1CGS BlackSix Posted July 3, 2015 1CGS Posted July 3, 2015 102 Hello Everybody! In this diary I'd like to tell you about how we're changing the Campaign in the nearest future. We've been thinking a lot about improving this game mode and making it more like the campaign you wish to have. We are 100% aware about all drawbacks and weeks spots of what we have right now (including fictional awards that annoy some of you too). But trust me when I tell you that with the time limits and budgeting that we had for our project we've chosen the best opportunity possible. And now, a year after release we're going to answer the question if anything can be done to make the campaign better. A whole lot of ideas have been considered including those gathered on the forum (oh yeah, all that feedback doesn't just vanish in the cold dark catacombs deep below 1C's office, as some of you believe). Unfortunately, we've always been under the pressure of limited resources - primarily human and time resources that we can use for this or that development task. I believe you've read about it many times in the past in devs' answers to community's questions. But I had to mention it again because it's important. Among the ideas that were abandoned there was old IL-2 static missions. I understand that it could sound really disappointing to some pilots but such missions would be an impossible task for the team. The significantly more complex editor and massive briefing texts that need to be translated properly into several languages make creation of 2 campaign with at least 20 missions each a really big problem. Speaking of time, we'd need up to 10 months for that. But as always you need them "yesterday", and new content for BOS is in works, and BOM is scheduled for release next year... As a result, we've approved a quite interesting idea but first things first. As you know, we'll be releasing a major addon to Battle of Stalingrad this fall. It will feature new summer and autumn seasonal maps and a new single player campaign that will tell the history of military operations and battles from late August till mid November, 1942. And before you start asking - yes, the campaign starts at noon on August 23rd when the city had already suffered from Luftwaffe's massive bomb raids. Why are we not starting Chapter I in July 1942? Well, you already know the answer: we don't have enough resources to build a copy if the city with undamaged buildings within the time limits. Alright, beck to the campaign. It will consist of three chapters and will inherit the general structure of the campaign that we have now (which was successfully completed by many of you). However this time we have a chance to experiment and try new things. And since the addon is going to be released quite soon, we'll have enough time to get your feedback, examine it, and make necessary corrections to it before we launch any other plans for the bigger campaign in BOM. This long prolog was needed to explain the situation we're in and give you an idea why this or that decision is being made. Well, here's what comes to the game with the major update in Fall, 2015: 1) The video cutscenes will be different. In fact, all key events of the Battle of Stalingrad were shown in short videos that come with the vanilla campaign. There's not much sense in showing the same events again. Also the time limits doesn't allow us to give full and comprehensive backgrounds for tactical steps of both armies. So we decided to let the numerous films and books do the educating part. This time our video cutscenes will be telling history with some more art and emotional approach in them. 2) Difficulty levels will be tweaked for both new and old campaigns. Of course, it doesn't involve the CFS veterans or those who's level-capped already, but it should really help the rookies. The curve will be less steep: enemies' numbers and mastery, AAA's precision and reaction speed, gunners' accuracy, etc.. We expect that to make campaign easier which is good because we'd like to show all of you those new targets, like Volga fleet's gun boats and others. 3) And the last but the most important feature - changes in the very mode's structure. Since we don't have resources for a big static campaign, we've approved an idea to borrow separate elements of it and add career missions to every chapter. Here's how it'll work. In the beginning you'll be offered 1 mission per side that you'll have to complete to advance further. Of course, we are not making the campaign more difficult with this. Completing career missions will not be a problem. These missions will have long briefings telling the unique stories, and special hand-made mission scenarios. Writing these stories I attempted to deliver a gradual change of mood and spirit of both pilots as the battle evolves. As for Luftwaffe it was the feeling of absolute domination and even a bit of despise to the enemy which are being replaced with annoyance caused by lingering attack on Stalingrad. As for the Soviet pilot it was pessimistic and partly panic state of mind caused by tragic events that happened by the end of summer, but still a phantom hope to overcome all odds appears by late October 1942. As a result, with this new campaign you're getting 6 career missions. In theory we'll be able to increase their numbers in future letting you play them in each newly opened chapter. This time everything depends on your feedback about this feature. Meanwhile it's just an experiment that we (not without risk, BTW) can afford. So let's wait for the autumn to finally try the new stuff! By that time we sure will be working hard to make it happen. See you! P.S.: we've practically finished work on the summer map. Full news You're very welcome to subscribe for new videos here You can ask new questions in this thread 9
6./ZG26_Emil Posted July 3, 2015 Posted July 3, 2015 (edited) 3rd but great update Edited July 3, 2015 by JG5_Emil
Spacesheep Posted July 3, 2015 Posted July 3, 2015 great news that is for sure. And the last 3 pictures are just outstanding ! Just....what about the I-16....????
