DCS World 1.5 and 2 Discussion

[cichlidfan]

Bold part is open for interpretation.

 

Not really. It explicitly means that pricing and the schedule for public release, have not yet been decided upon.

[Raven68]

Not really. It explicitly means that pricing and the schedule for public release, have not yet been decided upon.

 

I know it may be reaching, but could it be a later version of alpha, a public beta or general availability? That's the open part.

[cichlidfan]

I know it may be reaching, but could it be a later version of alpha, a public beta or general availability? That's the open part.

 

Personally, I have no interest in an alpha. As much as I want to fly new terrain, I have no desire to deal with anything less complete than a beta release. Not all that thrilled with the beta part either, when I consider that it is the core of the sim, what the modules need in order to function, that we are talking about and not a module.

Edited April 23, 2015 by cichlidfan

[blackbelter]

Personally, I have no interest in an alpha. As much as I want to fly new terrain, I have no desire to deal with anything less complete than a beta release. Not all that thrilled with the beta part either, when I consider that it is the core of the sim, what the modules need in order to function, that we are talking about and not a module.

 

ED's definition of beta is different from what I see elsewhere... The modules that I purchased from ED with a beta label felt actually pretty complete. IMHO, the beta label simply means there will be ongoing bug-squashing (which isn't surprising for a software as complicated as DCS) and performance tuning, both of which are likely to take forever to complete. In some sense, the beta label is like a shield to ED, protecting ED from certain complaints.

 

Not sure about the alpha label, though...

[joebloggs]

Why is it that only those who had the A10C-beta get to take part in an alpha for NTTR? I ask this because you could say the A10C was still in beta when I purchased it. I mean, it's has been patched many times since I purchased it, so it must still have been in beta when I bought it a couple of years ago.

 

I'm also going to hate seeing all the posts and picks of people playing the NTTR map while I'm still stuck on the old map. Can we not have a blackout of pics and topics about NTTR, if they do decide this LOL.

[SkateZilla]

Software receives Patches even after it has been deemed gold.

 

A-10C Beta Owners get it because it was part of the A-10C Beta Package.

[joebloggs]

Software receives Patches even after it has been deemed gold.

 

A-10C Beta Owners get it because it was part of the A-10C Beta Package.

 

But don't they still have the old desert map on the disc they purchased, if they want to play it? I've heard of people still having the desert map they purchased way back then.

[SkateZilla]

The NTTR that was distributed with A-10C Beta was incomplete and dysfunctional, in many aspects it was simply the terrain, and it used the older terrain technology and not EDGE or EDGE Specific Terrain Technologies (Clip Mapping Etc).

 

Since the Completed NTTR was part of the Pre-Order Package, they are receiving the NTTR for free as promised, the NTTR that was included in the beta was scrapped and never finished before moving to EDGE and NTTR For EDGE Development.

 

 

Terms and Details for this have been discussed repeatedly, and the details are in the first post of the thread.

Edited April 23, 2015 by SkateZilla

[Flagrum]

ED's definition of beta is different from what I see elsewhere... The modules that I purchased from ED with a beta label felt actually pretty complete. IMHO, the beta label simply means there will be ongoing bug-squashing (which isn't surprising for a software as complicated as DCS) and performance tuning, both of which are likely to take forever to complete. In some sense, the beta label is like a shield to ED, protecting ED from certain complaints.

 

Not sure about the alpha label, though...

ED's definition of "beta" usually seems to be closer to the "old school" definition of the term than what is common nowadays in the gaming world. That is, the software is feature complete and functioning - but there may be bugs present that should not be in a final product.

 

That, and seeing how much of a hard time ED is giving themselfs (and us ;o) actually putting DCS2 into the wild - my interpretation of "alpha" in this context is: they are just being overly cautious. I bet, eventually the quality will be closer to an "ED beta" than what would be usually considered an "alpha". Yes, there will be bugs, perhaps even some ugly bugs, but I have no doubt that those will be fixed _very_ quickly. Well, I can't see me waiting to installl DCS2 any second longer than it will take to download it. ;o)

[joebloggs]

Since the Completed NTTR was part of the Pre-Order Package, they are receiving the NTTR for free as promised, the NTTR that was included in the beta was scrapped and never finished before moving to EDGE and NTTR For EDGE Development.

 

I can understand them getting it for free, I just don't understand why they get the new map before everyone else now. I guess that's upto ED what they do though.

