Developer Diary 327 - Discussion

[ZachariasX]

Man this sim has come a long way. Absolutely stunning! The DM revision is also more than welcome. Great Job guys! 

[Yankee_One]

As always, outstanding work.

 

like the Normandy map, looks fantastic.

 

Thank you

 

 

Do you have some small news on drop tanks?

 

Any problems encountered or its progressing nicely?

 

 

Edited August 20, 2022 by Yankee_One

[Gora_]

Congrats! Can't wait much longer, but please, please test it well also with the most popular headsets like OR Quest and HP Reverb. Especially lights seem to be often overbrighten. There are topics in the issues section. 

[EAF19_Marsh]

15 hours ago, Avimimus said:It just makes me want an 'Gulf of Venice to Isonzo' Flying Circus V module even more!

 

The map would need to extend East and South to include Trieste and current Slovenian / Croatian borders. So I can fly over my house ?

[tattywelshie]

Amazing work guys, Normandy looks beautiful. New DM sounds interesting as well, looking forward to hearing more details on this in the future  

[AEthelraedUnraed]

4 hours ago, SYN_Speck said:

I know that new aircraft seem to get the most attention, but i would really love to see the addition of mini-modules centered around new maps that could be implemented integrating the existing planeset into different theaters, e.g. Leningrad or Sicily. It would be a way to keep things interesting for everyone between the major releases, both the onliners and offliners.

I'd love that too, but seeing how map development seems to take the longest of all development parts, I don't know how realistic that is?

[FlyingNutcase]

My gaming computer is dead and won't be replaced for a good while but I'm happy for everyone who will soon be able to roll out of the UK on their adventures across the ditch. And for the Team for getting this past the line. At least there will be plenty of Youtube content to salivate over. Enjoy.

[IckyATLAS]

Excellent news. Pictures are showing nice rendering of the sea and connection between murkier river water and sea. Also improved terrain renderings in airfields. Let's hope that with a Sea State at 6 we will get nice waves.

Han mentioned:

 

 it will include not only the Battle of Normandy, but a number of global improvements as well.

 

Here I applaud that and cross fingers. If the existing maps get improved on the base of the new developments for BON then I happily give you another month ? in addition to the four mentioned weeks to improve those existing maps as much as possible. 

Thanks again for all the good work.

 

[Monksilver]

I love the detail in the map shown in the pictures. I was down at Dover in the week and can readily recognise the area shown in the picture in the DD. I got very lucky when there, I was at the foot of the white cliffs shown on the left of the picture when I heard a plane engine which immediately got my attention as it sounded much throatier than the usual single engine planes so looked up and saw a Spitfire flying by complete with invasion stripes. A very special moment watching it do a victory roll as it passed the White Cliffs, definitely the highlight of the week, I immediately thought that is the first thing I am going to do when the map is released.

[BalticDude]

I wonder why they mentioned the Griffon Spitfire with the tear-drop canopy was heading to South East Asia. Foreshadowing?

[Irishratticus72]

18 minutes ago, Monksilver said:

I love the detail in the map shown in the pictures. I was down at Dover in the week and can readily recognise the area shown in the picture in the DD. I got very lucky when there, I was at the foot of the white cliffs shown on the left of the picture when I heard a plane engine which immediately got my attention as it sounded much throatier than the usual single engine planes so looked up and saw a Spitfire flying by complete with invasion stripes. A very special moment watching it do a victory roll as it passed the White Cliffs, definitely the highlight of the week, I immediately thought that is the first thing I am going to do when the map is released.

You see, and people say time travel is overrated.

[sevenless]

13 hours ago, BalticDude said:

If I don't own IL-2 yet and haven't purchased Steam's BoS (waiting for sale), can I pre-order the Griffon Spit with tear-drop canopy now and later transfer to Steam?

 

Once you own BoS in Steam you can link that to your game account here. Prerequisite of course is that you own BoS on Steam. After linking the accounts you have access to everything you bought on either Steam or here in your game. I have bought BoS and BoM on Steam and everything since then here. If I start the game via Steam or via the game launcher everything is accessible to me.

 

As for the Griffon tear drop Mk XIV. Be aware that most likely the only option to fly that plane once it is released in SP-career mode will be in Bodenplatte from 02/45-04/45.

 

How to link your accounts? Description here:

 

And don't forget to LINK your STEAM and IL-2 User Accounts for added flexibility and maximum purchasing options. See here for more information.

STEAM INTEGRATION ANNOUNCEMENT

STEAM LINKAGE STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

 

 

[352ndOscar]

You can avoid all that messy STEAM stuff if you just but it all from the IL2 Store instead.  It’ll save you some headaches - believe me.

