Developer Diary 339 Discussion

[JG4_Moltke1871]

A few questions about the new mission types:

I guess for the artillery adjustment need the radio?

Will there be voices in the game for Flying circus? On the picture I see first time a message ?

 

For the photo rexcon:

 

Is the GUI neccesary to manage it? How it will work with hardcore settings? Is it possible Watch through the cam or use the bombsight to take photos?

 

Sorry,

I just cant wait the update ?

 

 

Edited February 22, 2023 by JG4_Moltke1871

[Crockett]

You'll certainly be able to count on my support in buying planes as they come out! This is good news indeed!!!

[ST_Catchov]

Look, we all know FC is the jewel in the crown of the GB series and this update, whilst well overdue, is warmly welcomed by all discerning simmers. WWII is so last century.

[migmadmarine]

5 hours ago, JG4_Moltke1871 said:

A few questions about the new mission types:

I guess for the artillery adjustment need the radio?

Will there be voices in the game for Flying circus? On the picture I see first time a message ?

Should be morse code for the radio calls to the battery in this era, shouldn't it? 

[1PL-Husar-1Esk]

Do I see correctly that observer not the pilot is taking recon pictures? That would be great improvement from ROF only if it work like that in multiplayer .

Edited February 22, 2023 by 1PL-Husar-1Esk

[Soilworker]

This is sounding great, FC3 would be insta-preorder for me. I'd love to fly the Pup, N.17, Halberstadt D.II, D.H.2 and many more in VR. 

 

Regarding seaplanes, the devs did state they were having some trouble making lighter seafaring object behave properly on the ocean so that might through a spanner in the works. 

 

On 2/17/2023 at 4:18 PM, AgroAlba said:

Is this Pilot Career mode going to be usable for players who have just purchased Vol.I? 

 

Almost certainly yes, looking at how the GB series has gone thus far. The Western Front map is available to owners of either FC1 or FC2 (according to the v5.003 update blog) and they'll make careers for all available aircraft (like in the WWII pilot careers). 

[Hohenadler]

Bring it on, finally having a career mode! Offering WWI collector planes opens up opportunities to virtually recreate some interesting planes from the war and possibly the interwar years starting with the civil wars in Eastern Europe? would pay a premium for something like that. It's cool to learn history from vidya games.

[Soilworker]

9 hours ago, Hohenadler said:

Bring it on, finally having a career mode! Offering WWI collector planes opens up opportunities to virtually recreate some interesting planes from the war and possibly the interwar years starting with the civil wars in Eastern Europe? would pay a premium for something like that. It's cool to learn history from vidya games.

 

Totally agree! But I think we're in the minority of the customer base and especially the potential customer base. 

Spanish Civil War would be cool... 

[Russkly]

In terms of logging player interest in FC3, you have mine.

[hsthhsth]

On 2/20/2023 at 1:58 AM, AEthelraedUnraed said:

It's been like that for as long as I remember. You need to start IL2 in online mode to use the career, yes, and I'm not quite sure if it doesn't occasionally connect to some authentication server between missions (although I don't think so), but I'm certain the career mission generation happens offline. As far as I recall, the career should still work when offline as long as you started IL2 when online.

Thank you for this information. But it baffles me even more. Why is the online entry required to see the Career Mode? If it's also available at the Offline mode the program can check the online connection at the required moments and inform the user if the connection isn't available.

[Lusekofte]

2 hours ago, Soilworker said:

 

Totally agree! But I think we're in the minority of the customer base and especially the potential customer base. 

Spanish Civil War would be cool... 

SCW and Finnish winterwar would be a dream. In special with current game engine. 
mk I , SB 2 , JU 52 bombers SM 79 and all those early fighters. 

[Guest deleted@219798]

On 2/21/2023 at 6:58 PM, Jamppa said:

 

Albatros DV started to came in front about May 1917 but only in limited numbers first. Pfalz arrived late summer so yes there is a problem. Fokker DrI was pretty much nonfactor until early spring 1918 because all problems with it's wing failures and was in front only quite short periods before 1918. Game desperately needs an Albatros DIII and it's very strange that they left it out and gave us plane like Pfalz a plane that was not very popular with it's pilots and was mostly used by Bavarian Jastas anyway.

An Albatros DV isn't a DVa. Yeah where is the Albatros DIII or for that matter DII?

[JimC]

Will support Flying Circus fully.

[Jamppa]

2 hours ago, kestrel444x500 said:

An Albatros DV isn't a DVa. Yeah where is the Albatros DIII or for that matter DII?

Well if we split some hair,, same plane but DVa was more like an enhanced variant but anyway,, ? where is our DIII and yes DII too... Both or even one of these and i'm one happy puppy ?

