Greatest news by far!

[deviletk]

About addons being used on servers as super weapons etc, ArmA is a good example how they solved it. The server should have options (in server config) to allow or disallow addons. "mods=1" or "mods=0".

 

Addon makers should be given a tool where they can "sign" their work so no one can tamper with the addon without breaking the "seal". The signed file is a small extra file that comes with the addon wich contains info about the addon.

 

Addon makers also will be able to make a "server key" to that addon so that the server can add that key to their list and thus only that addon will pass, not a modified version and not any other addons but that one. When it passes, the server checkes its key with the addon and then if it has its signed file. If all is ok - you get into the server. More keys can be added to the server ofcourse so more addons can be used at the same time.

 

This in ArmA has eliminated cheaters and hackers that tampered with addons before (since addons were a vessel/trojan horse to sneak bullshit in). In short, this system gives the server all power to choose what, if any, addons will pass.

 

However, this deals with public servers and wont be needed on private passworded servers i guess. But for pub servers this is at least 1 good way to do it.

 

Regards

Alex

[504Goon]

If I've understood correctly, any "mods" for DCS:BS are likely to only be compatible with DCS:BS...since the mods will have been made with that "game engine" in mind...or is that not the case?

 

Considering that DCS series will consist of different modules, and the previously implemented aircraft (from ED) will stay in the sim, i would guess that 3rd party mods will need only little tweaking to fit in the future modules. At least i think it would be quite a lot of work for ED too to change the format of the aircraft models they've already created each time a new module comes out..

[Triggerhappy69]

I actually had to read Wags post twice to belive it..! This is more or less exactly what we wished for a year ago..! Good news.. REALLY good news..!

[Grimes]

Looks like Wags updated the post to include what versions of 3dmax are being used for plugins... Still version 7 :(

[snowbird2]

Like you said Grimes, that is really a big bummer as that version is no longer available thru Autodesk. :doh:

[GGTharos]

ED will probably update their plugins at some point, but that's just a guess on my part.

[Avimimus]

Hear, hear!

 

You have it: The modding community has always been primarily interested in improving, sharing, building - this is what makes it work. People don't inherently require a profit motive, it is something we learn either through indoctrination or tough luck. The prospect of financial certainly helps (especially if the job isn't enjoyable) but it isn't necessary. People like contributing, like doing a good job, like giving to others - we're programmed this way.

 

I actually suspect that people at both ED and Maddox Games take pleasure in the craftsmanship and quality of their work. This doesn't mean that they aren't also in it for money, but if they were only in it for money, I would expect something more like Acecombat.

[EvilBivol-1]

Given some of the questions raised about content ownership and other related concerns, the language of the original announcement has been updated again and made more specific. Please take the time to read before continuing any discussions.

 

It is still subject to change.

Edited July 14, 2008 by EvilBivol-1

[nemises]

Great!..seems quite clear, and I think is just about the perfect agreement.

 

It makes sence to keep the possibilty of integrating 3rd party terrain into DCS, as (from what I've read) this is the most time consuming of tasks for the Dev team.

 

If we (the consumer) want differnt locations in DCS, then this is a very flexible way to enable it, assuming people are eager to develop terrain to ED's standards for the benefit of all.

 

the other stuff (6DOF cockpit maker, modelling tools, FM tools) are just exactly what the creatives in the community have been dreaming of I'm sure.

 

Projects like the US Navy one have a Real chance at great success once these tools come out.

 

The strength is in the community, and ED clearly recognise this.

[chaos]

The possibility for a 3rd party to add to this simulation is very exciting to say the least. However, we (including myself) shouldn't get ahead of ourselves as there are now more questions than answers regarding this latest announcement. The prospect of, one day, having an F-4E populating the DCS world sounds fantastic but it needs a lot more than just a 3D model of a cockpit and FM to make it 'playable' (let alone approach the quality of the KA-50).

 

How is radar dealt with..? Is it possible to integrate a dual cockpit with DCS:BlackShark..? What data can be exported from the current engine..? In short; there's no telling to what extent all this can be achieved.

 

Hmmmm... DCS:Tornado (with something akin to Digital Integration's mission planner of course...) :)

[Stratos]

Very interesting ideas here, but have two doubts

 

1-Will be possible to buy a 3d model and insert it to the game? That will allow people without 3d modelling habilities to add his desired crates to the sim.

 

2-Is not possible to create new choppers with a lower realism level? or cockpits without 6dof... for example, not all the planes in LOFC fly like the Su25T, will be a good idea to have "simple" addons. I plan to release it for free not payware, can I make a simplier chopper with a simplier cockpit??

 

For example, the ground vehicles, drive it from external view or put a simple hatch view cockpit, put a default gunsight and you will be able to have tons of ground vehicles crewable in notime.

If you don't like this idea, simply don't download the mod, but I'm sure there are lots of guys will do. ( check my attached images to see what I'm talking about )

Edited July 14, 2008 by Stratos
Forgot something

[GGTharos]

Actually, DCS did away with the 'LOFC' planes because they were lower quality, and DCS is intended to have all high-quality aircraft.

[Stratos]

But will be no possible to release "FREE" lower quality mods?

[GGTharos]

This I do not know. Perhaps it will be - but why aim low? :)

[Stratos]

Simply cause it is easier, I don't have enough time to learn all the skills to build a couple of Hueys models, If I can purchase one and his cockpit why don't have fun with them?

[GGTharos]

Well, I guess so, but what flight model are you going to use? The Ka-50's?

Also if you purchase the cockpit, I don't think the license permits you to redistribute.

[Stratos]

Tons of payware 3d models let you redistribute it If you don't charge other people for it, that's my point, about the FM, still don't know, maybe I can design one or maybe I can use the FM of the Blackhawk already in game If ED let the people do this

[GGTharos]

You don't wanna use the AI FM :)

For a new person trying to design an FM for DCS, it would take about a year of work. Then you have to put in the systems etc.

[Stratos]

Then maybe a simply 3d replacement of the Ka50

[Yellonet]

Personally I hope that ED doesn't allow any flyable into the game unless it's equal in detail to their own flyables, sorry Stratos. I feel that opening this pandoras box would degrade the DCS product and invite UFOs.

[NotiA10]

+1

[Stratos]

Why? If you don't want it you simply don't have to download it, hope ED make the tools available for all, what If I want to create a T72 I can drive?

[Yellonet]

Why? If you don't want it you simply don't have to download it, hope ED make the tools available for all, what If I want to create a T72 I can drive?

Unless you make it as realistic as the rest of the simulation it doesn't really belong there. It would be like grabbing some aircraft from Ace Combat and putting it in LOMAC ;)

 

BTW, allowing people to create their own flyables/drivables just how they like them makes the lift of cheaters very much easier. No thanks.

Edited July 14, 2008 by Yellonet

[Stratos]

Go to Lockonfiles and take a look to the tons of Predator, Velociraptors or things like that

[Legolasindar]

Personally I hope that ED doesn't allow any flyable into the game unless it's equal in detail to their own flyables, sorry Stratos. I feel that opening this pandoras box would degrade the DCS product and invite UFOs.

 

+1

 

We have the most ambitious project in the simulation to date. Keeping the spirit and quality.