[Avimimus]

7 hours ago, EAF19_Marsh said:

The map would need to extend East and South to include Trieste and current Slovenian / Croatian borders. So I can fly over my house ?

 

No idea where you lived  Cool! Looks like nice countryside. I was about to post some possible map layouts to theory-craft - but this should probably go in the Flying Circus forum instead. 

 

It is a brilliant map though - Venice and Trieste (as well as the coasts just south of both) and then up the Isonzo into the Alps... and it all fits on one map and there was extensive air activity over all of it (from dogfights in mountain valleys, bomber raids behind the Austrio-Hungarian lines, to single seat seaplane fighter dogfighting each other over the sea). It is probably the most interesting map that could be made given how dense it is.

Edited August 20, 2022 by Avimimus

[EAF19_Marsh]

It’s lovely if you ever felt like a holiday around there. Totally agree about the map, it would be like the Kuban but for a European theatre and possibly even a 1944-45 campaign.

[AEthelraedUnraed]

1 hour ago, 352ndOscar said:

You can avoid all that messy STEAM stuff if you just but it all from the IL2 Store instead.  It’ll save you some headaches - believe me.

...and cause a few other headaches in the meantime, especially when your game gets corrupted and you need to re-install (on Steam, you can just validate the game files instead). Or when the stock installer refuses to install or update the game, as it's wont to do (never had Steam fail installing/updating something).

 

Both have their advantages. My personal opinion is, if you like Steam or use it already, buy BoS on Steam and everything else from the website store. If you don't like Steam or don't want to start using it, buy everything from the website store to begin with. 

Edited August 20, 2022 by AEthelraedUnraed

[Hien-0_1*]

Hallo "Battle of Normandy" Team!

..." As we have mentioned, there are two map variations created - before and after the invasion. Pre-invasion map lacks newly constructed airfields and constructions erected after D-Day on the Normandy shore."

Sorry, but two maps are not enough! This distorts the Allied expansion in France (either nothing or everything). Here is an example as I would have expected (four maps: 1. before the invasion / 2. mid-late June 1944 / 3. mid-late July 1944 (for Caen)/ 4. mid-late August 1944 (for Falaise) always with newly built airfields!)

&

Edited August 20, 2022 by Hien-0_1*

[Irishratticus72]

43 minutes ago, AEthelraedUnraed said:

...and cause a few other headaches in the meantime, especially when your game gets corrupted and you need to re-install (on Steam, you can just validate the game files instead). Or when the stock installer refuses to install or update the game, as it's wont to do (never had Steam fail installing/updating something).

 

Both have their advantages. My personal opinion is, if you like Steam or use it already, buy BoS on Steam and everything else from the website store. If you don't like Steam or don't want to start using it, buy everything from the website store to begin with. 

I'm a whore..... ?

[[CPT]Crunch]

This will be the best fleshed out map to date, with the most possible planes to throw in it.  Plenty of room for even more expansion with new collector planes, AI vehicles, ships, even building an earlier plane set.  Looking forward to four engine monstrosities and towed gliders in the not too far future. 

[firdimigdi]

This looks very very promising to say the least.

 

On 8/19/2022 at 6:06 PM, Han said:

There's a reason for that - it will include not only the Battle of Normandy, but a number of global improvements as well.

 

One can only hope that AI and/or Scaleform-related CPU usage optimizations are in those as well what with the large scale action this map is begging for.

[SvAF/F19_Klunk]

I miss Bearcat.. he would have loved this……

[simfan2015]

@CPT  Crunch... Indeed. Everyone is making predictions about what the next theatre and planes may be. You are right though... This new ultimate map and era is in fact perfect to continue the GB franchise. Gliders,  new bombers,  Tank Battles,  infantry... Collector planes and vehicles are... inevitable! Does it make more sense to start something completely new or ... Simply continue to build upon this proven succesful formula and technology ???  

[sevenless]

8 minutes ago, simfan2015 said:

@CPT  Crunch... Indeed. Everyone is making predictions about what the next theatre and planes may be. You are right though... This new ultimate map and era is in fact perfect to continue the GB franchise. Gliders,  new bombers,  Tank Battles,  infantry... Collector planes and vehicles are... inevitable! Does it make more sense to start something completely new or ... Simply continue to build upon this proven succesful formula and technology ???  

 

Yep. That map would allow airbattles over a timeframe from 07/1940 to 08/1944. I guess they are going to release quite a few interesting collectors for that. 

