DCS Update discussion February 2024

[Ghost79]

6 minutes ago, unlikely_spider said:

Note that the patch status states "planned".

Yeah i always take the initial patch date with a pinch of salt

[giullep]

Correct..the new unified system and QA working good!! We are happy to wait and  see the fruits of this !! Thx for your hard work

[Granica]

give fix okulus v63

[Dragon1-1]

Yeah, I never believed they were going to release a patch just after Easter holidays. That kind of thing never works out.  

[Bucic]

To be frank I'm more after the changelog rather than the patch itself. The search for phrase "F-5E" is going to consistently return zero results, but the recent core changes are interesting. And I'm curious whether there's any followup to the awesome Dora audio rework.

[Wizard_03]

Are patches on a multi month month cycle now? This year we have only had a single update to the game. 

[Hoirtel]

1 minute ago, Wizard_03 said:

Are patches on a multi month month cycle now? This year we have only had a single update to the game. 

Yes - 2 weeks x3

[BIGNEWY]

We will keep you all informed about the patches when they are ready, we have lots planned this year. 

thank you 

[Raisuli]

1 hour ago, Bucic said:

To be frank I'm more after the changelog rather than the patch itself. The search for phrase "F-5E" is going to consistently return zero results, but the recent core changes are interesting. And I'm curious whether there's any followup to the awesome Dora audio rework.

Back in the day we would get hints and suggestions, then they had to take something out because of a problem and the wailing and gnashing of teeth was biblical. 

I get why they don't do that anymore, but it's a shame.

Right with you on the F-5, but I've learned to love my steam gauge ugly duckling.  It's a lot more satisfying to hit a target or grease a landing in that than one of the Nintendo jets.

[Gunfreak]

1 hour ago, Raisuli said:

Back in the day we would get hints and suggestions, then they had to take something out because of a problem and the wailing and gnashing of teeth was biblical. 

I get why they don't do that anymore, but it's a shame.

Right with you on the F-5, but I've learned to love my steam gauge ugly duckling.  It's a lot more satisfying to hit a target or grease a landing in that than one of the Nintendo jets.

Mabye they simply don't have any major new things planned. Or at least not stuff that can easily be showcased (like the map performance improvements in last patch)

Usual new features coming to the big sellers(F18, F16 and Apache) are showcased by Wags leading up to the patch. So probably none of that in this patch.

[schurem]

2 hours ago, Raisuli said:

Back in the day

We would compare the patch notes to the actual game and do a fun little scavenger hunt for things not mentioned in them. One guy even started doing byte comparisons on the game files to see the differences. 

 

Fun times indeed. Oh and abysmal performance. And three game versions out in the wild. Yeah the good old days.

[Raisuli]

4 minutes ago, schurem said:

We would compare the patch notes to the actual game and do a fun little scavenger hunt for things not mentioned in them. One guy even started doing byte comparisons on the game files to see the differences. 

 

Fun times indeed. Oh and abysmal performance. And three game versions out in the wild. Yeah the good old days.

Don't forget all the things broken in the rush to get "this week's" Wednesday patch out.  Have to admit for all the bumps in the road things are going in the right direction!

But I do miss weekly newsletters with actual news, and the snippets of things to come, and all that.  The wailing and gnashing of teeth hasn't changed, of course.  Wailers will always wail... 

[AstonMartinDBS]

7 hours ago, BIGNEWY said:

The single DCS version is good for the community.

This is just your opinion and doesn't reflect that of the community for sure.

I'm actually a very patient person and haven't complained about delays so far. Since we're waiting for an update since nearly six weeks and the patch announced for today has been pushed back by a week (at least), I would like to give my opinion:

The last noteworthy feature updates for the F/A-18C, F-16C, AH-64D or the SC have been released more than three months ago.

Instead bringing the already released modules out of early access status, ED seems to focusing it's resources to the release of more and more new, unfinished content (CH-47F, MiG-29A, Afghanistan, Iraq).

The next feature update for the AH-64D was announced by Wags in an interview with Casmo as "very soon" for May or June 2024. The last AH-64D feature update has been delivered in December 2023. I hope you don't expect that the community really believes, that ED does not move many resources from developing existing early access modules to announced and/or pre-purchaseable modules like Afghanistan, when you let us wait more than five months for LINK, C-SCOPE and ZOOM for the AH-64D.