I./JG1_Baron Posted July 3, 2015 Posted July 3, 2015 (edited) After this developer Diary looking forward to the nearest future. Hmmmmm.... to the far future too - with BoM and next territories Edited July 3, 2015 by II./JG1_Baron
Spacesheep Posted July 3, 2015 Posted July 3, 2015 Noted that BlackSix took the lead for BOS dev diary communication this time..... Is Zak uploading the 1st BOM Dev report meanwhile......hmmm I wish it could be....
1CGS BlackSix Posted July 3, 2015 Author 1CGS Posted July 3, 2015 Just....what about the I-16....???? We'll soon complete the testing of this aircraft. 3
Reflected Posted July 3, 2015 Posted July 3, 2015 Great news, and kudos for listening to our feedback! One question: if the summer map is practically finished, can't they be released in QMB and MP mode before the new campaign is ready? 1
1CGS BlackSix Posted July 3, 2015 Author 1CGS Posted July 3, 2015 Noted that BlackSix took the lead for BOS dev diary communication this time..... Is Zak uploading the 1st BOM Dev report meanwhile......hmmm I wish it could be.... I just told you about my work
Spacesheep Posted July 3, 2015 Posted July 3, 2015 haha... well got my answer and now have to be a little more patient.... thx BlackSix
1CGS BlackSix Posted July 3, 2015 Author 1CGS Posted July 3, 2015 Great news, and kudos for listening to our feedback! One question: if the summer map is practically finished, can't they be released in QMB and MP mode before the new campaign is ready? No, please, wait this fall) 1
Juri_JS Posted July 3, 2015 Posted July 3, 2015 I understand that the devs don't have the time and resources to create a traditionel static campaign. But what about giving us mission builders the possibility to create our own campaigns? 9
Spacesheep Posted July 3, 2015 Posted July 3, 2015 I just told you about my work and what a great work
Voidhunger Posted July 3, 2015 Posted July 3, 2015 thanks for the update. my questions: 1. when we can expect historical awards and promotions? 2. when we can expect separate victory kills for Germany/CCCP? 3. when we can expect ability to reset campaign? 4. when we can expect more planes for ROF?
FuriousMeow Posted July 3, 2015 Posted July 3, 2015 The tank tracks look really cool, and from the way it looks it will appear to flatten the grass (really removing the sprites but still)? That will be cool to see tank tracks on the terrain and also cutting through the grass sprites.
1PL-Banzai-1Esk Posted July 3, 2015 Posted July 3, 2015 (edited) No, please, wait this fall)What about Velkiye Luki summer map , is there a chance we will get it sooner or do you want to keep summer reveal for the Stalingrad map. Also , now that you finished summer map , and developed new technologies for it, will there be rain and storms in summer maps? I am mostly MP player but it's nice to see that you are working on improving SP mode and trying to attract more players to BoS , some of them will progress to MP no doubt. Those career missions you mentioned , will they be more cinematic , with more radio chat and some scripted events? More story driven ? Edited July 3, 2015 by 307_Banzai
DD_Arthur Posted July 3, 2015 Posted July 3, 2015 @Blacksix m8; great update and thankyou very much for taking the time to explain the development process and pressures the dev team are under in some detail. Nice to see the english language forum getting some detailed attention from the Moscow office. Long may it continue.
