know...we've got some ideas that might be fun to explore. However, if we do return, it will be with a different engine, a different story and perhaps even in a different era.

That sounds cool. Usually it is only natural to make 3 games in a series before you really see too much of the same. Although, i will say that there is quite a bit of replay value.

Not to pry into it, but if and when you do beta test the new game, what are the requirements to beta test?

I'd like to beta for a game like this as ive only been in 1 beta (dins curse) and would like to do it again as its alot of fun.

Heh, replay value..most certainly!

BW will let us know what requirements will be for beta testing. Though they will probably be similar to those for Book 1 & 2, which .. I think.. you can find in the forums. I've done both books and Din's Curse and a couple of others (long time ago) It is fun and very helpful for the creators. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements.

It's funny - despite my numerous 'bugs' list, I have no desire to be a 'Beta' tester.

I'm afraid that being one might "ruin" the game experience for me.

I'd rather people work out most of the wrinkles in the game before I play, so I can concentrate on enjoying it during my first playthrough(s).

Now, once the game is pretty much completed, and I've played it through a couple of times, then I'm totally fine with going on a 'Bug Hunt' (for the the few remaining minor- to medium-sized bugs).
Call be a 'Gamma Tester'.

Beta testing can be fun. You get to play two games at once, the game you're testing and drive the game designer crazy doing things that he doesn't expect. Sometimes you can imagine hearing screams as he reads the latest report.

The worst part is finding new bugs in parts of the game that were bug free before you replay the latest version.

Reminds me of the time a friend and I were playing one of those starfighter games (can't remember now which one). We decided after finishing it the first time to find out what would happen if you chickened out of the last fight. We got to the battle, spotted the big bad kitty-cat general, then turned and ran back to our mother ship--and were hailed as victorious conquerors. The designers hadn't thought that anyone would get to the final battle and NOT fight it, so they didn't put a condition to check if you'd actually killed the guy. Just that you made it back to the ship.

That's hilarious!
Curiosity killed the cat, satisfaction brought it back.