Developer Diary, Part 38

[Panzerlang]

This says nothing of "dogfight" server only: At the beginning (first 2-3 months) only online play will be available - you will be temporarily connected to our server so we could gather all valuable technical data about the game's performance.

 

You just have to login to the login server to run the client and any SP/MP capabilities.

 

That's an interpretation; your interpretation. I take the description "online" in the classical sense and will continue to do so unless otherwise advised by the horse's mouth.

 

And while I will be able to make use of the three days per week on offer I empathise with those who will be unable to do similarly. They've been jipped, basically.

[Mags]

DevTeam, you have my full support. Thanks for the update.

 

Did I see some shooting in the movie?

 

[Antiguo]

I am very disappointed with the decision to limit to particular days of the week to fly ...

I think it's a mistake ....

[FuriousMeow]

That's an interpretation; your interpretation. I take the description "online" in the classical sense and will continue to do so unless otherwise advised by the horse's mouth.

 

 

It's not. RoF uses the same references and model, and Jason even said so in this very thread.

 

 

Guys,

 

Online does not necessarily mean just MP. There will surely be a mix of online connection being required and some weeks we will stress MP testing.

 

Jason

 

Edited October 25, 2013 by FuriousMeow

[FlyingNutcase]

...

 

Some sort of bunfight was inevitable at some point, so I guess now is as good a time as any. 

 

...

 

Couldn't help but lol a bit at that comment.

[theOden]

Whoop de doo.

[AnaRasanen]

Now I'm even happier that I bought the cheaper package. I get to play (test) like only a month later than people who bought the Premium Edition.

[Volkoff]

Just for emphasis, I think that it would really be beneficial if everyone took the time to read the user agreement. I think that reading the user agreement will save many words, prevent personal attacks, and generally increase community understanding of, at least, many of the matters addressed in this forum thread.  MJ  

 

You can find the User Agreement at the bottom of the forum page or click on here: http://il2sturmovik.com/user-agreement/

Edited October 25, 2013 by =69.GIAP=MIKHA

[theOden]

Now I'm even happier that I bought the cheaper package. I get to play (test) like only a month later than people who bought the Premium Edition.

Easy there, as you might have noticed not all info on things is out until it happens.

[Antiguo]

Now I'm even happier that I bought the cheaper package. I get to play (test) like only a month later than people who bought the Premium Edition.

+ 1

you've done well .....

[dburne]

Now I'm even happier that I bought the cheaper package. I get to play (test) like only a month later than people who bought the Premium Edition.

 

Lol, indeed - and actually depending on how long this limited days during the week thing is, you might actually get to play earlier than some of us that bought the Premium Edition - go figure!

[FuriousMeow]

He'll still have to pay for the 190 and La5.

[falstaff]

Oden, sadly yes, there are members here who revel in such belittling if you dare have a negative thought about BoS, they reflect badly on this community with their aggressive attempts to supress it.

 

Kind of reminds me of the old days.

 

Oh wait.

 

But that was then. And this isn't then.

[Chako]

Appreciate being kept in the loop and not sitting here wondering what's going on.  I'm excited with the progress and looking forward to active participation with the development.  Reconsideration of the active days might be changed to one weekend day to include those who work during the week.  Just a thought.

 

Keep up the good work...

[dburne]

Kind of reminds me of the old days.

 

Oh wait.

 

But that was then. And this isn't then.

 

When I think of the old days, I am reminded of the time I used to do both alpha and beta testing, where I would receive a new build each week - the testing cost me nothing - and I got a free copy of the game when it was released, along with my name in the credits in the back of the manual that came with it...

Now that was the old days!

Edited October 25, 2013 by dburnette

[BraveSirRobin]

Just for emphasis, I think that it would really be beneficial if everyone took the time to read the user agreement. I think that reading the user agreement will save many words, prevent personal attacks, and generally increase community understanding of, at least, many of the matters addressed in this forum thread.  MJ  

 

You can find the User Agreement at the bottom of the forum page or click on here: http://il2sturmovik.com/user-agreement/

 

Please stop with the crazytalk.  

