My long overdue letter!

[BlackHellHound1]

Hello there everyone,

 

I have been wanting to write this letter for quite some time now. I started writing 2 months ago but never had the time or the words to finish it. The announcement of Operation Bodenplatte triggered me to finally finish it!

 

It has been over three years that I have been playing this game and what a time it has been. This time truly has been incredible and therefore I would like to share some of my thoughts on the game, my experience, and the community. I cannot talk about everything there is to tell since there is simply too much to talk about.

 

I am truly amazed by the amount of work that is being put into the development of this game series. What strikes me most is the constant development and improvement of already released products. Several flight model updates, graphics improvements, Dx11 and 64 Bit are just a few examples. And that while the development team continues to work hard on new theatres, planes and new features. The strive to continue to develop new and better technology is keeping this series at the top of the game and shows the dedication of the developers.

 

Of course, I cannot forget to mention the implementation of custom skins, unlocked modifications, the upcoming Bf 109G-6, La-5FN and many more. Features and planes originally not implemented into IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad but, by request of the community, are now part of the game or are in development. The implementation of these features and planes is a fitting example of the continued interaction between the developers and the community. This interaction, which has gotten stronger over time, has led to numerous changes to the game that improved it further and attract more new players. I have never seen a developer with such a great interest in the community and what it has to say.

The clarity with which the development team is working improves this relation between the developers and the community even more. Statements on what is coming and what the team is working on keep me on the edge of my seat, eager to try all the new features and planes. I am pretty sure I am not the only one!

 

By the same token, I cannot ignore the biggest announcement surrounding the IL-2 Great Battles series (IL-2 GB). It is not what I had expected and not what had previously been talked about. A.k.a. the Pacific theatres. But then again, this was never fully confirmed to be the next IL-2 GB game. In all honesty, I kind of like this better. The Pacific is a very interesting theatre that I would love to see it return. However, when looking at what effect it would have on the community and player base, I do think that Operation Bodenplatte is the right way forward. An iconic plane-set surrounding a well-known operation. I have no doubt that this will increase the number of IL-2 GB players.

 

The variety of the game will massively increase as well with this announcement. Full implementation of tanks and WW1 aircraft will turn this into a true behemoth of a game. Although my interest in tanks and WW1 planes is not as big as WW2 aviation, I will still get them and play them. I am really looking forward to this increase of variety.

 

I do have to be realistic though. I do not believe this game to be perfect. There are some issues I would like to see changed. Changes like a Multiplayer queue system, planes not suddenly popping in and out of existence at max view range, and the possibility to select both a default and custom skin. (So that players that don’t have your nice winter skin will still see a white plane). I had some other points as well, but I don’t feel the need to mention everything and some have been addressed already in the latest announcement or earlier dev diaries.

Overall, the issues I have with the game are minor compared to what the game does right. The flight models, graphics, development progress, quick missions, scripted campaigns and much more are well build. I am not saying they are perfect, but they do impress.

 

I cannot leave out the community of this letter. I always try to be part of at least a small part of a game’s community and find some nice people to play with. I have learned over my years of gaming that I will get the most out of a game that way and consequently also the most enjoyment. This community does not disappoint! The people, discussions, tutorials and help provided are incredibly interesting to follow and be part of. It does go without saying that not every post perfect. Let’s be honest, there are some cringe-worthy comments and discussions out there. It impresses me, though, how little they seem to affect the enthusiasm of most people.

 

The creative side of the community also plays a great part in keeping this game alive as much as it is. My fellow skin makers, the Multiplayer map designers and all other artists keep pushing this game to its limit, show off the game’s potential, and keep creating a fresh experience. Take TAW, for example, a large-scale multi-week player controlled progressive campaign. The amount of work and effort put in to make this an incredibly fun experience. Flying these campaigns with HYDRA and interacting with several other squadrons create a truly fun and immersive experience. Once again, something I haven't really seen before.

 

The support I have received on my own skins and research has pushed me to continue what I do and improve what I have to offer. I cannot thank you all enough for everything!

I was thinking about mentioning some prominent figures in the community that have done splendid work for the community and give them some well-deserved credit. But, there are simply too many to mention. So instead, I would like to say the following: thank you all for creating this quite tight community, great skins, discussions, video’s, 2d artwork, and much more.

 

Not to forget, the amount I have learned in these few years is much more extensive than I had thought. Granted, my many hours researching to learn more about the planes I was skinning (not all of it directly skin related) was a great part but not all. Working with and helping people, researching mechanics of the game, Photoshop and a great deal of comradery complete the list.

 

To conclude, the game and the community have gotten bigger and better than I could have imagined three years ago. Having seen the rapid development and innovation in the past games, I have no doubt that the future will bring much more to look forward to and be amazed by.

 

To the entire development team, I have only one last thing to say: Thank you! Thank you for creating this game, your continued effort to support it, for listening, and being open and direct towards the community.

 

I hope this letter was not too tacky. I do mean every word of it!

 

BlackHellHound1

 

[A-E-Hartmann]

Good letter and sincere.  

[Bullets]

[Ribbon]

[Phantom-103]

Very Well Said Sir!

[smink1701]

Ditto

[Rjel]

Well written sir.

[71st_AH_Hooves]

You've nailed my feelings exactly.

[Jason_Williams]

Thank you BHH. Very nice letter. We apreciate it very much. And thank you for your contributions to skinning.

 

Salute!

 

Jason

[Bommel]

[HubertMeyer]

[CanadaOne]

 

Indeed.

[pilotpierre]

Eggs celent letter. great skins too.

Edited November 27, 2017 by pilotpierre

[deleted@31403]

I much rather have seen the Pacific first but I see the big picture. Besides I get my Pony and Jug no argument here. I am also amazed how this dev team has goals and meet or beat their expectations.

[SYN_Skydance]

Nice letter BHH

 

Credit given where credit due