Unfortunately, I have lost my trust and will no longer support ED by (pre-)purchasing early access modules, as long as ED doesn't change the current strategy. This is my opinion.

Edited April 3, 2024 by AstonMartinDBS

[SteelPig]

1 hour ago, AstonMartinDBS said:

This is just your opinion and doesn't reflect that of the community for sure.

I'm actually a very patient person and haven't complained about delays so far. Since we're waiting for an update since nearly six weeks and the patch announced for today has been pushed back by a week (at least), I would like to give my opinion:

The last noteworthy feature updates for the F/A-18C, F-16C, AH-64D or the SC have been released more than three months ago.

Instead bringing the already released modules out of early access status, ED seems to focusing it's resources to the release of more and more new, unfinished content (CH-47F, MiG-29A, Afghanistan, Iraq).

The next feature update for the AH-64D was announced by Wags in an interview with Casmo as "very soon" for May or June 2024. The last AH-64D feature update has been delivered in December 2023. I hope you don't expect that the community really believes, that ED does not move many resources from developing existing early access modules to announced and/or pre-purchaseable modules like Afghanistan, when you let us wait more than five months for LINK, C-SCOPE and ZOOM for the AH-64D.

Unfortunately, I have lost my trust and will no longer support ED by (pre-)purchasing early access modules, as long as ED doesn't change the current strategy. This is my opinion.

 

Interesting how sure you are "the community" wont agree,and you are the one who can tell. 

[Qcumber]

1 hour ago, AstonMartinDBS said:

This is just your opinion and doesn't reflect that of the community for sure

And just how big is your community?

1 hour ago, AstonMartinDBS said:

Unfortunately, I have lost my trust and will no longer support ED by (pre-)purchasing early access modules, as long as ED doesn't change the current strategy. This is my opinion.

I respect your decision. 

[kerlcat]

My own option: I support Unified version which I don’t have to maintain 2 bulky versions on precious SSD or wait for months till a stable version released.

And when ED notified the “planned” update, which did come with “subject to change”. It ‘s unusual to see a planned SW released on time given its nature. Looking forward next release!

 

 

[Dangerzone]

The single DCS version is only new, I'm sure it will take some time to iron out the wrinkles, or to figure out where it best settles with the release cycle. 

I don't think it's just BigNewy's opinion - as I'm sure he doesn't have enough pull in ED to make the exec's, and dev's drop 2 versions for 1 all by himself. It's obvious that ED corporately have decided that 1 release is good for the community.  

My personal opinion is that the best option for me is 2 releases. One being a Open BETA... for testing purposes only. Very handy for server admins, mission editors, scripters, and those who genuinely want to be involved in the testing process to give constructive feedback, with the other being a Stable release version - for actual gameplay. However the community over the years has proven that it can't work this way - because as soon as there's a beta version available - most want to jump to using this as their primary production version, which inhibits the ability for a Beta version to be used primarily for testing, and has ED split between trying to maintain 2 releases for actual public production.

Given that my preferred option seems impossible to have in this climate, the single DCS version does indeed seem to be the next best option, and I'm willing to give ED some time to see how things settle before making further judgement. 

The current version of DCS seems to be pretty good too for the most part. Good performance improvements, etc. I'm actually more keen on new features and modules than just another patch cycle - but since there's been no announcements, so I suspect that the next patch won't give us new features, but just more tweaks, fixes and enhancements. I'm glad that they are taking the time to get it right, and not quite sure what the urgency is that people are waiting for with this patch. ED may cop some flack for delaying a release by a week, but I bet it's far less flack than if they make a release that has gameplay affecting bugs.

Edited April 3, 2024 by Dangerzone

[Silver_Dragon]

2 hours ago, AstonMartinDBS said:

This is just your opinion and doesn't reflect that of the community for sure.

I'm actually a very patient person and haven't complained about delays so far. Since we're waiting for an update since nearly six weeks and the patch announced for today has been pushed back by a week (at least), I would like to give my opinion:

The last noteworthy feature updates for the F/A-18C, F-16C, AH-64D or the SC have been released more than three months ago.