[Call911]

Anybody know the cutoff date for A10C beta? Thinking I got it in beta but can't recall, when game went gold etc. Will/would pay for Alpha either way.

[SkateZilla]

Anybody know the cutoff date for A10C beta? Thinking I got it in beta but can't recall, when game went gold etc. Will/would pay for Alpha either way.

 

The Cut off date hasnt been officially confirmed or announced, I would assume before Feb. 2011 though.

 

AFAIK, you're receipt should say A-10C (Beta) if you purchased the beta?

[supesoft]

DX is just so overrated..

 

There is no indication that they are going to offer Dx12 support anytime soon....

 

I too was hung up on the high end. I tote above average hardware too. I eventually came to realize, especially since DX10 implementation, that DX versions have been released more frequently, with increasingly subtle tweaks in visual quality. "Visual" meaning, what I see. Yeah, I've read it all too, but the polygonal pixel pumping flex show, ain't all its hyped up to be. I care about what I can distinguish, that is all.

 

Because as it was stated above here:

 

"I didn't even realize that DCS was not using DX..."

 

That's just it, isn't it?

If it's always looked great, who cares.

 

I don't mean to attack this statement. I just think we all get a bit hung up, on our higher end hardware sometimes.

 

Don't let the fact that DCS doesn't implement the latest DX version deflate your experience. You're just not missing out on much..

 

Looking at the tidbits of DCS 2 sneek peeks we've all been allowed to see, it's clear. If what I'm looking at there isn't DX12, it's just not something I'm overly concerned about, if you get my meaning.

 

It can totally wait!

:)

 

I've always been mostly annoyed with fresh DX versions. They are notorious for bogging down performance in exchange for marginal graphics/shader quality increases. Eventually they become adopted (adequately optimized).

 

I found myself asking the same question about a year and a half ago. This genre does need breathing room though (open doors for all PC's). I'm personally very impressed with how great DCS looks on an older, more reliable DX version.

[rcjonessnp175]

I too was hung up on the high end. I tote above average hardware too. I eventually came to realize, especially since DX10 implementation, that DX versions have been released more frequently, with increasingly subtle tweaks in visual quality. "Visual" meaning, what I see. Yeah, I've read it all too, but the polygonal pixel pumping flex show, ain't all its hyped up to be. I care about what I can distinguish, that is all.

 

Because as it was stated above here:

 

"I didn't even realize that DCS was not using DX..."

 

That's just it, isn't it?

If it's always looked great, who cares.

 

I don't mean to attack this statement. I just think we all get a bit hung up, on our higher end hardware sometimes.

 

Don't let the fact that DCS doesn't implement the latest DX version deflate your experience. You're just not missing out on much..

 

Looking at the tidbits of DCS 2 sneek peeks we've all been allowed to see, it's clear. If what I'm looking at there isn't DX12, it's just not something I'm overly concerned about, if you get my meaning.

 

It can totally wait!

:)

 

I've always been mostly annoyed with fresh DX versions. They are notorious for bogging down performance in exchange for marginal graphics/shader quality increases. Eventually they become adopted (adequately optimized).

 

I found myself asking the same question about a year and a half ago. This genre does need breathing room though (open doors for all PC's). I'm personally very impressed with how great DCS looks on an older, more reliable DX version.

 

Don't think most are even caring about the shiny graphics with dx 11 or 12 for that matter. What interests myself and many others is the improved performance that they will bring to the sim.

[supesoft]

Personally, I have no interest in an alpha. As much as I want to fly new terrain, I have no desire to deal with anything less complete than a beta release. Not all that thrilled with the beta part either, when I consider that it is the core of the sim, what the modules need in order to function, that we are talking about and not a module.

 

This is also how I roll.

 

We all know that even once software is clear of beta, bugs will crawl, albeit fewer.

 

I like finished products, with fewer bugs.

 

Imho:

 

Those who pay a premium for a product (pre-order) deserve a perk. Because they should be seen as donators. Having paid full price before release obviously aids in the development of the to be released product. Furthermore, the customer then becomes a beta tester, a much needed element to secure the stability of the finished product. This is not fun. Crash crash crash etc.

 

I believe that this commitment deserves a perk. And so early access seems appropriate, since they have already committed to the process of "fixing". They won't complain that it's not working properly. Instead, these types are best suited to be given this perk for the betterment of all.

