Hey guys, MrDeath here!

Welcome to the our second Sitrep! In this Sitrep we will shed some more light on the announced features and content for the upcoming update.
But first we will have a introduction from our current developers at Downpour Interactive!

If you have any suggestions on community involvement be sure to contact me on either : Reddit, Steam discussions or the Discord.

HEADS UP! Make sure to check this post of the Community Contest!
you'll be able to compete and win some amazing prizes!
https://steamcommunity.com/games/496240/announcements/detail/2629423802408312734





VRML is proud to collaborate with ESL Gaming & Oculus once again in order to produce this mind-blowing tournament with the intention of selecting 4 teams that will compete for the following prize pool on stage at the Oculus Connect 5 on September 26-27th !
Those 4 teams will be competing for a total prize pool of USD$60,000 !

• 1st place : $25,000
  
• 2nd place : $15,000
  
• 3rd place : $10,000
  
• 4th place : $10,000

Below is a flowchart of the whole championship.
Lot more details on the website: https://vrmasterleague.com/Onward/Championships/2018-Summer
Have a great one and good luck!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N3j51Aej-s





- Dante, Creator of Onward

Whats your favorite thing to work on in Onward?
My favorite thing I like working on in Onward is choosing the environments and themes for each map. VR allows for players to experience scenarios and places they’ve never been to before, and I like that each map in Onward tells an interesting story. I also love to find ways to promote teamwork and strategy between players in game. Everyone should have a dedicated role that complements the other.

What is your favorite game? (besides Onward)
I can’t pick one, but my top 3 are Halo 3, Insurgency, and the Last of Us.

Which weapon in Onward do you like the most?
M16 with a red dot and AP rounds.

Which map in Onward do you like the most?
Bazaar. It was my dream map to play in.

What feature do you want added to Onward?
I’d love to increase the player count and have larger maps. I’m a fan of large scale battles in games like Squad and Battlefield. We’re going to continue to push the limits and see how far we can go.



- James, Programmer

Whats your favorite thing to work on in Onward?
I really enjoy prototyping and creating new features for the game. There's something extremely satisfying about coming up with an idea, fleshing it out and incorporating it into the game! Evac mode on Operations was extremely fun to get in the game, and remains my favourite PVE gamemode. Another thing I really enjoyed working on was introducing VR spectating (flying around) and the Observer setup which is used for casted matches. It's been incredible watching the casters use my setup to cover the VRML league and invitational matches and make it such a blast to watch!

What is your favorite game? (besides Onward)
The Halo series, Horizon: Zero Dawn, Soma, Destiny (1 & 2) and Ori and the Blind Forest. You can't make me choose!

Which weapon in Onward do you like the most?
SKS! With a suppressor and AP ammo!

Which map in Onward do you like the most?
Cargo! I was a huge fan of the old Tanker layout and was so glad we were able to bring it back into the game.

What feature do you want added to Onward?
I have a tremendously long list of extra things that I want to add to improve the observer (casting) setup! Also I've a few ideas for game modes.



- Patrick, Programmer

Hello! I have primarily worked on AI, the pickups system, networking, crossplatform and native Oculus support.

Whats your favorite thing to work on in Onward?
Most recently, I've been enjoying working with the pickups system we have. Redoing all the pickups (weapons, grenades, syringes) and interactable objects back for v1.2 made it a lot easier to make new pickups for the game. Adding bipods, drones, and the stun gun are some of the things I'm working on for the next update.

What is your favorite game? (besides Onward)
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, but I've been playing mostly tabletop games lately (Pandemic, Mysterium, and This War of Mine). It's a nice change to step away from the screen after working and playing in VR all day.

Which weapon in Onward do you like the most?
M39 with a bipod.

Which map in Onward do you like the most?
Bazaar for PVP. All those alleyways and small rooms lead to a lot of fun moments of enemies being close together but not quite knowing where the other is.
Downfall for PVE. Good practice for long range shots, and pushing for the Evac point can be a good challenge running from cover to cover.

What feature do you want added to Onward?
AI was the first feature I wanted, and I got to add that! I'd like to experiment with some overpowered items for using versus AI; mortars, air support, rocket launchers. I like all the interactable elements of the machine guns and I'd like to do more pickups that have more interactable parts.



- Daan, Community Manager

Hi! My name is Daan, also known under the username MrDeath.

Whats your favorite thing to work on in Onward?
I've been really enjoying working on the Monthly Sitreps like this. Trying to get you guys some amazing information on what we'll bring in an upcoming update.
I also love to maintain community contact with amazing contests like the current one we're running right now.

What is your favorite game? (besides Onward)
Arma 3, but I have been playing RuneScape (old school) some more lately.