Instead bringing the already released modules out of early access status, ED seems to focusing it's resources to the release of more and more new, unfinished content (CH-47F, MiG-29A, Afghanistan, Iraq).

The next feature update for the AH-64D was announced by Wags in an interview with Casmo as "very soon" for May or June 2024. The last AH-64D feature update has been delivered in December 2023. I hope you don't expect that the community really believes, that ED does not move many resources from developing existing early access modules to announced and/or pre-purchaseable modules like Afghanistan, when you let us wait more than five months for LINK, C-SCOPE and ZOOM for the AH-64D.

Unfortunately, I have lost my trust and will no longer support ED by (pre-)purchasing early access modules, as long as ED doesn't change the current strategy. This is my opinion.

 

Map builders use diferent tools with a high fidelity modules.... TDK vs SDK, has wags or other ED team talked about left AH-64D or other modules?, no... check the roadmap about the next system on progress on the apache.

The shame with other modules...

 

Edited April 3, 2024 by Silver_Dragon

[Beirut]

2 hours ago, AstonMartinDBS said:

This is just your opinion and doesn't reflect that of the community for sure.

I'm actually a very patient person and haven't complained about delays so far. Since we're waiting for an update since nearly six weeks and the patch announced for today has been pushed back by a week (at least), I would like to give my opinion:

The last noteworthy feature updates for the F/A-18C, F-16C, AH-64D or the SC have been released more than three months ago.

Instead bringing the already released modules out of early access status, ED seems to focusing it's resources to the release of more and more new, unfinished content (CH-47F, MiG-29A, Afghanistan, Iraq).

The next feature update for the AH-64D was announced by Wags in an interview with Casmo as "very soon" for May or June 2024. The last AH-64D feature update has been delivered in December 2023. I hope you don't expect that the community really believes, that ED does not move many resources from developing existing early access modules to announced and/or pre-purchaseable modules like Afghanistan, when you let us wait more than five months for LINK, C-SCOPE and ZOOM for the AH-64D.

Unfortunately, I have lost my trust and will no longer support ED by (pre-)purchasing early access modules, as long as ED doesn't change the current strategy. This is my opinion.

 

 

I can be as critical as the next guy, but the bottom line is that DCS is one of a kind and the best of all flightsims. There is nothing else giving us this level of tech and fidelity. So best to chew - grudgingly - on the delays and imperfections and count ourselves fortunate that we have access to Strike Eagles and Hornets in all their guided weapons and funky MFD glory. Not to mention the upcoming Phantom which may well be the most sophisticated flightsim plane ever. And I want the best of the best in flightsim goodness. 

 

And I very much want my CH-47 and am happy to pre-order ASAP. So I'll bitch and whine a bit, but I absolutely will not stop supporting the sim. Just my opinion. 

[NineLine]

3 hours ago, AstonMartinDBS said:

This is just your opinion and doesn't reflect that of the community for sure.

That is not true, the reason we went to a single version of DCS was because of customer feedback, yes this will push the time between patches longer but we liked having the buffer release of Open Beta before.

3 hours ago, AstonMartinDBS said:

The last noteworthy feature updates for the F/A-18C, F-16C, AH-64D or the SC have been released more than three months ago.

I will disagree with you here just looking at the last couple of changelogs, but then even the smallest updates can be important to line up for bigger ones. And while not ever update is gonna be an epic release they are all a means to the end of Early Access. 

Just looking at the last changelog:

