Tracking Development Modules.

[Ben27603]

The more I engage in DCS, the more I get fascinated with the development process. I hope that this has nothing to do with the fact that I tend to be a crappy flyer!

Anyway, each of these development companies outside of Eagle Dynamics seem to be small technical outfits with big challenges relative to a demanding market and somewhat over-hyped timelines. So as a project manager, one day I decided to just graph it all based on all the various notices, updates, YouTube, ED, Stormbirds, Discord, X-twitter, and Facebook. These are my guesses only based on what limited public information I could find. Please tell me if I am way off, I can correct it.

That said, if most of these come to fruition in the next three years, we're in for a butt-load of modules and worlds. I know I've not captured everything, but wow!, looks like the soup for a Vietnam-based world is warming up. Especially since the recent Wags interview with CW Lemoine and his Korea/Vietnam comments. Enjoy.

 

Edited August 28, 2023 by Ben27603
added some contextual references.

[BMO]

Nice list! I hope the schedule for the core enhancements gets real!

Some notes:

• * It would be cool if you make it a google sheet, doesnt have to be editable, but it´s nice for the community to be able to track stuff.
• * Some things that should be worth tracking:
  • Supercarrier features
  • Weather improvements
  • AI Flight Model
  • Improved Spotting (https://forum.dcs.world/topic/324002-no-longer-passes-ic-improved-contact-dot-spotting-updated-v11/)
  • 3D Models S3 Viking and B1B Lancer

 

[Silver_Dragon]

@Ben27603 Has some wrong and missing info on that document...

• Super tucano and AI-58 Pucara has not Rumores / Hinted, has confirmed by RAZBAM and on develop.
• Other project confirmed by RAZBAM has the Mirage III
• DCS: WW2 Marianas map by ED on develop.
• F6F Hellcat has on develop by ED WW2 team (no Fliying Iron)
• Battle of Britain modules by ED on plans after F6F
• Me262 module by ED on plans (on research)
• Bo-105 by Miltech-5 on develop
• P-9A Tucano by Check Six Simulation on develop.
• Su-17 has a progress by Octopus-G on develov
• Magnitude3 has none confirm a Su-22 module (on fact, creator move to another 3rd party).
• OnReTech / Ugra media future maps on progress.
• ED continue expand WW2 assets packs, as Deka with chinnese Pack, RAZBAM with SA/LATAM/US assets pack, M-3 with the Pacific WW2 incoming on F4-U1.

Check here (I have 10 years tracking ED projects).

 

Edited September 1, 2023 by Silver_Dragon

[cfrag]

An interesting view. As fellow PM with some experience on how to communicate with nervous/impatient customers, I recommend that you invert the color palette for 'my first guess' and 'could extend to'. Currently it's a solid color that blurs with time, suggesting to some (well, many) that the first date is likely, with likelihood of a later date diminishing. I think (and I believe so do you) that the opposite is true: the timeline should start as a thinly colored (weak probability) spot on 'my first guess' and become more solid (likelihood firming up) as time moves on. So how long until it gets solid? Well, that'll show your mettle as PM - some timelines could extend to 1 year, some shorter, others well longer. So how good are you?  It's an impossible task and that's why we do it. Thanks for an interesting read.

-ch

[Ben27603]

@Silver_Dragon

• Some information may be dated, but was current in the time I entered it.
• “Rumored” reflects the strength of the statements at the time I captured them. Some messaging is stronger or weaker than others. Whether a company executes with project work against such statements is up to the company and the conviction of their messaging. Also much of this is second hand from either YouTube updates, ED updates, or Stormbirds.com articles which usually reflect public announcements.
• Can you cite your source for the ME-262 plan? First I’ve heard of that.
• The Bo-105 seems to change back and forth. I recall reading it was on hold or not being progressed. Please cite your source if it is back on.
• If I’ve missed some less-mentioned modules, I accept that as a hazard of doing this as a hobby, not an output regulated by a government agency. Not an attempt to be comprehensive, more to gauge major modules, mentioned in media and official newsletters, and to spot trends in timing and theaters.
• I won’t include assets packs or campaign scenarios. Too minor for my interest.

I make no promise of comprehensive review. Only what I capture, when I capture it.

Thanks for your input. I will study it against what I already have and make adjustments or cite sources as time permits. 

