I wonder how many of us are there?

[Atooyi]

Well it's a niche in a niche, as they say.

 

We do have a pretty cool community here, I think the German market is relatively important for ED, seeing as we have several translators working hard to provide a localized version. I think German was also one of the first localizations outside of English and Russian.

 

Even so, I know of less than 20 DCS pilots in my town of Hanover (~ 500,000). There are probably more than that, but DCS remains a niche product.

 

And I'm not sure if ED should actually try to make it more appealing to others. I'm not willing to put up with game flight mode or game avionics in order to help newcomers who don't want to invest dozens of hours just to be able to take off and land. DCS isn't a classic game, there's no progression, no achievements, no unlocking of new weapons -- it's a sandbox. And I love it for this. But it also means that in order to appeal to gamers, DCS itself would need to change in a way I'd probably consider bad.

 

So, as long as our community gets ED and the 3rd parties funded, I'm not complaining about belonging to a small community. ;)

 

I agree on the game part, this is supposed to be a simulator and it's not acceptable to turn it to a game just because of new comers.

[lazduc]

What? In my opinion it is a game....of sorts....just like a lot of other flight-simulator- games.

It caters to more realistic flight characteristics/equipment than others but it is still a game.

I mean you fight against other aircraft, set up different scenarios of attacking/defending and now with tanks and ground troops and you do not include it, in the game category?

Displaying critical rigid rules of what it takes to be part of DCS would turn most people off.

 

I welcome any and all newcomers. Lets not discriminate against folks that are new to this or would like to try it...if we show bias towards new potential interested folks...we will end up with nothing. There are many talented members here who have contributed uncountable

super interesting additions that make this simulator/game into what it is today and if we had discouraged them in their first encounter with this program it wouldn't be half of what it is.

 

 

That's what this community/forum is about......helping new and older alike.

 

If you are into pure flight simulator, there are commercial simulators that are available.

 

They do not however include the friendly/co-operative gaming experience that DCS and its members offer.

 

Laz

[Yurgon]

What? In my opinion it is a game....of sorts....just like a lot of other flight-simulator- games. [...]

 

I think we mostly see it the same way, we just use different words to describe our understanding of DCS. ;)

 

I'm not saying I don't want newcomers. I just think people who see it on Steam, who watch the fantastic movies that members of this community create, can easily get a wrong idea of what DCS is about.

 

If that doesn't turn them away, that's great! I'm just afraid that if ED really wanted to appeal to a larger audience, I'm not convinced DCS as it is today is actually something that such an audience would want. Hence, in order to appeal to them, ED might actually change the course they have taken. And I, for one, think DCS is on a very, very promising way right now, with improvements such as 2.1 just out the door and 2.5 getting closer.

 

New players will always be welcome. But if they come here looking for something that DCS isn't, they might be easily frustrated and talk badly about DCS, which I believe has partly happened on Steam.

 

To put it differently, DCS is not as gamyfied as many other games.

[Atooyi]

What? In my opinion it is a game....of sorts....just like a lot of other flight-simulator- games.

It caters to more realistic flight characteristics/equipment than others but it is still a game.

I mean you fight against other aircraft, set up different scenarios of attacking/defending and now with tanks and ground troops and you do not include it, in the game category?

Displaying critical rigid rules of what it takes to be part of DCS would turn most people off.

 

I welcome any and all newcomers. Lets not discriminate against folks that are new to this or would like to try it...if we show bias towards new potential interested folks...we will end up with nothing. There are many talented members here who have contributed uncountable

super interesting additions that make this simulator/game into what it is today and if we had discouraged them in their first encounter with this program it wouldn't be half of what it is.

 

 

That's what this community/forum is about......helping new and older alike.

 

If you are into pure flight simulator, there are commercial simulators that are available.

 

They do not however include the friendly/co-operative gaming experience that DCS and its members offer.

 

Laz

 

DCS is a game in the branch of flight sim, as some of my friends said it's a game but not an easy one, nobody said about not welcoming the newcomers, helping them is way different than turning a game/simulator into a pure game, I don't really think anyone's going to buy a PMDG product or p3d for the gaming but yet the civilian community is way bigger than what we have here. And turning DCS into a pure game wouldn't help the new comers at all.

[BigDuke6ixx]

DCS is a game in the branch of flight sim, as some of my friends said it's a game but not an easy one,

 

Feels more like a full on simulation to me, what with my Rift, TM Warthog and JetSeat. Trying to simulate something just for fun is a bit different from playing a game, imo.

 

It's all to do with your approach. DCS on a monitor, using mouse and KB, with the TV on in the background, in a well lite room, while chatting to the wife, yeah that's gaming.

[AvgWhiteGuy]

I'd be very curious to know how many Active participants there are, if only a round number.

 

I'm working on a new USB input controller that, by design, could be configured for any aircraft in the DCS fleet. In reality if could be configured for virtually any SIM (trains, planes, automobiles, ship, or even sci-fi space craft) that support the addition of an USB input controller like DCS (with DCSBios). I currently don't use a keyboard for anything with DCS A-10C and I won't go back.