[falstaff]

dburnette...agreed. I remember around the time of DiD's EF2000 that things started to change, NDAs became more restrictive, and even journalistic access started tobe managed/governed.

 

Denotes the increasing size (and cost, and risk) of the projects I guess.

[dburne]

dburnette...agreed. I remember around the time of DiD's EF2000 that things started to change, NDAs became more restrictive, and even journalistic access started tobe managed/governed.

 

Denotes the increasing size (and cost, and risk) of the projects I guess.

 

Yep, one thing we can always count on, is things will change.

[ush]

 

 

He'll still have to pay for the 190 and La5.

 

I'm worried that we might only be allowed to fly them once a week and they're modelled without cannons. There was no statement to the contrary

 

 "theres a first time for everything" 

Edited October 25, 2013 by ush

[FuriousMeow]

And there will always be shades accounts, that one never changes.

[FlyingNutcase]

Like Blacksix alluded to, they could have held on to it for another month and then perhaps had a 24/7 release in mid-December. Then it wouldn't have been available to anyone for a further month. This way, they get important feedback via a partial early-access so the full early-access goes much more smoothly.

 

Their only mistake was not mentioning the limited roll out plan specifically in the pre-order sign up. That will be a lesson they will take forward to future IL2 releases, I'm sure.

[smink1701]

Guys,

 

First, please knock off the personal insults.

 

Second, to those that understand our approach to development we appreciate it. To those that are not happy we will need to restrict access some until we are able to support 24/7 access all I can say is please be patient and be aware that this is for everyone's benefit. Why you ask? Because...

 

1. This genre can't afford another CLOD disaster.

2. 1C doesn't want another CLOD disaster.

3. 777 has never had a CLOD disaster and doesn't want to start. Managing ROF development was hard enough.

4. This genre needs new blood and new products that are not 7 years between releases.

 

So, what you get is a calculated, closely managed early access program that will increase the access over time as important features and support systems are made ready and proven to work. All the while our customers can play, compare notes, alert us to bugs they experienced when they played.

 

This is the only way we can accomplish the four points above responsibly. You guys should be happy we take this process so seriously and even bothered with an early-access program of any sort. This whole project was a big risk for us either way. We don't take the responsibility lightly.

 

Our experience and successes and set-backs with ROF have given us good insight in how to manage this. Please trust we are doing what we think is best for all involved. The goal being everyone gets their money's worth in the end. 

 

Jason

 

Yes ... what he said.  I for one really appreciate the thoughtful, methodical, calculated, transparent and professional approach the dev team is taking with BOS.  I was there every step of the way ... from announcement, though all the updates and the ultimate painful release of the DOA CLoD.  I agree 100 percent with Jason when he says that the CFS genre doesn't need another stake driven though it's heart with a half - baked release.  Take your time, do it your way and make BOS everything CLoD was supposed to be.  Honestly, the waiting and anticipation are half the fun.

[Klaue]

Ahh, we're getting into classical US litigation language here I see...

 

 

- I wonder how many disclaimers they need to put in the BoS website and box art before Americans feel "safe" to buy the product?...

 

 

S! THX for the stereo type there bud and yes that was a low blow coming from you.I guess the true freycinet shows himself?

[Livai]

I see two big disadvantage of the limited access:

 

1.  The time zones

----> 72 hours for Russian players

----> 66/63 hours for European 

----> 48 hours for Eastern Standard Time (EST)

----> 27 hours for Chatham Island Standard Time (CHAST)

 

2. Others working on this days and have only weekends time to play

 

I have read inside the preorder description about a early access and not about a limited 72 hours early access on very special days where is pretty clear that others are at work and don't have the time to play? --> It was my first preorder and my last one! 

 

Pretty sure that the VIP Special Invitation Premium package have unlimited access to the game but all others have limitation. Premium Preorders get limited access at days where we are at work and no time to play the game. Premium Preorders need to wait for Standard Preorders to get unlimited access to the game.........................................................

