DCS: Afghanistan Announcement

[BIGNEWY]

12 minutes ago, Fear-Factor said:

Where is the next promised part?
As far as i remember there was a info like "approx every 3 months we will release next part of the map"......
Sure, sure....

We have already mentioned in a recent newsletter that the work will take a little longer. 

[inexus]

If I recall correctly the map was released 11th July which is now five months ago with no updates since.

Again no comms on what is going on when a new patch is coming out as I think most people already feel they have already waited 'a little longer'...  Sorry to sound harsh but ED, it would be really useful with a bit more comms on what is going on when it is obvious that people are assuming the latest patch would have an update in it.

 

 

Edited December 5, 2024 by inexus

[OldFlyer]

On 12/1/2024 at 4:47 PM, BIGNEWY said:

We have already mentioned in a recent newsletter that the work will take a little longer. 

You have to see it from our point of view though. The initial announcement had some confidence that you would be releasing each new area in circa 3 month intervals. I get that it's "about 3 months" but one would expect there to be some form of update in that time.

We've now gone 5 months and there hasn't been a single update to the map. All we get is the usual "its been delayed" with no further explanation - it feels a bit like a flipping of the bird. I try not to be one to complain but honestly I feel misled. I don't even have the module installed any longer, it's that disappointing. I asked for a refund on this because after the F-15E fiasco I'm just done on buying these EA products, but was refused. I'm not a very happy customer currently. Constant time creeps, poor comms, half baked products, I'm over it.

[BIGNEWY]

Just now, OldFlyer said:

You have to see it from our point of view though. The initial announcement had some confidence that you would be releasing each new area in circa 3 month intervals. I get that it's "about 3 months" but one would expect there to be some form of update in that time.

We've now gone 5 months and there hasn't been a single update to the map. All we get is the usual "its been delayed" with no further explanation - it feels a bit like a flipping of the bird. I try not to be one to complain but honestly I feel misled. I don't even have the module installed any longer, it's that disappointing. I asked for a refund on this because after the F-15E fiasco I'm just done on buying these EA products, but was refused. I'm not a very happy customer currently. Constant time creeps, poor comms, half baked products, I'm over it.

Sorry you feel that way, and I can understand the frustration. The work is taking longer than expected and we will be having a news item soon about the topic. 

with that said please keep this thread for Afghanistan discussion. 

thank you 

[admiki]

You guys really dropped the ball with this one.

[AvgeekJoe]

I'd rather you guys at DCS got it right than release something with bugs, respectfully.

[huchanronaa]

The original promise that the eastern and northern parts of Afghanistan would be released about three months after the release of the map of southwestern Afghanistan map has come to nothing. But E.D. also said that the Iraq map  would be released before the end of December? Does anyone really believe it?

Edited December 8, 2024 by huchanronaa

[admiki]

I do actually, it would bring in the money.

Afghan map is already sold so no or almost no extra revenue in releasing missing parts.

ED's business model is to pump out as much new stuff as possible to keep cash flow.

[inexus]

9 hours ago, huchanronaa said:

The original promise that the eastern and northern parts of Afghanistan would be released about three months after the release of the map of southwestern Afghanistan map has come to nothing. But E.D. also said that the Iraq map  would be released before the end of December? Does anyone really believe it?

With the state that the Afghanistan map was in when it was released (and still is today) - yes nothing would surprise me from ED to try and make some more money. 

[inexus]

So now ED has released the Iraq map but NOTHING in the changelog for any updates to the Afghanistan map...serious!?!? This seems like playing a joke with customers who paid months ago.

I will not be surprised if the reason given is that it's a different team. Still the delay was because some core tech had to be updated to improve the rendering for all new maps right..? 

Edited December 12, 2024 by inexus

[huchanronaa]

2小时前，inexus说：

So now ED has released the Iraq map but NOTHING in the changelog for any updates to the Afghanistan map...serious!?!? This seems like playing a joke with customers who paid months ago.

I will not be surprised if the reason given is that it's a different team. Still the delay was because some core tech had to be updated to improve the rendering for all new maps right..? 