 

Obviously, manufacturing cost is dependent on the scale of opportunity; can't afford a $90k controller but certainly could deal with $90,000 spread over 1,000+ units.

 

Not looking for trade secrets or specifics; just round numbers on enthusiast that appreciate a more immersive environment.

Edited June 4, 2017 by AvgWhiteGuy
clarity

[Atooyi]

Feels more like a full on simulation to me, what with my Rift, TM Warthog and JetSeat. Trying to simulate something just for fun is a bit different from playing a game, imo.

 

It's all to do with your approach. DCS on a monitor, using mouse and KB, with the TV on in the background, in a well lite room, while chatting to the wife, yeah that's gaming.

 

Well not everyone's going to be able to afford those equipments, buying those things here is going to cost around the price of my car :(.

And yet missing the full cockpit sim features like movings, shakes, feedbacks and, many other things.:joystick: but yes you exactly got what I'm trying to say here when calling DCS a game in the branch of flight sim.:)

[Yurgon]

I'd be very curious to know how many Active participants there are, if only a round number.

 

Rough guesstimate: check the Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Serial# Database thread and consider that the Warthog is fairly high-priced. But few people outside of combat flight sims would ever need one. :smartass:

[mkiii]

It certainly is a game, but a damned good one, if it was running on a full motion rig, with some guy controlling things so you couldn't have "fun" and your hours were really restricted, and limited in scope, then it would be a real simulator and no one would a: be able to afford it, or B: want to use it.

 

I work for a corporation that makes "real" Flight Simulators (amongst other things).... and no one there knows anything about "games" simulations like DCS. Scary isn't it? I keep trying to show them how much things have progressed in the last 20 years, & tend to have Youtube vids of DCS & BMS playing on my web PC at work, and try to bend anyones ear who wanders past to tell them that this is how our "real" sim should look. We don't even use specularity maps FGS! ;)

[Atooyi]

I'd be very curious to know how many Active participants there are, if only a round number.

 

I'm working on a new USB input controller that, by design, could be configured for any aircraft in the DCS fleet. In reality if could be configured for virtually any SIM (trains, planes, automobiles, ship, or even sci-fi space craft) that support the addition of an USB input controller like DCS (with DCSBios). I currently don't use a keyboard for anything with DCS A-10C and I won't go back.

 

Obviously, manufacturing cost is dependent on the scale of opportunity; can't afford a $90k controller but certainly could deal with $90,000 spread over 1,000+ units.

 

Not looking for trade secrets or specifics; just round numbers on enthusiast that appreciate a more immersive environment.

 

Well that's a hard question, but opening a new thread on this forum for some evaluations might be a good start and also I suggest you do your evaluations in other sims communities to as you mentioned above that your device can be configured on any sim. but yet I don't think these evaluations are going to be that accurate as not every simmer is active on forums like this, and by the way, wish you best luck on your idea :)

[Kippy]

To attract more potential "gamers" DCS needs to become a game as well.

 

I see many things in between this desire and reality.

 

I dont wanna go into detail, too lazy and to useless I am afraid for now

DCS has no place being an "arcade" style game like War Thunder. DCS prides itself in being a tight-knit community of high fidelity simulator pilots that I can only compare to a fraternity, rather than being a pool of bumbling morons [excuse the potentially harsh words] like War Thunder. I've never had a bad interaction with a fellow DCS pilot. In stark contrast, go play War Thunder for 10 minutes and read aloud every chat message you see. I can see why ED would want to expand into a more arcade market to generate capital, but it would tear my heart in half to see this happen.

Edited June 5, 2017 by Kippy

[hansangb]

Well, there are built-in game modes that make flying a bit easier. But agree that it's more SIM than game. With VR it's certainly true. Like the other thread "in a zombie apocalypse world, could you fly an A10/Huey after flying DCS?" :)

[David OC]

I think some around here, including me have come from the good old 90s sims. I stop playing sims for quite some time. Then I thought to myself, I should take a look at the hobby again and see whats back out there now and see if there is any new sim tech around, I knew the now 3 letter sim was still getting resold and modded, but I wanted something newer and more real, like I wanted back all those years ago in the 90's, lucky for me this was around 2011 / 12 and stumbled into the A-10C, I couldn't believe what I was reading, needed to read it twice! Your kidding me the systems and flight model is that detailed! Same with the Ka-50!

 

I think many also come from the civi sims and add DCS to there simming, I too enjoy some of the high end civi aircraft to a degree. It's mainly getting good at only flight procedures tho, unless you really want to get deep involved and join pilotedge and make it much more real. DCS NTTR is on Pilotedge too if you want to fly IFR/VFR.

Pilotedge cost monthly.

 

I'm also guessing games like w/thunder could be a very good staging platform for many younger players to start out with, when they finally get over it and want something more in depth and real, welcome to DCS. You could ask here if anyone play w/thunder, I'm guessing no one would admit it tho.:)

 

@Kippy

I think the one's that decide to come here from these types of sim games would be fairly well behaved here and also understand what DCS and this forum is all about, plus there probably trying to escape the mentality anyway.

