DCS World 2 is the next iteration of the Digital Combat Simulator (DCS) series that will include a new graphics engine (developed in our Eagle Dynamics Graphics Engine development environment). In addition to the new graphics engine, DCS World 2 will also usher in the ability to have multiple maps integrated into DCS (both developed by Eagle Dynamics and our 3rd party partners). Maps currently in developed include the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), Strait of Hormuz, and Europe 1944. The Map SDK is available to qualified 3rd party development teams. Interested parties can PM me with detailed proposals.
Some features we plan to include in DCS World 2 include: Direct X 11 support Improved performance Dynamic shadowing of the terrain and mountains Improved weather Improved lighting Clipmap support for new maps Higher object counts Higher resolution ground terrain mesh and textures for new maps (between 1 and 64 meters per pixel depending on area of map and clipmap level) More detailed tree models with collision for new maps Better graphical effects High resolution road textures for new maps Ability for road signs and light signals for new maps Additional ground clutter (rocks, cactuses, etc.) for new maps Skeleton animation for infantry Better use of multiple GPUs (CPU multi-threading is not being pursued as it will provide little if any gain) Ability to create dedicated servers in the future Unified front end and simulation .exe Improved API sound support Improved Oculus Rift support The Black Sea map will see several benefits of this including better lighting, improved grass, effects and weather.
We hope to release DCS World 2 in early 2015. This is not a promise but simply our best estimate given the current development status as of December 2014. We also cannot promise that each feature listed above will make it into the initial release.
The Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) Map
The first new map being developed for DCS World 2 is the NTTR map.
This map originally started as a third party project with no input from Eagle Dynamics. However, as we started to develop DCS: A-10C, we realized that this map could serve as a great location for the A-10C training missions. To make this happen, we officially partnered with the third party team to help make this happen. We were so confident in this endeavor that we included a very early version as part of the original A-10C beta.
Unfortunately, due to several reasons, the third party team dissolved and Eagle was left holding the bag of a promised NTTR map to customers that had purchased it as part of A-10C. After taking over the project, it soon became apparent that the current engine was incapable of running the map at the desired quality levels vs. performance. In order to realize this map as first envisioned, an entirely new image generator would be required... this later became a key element of the new graphics engine.
Building a new graphics engine is never an easy or fast task and DCS World 2 has proved no different. However, the NTTR map has provided an excellent test bed for the new map rendering technologies. So, all that being said, the NTTR was developed for the following reasons:
1- For training missions of western aircraft. 2- To honor A-10C beta purchases. 3- Allow creation of Red Flag type missions centered on the NTTR. 4- New map technology test bed.
Some facts about the NTTR map: -Airfields include Nellis AFB, Groom Lake AFB, Creech AFB, and Las Vegas McCarren. At a later point we hope to also add Tonopah AFB.
-We hope to release an Alpha test version within the next couple of months depending how debugging goes.
-Currently, most of the art aspects are complete and most of the remaining work is in regards to integrating the map into DCS World 2 (AI, effects, collisions, weather, etc.)
-The map is composed of three different levels of elevation mesh and texture detail. The highest detail is around the airbases and the lowest detail is along the outside perimeter of the map.
-An Alpha test version of the NTTR map will be made available for free to those customers that purchased the A-10C beta. For those that did not take part in the A-10C beta, the NTTR map price and availability is TBD
Some facts about the NTTR map: -Airfields include Nellis AFB, Groom Lake AFB, Creech AFB, and Las Vegas McCarren. At a later point we hope to also add Tonopah AFB.
I do hope that out of all this (roughly estimated) area, we get more than five airfields.
Hey, that's great! I recently got myself a new computer that's good enough to max out all the graphics settings, so hopefully by February the graphics will look even better again.
Any word on when they're doing a new damage system? I got very fed up yesterday after having to put +200 .50 cal rounds into a badly damaged MiG-15 to down it.
What's really troubling is that the NTTR map will be released as ALPHA in the next couple of months, depending on how debugging goes? Look at the first post in this thread and now this? Strange ...
I don't think we'll se a beta of DCS 2.0 before summer next year.
What's really troubling is that the NTTR map will be released as ALPHA in the next couple of months, depending on how debugging goes? Look at the first post in this thread and now this? Strange ...
I don't think we'll se a beta of DCS 2.0 before summer next year.
Drink every time ED says something is due at a "later date!"
(I'm not to be held responsible for any cases of alcohol poisoning...)
I kid, I kid. EDGE sounds great.
Originally Posted By: Genbrien
better not get anyone whinning about that ffs! execpt if tree's hit box is 3' wider than it should.... than you could whine
Actually, I think a good balance would to be to make the hit box a bit smaller than the visual model. This allows you to "brush" a tree-branch with a rotor or wing, and not instantly turn into a giant fire ball (looking at you, Arma 3).
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Which is a well known fact - why do you mention it? From Wags post it sounds as if the map is released months after DCS2.0 only in alpha! stage, which I find strange when in 2013 Wags stated the map was nearly done.
Let's see what this delay means for all the other maps and the F-18 module.
Would love to see a Korea map for the Mig and Sabre
Not only that, I would really really love to fly the Korea wars helos over that map too (yeah, I know, it won't be so popular given that they were unarmed/lightly armed, but one can dream)
Imagine bailing out of your damaged F4U-4b into enemy territory and hunkering down until a helo piloted by another online player came to get you.
You can already walk around one bailed out in DCS so it's not impossible.
Don't forget you can also drive some of the vehicles:
I think it was more of an easter egg for sh*ts and grins; but still, it's pretty cool to have that functionality.
Ever since playing Jane's F-15E I've wanted this. Even tho you couldn't move your character, if you bailed out in range of a SAR helo it would scramble to pick you up, so you could continue your pilot's career (otherwise he was MIA).
Maybe if they add coop support for aircraft, then you could have human pilot/copilot, and be able to use the cargo spots (fingers crossed)
From a gameplay perspective...how cool would it be to get shot down, bailout, then have the mission prompt you for whether you'd like to attempt an extraction by flying the Huey or Mi-8 to pick up your own pilot (if you own that module).. That would be pretty cool.
I agree that it'd definitely be mega to have something like that. As much as I love the Huey, I'm struggling to find anything to do with it that's entertaining in the long run. If MP games would feature a human pilot bailing out and being in need of CSAR, I'd have a blast tuning the radio to the pilot's emergency beacon and riding in with door gunners blazing, unloading infantry and retrieving the pilot.
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I agree that it'd definitely be mega to have something like that. As much as I love the Huey, I'm struggling to find anything to do with it that's entertaining in the long run. If MP games would feature a human pilot bailing out and being in need of CSAR, I'd have a blast tuning the radio to the pilot's emergency beacon and riding in with door gunners blazing, unloading infantry and retrieving the pilot.
Some squads have this procedure in DCS today, it was discussed in the last 476th podcast.