These latest comments from Jason...

[71st_AH_Mastiff]

You never know what surprises there could be in store?!

[BraveSirRobin]

Hopefully the number of crappy surprises will be minimal.

[Jason_Williams]

Clickable cockpits are great. I like them, BUT they are a money and time sucking feature that I simply can't afford. I'd rather pay my engineers to work on ways to put more planes in the sky and new modes of gameplay like COOP than engineer clickable cockpits. Unless you plan for them from the start it's so hard to go back and add them later. :-(

 

Jason

[DD_Arthur]

 I'd rather pay my engineers to work on ways to put more planes in the sky and new modes of gameplay like COOP than engineer clickable cockpits.

 

 

   

[6./ZG26_Emil]

Clickable cockpits are great. I like them, BUT they are a money and time sucking feature that I simply can't afford. I'd rather pay my engineers to work on ways to put more planes in the sky and new modes of gameplay like COOP than engineer clickable cockpits. Unless you plan for them from the start it's so hard to go back and add them later. :-(

 

Jason

Coop ))))

[II/JG17_HerrMurf]

Just say no to clickable pits!

 

But. manual startups and shutdowns would be nice way down the road. I don't need to click or touch a screen but programming functions to HOTAS works just as well. You know, when there's time.

[Rjel]

I think "coop" was a rather large hint there. Could be wrong.....

[Zoltann]

Hey Jason and Team!

 

 

Just dropping in for support.

 

Exited about your plans. I really, really like the way this is going...

 

Count me in...

 

 

Thanks for listening...

[BlitzPig_EL]

No thanks

 

We agree Luke!

[LukeFF]

We agree Luke!

[smink1701]

I couldn't give a rats ass about clickable cockpits.  But Jason, how much for classic IL2, Forgotten Battles, Pacific Fighters, 1946, Wonder Woman View???

Sorry, rat's!

[GrendelsDad]

Hopefully the number of crappy surprises will be minimal.

Hopefully the number of crappy(pointless) comments will be minimal.

[SharpeXB]

I don't understand the appeal of Wonder Woman View. On one hand people complain about gamey features like pilot level and unlocks and then ask for the most silly arcade game feature of all time. Invisible cockpits really have no place in a sim today. That's a legacy feature from the days of 12" 4:3 screens without head tracking.

Making icons visible through the plane effectively makes the cockpit transparent in any case.

WWV belongs in War Thunder, not in an authentic sim.

[II/JG17_HerrMurf]

Yes Sharpe, we know, only hardcore will do!

 

I'm not sure how I feel about WWV. I've never seen the need for it and I've never used it but options are always good.

 

I'd like to see icons changed significantly. Either halve the current distances and/or take the colors out completely. It would still help in close combat but allow bounces and better tactics overall. It would also require better scanning techniques in the Normal servers. I think making them invisible through the aircraft and clouds would require a significant rewrite but that would be best. You know, when there's time.

Edited August 21, 2016 by II/JG17_HerrMurf

[GrendelsDad]

Sharpe I would disagree as someone who plans on building a 110 cockpit one day...the no cockpit view would suit me just fine.  It is a feature most other simulators have.

Edited August 21, 2016 by II./ZG1_GrendelsDad

[Marrond]

''You want DX11 we are working on it.

 

Wait what? What's the point of wasting resources on DX11 that brings next to nothing of value to the table? The biggest barier for newcomers are hardware requirements so wouldn't it be sensible to focus on something, ekhm, more up to date that addresses that issue? Am I missing something?

 

Sharpe I would disagree as someone who planes on building a 110 cockpit one day...the no cockpit view would suit me just fine.  It is a feature most other simulators have.

 

Cockpit in game doesn't have only cosmetic value - it's supposed to effectively obscure your vision. Virtual cockpit is a no-go in multiplayer for that very reason (otherwise it makes cockpit view useless feature that handicaps you, thus forcing everyone to use virtual cockpit whether they like it or not just to stay competitive)

Edited August 21, 2016 by Marrond

[GrendelsDad]

I was of course calling for the option(MP)...esp. for single player guys.  Trust me when the AI is chasing you its view is not obscured by its cockpit.

Edited August 21, 2016 by II./ZG1_GrendelsDad

[SAG]

Wait what? What's the point of wasting resources on DX11 that brings next to nothing of value to the table? The biggest barier for newcomers are hardware requirements so wouldn't it be sensible to focus on something, ekhm, more up to date that addresses that issue? Am I missing something?