 

-

Edited June 5, 2017 by David OC

[GazAce]

Hey wingmen, Sorry I'm straying a bit from my original post but I just wanted to say that personally speaking I think DCS is the most unique and enjoyable sim on the planet and I've investigated and flown a few but a "game" like War Thunder in my book doesn't even rate. It's like comparing ARMA III to Call of Duty. Where DCS like ARMA III can only be played with a computer and not a gaming console and for great results quite a high end PC at that but also both incorporate a high level of detail and information which virtually forces the user to learn and think and not just mindlessly shoot at anything that moves with a red name or tag above it. DCS has many layers of dynamic facets that keep you interested while learning and engaging and not to mention an awesome library of info that's available and also its start-up pack is free! What more do you want?! And the campaigns are very reasonably priced compared to what's in the gaming market today. Nothing beats it and I'm sure it'll only get better but I do sometimes pray it doesn't go down the path of it one day being used with an Xbox controller. Peace out, G :)

Edited June 5, 2017 by GazAce

[rickberry49]

Kippy you are correct this is not a GAME.... but a very complex simulation...

 

Is anyone interested in starting a local user group in Michigan and surrounding area (or does one exist that I don't already know about).

 

As a former CAD CAM consultant I established a number of very successful user groups and the information shared was quite useful to expert and novice alike...

 

I think DCS is a excellent platform to create a user group on... anyone in the Michigan USA area interested???

[Kippy]

Kippy you are correct this is not a GAME.... but a very complex simulation...

 

Is anyone interested in starting a local user group in Michigan and surrounding area (or does one exist that I don't already know about).

 

As a former CAD CAM consultant I established a number of very successful user groups and the information shared was quite useful to expert and novice alike...

 

I think DCS is a excellent platform to create a user group on... anyone in the Michigan USA area interested???

I'm from Clear Lake, Indiana, <1 mile to the Michigan border. I'm interested here! Sign me up!

[rickberry49]

We are trying to get a Michigan USA area (ie 180 mile radius from Detroit) user group going... anyone interested PM me with your email and I'll add you to the discussion list.

[Yurgon]

We are trying to get a Michigan USA area (ie 180 mile radius from Detroit) user group going... anyone interested PM me with your email and I'll add you to the discussion list.

 

LOL, such a radius would cover like 1/3 of all of Germany (1/2 if you meant nautical miles). You guys have too much space. :D

 

Best of luck! :thumbup:

[rickberry49]

Yea but you have the autoban so 180 miles is only an hour or so drive time...!!!

 

Here it would be about a 3 hr drive, this is acceptable, not sure how much farther people would be willing to travel.

[rickberry49]

do you know if ED keeps a listing of members by location?

[Yurgon]

Yea but you have the autoban so 180 miles is only an hour or so drive time...!!!

 

True. But no matter what car you drive, there'll always be a bunch of [expletives] trying to kick you off-road for not allowing them to drive as fast as their cars technically could. Even when there's absolutely no space to go; front, right, left, all lanes crammed - doesn't matter, some people will always kiss your rear bumper as if you could just vanish into thin air just to do them a favor. I'd prefer 3 hours of "slow" driving over 1 hour of racing with maniacs (and I love to go fast if my car and the road permit it, but these conditions rarely coincide ;)).

 

do you know if ED keeps a listing of members by location?

 

Good question. The information as such is there, when provided by members. But it's just a string of letters, and people enter all kinds of stuff, from country-names to country-codes to MGRS-coords to fantasy-locations in all kinds of formats. Still, would be nice if the member list could be searched, but I'm not aware of a way to do that.

[rickberry49]

I just found the function under the "COMMUNITY" TAB > MEMBERS LIST and then search under LOCATION. I put in Michigan and got about 40 or so members. Just sent each one a PM inviting them to the mail list and we will take it from there...

 

Last time I was in your beautiful country my partner from Cad Schroer got a number of tickets from the overhead cameras.... Slow is good...!! and safer...!!

 

Good flying...!!!

[Yurgon]

I just found the function under the "COMMUNITY" TAB > MEMBERS LIST and then search under LOCATION.

 

Woah, awesome, I've never even seen that. :thumbup:

[rickberry49]

bummer is you have to wait 30 sec's between PM postings (forum limitation) but I sent them all we'll see who replies.

 

You should try it for Germany or your city perhaps, you might be surprised.

 

Have a great night, here it is 10:30 pm , way past my bedtime...

 

God Bless... and good night.

[BitMaster]

What I meant was that dcs lacks some glue make it ONE usable Sim across mdules and maps.

Then have a better SP algorythm with long term immersion without buying mission packs that lack variety and freedom.

I dont say it needs to become simpler, No, just more usable.

Still DCS for me represents itself as a permanent WIP project that doesnt seem to ever get mature as a whole.

 

Maybe 2.5 and ded.srv bring the change

 

 

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