[Ben27603]

@cfrag - Interesting points. So my color coding is darker for what I believe is the correct time frame, but as lags do happen, the fading color is the thinking behind that. I have managed many projects, but DCS seems to follow the process similarly for Manufacturing Execution System software, so it fascinates me. But, I consider that the resources and money are much less than projects I have seen, so project lag infects many of the modules shown. My interest for doing this is my curiosity on when what modules will come available and my enthusiasm for seeing a Vietnam world in our future.

Also, I need to plan SSD upgrades. Also I need to practice flying better. 

[draconus]

8 hours ago, Ben27603 said:

The Bo-105 seems to change back and forth. I recall reading it was on hold or not being progressed. Please cite your source if it is back on.

They had some problems on the way but the module is WIP constantly.

 

8 hours ago, Ben27603 said:

Can you cite your source for the ME-262 plan? First I’ve heard of that.

This one is on hold.

As you can see most info you can find in forum pages.

What does Photo mean vs 3D render?

Please explain your Era meanings because, as we know it, Vietnam (55-75) era is totally inside the Cold War (47-91). You have put modern C-130J (1999), Super Tucano and CH-47F also into Cold War - that's confusing. A-6E and F-4E are rather newer versions than Vietnam. MiG-21bis is also hardly Vietnam. I guess you just took the aircraft name with no variant modeled consideration. Planned FF MiG-29 9.12 is still a cold war machine.

There were some dev videos of F4U flying and also DM pics were shown.

Some iteration of DLSS was used in rendering of the "DCS 2023 and beyond" video.

ATC/radio work is still far away. No hope for this year.

Good list and good luck with your bets

[Silver_Dragon]

10 hours ago, Ben27603 said:

@Silver_Dragon

• Some information may be dated, but was current in the time I entered it.

10 hours ago, Ben27603 said:

• “Rumored” reflects the strength of the statements at the time I captured them. Some messaging is stronger or weaker than others. Whether a company executes with project work against such statements is up to the company and the conviction of their messaging. Also much of this is second hand from either YouTube updates, ED updates, or Stormbirds.com articles which usually reflect public announcements.

My sources has official staments / Newsletters and propper Discord channel with projects updates by ED and 3rd parties, I dont need other sources. ED team members and others 3rd party members and direct contact with them to confirm info.

10 hours ago, Ben27603 said:

• Can you cite your source for the ME-262 plan? First I’ve heard of that.

Official module on research by ED, put on hold meanwhile to get reliable info to build them realistic. Remember that module was some coming from the old KS, rescue by ED and released on the last years on WW2, and has been confirmed by Nick Grey and other ED personal on the forums. And a propper section on the WW2 forum section. Not released or "active" develop by extend research by problematic engines and other issues.

10 hours ago, Ben27603 said:

• The Bo-105 seems to change back and forth. I recall reading it was on hold or not being progressed. Please cite your source if it is back on.

Bo-105 has a approval 3rd party (has not disapear), with a aproval module by ED (ED not retired them), and continue on progress, confirmed by The_Fragger inself last week on direct comunication.

10 hours ago, Ben27603 said:

• If I’ve missed some less-mentioned modules, I accept that as a hazard of doing this as a hobby, not an output regulated by a government agency. Not an attempt to be comprehensive, more to gauge major modules, mentioned in media and official newsletters, and to spot trends in timing and theaters.

All has aproval modules, and confirmed, appeared on official newsletters or 3rd party comunications / Discords. Remember 3rd parties working on projects "aproval" by ED.

10 hours ago, Ben27603 said:

• I won’t include assets packs or campaign scenarios. Too minor for my interest.

All has approval DCS official content, check the E-Shops and the Newsletters.

10 hours ago, Ben27603 said:

I make no promise of comprehensive review. Only what I capture, when I capture it.

Thanks for your input. I will study it against what I already have and make adjustments or cite sources as time permits. 

 

Edited September 6, 2023 by Silver_Dragon

[Silver_Dragon]

1 hour ago, draconus said:

There were some dev videos of F4U flying and also DM pics were shown.

And official "2023 and Beyond" ED video.

1 hour ago, draconus said:

ATC/radio work is still far away. No hope for this year.

Remember Radio was implemented by ED some years ago and get updates last year, on fact has no a new feature, has on expansion feature with new steeps.

[Lyrode]

23分钟前，Silver_Dragon说：

Official module on research by ED, put on hold meanwhile to get reliable info to build them realistic. Remember that module was some coming from the old KS, rescue by ED and released on the last years on WW2, and has been confirmed by Nick Grey and other ED personal on the forums. And a propper section on the WW2 forum section.

