Dynamic multiplayer slots

[Pikey]

This is a meta wish of the dynamic campaign ability, but more specific and relates to the dedicated server and advanced use in multiplayer.

 

I would like to see the warehouse system expanded to include planes and aircraft, the warehouse system to be able to be saved and not cause huge mission file size creep and for the multiplayer slot assignment system to not be based on created plans, but available resources.

 

Current system: You create 4 multiplayer flightpaths and slots you have not 4 planes but unlimited planes or a broken warehouse system.

 

Proposed system: Click on an airbase or a toal list of resource on the right. Either the unavailable airbases shades grey or a resource list pops up. Select a resource like a plane, select either create flightplan or choose default. Press Enter Vehicle.

 

The resource management system tracks the asset and keeps it stored in a warehouse or deleted as appropriate. Switching slot in the 3D world will leave the object abandoned in situ, for airplanes this will be a mandatory bail out.

 

If at an appropriate place the plane is returned to the warehouse system.

 

Some required configs to go with this.

 

Player as an object

To begin tracking resources, players need to be a resource, its a relational database after all, he needs a location even without his vehicle. He should move above, not neccessarily in 3D view alsways but the initial screen needs to be a theater map to pick. Player needs to be allowed and controlled as to what he can access as currently this is only product based. Need a UUID and authentication process per dedicated server to have some security.

 

Player resource use limitation

Ability to restrict resources not just on the module they own but by their UUID, their count of destroyed vehicles, their rate of destroying behicles, somewhat like SLMOD but as an enforcer to casual players not to waste resources, set server side. And of course unlimited.

 

Player persistence

The pilot remains where he was left or he can fast travel or he will subtract from a set amount of lives or have a lockout time per death. This allows for increasing levels of realism, chopper returns and rescues and so on. Essentually the pilot location is also tracked in the warehouse system with his UUID.

 

Resourcing limitations

We have an unlimited button, which is OK per warehouse. I'd like to see an additional global setting, global speed, global network with colour coding (red for single chokepoints/slow resource resupply, green for fast multiple points) Manual or automatic mode so you can change/divert resourcing but most importantly see it.

 

Resourcing map

A network of links showing resource state of each node, timer countdown of resupply for each node, including flashing alerts for broken links (bridge down, landmine timer)

 

Engineering units and transport

Build bridges! Clear mines! Lay mines, destroy bridges, break and build, whatever!

 

Increased warehouse configs and refinements

Visible or invisible warehouse stocking (warehouse restock is handled by the game either visibly or invisibly

Maximum stock levels to fit defined warehouse: Place a warehouse/truck park and you have a capacity. Else airbases already fixed on map have a realistic amount of capacity.

 

Restock off map?

Unit/plane replenishment arrives via Globemaster or ship or train. Or not.

 

Persistence handling innately

Save game built into the mission, either as it goes, or via trigger, server or client side settings or both.

 

BUSINESS PLAN

I've seen instant purchases of CA just to be able to control units in persistent campaigns, I would see these additions as a way to entice players into buying and playing campaign resources to keep them playing something relevant. Campaigns with persistence and resourcing are suited to players who enjoy different resource use so investing in persistent campaigns will grow the business and provide an additional springboard for module purchases just as the core DCS world does.

 

Also...Cloud? Hosting? surprised ED not ventured here. Perhaps with a decent framework its possible? Lots of marketing opportunities!