[Avimimus]

21 minutes ago, sevenless said:

Yep. That map would allow airbattles over a timeframe from 07/1940 to 08/1944. I guess they are going to release quite a few interesting collectors for that. 

 

They might want to hold back the most popular ones for a future module though... I could definitely see a Battle of Britain (and maybe a Battle of France). Although I think a lot of people would be quite unhappy with the amount of firepower in BoB... they could do some 1942 collector planes though? Mustang I?

 

I suspect that they'd want to hold back the Fw-190A9 and Bf-109G10 for future modules too though (e.g. Berlin or 1945 east). Saving the Fw-190A4 for a Leningrad/Finland module would also possibly be tempting. There are quite a few other really interesting planes out there though - even if the hold back some of these for the above reasons.

 

That said, I'm mainly interested in using collector aircraft to fill in gaps in existing planesets (e.g. Fw-189 or Fi-156 for artillery spotting, I-153 for Moscow and Kuban, Pe-3 for Moscow and Stalingrad etc.)

[sevenless]

46 minutes ago, Avimimus said:

they could do some 1942 collector planes though? Mustang I?

 

Yes. 1942 and 1943 planes. Spitfire Mk.IXc, Spitfire VI and VII, Spitfire LF MkVb, Mustang I and II, Beaufighter, Blenheim, A-20 G, Typhoon (car door),...

All of them usable for career mode in BoN and/or even in BoBP.

Edited August 20, 2022 by sevenless

[BalticDude]

11 hours ago, sevenless said:

As for the Griffon tear drop Mk XIV. Be aware that most likely the only option to fly that plane once it is released in SP-career mode will be in Bodenplatte from 02/45-04/45.

Got it. I will be using it mostly for multiplayer. Thanks for letting me know though the time frame I can use it. 

1 hour ago, Avimimus said:

That said, I'm mainly interested in using collector aircraft to fill in gaps in existing planesets (e.g. Fw-189 or Fi-156 for artillery spotting, I-153 for Moscow and Kuban, Pe-3 for Moscow and Stalingrad etc.)

I really hope we get I-153 eventually for Moscow. I would even fly the cannon version for Kuban.

[SOLIDKREATE]

Good stuff and I cannot wait. This Fall or Holiday season will be WAR! ?

 

The picture that shows the career emblems made me pretty damn happy. I only see the working side of those. Seeing it in practice, and what the 1CGS artists did to make them look like patches, made me happy. I'm extremely proud that a part of me is in this game as may other community members who have contributed. Keep it up guys and girls. I am so glad this game exists.

Edited August 20, 2022 by SOLIDKREATE

[Avimimus]

1 hour ago, sevenless said:

Yes. 1942 and 1943 planes. Spitfire Mk.IXc, Spitfire VI and VII, Spitfire LF MkVb, Mustang I and II, Beaufighter, Blenheim, A-20 G, Typhoon (car door),...

All of them usable for career mode in BoN and/or even in BoBP.

 

Do-217E if enough refs could be found... Boston III... and HF Spits?

 

  

59 minutes ago, BalticDude said:

I really hope we get I-153 eventually for Moscow. I would even fly the cannon version for Kuban.

 

Yes. It transition to flying close air support... which keeps it relevant surprisingly late. Manoeuvrability and small size, rather than armour, for defence... and superior mountain flying performance (compared to other aircraft such as the Il-2). I bet one could make a bit of a mess in multiplayer using it to sneak around like a faster U-2VS too!

Edited August 20, 2022 by Avimimus

[LukeFF]

2 hours ago, SOLIDKREATE said:

Good stuff and I cannot wait. This Fall or Holiday season will be WAR! ?

 

The picture that shows the career emblems made me pretty damn happy. I only see the working side of those. Seeing it in practice, and what the 1CGS artists did to make them look like patches, made me happy. I'm extremely proud that a part of me is in this game as may other community members who have contributed. Keep it up guys and girls. I am so glad this game exists.

 

Your work is excellent, as always! ??

2 hours ago, Avimimus said:

 

Do-217E if enough refs could be found... Boston III... and HF Spits?

 

  

 

Yes. It transition to flying close air support... which keeps it relevant surprisingly late. Manoeuvrability and small size, rather than armour, for defence... and superior mountain flying performance (compared to other aircraft such as the Il-2). I bet one could make a bit of a mess in multiplayer using it to sneak around like a faster U-2VS too!

 

Could we please make this a discussion about the DD and not yet another aircraft wishlist discussion? 

[MisterSmith]

Please stay on topic. This is a BoN DD. Future expansions and AC have a ton of their own threads.

 

I will be deleting further tangents going down that road - but I'll let the existing ones stand.