DCS: AH-64D by Eagle Dynamics

• Adding the FCR Mast-Mounted Assembly as a loadout option in the Rearm/Refuel menu.
• Fixed: Dedicated server doesn't start mission with AH-64D.
• Fixed: Crash on PLT when CPG activates AutoTrack in multicrew.
• Fixed: Setting the NVS to FIXED and pressing SLAVE crashes the game.
• Fixed: Crash while using FCR and alternate cursor trigger on FCR page.
• George AI tuning.
• Fixed: Gun - bullets go missing 3000m.
• Fixed: FCR will not operate after repair.
• Fixed: AI AH-64D gun position.
• Fixed: Missile RATE LIMIT and ROLL LIMIT are only occurring when rolling right.
• Fixed: ECS temperature errors.
• Fixed: RLWR and ADF audio channels are not synced in multicrew.
• Fixed: Inner cockpit element intersects with pilot wiper blade.
• Fixed: Renamed the rocker label on the EUFD to "DL".
• Fixed: IHADSS symbology text size is too small.
• Fixed: CPG range source is not repeated in Pilot symbology when in COOP rocket mode.
• Fixed: Switching distance from KM to NM will freeze TSD scale.
• Fixed: FCR symbology elements are not affected by the Symbology (SYM) brightness setting.
• Fixed: Command Heading chevron is not referenced to aircraft heading when Bob-Up mode is entered.
• Fixed: AGM-114L will not launch below 38 feet on Sinai map.
• Fixed: HSI Ownship reference errors.
• Fixed: AGM-114L is tracking a target but ACQ is displayed as "?SKR" in white.
• Fixed: HDG> on PAN page should be referenced to Magnetic North.
• Fixed: Leading zeros in Lat/Long Minutes are not displayed in Point Review status windows.
• Fixed: ENDR status window on TSD should be hidden when fuel flow is 0 LB/HR.
• Fixed: AUTOPAGE - OFF cannot be chosen on ASE page.
• Fixed: Activation/deactivation logic for C AUX, L AUX, and R AUX on FUEL pages.
• Fixed: Power interruption is triggering ENTR INU 1 BRST and ENTR INU 2 BRST advisories.
• Fixed: POINT ADD/EDIT is using MPD cursor position on TSD instead of coordinates on KU.
• Fixed: Nav range is not being entered when the SLAVE button is pressed if Laser range is present.
• Fixed: RFHO message should not have a LOCATION option on COM>MSG-REC page.
• Fixed: IAT messages are appearing in Pilot symbology.
• Fixed: CPG's Target STORE message not displayed on VID page in Pilot crewstation.
• Fixed: Target data from FCR TGT Report is used by FCR aircraft as its own if a scan was already performed.
• Fixed: AZ LIMIT is appearing in place of EL LIMIT when the gun turret is near the aircraft centerline.
• Fixed: AZ LIMIT, EL LIMIT, and COINCIDENCE are not interrupting the gun from firing.
• Fixed: AZ LIMIT from an inboard missile launch is being removed before the missile actually launches.
• Fixed: TEDAC "CAGE" and "LMC" lettering switched.
• Fixed: Hold mode indicator behavior when enabled/disabled.

DCS: F/A-18C by Eagle Dynamics

• Fixed: Cold Start Datalink not working. 
• Fixed: Crash when launching HARM.
• Updated flight model and FLCS (details in newsletter)
• Added new pilot helmets HGU-68/P and HGU-68/P with NWG. 
• Fixed: MFD image in some sun light exposure positions is corrupted.
• Fixed: Incorrect Bingo Caution.
• Fixed: On the ground with both engines running only FUEL tank 2 depletes.
• Fixed: Fuel temperature 1000°C on the ENG page causing the FUEL HOT caution after repair.
• Fixed: Brake check holding at Mil power.
• Fixed: RADAR ALT does not always give a warning when set on the UFC.
• Fixed: Some knobs glow when turned off. 
• Fixed: Check TK PRES LO Warning with center fuel tank when climbing above 20k.
• Fixed: Harpoons sometimes self-destruct too early when using HTP.
• Fixed: Radar target heading oscillating in both STT and TWS (and LTWS) for closely spaced targets.
• Fixed: Some knobs are lit in a cold and dark cockpit.
• Fixed: ATT Switch to STBY doesn't trigger "X" on FCS.
• Fixed: Keybind for Bleed Air not working.
• Fixed: Selecting TWS from a RWS STT will recenter scan line.
• Fixed: AACQ and Bullseye information overlapping.
• Fixed: 1 Look RAID adds a "0" next to the targets.
• Fixed: TDC on the RDR ATTK and AZ/EL pages does not show info for targets other than the L&S, when in STT.
• Fixed:  STT could lock the wrong target.
• Fixed: JDAM indication is crossed out on the HUD when the JDAM is not aligned.
• Fixed: SHOOT and IN LAR cues not showing on the Left DDI.
• Fixed: Jamming targets are locked in ACM regardless of distance.
• Fixed: INS alignment on CV starts as RF but then switches to CBL.
• Fixed: PPLI doesn't work on Marianas terrain.
• Fixed: WARN ALT values do not fit on the A/C page.
• Fixed: SLAM indication is crossed out on the HUD and MFD when the SLAM is not aligned.
• Fixed: Light bleeds into the cockpit around the brake pressure gauge.
• Fixed: Cannot move scan center in VS.
• Fixed: AI nozzle and nozzle covers after shutdown are incorrect.