 

 

Cockpit in game doesn't have only cosmetic value - it's supposed to effectively obscure your vision. Virtual cockpit is a no-go in multiplayer for that very reason (otherwise it makes cockpit view useless feature that handicaps you, thus forcing everyone to use virtual cockpit whether they like it or not just to stay competitive)

 

 

DX11 would increase performance of the game thus reducing the entry hardware requirements and also.... VR :D

[SharpeXB]

At least as far as it's possible to discern from multiplayer. Having arcade style game features in IL-2 has not attracted that type of player to this game. That segment is all wrapped up in War Thunder. People come to IL-2 for a different experience. Not for the same style of gameplay.

The only attended servers in this game don't use icons or external views. Call it the War Thunder effect but there does not seem to be a point in trying to appeal to that base here. That's not to say that many WT players will come over for something more realistic and authentic, but duplicating that gameplay style won't be what brings them. It's the interest in getting beyond it that will.

Edited August 21, 2016 by SharpeXB

[Rolling_Thunder]

As a vive player and VR being in its infancy, icons help a great deal with spotting. I agree that they should be all one colour and just a dot. The immersion one gets from VR is an experience to behold. The thing I like about BoM that differs from all the other flight games is on cannot lean ones head through the canopy unless it's open in BoM. In VR it adds to the experience. It's touches like that that will make this game a genre winner when VR is fully supported and mainstream. I like what Jason has been saying and look forward to the comming announcements.

I can fully understand folk like grendelsdad, who take the time and effort to build their own cockpit, who wish for WWV. Make it a server side option, simple. I'd like to believe that the upcoming announcements, if they are what I hope they will be, will introduce an influx of players and as the player base grows the servers and types of gameplay on those servers will increase. Enough for everyone's preferences.

[71st_AH_Mastiff]

I think he's saying he doesn't want DX11; that would mean he would need to upgrade his antiquated home built scratch kit computer.

[SharpeXB]

for WWV. Make it a server side option, simple.

All the servers would have it disabled. So no point in adding it. Once again, all the players who want that style of gameplay are over on War Thunder.

[GrendelsDad]

So again...most people play this game single player...so dismissing someone to War Thunder because you dont like a game option seems a little silly.  So I think I will just stay here and keep giving good reasons for the things I would like to see in the game.

[Rolling_Thunder]

All the servers would have it disabled. So no point in adding it. Once again, all the players who want that style of gameplay are over on War Thunder.

Lol.

Once again have the choice. It doesn't take much effort to turn it on or off server side. I think you're just scared. It's ok Sharpe I'm sure the servers you like will continue to be populated when the player base picks up. It's all part of the, horror of horrors, mods on/off revolution.

[SharpeXB]

Lol.

Once again have the choice. It doesn't take much effort to turn it on or off server side. I think you're just scared. It's ok Sharpe I'm sure the servers you like will continue to be populated when the player base picks up. It's all part of the, horror of horrors, mods on/off revolution.

Scared? That's funny... This isn't my opinion, it's what I see online. You can see the same thing. Only the Expert servers are populated.

Why that is, anybody's guess. Does MP preference equate to SP? No idea. But if there was a WWV, Wings of Liberty wouldn't enable it and that's the only server with players on it.

[GrendelsDad]

WOL is not expert...has map icon.  just sayin.

[6./ZG26_5tuka]

More easy option = more possebilities for cheaters to abuse. Just saying.

[Feathered_IV]

More human and historically immersive elements are the key.  Warthunder would never be able to compete with that.

[Jade_Monkey]

Wait what? What's the point of wasting resources on DX11 that brings next to nothing of value to the table? The biggest barier for newcomers are hardware requirements so wouldn't it be sensible to focus on something, ekhm, more up to date that addresses that issue? Am I missing something?

 

 

Yes you are.

 

DX11 enables native VR support for Vive and Rift, which is why they are upgrading the engine.

 

The performance improvements (if any are actually realized) will be a nice by-product of the upgrade.

[Artunius]

Not too often you can actually communicate with the development team as a player. It just shows the care they have in these matters.

 

Keep up the good work Jason and team.

[Mysticpuma]

Sharp. I would disagree with you regarding no cockpit view being implemented, not though az you describe.