[FuriousMeow]

Yeah, I don't understand that American insult. The majority of individuals in this thread that are finding disagreements with this announcement are outside of the US.

S! THX for the stereo type there bud and yes that was a low blow coming from you.I guess the true freycinet shows himself?

Edited October 25, 2013 by FuriousMeow

[Heywooood]

developers may not have expected the lop sided Gold purchases over Silver. Thus the extra load on their servers initially may have started to look like more than they were ready for, so perhaps in order to stick with the already announced pre-release date for Gold, the limited access was the best near term solution. Benefit of the doubt to them from me anyway.

 

Also - if you feel cheated, then you let your expectations control your emotions...you might get that checked

 

Online login is fine - they need to see our spec's without waiting for us to post them and to see them tied to individual players' in game data for faster, more efficient tuning server side.

 

This is a measured, careful, methodical release and we will all benefit from it.

 

I purchased the Silver membership but would still have bought the Gold had I the chips to do so, especially in light of this news. They are doing it the right way...and the right way isnt always popular, but its always right

Edited October 25, 2013 by Heywooood

[jaydee]

Guys,

 

Online does not necessarily mean just MP. There will surely be a mix of online connection being required and some weeks we will stress MP testing.

 

Jason

Thank you for the Update and that Clarification !..Looking forward to Access !~S~

[1.JaVA_KEBEN]

Down in the weekend ?????...............but i work all week  ....and don't have any time to play   i'm am disappointed ......pre order for early access........and no time to play  

[migmadmarine]

I can't really see this being for the entitry of the time till release, so I expect it will become 24/7 available before long, and really people, for all the ones shouting things like "LIAR!" etc, do you really think that they would be doing this if they didn't have to? That this is being done for some perverse pleasure, rather than necessity? It will just be for a while, till then, so it goes. 

[Livai]

Down in the weekend ?????...............but i work all week  ....and don't have any time to play   i'm am disappointed ......pre order for early access........and no time to play  

 

Great said, like others, too. 

[FuriousMeow]

You guys don't seem to understand. You'll likely not be playing very much, even if it was 24/7 access. The title is 30% complete. If you think it's going to be fun and just flying around enjoying yourself, you should have waited to purchase much later.

[ST_ami7b5]

D'oh! Of course. Now I get it!

 

Here he is. BoS Founder happy with his preorder!

 

 

LOL,

 

Heinkill thanks for your new TF4 missions!

[DD_Arthur]

 

This is a measured, careful, methodical release and we will all benefit from it.

 

 They are doing it the right way...and the right way isnt always popular, but its always right

 

 I agree.  I won't have too much opportunity to play the early access on weekdays but I'm sure I'll get some chances.  If the dev team consider this the best way to go forward with the aim of producing a strong, polished and commercially viable sim then that's fine with me.  

[Antiguo]

If I knew the day flight limitation would not miss the pre-order premium ....

The busy week I have to work,

Where restrictions, the ideal time would be on a weekend.

Anyway I do not see a good decision to limit use

This is my opinion ... which some will agree and some do not ...

 

By the way nice video

regards

[Livai]

You guys don't seem to understand. You'll likely not be playing very much, even if it was 24/7 access. The title is 30% complete. If you think it's going to be fun and just flying around enjoying yourself, you should have waited to purchase much later.

 

Did you have looked the Live-Streams? If yes, maybe the Live-Streams wasn't good for you?  When I fly I would still remember what I see here is 30% and not 100%. Could you me explain how I can fly and enjoy yourself when the early access is mainly Multiplayer? 

[AcesHigh]

I think this post/information was the first mistake in the project. 

 

It's obvious the majority expected unlimited early access on or around November 12th, from what I saw/read that was my understanding as well.  Many bought in with this expectation.   Changing or qualifying that now has upset some of the user base.   Right or wrong it's the teams decision to make but it sure does sit sorely with some.   Me ... I'm disappointed but can live with it, it surly goes as strike 1 in the 3 strike book though and that's how a lot of us are looking at it.