DCS: F-16C Viper by Eagle Dynamics

• Fixed: Datalink doesn't work after cold start. When starting or restarting the aircraft, the MIDS switch must first be set to OFF. Only set to ON after the GPS switch has been set to ON for 60 seconds and the DED TIME page displays GPS SYSTEM.
• Fixed: Elevators remain in the position when control is released.
• Fixed: Crash may occur when exiting FCR OVRD.
• Fixed: Possible DCS crash upon release of GBU-24.
• Fixed: Possible crash when launching an IAM.
• Fixed: Markpoint created after VIP designation is offset.
• Fixed: Dogfight mode lock freezes mid-air.
• Fixed: Incorrect heading and distance to steerpoint with GBU-24.
• Fixed: Cursor Zero/SPI system not working in A-G.
• Fixed: Datalink doesn't work for maps in the Western hemisphere.
• Fixed: Holding MPO switch in OVRD commands a nose down pitch rate.
• Fixed: Training. JDAM mission wrong coords given to verify.
• Fixed: Differential stabilizer and rudder behavior in a Deep Stall with MPO engaged.
• Fixed: FLCS oscillations.
• Fixed: Maverick VIZ and TGP SPI not Working.
• Fixed: RWR BIT logic improvements.
• Fixed: AGM-65 EO sub-modes corrections.
• Fixed: Offset Aimpoint positioned incorrectly on HUD depending on previous steerpoint.
• Fixed: AGM-154A ETA and TTI incorrect.
• Fixed: DTOS/VIS/EO-VIS should not incur a slew to the Navigation cursor.
• Fixed: Cat 1 pitch oscillations at AOA limit.
• Fixed: A-G FCR mode invalid state.
• Fixed: AGR OVRD flashes GM radar return when pressed.
• Fixed: TGP mask cue erroneously flashes if TGP is placed into standby while TGP is masked.
• Fixed: 3-way switch for ANTI-SKID/PB doesn't engage Parking Brake.
• Fixed: HAD HARM target handover blanks out A-G radar.
• Fixed: Moving TDC with TGP in STBY moves SPI to present position.
• Fixed: Adverse small oscillations in TO\landing gains when banked.
• Fixed: AIM-120 SLAVE/BORE option not available.
• Fixed: Defog Lever movement.
• Fixed: HSD "FR/FL" filter function issues.
• Fixed: Changing Master Mode while TGP OVRD is enabled is causing erroneous TGP mode entry.
• Fixed: AGM-65 VIS can get locked onto steerpoint.
• Fixed: AGM-88 POS launch zone overlaps.
• Fixed: WCMD Impact timer inaccurate.
• Fixed: AGM-65 MLE scale only appearing in EO-VIS when WPN is SOI.
• Fixed: HSD FZ can cause some symbology to disappear.
• Fixed: HARM WPN TMS logic is incorrect.
• Fixed: Idle nozzle position too wide.
• Fixed: ARM L remains in HUD after R hard point disabled, and Laser arm is disabled.
• Fixed: AGM-65 VIS TMS forward on post designate can flash DLZ on HUD when no Mavericks remain.
• Fixed: Designating HAD symbol while in CCIP/STRF sub-modes causes TGP to slew away from CCIP pepper.

 

No matter what you might think, all of these bug fixes are important. 

3 hours ago, AstonMartinDBS said:

Instead bringing the already released modules out of early access status, ED seems to focusing it's resources to the release of more and more new, unfinished content (CH-47F, MiG-29A, Afghanistan, Iraq).

You do not know our resources or how the team works internally, we do not stop working on unfinished products to make new ones. We take on what we can handle. As well. We could stop working on maps all together and it would not speed up modules as they are separate teams all together. And while we have some cross-over specialists for aircraft, they are prioritized as needed to keep new things coming and current things improving. 