 

Smith

[jaguar]

The coating on Manston airdrome runway seems too light to me. I've seem pictures of it with much darker appearance (asphalt?)

 

On the 3rd picture what seems RAF Hawkinge, if so, should have a concrete peritrack

Edited August 21, 2022 by jaguar

[AEthelraedUnraed]

17 hours ago, Hien-0_1* said:

Sorry, but two maps are not enough!

You can always delete certain airfields from the surface file to create whatever intermediate stage you like.

[Avimimus]

11 hours ago, LukeFF said:

Could we please make this a discussion about the DD and not yet another aircraft wishlist discussion? 

 

11 hours ago, MisterSmith said:

Please stay on topic. This is a BoN DD. Future expansions and AC have a ton of their own threads.

 

I will be deleting further tangents going down that road - but I'll let the existing ones stand.

 

Smith

 

Understood!

 

Apologies for the excess enthusiasm! It is exciting to have a new map, and with the devs hinting that there may be yet more unannounced work, a possible new module announcement anticipated in the next six months, and the overall quality of the work being released - it is hard for some of us to avoid wondering and being a bit excited. But I get your point about this not being the right thread!

 

P.S. I do think that discussion of how to use this map with existing Collector Aircraft (and aircraft from other modules) to simulate 1942 and 1943 is likely alright? Just so long as it is a discussion about using already released aircraft on this map?

[MisterSmith]

There is a bit of latitude but let us not stray too far afield........

[unclepants]

I've been hanging out for this map, really excited to see my hometown finally given justice in a sim. DCS doesn't even have Brighton, apart from on the historic map - the version of F10 that really only gives character rather than much useful info. CloD does it's best but the ancient engine holds it back a bit, I believe. Saying that, don't rush on my (or any other impatient dickhead's) behalf. I can see why this would be a mammoth undertaking and I know how complicated software production can be, what with dependencies, regression etc etc etc.. Great job it's nearly here, I'm sure it will live up to my expectations! No pressure.

[Hien-0_1*]

23 hours ago, Hien-0_1* said:

Sorry, but two maps are not enough!

You can always delete certain airfields from the surface file to create whatever intermediate stage you like.

 

Sorry, is that possible? ?But how ???
That would help me a lot (no more criticism of only two maps)!!!?

[357th_KW]

2 hours ago, Avimimus said:

 

P.S. I do think that discussion of how to use this map with existing Collector Aircraft (and aircraft from other modules) to simulate 1942 and 1943 is likely alright? Just so long as it is a discussion about using already released aircraft on this map?

You could go back in early 1941 if you wanted.  We don’t have everything for that period, but the 109E-7 was still in widespread use and the the 109F-2 was just being introduced.  The Luftwaffe were still flying fighter sweeps over the channel and Britain itself at times, and Ju88’s, He111’s and Do17 were still making occasional small scale recon and coastal attack flights during the day, usually taking advantage of the poor winter weather to try to avoid RAF fighters.  The Hurricane II and Spitfire Vc were both being introduced in early 1941.  As the year went on, the RAF shifted to an offensive footing, and the Luftwaffe shifted to defense, as most of their forces moved to the eastern front and Mediterranean.  Early bombing raids on France primarily involved Blenheim’s and Hudson’s, but soon transitioned to the Boston (basically the same as our A-20).  The RAF had also started the practice of low altitude intruder missions over occupied France by small numbers of fighters.  Hopefully we’ll eventually get a Spit I/II and a Hurricane I, as that really opens the door to push back into 1940.

[nachinus]

Is there any update on the system requirements for Normandy? The new huge map is surely harder to handle. 

[Eisenfaustus]

1 minute ago, 357th_KW said:

You could go back in early 1941 if you wanted.

Career won‘t. Because airfields, fortifications ect will all be 1944. Collector planes will neither. Because they need to fit in career. Private creators can. That‘s why I‘m absolutely thrilled what pwcg will do with this beautiful map!

 

really really looking forward to the release. Trying to survive in a Fw 190 squadron against spits and mustangs will be quite challenging in career until @PatrickAWlson releases his Implementation.

[Tromplamort-Dser]

On the first screenshot showing the Mouth of the Orne and Pegasus bridge we can clearly see a round about on the road. This round about didn't exist back in 1950 and is a modern construction.

I known I'm picky but I hope for the Normandy Map not have many mistakes such as this one as I've Seen on the Cliff of Dover Map. Please there is the wonderfull site "remonter le temps" by the IGN with périod aerial photographies....

Edited August 21, 2022 by Tromplamort-Dser