There is only one explanation for this: since the release of the Afghanistan map, e.d has concentrated its manpower on making the Iraq map. The price paid is that the Afghanistan map has not been updated so far. This is embarrassing for customers who purchase the Afghanistan map.

[Goetsch]

1 hour ago, huchanronaa said:

There is only one explanation for this: since the release of the Afghanistan map, e.d has concentrated its manpower on making the Iraq map. The price paid is that the Afghanistan map has not been updated so far. This is embarrassing for customers who purchase the Afghanistan map.

I just bought and went in to look at the map of Iraq, which I personally don't think is any better than the current Afghan map.

Edited December 12, 2024 by Goetsch

[Ala12Rv-Tundra]

10 hours ago, inexus said:

So now ED has released the Iraq map but NOTHING in the changelog for any updates to the Afghanistan map...serious!?!? This seems like playing a joke with customers who paid months ago.

I will not be surprised if the reason given is that it's a different team. Still the delay was because some core tech had to be updated to improve the rendering for all new maps right..? 

Imagine having the option for not paying upfront, if you as a customer, dislikes the uncertainty of early access.

[Guille H. Mono]

3 hours ago, Ala12Rv-Tundra said:

Imagine having the option for not paying upfront, if you as a customer, dislikes the uncertainty of early access.

I have found myself imagineing this more and more often lately and the first consecuence is me not spending a cent in DCS until 2028, when C-130J comes out of EA.

There was a time when an ED product in early access was self guarantee. Even with the 'two weeks' and 'all subject to change" thing it only required patience but I never felt the uncertainty you talk about until now.

[inexus]

16 hours ago, Guille H. Mono said:

I have found myself imagineing this more and more often lately and the first consecuence is me not spending a cent in DCS until 2028, when C-130J comes out of EA.

There was a time when an ED product in early access was self guarantee. Even with the 'two weeks' and 'all subject to change" thing it only required patience but I never felt the uncertainty you talk about until now.

Same. I won't buy anymore for a long time until I see ED improving...can only imagine it will take years for Afghanistan to be completed.

[flyingcyrus]

From yesterday newsletter : 
As we prepare to release the second part of the Afghanistan map, the entire project will benefit from an expanded main map area, albeit at a lower fidelity, to support aircraft carrier operations, catering to you, our most dedicated enthusiasts.

Thank you ED for changing your mind about carrier ops in Afghan map !!!! 
 

[AvgeekJoe]

Indeed, thank you ED.  You "get it" the need for historical accuracy.

[toubey]

Thank you ED! Looking good. Got a whole map covered in FOBs an COPs ready for some random CAS action .

@BIGNEWYDo you think I will have to change these because of map changes?

[ggrewe]

Sweet! Got the Middle & Near East pretty covered now.

Loving the partial early access to these maps as they develop. 

My expectations have been raised with the brilliant Syria map & new Iraq map

Overlay of DCS Web Viewer with new Iraq (Red, with Blue & Green detailed sections) & expanded Afghanistan maps (Yellow)

Edited December 16, 2024 by ggrewe
Updated to better Relief Map

[Woogey]

On 12/14/2024 at 2:33 AM, ggrewe said:

Sweet! Got the Middle & Near East pretty covered now.

Loving the partial early access to these maps as they develop. 

My expectations have been raised with the brilliant Syria map & new Iraq map

Overlay of DCS Web Viewer with new Iraq (Red, with Blue & Green detailed sections) & expanded Afghanistan maps (Yellow)

You know with ED having the power to approve or deny 3rd party projects in their platform, I am surprised that they have not directed the map production better.  If the Syria map boundary were to slide up and over West a bit, and the Sinai were to slide down and West a bit, it would minimize overlap and dual production of airbases.  The secondary benefit being that it would cover more territory that is currently omitted.    On ED's side of the house, Slide Iraq up to meet the border of the Caucuses map and now we would have no blanks or duplicated work.  It seems like this would be beneficial for future proofing in preparation for the global coverage, and/or the ability to merge maps.