 

I think the new video looks great, I love the variation in tree placement and density, I hope the entire map is as diverse.   Understanding the environment (ground, snow) will look better with time I also thought it looked good from higher altitudes.  Echo what others say the plane and views from the plane look great!

 

 

 

 

[FuriousMeow]

Did you have looked the Live-Streams? If yes, maybe the Live-Streams wasn't good for you?  When I fly I would still remember what I see here is 30% and not 100%. Could you me explain how I can fly and enjoy yourself when the early access is mainly Multiplayer? 

 

Yes, I have seen them. They look very incomplete. They are fine for testing, but that's all it's going to be initially. The early access is not mainly multiplayer, Jason himself posted that information in this very thread.

 

I've alpha tested a lot, and even though the one or two planes fly - a lot of things are missing, and many times it's actually not fun at all. Yes you can take off and fly around, but you will be faced with shortages of everything else. "Playing" this early alpha access is not, testing it is - fun maybe once or twice until it becomes fully fleshed out 4 to 7 months down the road.

It's obvious the majority expected unlimited early access on or around November 12th, from what I saw/read that was my understanding as well.  Many bought in with this expectation.   Changing or qualifying that now has upset some of the user base.   Right or wrong it's the teams decision to make but it sure does sit sorely with some.   Me ... I'm disappointed but can live with it, it surly goes as strike 1 in the 3 strike book though and that's how a lot of us are looking at it.

 

It was in the dev diaries that limited access was a possibility. Which is 50% chance yes, 50% chance no - but entirely plausible it will happen.

Edited October 25, 2013 by FuriousMeow

[No601_Swallow]

No problem here with the early access program!

 

In fact I'm excited to be part of a competently planned and controlled roll-out period. Ah the luxury of trusting people to know what they're doing!

 

It'll be great fun to track the development of BoS over the next couple of months. Personally I can't wait to be able to fly over Stalingrad itself. I wonder when that part of the map will be released!

 

So many thanks 777 chappies!

 

(By the way, I'm glad you - and indeed we forum users - are all veterans of flightsim forums, so we're perfectly used to all the usual mutual flagellation and the familiar stench of burning martyr! . In fact I'm amazed this forum has been so civil for so long! }

Edited October 25, 2013 by No601_Swallow

[AcesHigh]

Just noticed the lighting near the end of the video when the plane fires off some rockets, the flame lights up the whole side and underside of the plane - nice touch!

@FuriousMeow , I would think that many buyers did not watch the live streams prior to purchase , instead they purchased based off the understanding early access would be early access 24x7. 

 

No where on the purchase page does it say early access will be limited and in that regard it does not say it will be 24x7 either.  Just saying, it's fine it will be fine but it should have been communicated a little better as evidenced by the posts here in this forum.

 

"Early Access: Buyers of the Standard Edition will get early access in winter 2013 prior to public release. Buyers of Premium Edition will get the early access in autumn 2013."

Edited October 25, 2013 by AcesHigh

[FuriousMeow]

I understand it's not on the early access purchase page, it's also not in the live streams. It's mentioned in the dev diairies.

 

The thing is, how often is a game's "early access" (of a complete game) 6+ months ahead of the game's official release? And how did anyone find out about the early access without either finding the information here on this forum, or elsewhere that would require someone's input and information that has been following the topic for a while? I know there are some ads on SimHQ, maybe that's where the bulk of people came from? But wouldn't you research it first to find out more, specifically visiting the forums and looking into the development information up to that point?

 

I read up everything on the other title that is currently a kickstarter, and although I do not care for the individual running it and trust that individual's management as much as I would Mr. Bean, I still considered putting money into it after reading a lot of the information on it. I decided not to due to the information available that wasn't all on the kickstarter description but located on several various forums.

 

That's why I'm in the position I'm in, I want to know what I'm buying before I buy it and why I can't be upset over the evolving alpha access - because it was never concrete, and it was never set but everything I read and researched indicated that was the case all along. I may not even have time to play the game until January, but 1) it's cheaper to buy premium now, 2) their previous title is excellent, 3) what I researched on it looked good and sounded excellent and 4) this isn't my first rodeo.