Small, free WW2 era training map

[Cunctator]

Currently the only free map in DCS World, and thus the only map available to everyone, is the good old modern Caucasus map. Consequently it is used for all training missions for every module.

For me it is a big immersion killer to conduct all flight training over modern Georgia, especially with the growing number of WW2 era planes.

Since ED obviously can't make a free full sized map I would suggest to make a tiny one that does not require many resources, just big enough for flight training. It would just need a single period grass airfield with a couple of hangars and maybe a fistful of farms close by. Something like Phenick Field for FSX. Preferably the airfield should be located somewhere close to the coast, so that a sufficiently large portion of empty ocean for future carrier practice can be included as well.

 

 

 

 

 

As bonus such a map would better showcase the current capabilities of DCS than old tech Caucasus. All newcomers downloading free DCS world would get better first impression, if they can learn to fly the TF-51 from an appropriate place.

[Rangi]

Great idea.

[dooom]

+1

[flare2000x]

+2

[Crunchy]

Why would they do that when they are making a map for WW2 planes?

[Cunctator]

Because a big map like Normandy will be a separate module just like Nevada and thus not available to everyone. Even when developers are making maps to accompany their aircraft modules such a map will mostly still be a better place for training, i.e. Leatherneck is developing the F4U and Iwo Jima.

[BIGNEWY]

Not likely to happen.

 

For one even a small map would take a huge amount of effort and redirection of work.

 

Caucasus is being updated currently, we have WWII and Straits of Hormuz on the horizon, and 3rd party terrains in the future.

 

Caucasus is a perfect free map especially for new comers who have had no experience with DCS yet.

Edited April 5, 2016 by BIGNEWY

[NeilWillis]

Because a big map like Normandy will be a separate module just like Nevada and thus not available to everyone. Even when developers are making maps to accompany their aircraft modules such a map will mostly still be a better place for training, i.e. Leatherneck is developing the F4U and Iwo Jima.

 

How would this benefit ED in any way? Why divert resources to providing freebies when they can instead sell you a map?

 

There is a Normandy map coming, and if you are so concerned about the scenery, then it is quite reasonable to expect you to pay for the privilege, and add to the resources available to ED to develop the environment further. It is called commerce where I come from. They have stuff you want, so they let you have it in exchange for money.

 

If you want charity, I suggest you may need to adjust your expectations a little.

[BitMaster]

Indeed, I dont know of any other sim that lets you take part in full scale for free :)

 

Su-25T + Kaukasus + TF-51 for free is more than one can ask for as a teaser.

[Cunctator]

Obviously because such a map would help ED and partners to sell more WW2 aircraft modules and full sized maps. Train for free, buy a large combat theater map with campaign later.

 

Free base package + paid add ons as business model was ED's choice, not mine. Arguable the MSFS approach, pay for a base package with scenery available to every user, would work better for them, but that is not for us to decide.

 

Flocks of P-40s and Spitfires over post soviet Caucasus is hardly perfect for newcomers looking for the most authentic WW2 sim.