[ST_Catchov]

I just purchased the Snipe and pre-ordered the Siemens. I was holding off until confirmation that FC development would proceed after the recent management restructuring. I'm happy to see that it will and glad to shell out the rubles. Bring on the early birds! Those of us who have this obsession with the infancy of aerial combat want it bad. That is all. You know what to do.

[jollyjack]

Nah, not buying any Siemens at that price, even when it's called 'Extraklas', and if it flies ... it looks too much like a Chinese balloon in disguise ...

 

[Styx13]

Dear Developers, 

 

Looks great, but I do hope that there will be improvements in the WWII campaigns (BoS, BoN, BoP etc.) as well. Some issues:

 

- The generated missions are very predictible both in types (mostly boring escorts) and outcome (the enemy will attack at the last waypoint). 

 

- The basic mission altitude is the same (2000 m), which is too low for a Western campaign. 

 

- Radio communication is still very basic, wingmans do not follow the orders etc., although the AI became much-much better, congratulations for that.

 

- A bit realistic squadron management (individual pilot logbooks, plane mantenance, logistical features etc.) would be also welcomed, but the squadron markings were improved much, thanks. 

 

Alltogether I am just a bit impatient, because this platform could be the best WWII sim ever both in visual expereience both in reality. Just a few more small steps needed. 

 

Thanks! 

 

 

[jollyjack]

5.101 delayed?

[dburne]

6 minutes ago, jollyjack said:

5.101 delayed?

 

 

 

Edited February 28, 2023 by dburne

[Guest deleted@219798]

I hope that the lone patrol will be included in the new career mode.

[ST_Catchov]

On 3/1/2023 at 9:46 AM, kestrel444x500 said:

I hope that the lone patrol will be included in the new career mode.

 

Aye, I'm sure it will be. It is part of the WW1 legend. Ball, McCudden, Bishop, Errol .... but I do hope they improve the mission scripting/AI before release. There has been some concern about the WWII career modes in this area ....

[Guest deleted@219798]

On 3/2/2023 at 6:23 PM, ST_Catchov said:

 

Aye, I'm sure it will be. It is part of the WW1 legend. Ball, McCudden, Bishop, Errol .... but I do hope they improve the mission scripting/AI before release. There has been some concern about the WWII career modes in this area ....

Yeah AI need a lot of work that's for sure. Some of the move are laughable.

[JG4_Moltke1871]

Our goal is to fully reproduce the aircraft set and the Rise of Flight map in the modern engine.

That’s a great goal. So far we have 20 planes in Flying Circus, In rise of flight was about 40 planes? Two more we have already with the SS D.IV and the Snow ? It sounds really good. I think it’s worth to reproduce ROF because the improvement by VR and more detailed planes ( like including trim in the Breguet ). 
I never played ROF but only think about to have this planeset in VR is breathing. The maps I read about ( channel map ! ) sounds also like a must have…

So fingers crossing and pray this project comes true!!
 

 

[1714ERIXX11]

As of today, do I have FC II content installed? How to know?

If so, is there any mission that shows off all the improvements NOW?

 

[1PL-Husar-1Esk]

10 hours ago, 1714ERIXX11 said:

As of today, do I have FC II content installed? How to know?

If so, is there any mission that shows off all the improvements NOW?

 

Red bar in top right corner with white label "Flying Circous Vol II, just after you log into the game. 

[Lusekofte]

10 hours ago, 1714ERIXX11 said:

As of today, do I have FC II content installed? How to know?

If so, is there any mission that shows off all the improvements NOW?

 

Just for information, you got everything they made installed, when you pay for it, it become available. 
This is why you can fight in all maps online and meet planes you do not own yourself

[MarcusParis]

Yes FC2 is nice, but I am waiting so much for FC3 with Reims and FC4 with Verdun

[Athlonic]

On 2/17/2023 at 4:18 PM, AgroAlba said:

Is this Pilot Career mode going to be usable for players who have just purchased Vol.I? 

 

Hi,

 

First time posting here (I think), I was upon a time a frequent ROF player and I am still holding on getting Flying Circus thingy because of the simple lack of ... career mode

I received an email from "1С Game Studios" on march 16 in which I can read the following :

 

Quote

Dear Friends,
We're preparing another huge update 5.101 this month. It will bring the Pilot's Career mode and updated Western Front WWI map for Flying Circus Vol.I and Vol.II...
...

Spring Sale
...
Flying Circus Volume I – 70% OFF (Website and Steam)
Includes two single-player campaigns and the new Western Front map, Career mode is coming this month!
...

See you in the skies!
The Sturmovik Team
 

 

My first reaction was "Finally !" and then I learned about FC vol.II and about some mods to add career mode in FC vol.I !

(Yeah I know, it sounds like a was living in a cave all these years but I was rather flying on DCS and MSFS 2020 and totally forgot about IL2 stuff.)

