Concerns About DCS World: Mission Creation and AI Behavior

[rgk86cavalry]

Hello everyone,

I've been a dedicated DCS World player for quite some time, and I deeply appreciate the effort that goes into developing such a complex simulation. However, I've encountered several issues that I believe are worth discussing for the betterment of the community and the game itself.

Multiplayer Experience

In the current state of multiplayer, the variety of available missions seems limited. Most servers predominantly feature "capture the flag" scenarios, which, while enjoyable at first, can become repetitive over time. I believe introducing more diverse and dynamic mission types could greatly enhance the multiplayer experience.

Single-Player Limitations

When it comes to single-player mode, the experience feels somewhat underwhelming. Often, I find myself manually placing targets on the map and then flying to them, which removes the element of surprise and challenge. It would be beneficial to have more engaging, randomly generated missions that offer unpredictability and require strategic planning.

Mission Creation Challenges

The mission editor, while powerful, is not very user-friendly for those of us who aren't experienced in scripting or programming. I've spent days trying to script LUA files with Moose and MIST to create dynamic scenarios such as:

Insurgents launching indirect attacks on NATO bases from random locations.
Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) moving around the map, requiring interception before they reach critical points.
Large NATO supply convoys moving between bases.
Implementing Quick Reaction Forces (QRFs), both ground teams and aviation units.
Despite my efforts, I've faced difficulties, particularly with getting VBIEDs to follow tasking movements. A more intuitive mission creation system or additional support and documentation for these advanced features would be greatly appreciated.

Quick Mission Generator Issues

The quick mission generator used to be a helpful tool for jumping into action without extensive setup. Unfortunately, it no longer functions as expected and often displays "null" when attempting to generate a mission. Fixing this feature would provide a convenient option for players looking for immediate engagement.

AI Ground Forces Behavior

Another area of concern is the behavior of AI ground forces, especially troops, in both multiplayer and single-player modes:

Multiplayer: When transporting troops using the CH-47F, I've noticed that after landing them near enemy forces (approximately 500 meters away), they tend to form a defensive perimeter around the aircraft instead of engaging the enemy. Even after returning with additional troops, the initial group remains stationary, which diminishes the effectiveness of coordinated ground assaults.

Single-Player: Conversely, in single-player mode, AI troops sometimes exhibit overzealous behavior, such as expending excessive ammunition on insignificant targets (e.g., a prop shovel assigned to the enemy team). Balancing the AI's engagement priorities could enhance realism and gameplay.

Focus on New Features vs. Core Gameplay

While new features like the upcoming Iraq map and advanced fog and dust rendering systems are impressive and showcase technical advancements, I feel that core gameplay issues deserve more immediate attention. Enhancements to mission creation tools, AI behavior, and existing features could have a more substantial impact on player experience than graphical improvements alone.

Conclusion

I share these thoughts from a genuine desire to see DCS World continue to improve and succeed. Addressing these concerns could significantly enhance both the single-player and multiplayer experiences, benefiting the entire community.

I'm interested to hear if others have had similar experiences or have found solutions to these challenges. Let's work together to provide constructive feedback to the developers.

Thank you for your time and consideration.