[CPT]milopugdog Posted July 3, 2015 Posted July 3, 2015 All good stuff, I'll be on board for anything you guys do in the future. (enter I-16 hype here) 1
kestrel79 Posted July 3, 2015 Posted July 3, 2015 Good update, I look forward to more stuff to do in the campaign!
TG-55Panthercules Posted July 3, 2015 Posted July 3, 2015 Thanks for the update - lots of interesting info to take in. One question - is the new campaign structure just for the new, earlier Fall part of the battle, leaving the current campaign untouched, or will the changes apply to the original campaign period/missions and cover the entire period of the battle as well?
1CGS BlackSix Posted July 3, 2015 Author 1CGS Posted July 3, 2015 thanks for the update. my questions: 1. when we can expect historical awards and promotions? 2. when we can expect separate victory kills for Germany/CCCP? 3. when we can expect ability to reset campaign? 4. when we can expect more planes for ROF? 1,2,3 - We've not yet decided. 4 - Please, ask this in RoF forum)) The tank tracks look really cool, and from the way it looks it will appear to flatten the grass (really removing the sprites but still)? Yes) @Blacksix m8; great update and thankyou very much for taking the time to explain the development process and pressures the dev team are under in some detail. Nice to see the english language forum getting some detailed attention from the Moscow office. Long may it continue. Thx! One question - is the new campaign structure just for the new, earlier Fall part of the battle, leaving the current campaign untouched, or will the changes apply to the original campaign period/missions and cover the entire period of the battle as well? The new campaign structure will be just for the new, earlier Fall part except for changing the difficulty level.
Avimimus Posted July 3, 2015 Posted July 3, 2015 This looks to be a great experiment! I remember talking to Starshoy (yes, back in 2002-2003) about mixing hand-crafted missions into a campaign that mainly consisted of dynamically generated missions!
1CGS BlackSix Posted July 3, 2015 Author 1CGS Posted July 3, 2015 Those career missions you mentioned , will they be more cinematic , with more radio chat and some scripted events? More story driven ? This missions will have long briefings telling the unique stories and special hand-made mission scenarios only. This is an experiment.
Urra Posted July 3, 2015 Posted July 3, 2015 Very nice screenshots, will we see the grass blowing from the propwash when you're that close to the ground?
1CGS BlackSix Posted July 3, 2015 Author 1CGS Posted July 3, 2015 This looks to be a great experiment! I remember talking to Starshoy (yes, back in 2002-2003) about mixing hand-crafted missions into a campaign that mainly consisted of dynamically generated missions! It was a good time)) Then I just went to work for Oleg Maddox and tested the first addon from Starshoy. Very nice screenshots, will we see the grass blowing from the propwash when you're that close to the ground? It works just like a snow covered right now in the game.
Jaws2002 Posted July 3, 2015 Posted July 3, 2015 (edited) How about the official skins? Are those still going to be locked in the campaign? How about adding those to the "unlock" button so people are not forced to play the campaign? Edited July 3, 2015 by Jaws2002
FlyingNutcase Posted July 3, 2015 Posted July 3, 2015 (edited) It's very nice to see, like in DD101, that "the office" listens and are willing to try new things. Another positive step forward. Great looking screenies too! My finger is a little closer to the "Buy BOM" button. Edited July 3, 2015 by FlyingNutcase
Finkeren Posted July 3, 2015 Posted July 3, 2015 Man do these shots look great! Awesome work! Unsure about exactly how much the changes to the career mode will affect my enjoyment of it, but it's good to see, that the team is at least trying out new things in preparation for the BoM campaign.
[CPT]milopugdog Posted July 3, 2015 Posted July 3, 2015 Will the I-16 have a winter camo when we get it?
Finkeren Posted July 3, 2015 Posted July 3, 2015 Will the I-16 have a winter camo when we get it? Almost certainly. In BoS early access, we got 2 - 5 skins for each new aircraft, always involving at least one winter camo.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now