Pre-orders and Early Access are all optional. We appreciate those that take part, but appreciate those that want to wait just as much. 

[Hotdognz]

2 hours ago, NineLine said:

You do not know our resources or how the team works internally, we do not stop working on unfinished products to make new ones. We take on what we can handle. As well. We could stop working on maps all together and it would not speed up modules as they are separate teams all together. And while we have some cross-over specialists for aircraft, they are prioritized as needed to keep new things coming and current things improving. 

Pre-orders and Early Access are all optional. We appreciate those that take part, but appreciate those that want to wait just as much. 

I don't believe this is a very true statement, when was the last time a ED module team worked on the Yak52 or the Mossie, the Yak52 has languished unfinished for quite a few years.

I know this will go unanswered as every time I have mentioned the Yak52 and why its not had bug fixes to get it out of EA its been ignored.

Edited April 4, 2024 by Hotdognz

[NineLine]

3 hours ago, Hotdognz said:

I don't believe this is a very true statement, when was the last time a ED module team worked on the Yak52 or the Mossie, the Yak52 has languished unfinished for quite a few years.

I know this will go unanswered as every time I have mentioned the Yak52 and why its not had bug fixes to get it out of EA its been ignored.

 

Yak-52 has a few fixes in this upcoming patch, and the Mossie just got the new landing gear system the team designed. 

I do not think the Yak-52 is even in Early Access anymore. Yes it still needs some love but I am not sure there is anything game breaking at this point, and the Yak was always a special module as originally it was done as a private contract and added later when an agreement was made to allow it in DCS.

 

3 hours ago, Hotdognz said:

I know this will go unanswered

If there is ever an important question that I miss I would be happy to be reminded or have it pointed out to me, the forums are quite busy, but in all fairness we are very available and open to talk just about 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, just ask my wife who asks why I am always working. 

[giullep]

if I can express my opinion, I love ED and their products and I have almost all the modules, I preordered also the complete Afghanistan's map to support them..but precisely because I love this reality, my personal impression is that this year the usual dynamism that perhaps we were used to with the non-unified version is missing..I talking about video (Wags), update aupdates and new functions for modules, news information that revived the community and kept us constantly (every 2 or 3 weeks) more aware and interested..I won't deny that unfortunately lately I've been feeling a little bored and I've lost interest because everything seems more "static" to me. I hope it's just my impression and that the usual videos, additions, new systems for our modules will arrive soon...on the other hand, in the projects (all or almost all) in EA, it is these continuous updates that make it nice and interesting to follow their development and finance the project..

my reflection as a lover of the ED world

[NineLine]

3 minutes ago, giullep said:

if I can express my opinion, I love ED and their products and I have almost all the modules, I preordered also the complete Afghanistan's map to support them..but precisely because I love this reality, my personal impression is that this year the usual dynamism that perhaps we were used to with the non-unified version is missing..I talking about video (Wags), update aupdates and new functions for modules, news information that revived the community and kept us constantly (every 2 or 3 weeks) more aware and interested..I won't deny that unfortunately lately I've been feeling a little bored and I've lost interest because everything seems more "static" to me. I hope it's just my impression and that the usual videos, additions, new systems for our modules will arrive soon...on the other hand, in the projects (all or almost all) in EA, it is these continuous updates that make it nice and interesting to follow their development and finance the project..

my reflection as a lover of the ED world

Wags is working on a video right now I believe, so there is that to look forward to

[Hotdognz]

2 hours ago, NineLine said:

Yak-52 has a few fixes in this upcoming patch, and the Mossie just got the new landing gear system the team designed. 

I do not think the Yak-52 is even in Early Access anymore. Yes it still needs some love but I am not sure there is anything game breaking at this point, and the Yak was always a special module as originally it was done as a private contract and added later when an agreement was made to allow it in DCS.

 

If there is ever an important question that I miss I would be happy to be reminded or have it pointed out to me, the forums are quite busy, but in all fairness we are very available and open to talk just about 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, just ask my wife who asks why I am always working. 

Thanks for replying NL, but the the Yak is still early access according to your web site

There are still very active bug reports on items broken on the Yak52 with no attention too them at all, I'm sure you have logs with reports about bugs and broken stuff, well at least ED should if they are actively tracking bugs.

null