-Woog

Edited December 19, 2024 by Woogey

[draconus]

4 hours ago, Woogey said:

You know with ED having the power to approve or deny 3rd party projects in their platform, I am surprised that they have not directed the map production better.  If the Syria map boundary were to slide up and over West a bit, and the Sinai were to slide down and West a bit, it would minimize overlap and dual production of airbases.  The secondary benefit being that it would cover more territory that is currently omitted.    On ED's side of the house, Slide Iraq up to meet the border of the Caucuses map and now we would have no blanks or duplicated work.  It seems like this would be beneficial for future proofing in preparation for the global coverage, and/or the ability to merge maps.

I don't agree. The overlap is good and needed for the regions they represent, ex. you need Israel on both Sinai and Syria theaters. It's not just about covering the globe with even rectangles but the single maps have to be interesting as a theaters of operations and allow for creation of realistic and meaningful missions.

[ggrewe]

7 hours ago, Woogey said:

You know with ED having the power to approve or deny 3rd party projects in their platform, I am surprised that they have not directed the map production better.  If the Syria map boundary were to slide up and over West a bit, and the Sinai were to slide down and West a bit, it would minimize overlap and dual production of airbases.  The secondary benefit being that it would cover more territory that is currently omitted.    On ED's side of the house, Slide Iraq up to meet the border of the Caucuses map and now we would have no blanks or duplicated work.  It seems like this would be beneficial for future proofing in preparation for the global coverage, and/or the ability to merge maps.

-Woog

Fair point, but some of the un-detailed outer map areas are very plain, especially on the Caucasus map.

This map, as the intro free map has so much potential in the outer areas.

I know ED has said no to adding Crimea & Ukraine for political purposes, but would love to have this as a WWII area & could be developed as a paid add on, with Russian WWII Assets pack?

As we can't currently fly between current maps, makes sense that they have overlap as stand alone maps.

I just hope that there will be cross over map assets & terrain - especially when they develop Southern Iraq from Qatar up to Baghdad & these can be made available to the Persian Gulf map ? (ED owns both) Although someone in another thread, said were 2 different map creation technologies involved, I would be prepared to pay for enhancements to Persian Gulf map later.

Was so glad OnReTech & Ugra Media came to an agreement on sharing assets across their maps (Sinai & Syria) - a win for all, hopefully this is a prototype for maps going forward.

Based on my impressions of the Iraq map I have high hopes ED will get Afghanistan up to this standard and am very happy they are listening to the community already & have extended this map to the sea. The future is bright  

 

 

[Woogey]

Ggrewe, I guess you didn't know, WE CAN fly between maps.  It requires a slight workaround, but a smoother option from ED is inbound, short of a complete merging of the maps.  Also, Personal Opinion here, I think the Afghanistan map is better than Iraq as far as production quality goes.  Early days of course, but the building placement and lack of riverbank elevation on the Iraq map leaves a lot to be desired. Hopefully they get their object placement algorithm dialed in and these rural areas get fixed in a polishing pass. 

-Woog

Edited December 20, 2024 by Woogey

[Hawkeye_UK]

14 hours ago, Woogey said:

You know with ED having the power to approve or deny 3rd party projects in their platform, I am surprised that they have not directed the map production better.  If the Syria map boundary were to slide up and over West a bit, and the Sinai were to slide down and West a bit, it would minimize overlap and dual production of airbases.  The secondary benefit being that it would cover more territory that is currently omitted.    On ED's side of the house, Slide Iraq up to meet the border of the Caucuses map and now we would have no blanks or duplicated work.  It seems like this would be beneficial for future proofing in preparation for the global coverage, and/or the ability to merge maps.

-Woog

No do not slide the map up in Iraq, the airbases in Qatar, Bahrain are very much needed!! If you said extend to the North, given the new mountains look great then yes but not shift.

Edited December 19, 2024 by Hawkeye_UK

[Woogey]

I hear you Hawkeye, on the subject of Qatar and Bahrain.  Why on Earth would ED decide to completely omit them from the PG map when they are near the center of the High detail area, and then include them on the Iraq map when they are at the far corner of the coverage area?  It baffles me how this is a plan, yet it is not possible to add Fallon to the far corner of the NTTR Map?  On one hand we have a single airbase, on the other hand we have an entire country........ go figure.