During our latest livestream, we introduced Firstwatch, our upcoming community advisory and testing initiative.
While we're still building the program before opening applications, we wanted to share our vision, explain why we're creating it, and give everyone a better understanding of what Firstwatch is all about.
Scars of Honor has always been shaped by its community. Whether you've joined our playtests, reported bugs, shared ideas on Discord, created content, or simply taken the time to tell us what you enjoy, or what you'd like to see improved, you've already helped us move the game forward.
Our latest playtest brought together more than 120,000 players, and our team reviewed over 12,000 pieces of community feedback. That level of passion showed us something important: our community doesn't just want to play Scars of Honor; they want to help build it.
We believe the best MMORPGs are built through collaboration between developers and their community. Firstwatch is our way of bringing players into that process earlier and in a more meaningful way.
Why We're Creating Firstwatch
Building an MMORPG is a long journey, and every player experiences that journey differently.
A PvP player notices different things than a crafter. A guild leader has different priorities than someone who enjoys playing solo. A veteran MMORPG player may immediately understand a system that feels confusing to someone discovering the genre for the first time.
Those different perspectives matter.
Public playtests will always remain an important part of development, but they also generate an enormous amount of feedback. Firstwatch gives us a way to gather more focused, structured insights earlier in the process, helping us validate ideas, identify issues sooner, and make more informed decisions before features reach larger testing phases.
Simply put, it's another way for our community to help shape the future of Scars of Honor.
What is Firstwatch?
Apply to Firstwatch
Firstwatch is Scars of Honor's official community advisory and testing initiative.
It brings together a diverse group of players who want to actively contribute to the game's development through constructive feedback, focused testing, and meaningful discussions with the development team.
Depending on what we're working on, members may be invited to participate in gameplay tests, surveys, interviews, discussion sessions, or provide feedback on work-in-progress features and other areas of development.
Because Firstwatch focuses on unreleased content, all members will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before participating. This allows us to openly share ideas, features, and plans that are still evolving while ensuring discussions remain confidential until we're ready to reveal them to the wider community.
Not every member will participate in every activity, and that's by design. Different topics benefit from different perspectives, and we'll invite members based on the type of feedback we're looking for.
More than anything, we're looking for players who enjoy sharing honest, respectful, and thoughtful feedback.
What Firstwatch Isn't
As important as it is to explain what Firstwatch is, it's equally important to explain what it isn't.
Firstwatch is not:
A VIP club.
An influencer program.
Guaranteed access to every playtest.
A shortcut to exclusive content.
A group that makes development decisions.
Members won't be selected because they're the loudest voices or have the biggest audiences. They'll be selected because they can provide thoughtful, constructive feedback while helping represent different perspectives across our community.
Firstwatch advises. The development team decides.
What's Next?
Applications for the first Firstwatch cohort are now open.
The application window will remain open for three weeks, giving everyone interested in joining Firstwatch time to submit their application and tell us more about themselves, their experience with Scars of Honor, and the perspective they could bring to the initiative.
We're looking for players who are passionate about Scars of Honor and willing to provide honest, respectful, and constructive feedback. You don't need to be a content creator, a top player, or an MMORPG expert. What matters most is your willingness to engage thoughtfully and help us see the game from different perspectives.
Apply to Firstwatch
Once the application window closes, we'll review the submissions and begin selecting the first group of Firstwatch members. We'll share more information with applicants as the selection process progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
Applications for Firstwatch are now open. You can submit your application through the official Firstwatch application form during the three-week application window.
How long will applications be open?
Applications for the first Firstwatch cohort will remain open for three weeks. Once the application window closes, we'll begin reviewing submissions and selecting the first members of the initiative.
Who can apply?
Anyone with a passion for Scars of Honor and a genuine desire to help improve the game is welcome to apply.
Our goal isn't to find the "best" players. We're looking to build a balanced group that represents different playstyles, experiences, and perspectives across our community.
Do I need to be a content creator?
Not at all.
Content creators are welcome to apply, but they're only one part of the community we'd like to build. Passionate players who enjoy providing thoughtful, constructive feedback are just as important.
What are you looking for in Firstwatch members?
We're looking for players who are engaged with Scars of Honor, willing to share honest and constructive feedback, and able to communicate their thoughts respectfully.
Different backgrounds and playstyles are important to us. You don't need to be an expert player or have extensive MMORPG experience to bring a valuable perspective to Firstwatch.
Why do members need to sign an NDA?
Because Firstwatch members will have access to unreleased content, every member will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).
Confidentiality allows us to openly share ideas, systems, and features that are still evolving, gather honest feedback, and continue refining them before they're officially revealed to everyone.
Will applying guarantee me a place in Firstwatch?
No. The application process is intended to help us build a diverse group of players with different experiences, playstyles, and perspectives.
Not every applicant will be selected, and being selected does not guarantee participation in every Firstwatch activity.
Will Firstwatch members get access to every playtest?
No.
Firstwatch is separate from our broader public playtests. Members may be invited to participate in specific tests or activities depending on what we're working on and the type of feedback we're looking for.
Will there be more opportunities to join in the future?
Absolutely.
Firstwatch is designed to evolve alongside Scars of Honor. As the initiative grows, we expect to welcome new members and continue expanding the range of perspectives that help shape the game.