 

I have no issues with what you suggest, locking the cockpit on for online play, that is a server side option.

 

However if no cockpit could be implemented it would be a great benefit in the movie-makers toolbox to create machinima, fan made films and thereby create free advertising for this Sim.

 

This is a hobby for many who are interested in WW2, not just flying but creating footage of their experience or to tell stories.

 

That said, even if in its most basic implementation, just having a no cockpit view in replays only would be a great advance.

 

In regards to the future of the series as mentioned by Jason, I look forward to further announcements with relish to see just where the next chapter in Flight Sim evolution takes us. Supporting any developer willing to facilitate our passion for combat flight Sims should be a focus for us all. Hopefully the next step will be of interest to the community.

 

Cheers, MP

[216th_Jordan]

You can already do that Mysticpuma with Alt + F2.

 

I want to stress however that for beginners a wonderwoman view with instruments is a very welcome thing.

[ShamrockOneFive]

Wait what? What's the point of wasting resources on DX11 that brings next to nothing of value to the table? The biggest barier for newcomers are hardware requirements so wouldn't it be sensible to focus on something, ekhm, more up to date that addresses that issue? Am I missing something?

 

 

Cockpit in game doesn't have only cosmetic value - it's supposed to effectively obscure your vision. Virtual cockpit is a no-go in multiplayer for that very reason (otherwise it makes cockpit view useless feature that handicaps you, thus forcing everyone to use virtual cockpit whether they like it or not just to stay competitive)

 

DX11 brings a bunch of value to the table - Very likely we'll see improved performance and less frame rate issues than before. It will also unlock VR support for Occulus Rift and enable the already existing HTC Vive support to be increased as well. Most VR tech require DX11 as a minimum. This is a low barrier to hardware requirements as DX11 hardware support goes all the way back to the GeForce 400 series and the Radeon 5000 series. Cards that are 6 plus years old now.

 

I'm a fan of cockpit mode and I'll definitely be sticking with it, however, we're sorely lacking in some fun arcadey dogfight servers. The game doesn't attract that crowd right now but it could. IL-2 1946 did and there were always a couple of servers with really simple settings with fast action... and they were a lot of fun when in the right mood for that kind of thing. If "wonder woman view" mode works in attracting them to the game then I say yes, lets do it! There may need to be a couple more variations on settings. Easy (WWV, more obvious icons, etc.), Normal, Expert, and Hardcore (for manual engine starts).

 

These are only good things folks. More people means more buyers which means more money for the dev team to spend mostly building the fancy detailed stuff that the typically hardcore audience appreciates.

[Marrond]

Yes you are.

 

DX11 enables native VR support for Vive and Rift, which is why they are upgrading the engine.

 

The performance improvements (if any are actually realized) will be a nice by-product of the upgrade.

 

You've got a point with VR but other than that I wouldn't really prepare for performance upgrades of any significance whatsoever. DX11 won't simply make game to miraculously utilize all CPU threads to their full potential nor will it make current problems go away. DX11 will most certainly make the game look slightly better (which isn't really necessary, especially considering it's hardware requirements) but on it's own it doesn't carry any sort of performance solutions over DX9 whatsoever. Abandoning support of 32bit in favour of 64bit only app was a step in the right direction, DX11 however is simply waste of time and resources - even considering VR, mainly because of hardware requirements to run it properly (hi res, hi fps that are also rock solid stable). Especially with true successors readily available.

 

I'm honestly surprised that such a myth would still be alive after so many years of industry proving exact opposite - I can't recall a single game that got any sort of performance boost worth mentioning. IL2 needs what Mantle did with Battlefield - in other words MASSIVE increase in performance on low to medium range hardware.

 

I'm a fan of cockpit mode and I'll definitely be sticking with it, however, we're sorely lacking in some fun arcadey dogfight servers. The game doesn't attract that crowd right now but it could. IL-2 1946 did and there were always a couple of servers with really simple settings with fast action... and they were a lot of fun when in the right mood for that kind of thing. If "wonder woman view" mode works in attracting them to the game then I say yes, lets do it! There may need to be a couple more variations on settings. Easy (WWV, more obvious icons, etc.), Normal, Expert, and Hardcore (for manual engine starts)