I know how game development and economy works nowadays and I would be surprised to see career mode getting added in an old product whereas a brand new one is just getting out.

And I just can't find any confirmation on this here or on the store site and I am starting to think that these info in the email mentioned above might be a typo...

 

So anyway, here is my question :

Should I buy FC vol.I at 70% off right now or should I wait and get FC vol.II to get this so long awaited WWI career mode ?

 

Thanks, and really nice to see things are moving again on the "WWI sim flying scene"  

Edited March 20, 2023 by Athlonic
Ok it actually is my first post, joined 2015 / post 1, lol

[LukeFF]

All FC players - regardless of which titles you own - are getting career mode. 

[PO_Baldrick]

27 minutes ago, LukeFF said:

All FC players - regardless of which titles you own - are getting career mode. 

Do I also read it that both titles get the updated map too? I am not sure what FC2 brings apart from additional aircraft?

[VAG_Sevy]

You should make an effort about spelling. Many of the names on maps are misspelled or sometimes downright unknown. Example: On FC1, "Braizieux" in France does not exist, you must write "Baizieux" . FC2, you have to write "Beauzée sur Aire", the accentuation is very important in French. Some names are anglicized, maybe because of your British documentation, this is not correct. At first glance, I found more than thirty errors on all the FC' maps, but there may be more? One last thing: The dominant army of the Entente on the western front is the French army. British are only a small part of the northern front. They suffer intense fighting it is true, but they remain a minority on French soil. It might be time to provide equipment and vehicles accordingly? There are specialized books often in french otherwise ask to more reliable people who know this conflict very well Just to be a little more credible in your work.

[AEthelraedUnraed]

9 hours ago, VAG_Sevy said:

You should make an effort about spelling. Many of the names on maps are misspelled or sometimes downright unknown. [...] At first glance, I found more than thirty errors on all the FC' maps

Why don't you provide a list of these >30 errors? You're much more likely to see this fixed if the Devs don't have to check all the names for themselves.

 

9 hours ago, VAG_Sevy said:

Some names are anglicized, maybe because of your British documentation, this is not correct.

Anglicization doesn't make a name incorrect. It may or may not be according to your personal preferences, but French, Dutch (for many towns in Belgium and northeastern France) and English spellings are all correct based on your viewpoint.

 

9 hours ago, VAG_Sevy said:

One last thing: The dominant army of the Entente on the western front is the French army. British are only a small part of the northern front. They suffer intense fighting it is true, but they remain a minority on French soil. It might be time to provide equipment and vehicles accordingly? There are specialized books often in french otherwise ask to more reliable people who know this conflict very well Just to be a little more credible in your work.

I'm all for more French vehicles, but it's a bit late for that now, isn't it? FC2 is nearly released now; there's no way they're gonna create more vehicles. Maybe in FC3, if it ever comes, but not any time sooner.

[VAG_Sevy]

AEthelraedUnraed,  we both had this kind of conversation before about the Rheinland map if you remember? I very much appreciate your interventions on these subjects because I know that you have the same concern for realism as I do. It's just that I'm expressing myself with more roughness because I find that the developers are not very cooperative when it comes to the maps.
 

23 hours ago, AEthelraedUnraed said:

Why don't you provide a list of these >30 errors? You're much more likely to see this fixed if the Devs don't have to check all the names for themselves.

Know that I have already done much of the proofreading work. One day I might make a mod out of it, but I won't help the devs until they disprove the answer Jason posted to me and that we can also discuss about improving bodenplatte!

23 hours ago, AEthelraedUnraed said:

Anglicization doesn't make a name incorrect. It may or may not be according to your personal preferences, but French, Dutch (for many towns in Belgium and northeastern France) and English spellings are all correct based on your viewpoint.

I do not agree. If there must be anglicization, then it must correspond to the language choice on the game interface, as for Russian maps! We do not distort the names of a country to please the Anglo-Saxons who, it is true, are used to transforming everything to their advantage. As far as Belgium is concerned, I know the history of my country well. Before 1945, there was only one administrative language and therefore all Flemish names that had a French translation were written on maps and road signs in French (no double display)! But we are not obliged to go to this detail for the Belgian part. For me, writing Antwerpen or Anvers seems valid to me. But it must be written without spelling mistakes!

23 hours ago, AEthelraedUnraed said:

I'm all for more French vehicles, but it's a bit late for that now, isn't it? FC2 is nearly released now; there's no way they're gonna create more vehicles. Maybe in FC3, if it ever comes, but not any time sooner.

However, I have read posts from people who have been talking about it for a long time. Again this was ignored! It doesn't matter if we wait another year, as long as we have a finished product.

 

Although I was disgusted last year by Jason's response to the post we initiated. I remain at your disposal for a discussion on discord!