 

Additionally, this method will encourage those not paying a premium, to do so, and get early access, which builds DCS World more quickly, as it has in the last year or so. It's really building speed now.

 

Lastly, I don't see why DCS would "blackout" beta testing because, as most of you have figured already, it builds hype. More sales. Nothing will entice a customer more than seeing that another has what they themselves can not.

 

This is the essence of marketing.

 

Don't forget though, that the more DCS earns, the better it is for everyone.

 

Let's face it, where would we turn, if this fizzled out, again?

DCS stands alone, and proudly.

There are no others.

Edited April 23, 2015 by supesoft

[SkateZilla]

 

Lastly, I don't see why DCS would "blackout" beta testing because, as most of you have figured already, it builds hype. More sales. Nothing will entice a customer more than seeing that another has what they themselves can not.

 

This is the essence of marketing.

 

.

 

Dont confuse Beta Testing with Press Previews.

 

Distributing Beta copies for Beta Testing is a phase of testing where a product is distributed to a wider more diverse user and hardware set.

 

Its not a Marketing Tool.

 

Giving Press/Review Sites early copies can work both ways, they can hype it or nitpick every remaining bug.

Then base their review and opinion on an unfinished code.

[blkspade]

Dead horse is still dead two months later ;)

 

It still seems logical and possible that the statement "DCS 2.0 won't be multi-core" is completely independent from the DX11 API itself actually running the multi-threaded rendering path, unless that is being explicitly excluded as well. This is somewhat of an important distinction, that still deserves some clarity 2 months later. It ultimately means threads would have an effect within the API limitation, and difference between someone thinking a dual core is enough where quad or higher would actually be meaningful.

[Silver_Dragon]

bad feeling about this..... PilotM8 on the russian forum about DCS: W 2 engine....

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=2381234&postcount=1261

на всякий случай охлажу пыл насчет нового движка.. не всё гладко. Не стоит ожидать чего-то сверхъестественного. Пока что нашим коллегам из ЕД основную проблему: детализация земли и объектов "как в Арме" и размер карты "как в ЛокОне" - удается решать с большим трудом и с МНОГИМИ компромиссами...

just in case cooled the ardor about the new engine .. not going smoothly. Do not expect something supernatural. So far, our colleagues from IU basic problem: detailing land and property "in Armagh" and the size of the map "as a curl" - unable to solve with great difficulty and with many compromises ...

[scharrk]

[JaNk0]

I'm not a russian speaking person but that translation is a bit off

[OnlyforDCS]

bad feeling about this..... PilotM8 on the russian forum about DCS: W 2 engine....

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=2381234&postcount=1261

 

Someone with a better handle on russian should give us a translation without the use of allegory since that translates terribly from a slavic language.

 

IU (bad translation) is actually ED

 

As far as I can tell the map size relationship with regards to map detail is a bigger hurdle than they anticipated. :(

[tintifaxl]

As I make out the this line:

 

Пока что нашим коллегам из ЕД основную проблему: детализация земли и объектов "как в Арме" и размер карты "как в ЛокОне" - удается решать с большим трудом и с МНОГИМИ компромиссами...

 

So far our colleagues from ED face this dillema: land and object detail like ARMA and the size of the map like Lock On - this can only be overcome with great effort and MANY compromises.

[OnlyforDCS]

If its a matter of hard drive space, they should just go for it! A recent "sandbox" game that i shall not name was released at slightly more than 60 GB. I realize space is a great concern especially when SSDs are concerned but if a huge AAA title can release a game of that size, there is no reason why a smaller niche simulation can't get away with a map of a similar size. (Yesterday I got a 128 GB SSD exclusively for DCS, so I might be a bit biased)

[SkateZilla]

bad feeling about this..... PilotM8 on the russian forum about DCS: W 2 engine....

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=2381234&postcount=1261

 

Pretty sure that is about the Mi-8.

[joebloggs]

Pretty sure that is about the Mi-8.

 

How can it be about the Mi-8 when the other guys said it reads like this? I'm a bit confused now.

 

As I make out the this line:

 

Пока что нашим коллегам из ЕД основную проблему: детализация земли и объектов "как в Арме" и размер карты "как в ЛокОне" - удается решать с большим трудом и с МНОГИМИ компромиссами...

 

So far our colleagues from ED face this dillema: land and object detail like ARMA and the size of the map like Lock On - this can only be overcome with great effort and MANY compromises.