That kind of crowd is not interested in IL2 because War Thunder fulfill their demands with quick and easy action with hundreds of different planes, all sort of hand holding and they don't ask any money for it on top of that. There's not much IL2 can do in regard to arcade content to attract that crowd - most people that change over do it because WT's sim experience is simply lack-luster and in that area IL2 is unquestionably a better product across the board. Edited August 21, 2016 by Marrond

[ShamrockOneFive]

You've got a point with VR but other than that I wouldn't really prepare for performance upgrades of any significance whatsoever. DX11 won't simply make game to miraculously utilize all CPU threads to their full potential nor will it make current problems go away. DX11 will most certainly make the game look slightly better (which isn't really necessary, especially considering it's hardware requirements) but on it's own it doesn't carry any sort of performance solutions over DX9 whatsoever. Abandoning support of 32bit in favour of 64bit only app was a step in the right direction, DX11 however is simply waste of time and resources - even considering VR, mainly because of hardware requirements to run it properly (hi res, hi fps that are also rock solid stable).

 

I'm honestly surprised that such a myth would still be alive after so many years of industry proving exact opposite - I can't recall a single game that got any sort of performance boost worth mentioning. IL2 needs what Mantle did with Battlefield - in other words MASSIVE increase in performance on low to medium range hardware.

 

DCS users were reporting increases of 160% when their engine went DX11. I'm not expecting that kind of increase as I think the DN engine was already more optimized than the old DCS engine but performance increases are still possible.

[[DBS]airdoc]

Sharp. I would disagree with you regarding no cockpit view being implemented, not though az you describe.

 

I have no issues with what you suggest, locking the cockpit on for online play, that is a server side option.

 

However if no cockpit could be implemented it would be a great benefit in the movie-makers toolbox to create machinima, fan made films and thereby create free advertising for this Sim.

 

This is a hobby for many who are interested in WW2, not just flying but creating footage of their experience or to tell stories.

 

That said, even if in its most basic implementation, just having a no cockpit view in replays only would be a great advance.

 

In regards to the future of the series as mentioned by Jason, I look forward to further announcements with relish to see just where the next chapter in Flight Sim evolution takes us. Supporting any developer willing to facilitate our passion for combat flight Sims should be a focus for us all. Hopefully the next step will be of interest to the community.

 

Cheers, MP

 

MP, as already said, you can already implement wonderwoman view using Alt+F2 views.

 

In fact, by changing the text files for each aircraft, you can define up to 10 different camera positions. You can move the camera in-front, up, down, below at any distance you like thus bypassing the cockpit or fuselage.

 

I made a post about this using the 109 F4 as an example : http://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/21618-how-add-more-cameras/

 

check out the video on my sig, I 've used custom camera positions for the bomber formation scene.

 

I 'd like to see more camera control options for BOS though, especially the ability to define different speeds for the F11 free camera.

Edited August 21, 2016 by [DBS]airdoc

[6./ZG26_5tuka]

Well going VR means the game has to supply a decent perfirmence for it to be usefull, so I'm sure well see both.

 

Upgrading the graphics, thats a different story.

[Marrond]

DCS users were reporting increases of 160% when their engine went DX11. I'm not expecting that kind of increase as I think the DN engine was already more optimized than the old DCS engine but performance increases are still possible.

The difference being DCS didn't just add DX11 support, they've completely rewritten the engine which was a quite welcome change since old engine was archaic mess to the point where no increase in hardware power would yield any acceptable results. Edited August 21, 2016 by Marrond

[SharpeXB]

That kind of crowd is not interested in IL2 because War Thunder fulfill their demands with quick and easy action with hundreds of different planes, all sort of hand holding and they don't ask any money for it on top of that. There's not much IL2 can do in regard to arcade content to attract that crowd - most people that change over do it because WT's sim experience is simply lack-luster and in that area IL2 is unquestionably a better product across the board.

This.

 

WOL is not expert...has map icon. just sayin.

"Expert" in the Campaign has map icons too. I think WoL just shows the "your plane" icon whereas the campaign will show other aircraft. But the point is WoL, like all the other populated servers runs with enforced cockpit view. Edited August 21, 2016 by SharpeXB

[wtornado]

Clickable cockpits are great. I like them, BUT they are a money and time sucking feature that I simply can't afford. I'd rather pay my engineers to work on ways to put more planes in the sky and new modes of gameplay like COOP than engineer clickable cockpits. Unless you plan for them from the start it's so hard to go back and add them later. :-(

 

Jason

Amen.

 

Co-ops