Edited March 29, 2023 by VAG_Sevy

[Avimimus]

I'm not sure Anglo-Saxon is a good descriptor  Anglo-American maybe... there has been a lot of cultural development and mixing since those days - even if Æthelred the Unready is Anglo-Saxon... I think the issue with Anglicisation goes beyond just him

 

I do agree that place-names should be de-anglicised (or both spellings should be added to the maps). A lot of French and Belgian people died in WWI - they deserve to have their home towns/cities spelled correctly.

 

P.S. We could also probably do with at least one additional French two-seater... I know the Caudron G.4 is very popular, but the Voisin VIII pusher was more numerous and was used in night bombing until the end of the war... so that'd also be a good pick.

[LukeFF]

I really don't see this issue (what map name to use) as something that's ever going to be resolved. Especially when we are talking about an area like Belgium, there are going to be those that claim one spelling should be used, but then those are going to be countered by another, and then another, etc. And, like it or not, since English is the dominant language worldwide, typically what you're going to see is the Anglicized spelling of a place name if there's a dispute over what it should be called on the map. 

[AEthelraedUnraed]

4 hours ago, VAG_Sevy said:

AEthelraedUnraed,  we both had this kind of conversation before about the Rheinland map if you remember? I very much appreciate your interventions on these subjects because I know that you have the same concern for realism as I do. It's just that I'm expressing myself with more roughness because I find that the developers are not very cooperative when it comes to the maps.

I know our concerns are similar. Don't worry about that . I just think I have a slightly more pragmatic outlook where I take it as a given that the Devs are probably not gonna spend much more time on this, so we're gonna have to make it as easy as possible for them to make changes/adjustments if we ever want to see those, and that complaining about it won't change much. Regarding discussions on discord, it's just that I don't really use discord...

 

2 hours ago, Avimimus said:

I'm not sure Anglo-Saxon is a good descriptor  Anglo-American maybe... there has been a lot of cultural development and mixing since those days - even if Æthelred the Unready is Anglo-Saxon... I think the issue with Anglicisation goes beyond just him

Someone actually knows who Æþelræd Unræd is?! I think it's the coolest nickname in history, given the excellent wordplay on his given name and the... ehm... rather ill-advised decisions he made.

 

Anyhow, I agree with LukeFF that the language of the map is an issue that's never going to be satisfactorily resolved for everyone. Russian maps aren't really a comparison, since most people worldwide can read "Stalingrad" while relatively few can read "Сталингра́д". Conversely, no matter if you speak French, Dutch or some other language, you're very likely able to read both Lille and Rijssel, both St. Marie Cappel and Sint-Maria-Kapel, both Menin and Menen*. As far as I know, there's only one version of the in-game map so it's not possible to make different versions depending on what language you set in-game. So that makes it impossible to change the map language based on a player's personal preferences. In that light, I think the English version might even be preferable, precisely because it avoids the whole (politically loaded) question of whether certain names should have the Dutch or French name. But again, I personally think all spellings are correct.

 

Of course the above does not concern those cases where a town name is spelled wrongly in all of English, French and Dutch. In which case it is a clear spelling error, and it should be corrected. Naturally, I agree with VAG_Sevy there.

 

2 hours ago, Avimimus said:

P.S. We could also probably do with at least one additional French two-seater... I know the Caudron G.4 is very popular, but the Voisin VIII pusher was more numerous and was used in night bombing until the end of the war... so that'd also be a good pick.

Absolutely! Or some earlier Nieuports. But let's start with hoping that FC3 ever gets released at all.

 

 

* But unless you speak Dutch or French, you're very unlikely to pronounce any of those names correctly. That's a different discussion though

Edited March 29, 2023 by AEthelraedUnraed

[LukeFF]

2 hours ago, AEthelraedUnraed said:

As far as I know, there's only one version of the in-game map so it's not possible to make different versions depending on what language you set in-game.

 

Correct

[VAG_Sevy]

21 hours ago, AEthelraedUnraed said:

Of course the above does not concern those cases where a town name is spelled wrongly in all of English, French and Dutch. In which case it is a clear spelling error, and it should be corrected. Naturally, I agree with VAG_Sevy there.

Et voilà! that's exactly it... Only the spelling mistakes concern me, use the accentuation on the French words and don't replace the names whether they are in French or in Flemish with the English names that his last gave for ease of pronunciation!

And please fix "Braizieux" to "Baizieux" on the Arras map, this fault is bugging me every time I connect to the FC server. It's probably because of this that I get shot down so often!? If the devs do that, then I will correct all other mistakes as soon as FC2 is released. I will even give them the list of all the errors on the location and name of the airfields. documentation is the secret of success !!!

Edited March 30, 2023 by VAG_Sevy

[MarcusParis]

Thank you for French pilots !