Is 262 it on hold since 9 years ago? That kickstarter stuff or so I remember.

[Silver_Dragon]

1 minute ago, Lyrode said:

Is 262 it on hold since 9 years ago? That kickstarter stuff or so I remember.

All Kickstarter stuff was release by ED, except the Me262 and some "promise" WW2 assets pack units. The projects was no "on hold" 9 years. Has the problem of a aircraft with delicated / problematic engines and other issues with require a extend research to build them propperly, similarly the problems with the P-47 fly data wind tunnel missing and other stuff.

[Ben27603]

So, my estimates are likely no worse than the project modules that are sparsely resourced or notifications from 2015 or 2017 that were listed as “on hold”. I well imagine creation to full release of these modules is an arduous task requiring much artwork and technical functionality and testing. So my graphic attempts to draw an estimate from amount of info provided, speaker/author references to time frame, and the actual release of the proposed module.

•  So most contentious or dubious is my classification of the “era”. In my own selfish interest, I am following the creation of modules most present in various “eras” because I am seeing a trend to many Vietnam-utilized aircraft. This and Wags interview statements lead me to believe that while not imminent (within a year), a Vietnam map is on the radar (2-3 years in the offing). I admit my classification is fuzzy.
• So Me-262. A little sad that this seems an on-hold module. But my DCS experience does not go back more than 3 years, so nice to see it mentioned, but haven’t seen any energy around this for the last 3 years. Hope it resurrects. 

[upyr1]

On 9/1/2023 at 4:52 AM, Silver_Dragon said:

• Super tucano and AI-58 Pucara has not Rumores / Hinted, has confirmed by RAZBAM and on develop.
• Other project confirmed by RAZBAM has the Mirage III

That's good.

On 9/1/2023 at 4:52 AM, Silver_Dragon said:

• DCS: WW2 Marianas map by ED on develop.

The screen shots that have been released look awesome 

On 9/1/2023 at 4:52 AM, Silver_Dragon said:

• F6F Hellcat has on develop by ED WW2 team (no Fliying Iron)

I hope we can get the Zero too

On 9/1/2023 at 4:52 AM, Silver_Dragon said:

ED continue expand WW2 assets packs, as Deka with chinnese Pack, RAZBAM with SA/LATAM/US assets pack, M-3 with the Pacific WW2 incoming on F4-U1

can you give us any clues about what ships we'll get?  I want to see the Iowas vs the Yamatos. 

[upyr1]

On 8/28/2023 at 1:33 PM, Ben27603 said:

The more I engage in DCS, the more I get fascinated with the development process. I hope that this has nothing to do with the fact that I tend to be a crappy flyer!

Anyway, each of these development companies outside of Eagle Dynamics seem to be small technical outfits with big challenges relative to a demanding market and somewhat over-hyped timelines. So as a project manager, one day I decided to just graph it all based on all the various notices, updates, YouTube, ED, Stormbirds, Discord, X-twitter, and Facebook. These are my guesses only based on what limited public information I could find. Please tell me if I am way off, I can correct it.

That said, if most of these come to fruition in the next three years, we're in for a butt-load of modules and worlds. I know I've not captured everything, but wow!, looks like the soup for a Vietnam-based world is warming up. Especially since the recent Wags interview with CW Lemoine and his Korea/Vietnam comments. Enjoy.

 

 

Add the Thud to the rumor category 
 

 

[Silver_Dragon]

39 minutes ago, upyr1 said:

Add the Thud to the rumor category 
 

 

That is not a 3rd party, RAZBAM never has talked about a Tu-105.

[upyr1]

16 hours ago, Silver_Dragon said:

That is not a 3rd party, RAZBAM never has talked about a Tu-105.

I know RAzbam had never said anything officially about the F-105, they just had a Thud on their webpage and according to the post I was trying to link to Grinelli has stated the Thud isn't available. So either ED decided there wasn't enough information for the Thud or someone has plans to produce a F-105 module, which I don't know nor do I know who might be doing it. What I do know for sure is I would put it in the rumored category as it appears the answer to the question "Are we getting the F-105?" is a definitive maybe now please point out to me where I said Razbam was doing it

 

 

Edited September 8, 2023 by upyr1

[Miro]

For me, the biggest event at the moment will be the release of the Dynamic Campaign. A total game changer, a completely new sense of flying, Falcon and Virtual Fronts in one great DCS engine. I'm looking forward to it.

