Again, thanks for the detailed response. I may have an opportunity to give the sim a try soon, so I'm off to start reading the manual.

Another question from someone on the sideline.

Regarding single player mode and the learing curve to tactics....Is there a series of missions to play that will help you learn progressively the different tactics to use and how to set them up on the map?

I agree having a few tanks in your platoon would be easier than having to learn a whole company. But I don't have much knowlege of tank tactics and how to interface with the maps.. a series of missions that teaches you how to use and when to use, such tactics would be something I would be looking for to learn.

Going online wise, I am not sure my schedule and time requirements to meet would fit with others. I would rather learn the lessons myself, play a few single player missions, then later join online.

Regarding a set of scenarios on basic tactics, see:

http://www.steelbeasts.com/sbforums/showthread.php?t=13886

And with respect to using the map, SB Pro PE can even be used to teach land navigation:

http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2904901/SBPro_PE_Training_Mission_01.html#Post2904901

Ssnake, I downloaded the software and am reading the new manuals now. The sim looks quite comprehensive and the manuals are well written. In fact, the manuals sell the game better than any back-of-the-box copy could. It might be worth offering some or all of the docs as a prominent download from the eSim site. They would be an enticement to prospective customers as they show both the scope of the game and the quality of support.

Thanks for the kind words. It's good to know that our efforts in this area paid off. I think that especially for a combat simulation there should be high standards for comprehensive (and comprehensible) documentation not only about user interface issues, but also about the foundation of its modeling and simulation.
The user must know to which extent the simulation results exceed the fidelity level of mere plausibility.

Don't trust what you see, just because the computer says so. They may not lie as a result of a conscious effort to hide the truth, but in the end we're still talking about models: Simplifications in the model itself and, above all, uncertainty in the base parameters can only lead to results that can rarely claim to deliver more than "plausible" results. Plus, modeling and simulation of highly complex and dynamic processes like combat can only "predict the past", as past battle results are the only yardstick against which simulated combat can be compared to assess the fidelity.

Just bought 2.6 license upgrade since there's finally the anticipated OPFOR tank in the form of T-72M1 and I'm in the process of "luring" more mates to buy the sim. The the price has dropped somewhat ($100) which is also step to the right direction. On the side note, i noticed steelbeasts.com still rates the price as $125 while esim Games says $100 so that should be corrected ASAP.

Well, the price will be up again at $125.- once that the new manuals and DVDs are available for a full copy (February, probably). However, both items have been optional until we ran out of stock in November, and this will again be the case once that they are back in stock. So you can have a "no frills" version cheaper, or a version with installation DVD and printed manual if you like these items.

Hello!

I can buy this game today but eSim Games (BTW - change your name because you constantly advertise SBPro as real tank simulator!) has copy-protection system requiring this stupid dongle which must be physically shipped to me. You know, I am from Europe and shipping from US can last 2-3 weeks. I considered to buy SBPro in this German e-shop to get it more quickly but now these losers sell only 2.640 upgrade alone. I don't want to wait till February. Well, I am accustomed to "instant buy - instant play" scheme purchasing games on-line.

However I have heard there is possibility to borrow license temporarily as an indirect replacement of lacking SBPro PE demo. So would it be possible that someone will lend one license to me until my dongle arrives?

If so, inform me in this thread and I'll buy SBPro PE instantly and later show proof of purchase where necessary to borrow license.

Cheers!

OK, I don't think this really matter where you and I live. Do you lend license trough Hamachi VLAN or directly via Internet? As I understand I must download and install SBPro PE 2.640 from eSim game website and connect to you. So let me know via PM when you are ready so I'll purchase it and send you via PM some proof of purchase (invoice number or whatever you want) so you can contact Ssnaker or other eSim guy to check if my purchase is valid and voile.

Yes, turned-off rig on license lender side is some disadvantage because US and Europe timezones are quite different...I sleep, you work for instance! unfortunately I don't know SBPro PE players from Europe and I don't have Teamspeak installed.

I don't want to wait for Okaysoft till February because mail from Nevada or Virgina will ship earlier if I purchase SBPro PE now at eSim store.

We're not ashamed of our origins, and we're using gaming technology and techniques to bring the simulation to the PC platform. So - no, we won't change the company name.