Jumbik

It's not that long ago when campaigns were also not possible for 3rd parties without tying it to a release of airplane module. The problem was with content protection and avoiding possible distribution out of ED's hands. ED created a platform where content creators are now protected and have an assurance that they will get something back for their work. Before it was not possible and charging money would be a futile attempt as people would simply share it. Maps have a bit different problem now. The platform for it is already in works, ED created version 2.0 where maps are treated as modules and thus can be sold separately. But it's still in alpha phase. There are steps that need to happen before it will be possible to allow content creators access. If it will ever get into this phase anyway, maybe it will stay only as an inside thing. The first step, maybe after 2.5 launch would be creating tools accessible by community for creating maps. No need to tie it to licence, everybody would be able to create maps. Second step would be creating a QA process where content would undergo testing for those that would like to monetize their creations. This is the biggest part as you would probably not want to see maps that are out of fantasy world and content creators would be forced to stick to the reality. Also everybody who would like to sell their content via ED's shop would have support the product even after the release. We would then see similar situation as it is now with missions and campaigns. A lot of free content would show up, a lot of it would be just small maps for small scenarios, but we could also see some highly sophisticated creations and it's only natural that it would in time evolve in a payware modules. ED's has a big chance here. If they will release tools that will be free as is the ingame mission editor, they could only profit from it in the long run. Map creation is a long process which requires a ton of research so I do not worry that it would make any problem with their current business. They can even fish for new members of their team this way.

Well, if the announcement message of the F-18C at E3 can be taken serious on all notes, then we can expect the map after Strait of Hormuz.

I remember that there were really good coop multiplayer scenarios from someone called Dragon. The problem is that each bigger DCS patch made these scenarios broken until they were fixed. Ultimately it lead to complete abandon of it, either until DCS will be in a lot stable place (2.5) or people doing it simply lost interest. Everybody had their own role in the map and it was a lot of fun.

Well, with the F-18 and F-14 on horizon I suppose we should see it solved "soon", I hope.

Try to rename (make a backup this way) this folder: "C:\Users"YourProfileNameHere"\Saved Games\DCS" and start the game.

At least we can look forward to F-14, F-18 and Harrier release still happening this year. I think that these three airplanes will keep me busy for a long time until the A-7 will drop.

From what Wags said, works on other maps were on hold until Normandy was ready for Early access. We can only guess how much was done for Caucasus before they decided to finish Normandy first. I do remember that there were images of how the new map will look. Ultimately it was decided to not only upgrade the map to new engine but also build it up to a new standard from a quality level too. Personally I would not expect 2.5 before next summer.

To be honest I'm quite interested in what we will see first, F-18C or 2.5. Both are equally appealing. :)

The misty morning in one of the Cold start instant missions in Normandy made my jaw drop. Nevertheless I'm a bigger fan of modern airplanes so Nevada and MOST notably the upcoming Caucasus map is the thing I'm looking forward to the most. ED won a battle with 2.1, now they have to win the war with 2.5. :)

My assumption is that the major part in the fps drops is the new fog feature. But that is just my gues.

Use following command line to download both packages. DCS_updater.exe install NORMANDY_terrain WWII-ARMOUR

I found that there are quick missions for WW2 airplanes, but I'm strugling to find a way how to open the map in editor so I can do something on my own. Nevada opens by default when I hit the editor, anyone knows how to load the Normandy there?

The major problem with the Alpha and where the most confusion is coming from is, that the content is marketed and sold in ED's shop next to all other modules. Yes maybe it is marked as alpha, but for new players it does not translate well. In my opinion, these modules should be in completely separated tab with proper labeling and explanation. If I would be new player coming to DCS, I would be confused as hell from all the branches DCS have now. Other developers are marketing this practise as "Becoming Founder" which gives you early access to what in its all glory is unfinished alpha product. Players are much more used to this and generally know what it means.

I do remember that there was official statement that ED is or will be working on Naval operations along with carriers and ship modules. We even had images of the carrier in works. My personal opinion is that with the release of F-18C, we will probably see the new carrier model but not the operations themselves. ED will most probably release the naval operations as a separate pack for Strait of Hormuz map. Something similar as we have now with Normandy and asset pack. Edit: Heatblur Simulations are also working on a carrier model if I'm not mistaken.

You forgot about Aliens! Anyone remember the Battleship movie from 2012? The "Navy" advertisement made into a movie where not even advanced space faring entities cannot beat one boat? Well we can see something similar now with Air force. :) But to be fair, I would imagine some fictional war with North Korea to be at least a bit interesting where they have to pull out some old "analog" beauties to kick some ass. :D

I suppose it's cheaper than to build custom ones. :)

Most people have about 2 hours per day to spend at computer to play games. If I would be retired lonely guy then yes I would want to be part of some realistic scenarios, but I and many people do not have such luxury. I love the realism level of the airplanes in DCS because I can then imagine how it felt to sit in such plane and how hard it was to operate. Giving me the chance to learn what real pilot has to goes a long way for me.

I think you will have the same problem in Normandy as it will be part of the 2.0 version and it will most probably not contain training mission from start. Unfortunately until the "great" merge will happen this issue will be still present. From the information we have the earliest this could happen is the end of the year.

I had a problem with my x-55 throttle if it was not in USB 3.0. It is really power hungry, you can either get it disconnected or have ghost button presses while moving throttle. If you do not have USB 3.0+ then go buy a powered USB hub. And regarding the need to setup the throttle for all new planes, I have to do this with my warthog too. The axes are never detected correctly. But you need to do it only once...

Go here: https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/downloads/world/alpha/ Download the installer and run it. 2.0 is separate installation, has a bit different settings and controls need to be setup again (they are not imported from 1.5). 2.0 if for free but you have to buy NTTR to be able to play in this version of game. After you will start it, you can download NTTR via the module manager. Make sure you have enough space on your disk, the map it self has more than 40 GB! FC3 airplanes are the same as their standalone counterparts, its just an option for people that do not want any other airplanes from the package except for the one and only.

I do not know if there were any changes, but what I would check first are my throttle axes if they grow up to 100% It happened to me once that I had to calibrate to resolve similar issue. You can also check the axes in game and see the "thrust" slide/curve and if it goes from 0 to 100.

Do not bother with trainer if you cannot use the second seat capabilities, if you have only one PC then go for a combat aircraft. It boils down to if you want to go down with Metric system or Imperial first. I would start in air or on runway and would not bother with startup until she will get hang of the controls in air. If you want to go western style go with either F-15, A-10A/C or F-5. If you want to go the eastern style start with Su-25 or Mig-29. Although DCS is very realistic, it is still a game which should be source of fun, let her try to find the fun in it by herself as much as possible. That is what i would try to achieve if I would be in the same situation. :)

I know this is highly subjective matter but the main reason why modern jets are more attractive for me are the looks and the "energy" management. I have the same problems with the training missions, they are often daunting, but the cure for that is multiplayer community where people can teach you in much more engaging way. Flying modern jet feels like this for me :D

I cry a little bit inside every time I see this forum as it reminds me of how long it will take to see this bird in action.

F-15E will be the pinnacle of the DCS when it comes out. The most complex and most capable jet no doubt. It will be the hardest to learn with all it is capable of too. :)