[MAXsenna]

On 9/7/2023 at 10:28 PM, Silver_Dragon said:

That is not a 3rd party, RAZBAM never has talked about a Tu-105.

Now, where did upyr1 mention the Tu-105? Thud = F-105...

On 9/8/2023 at 6:33 AM, upyr1 said:

So either ED decided there wasn't enough information for the Thud

What do you suggest by this?  

[Silver_Dragon]

5 minutes ago, MAXsenna said:

Now, where did upyr1 mention the Tu-105? Thud = F-105...

What do you suggest by this?  

Typo error.

[upyr1]

 

55 minutes ago, MAXsenna said:

What do you suggest by this?  

The full quote was 

On 9/7/2023 at 11:33 PM, upyr1 said:

So either ED decided there wasn't enough information for the Thud or someone has plans to produce a F-105 module, which I don't know nor do I know who might be doing it

This statement was based on the following post 

Where @Hatman335 stated that Grinelli said that the F-105 was not available. So there are 3 options

• Someone has called the Thud
• ED has decided there isn't enough information
• the statement I am basing it on was in error  

[MAXsenna]

Yes, I read that thread back in the summer. I'm just wondering where you get this from, when "Wags" stated in the YT vid that they are looking into the Century series. Now we know the F-100 and the F-104 are taken, and the other ones are nowhere near as interesting as the F-105, so this doesn't make any sense. Well it's not really that important. I was just curious. @Fromthedeep made those statements before Wags made his, and I believe @Hatman335 is spot on.

Cheers!

 

3 hours ago, upyr1 said:

ED has decided there isn't enough information

 

[upyr1]

1 hour ago, MAXsenna said:

Yes, I read that thread back in the summer. I'm just wondering where you get this from, when "Wags" stated in the YT vid that they are looking into the Century series. Now we know the F-100 and the F-104 are taken, and the other ones are nowhere near as interesting as the F-105, so this doesn't make any sense. Well it's not really that important. I was just curious. @Fromthedeep made those statements before Wags made his, and I believe @Hatman335 is spot on.

Cheers!

 

 

I believe the statement is correct too. Which is why i say it should be on th rumor list. As the Thud had been removed from the to do list I figured that meant it was either claimed or ruled out due to lack of information. For two reasons. First simple logic.

There is no reason to believe ED would remove the Thud if it's do able but no one has claimed it. 

The other reason is the Republic archives were destroyed https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/when-republic-aviation-folded-69197851/

Now can you think of any reason it would be removed from the list if it hasn't been claimed and there is enough data for a module? 

 

 

Edited September 10, 2023 by upyr1

[MAXsenna]

On 9/11/2023 at 12:00 AM, upyr1 said:

Now can you think of any reason it would be removed from the list if it hasn't been claimed and there is enough data for a module? 

No, that's what I was trying to say.

In any case. Seems I've completely misunderstood you. For as long as I've been active on these forums, I've always heard that ED was not interested in doing any Century Series ever, (up to 3rd parties), so I was not aware that the Thud was ever on an ED "to do list". (Also heard for years the story of the destroyed documentation).

Apologies, I understand better what you meant now. I'd still put money on ED doing it themselves, just like Nam and Korea, (and other major sellers). 

Cheers! 

[upyr1]

1 hour ago, MAXsenna said:

No, that's what I was trying to say.

In any case. Seems I've completely misunderstood you. For as long as I've been active on these forums, I've always heard that ED was not interested in doing any Century Series ever, (up to 3rd parties), so I was not aware that the Thud was ever on an ED "to do list". (Also heard for years the story of the destroyed documentation).

Apologies, I understand better what you meant now. I'd still put money on ED doing it themselves, just like Nam and Korea, (and other major sellers). 

Cheers! 

So far they have done the other Republic aircraft. If we get the Thud we'll just have the F-84 and F-84F

[Ben27603]

On 9/14/2023 at 12:51 PM, upyr1 said:

So far they have done the other Republic aircraft. If we get the Thud we'll just have the F-84 and F-84F

So, in one of the recent YouTube interviews of Matt Wagner, he alluded to the cost and demand model. If there are insufficient customers for a prospective module, ED will not make it. But - if a 3rd party wishes to make a module, they can do so. 

Does anyone have any idea, how many customers it takes to justify a module or is there any data that says how many customers have purchased which modules, per module? That would be very interesting.