Which weapon in Onward do you like the most?
This is a hard one, if i'm in a small to medium sized map, I'd go for the M16A4 on MARSOC and the AKM on VOLK.
If i were to actually select a weapon on enjoying it the most. it has to be the M40A5. because it's super satisfying to get a long range kill with it on maps like Downfall and Abandoned. Not only to mention that its model looks amazing.

Which map in Onward do you like the most?
Some of you will probably have guessed it, Downfall! Although Abandoned might likely replace downfall as my favorite map >.>

What feature do you want added to Onward?
Better hand models, rigging these hand models and with these new hand models, support for gestures!



Note that these following features are still in progress and are likely to change before release!


Work In Progress GIFs







finally a way to clean yourself after hours of battle.




This is subject to change
The stun gun is a MARSOC only weapon for the Specialist class.
it costs one point and will only be able to shoot once! Reloading the stun gun will not be possible for balancing reasons.



The stun gun will instantly drop the target, making it possible to take him hostage or take his stuff without being as loud when using an actual gun.

This is subject to change

• A volk tablet is hackable if a volk player drops a volk tablet and they are still alive (they got downed, but aren't dead, they throw their tablet away)
  
• The tablet is hackable for a time before locking itself.
  
• A marsoc player with a hacking tablet (selected in loadout, spawning with stun gun gives you the hacking tablet) can approach the volk tablet to hack it. Numbers will appear on the volk tablet that they will have to input on their tablet.
  
• When the hack begins, other volk players will be notified a tablet is being hacked.
  
• When the hack has completed, the marsoc player will be able to see volk player locations.

This is subject to change
Bipods are selectable for some weapons. The designated marksman can select the bipod for his weapons and the automatic rifleman class can select it too.



This is subject to change
Drones will be a MARSOC only tool for the designated marksman.
VOLK will be able to shoot down the drone.


The drones will be very loud and it's irritating sound can be heard across the map. This could be used as a tactical advantage.

We still have way more stuff coming but we decided not to put it in the sitrep yet! make sure to read the sitrep for next month to learn about those!

This was the monthly sitrep for August!
The update is just around the corner, so keep your eyes peeled!

If you have any tips or suggestions for improving this series, let me know! You can contact me on either : Reddit, Steam discussions or the Discord.

Stay updated on Onward, converse with the community, test builds, and participate in organized competitive events by joining our Discord!

For additional information, visit our wiki.

I’ll see you on the field!
MrDeath, Community Manager.

Hey guys, we're releasing a small patch, just some audio changes.

• Added holster sound for gun, grenades, tablet
  
• Fixed network players not playing sound when grabbing tablet from holster
  
• Lowered volume of grab sound for grenades and mags

Stay updated on Onward, converse with the community, test builds, and participate in organized competitive events by joining our Discord!

For additional information, visit our wiki.

Hey guys,

Just a quick hotfix to address a few of the major issues in the current live game.

We're still working hard on v1.3 and if you haven't already checked it out, please check out our Onward Sit Rep, where our community manager MrDeath has given a sneak preview of some of the things we're currently working on!

• Fixed a problem which was resulting in performance drops when players leave and/or rejoin lobbies
  
• Fixed a problem with the start mission button which could result in players joining a round prematurely, often without any gear
  
• Put in a potential fix for players falling through the map due to loss of tracking on Oculus Rift headsets
  
• Fixed an occurrence which could lead to teams being awarded points for multiple victory conditions at the same time. The round can now correctly only end for one reason.

Stay updated on Onward, converse with the community, test builds, and participate in organized competitive events by joining our Discord!

For additional information, visit our wiki.

ATTEN-HUT!

Hey guys, MrDeath here!

Get your asses in gear for the Community Contest!

We’ve decided to host a community contest. In these contests you’ll be able to compete for real prizes.

This contest will be a video contest, and launches today (13th of July)! You have until the closing date of 12th September to post your videos to YouTube and submit it to us (see below for submission rules).

So put your filmmaking skills to the test to write and direct an amazing video!

We’ve recently pushed an update containing the new desktop observer for private lobbies. This will come in handy for the cinematic and steady shots you’ll want to achieve.

The desktop observing is only possible in private password protected lobbies. When creating a private lobby it’ll give you the option to enable the observer slots.


More info about the controls of the desktop spectating can be found here.

• It must be an original video.
  
• Be of duration of at least 30 seconds and no more than 5 minutes.
  
• Must be "both entertaining and creative".
  
• Created/taken within the Onward game.
  
• Must be uploaded on YouTube.
  
• All uploads must use the following tags - onward, onwardvr, vr, milsim, FPS, contest, community
  
• Don’t use copyrighted music for a fanmade trailer video.
  
• Can’t reuse earlier submitted videos for future contests.
  
• Only one submission per contender.

Once the video is up, please email the video link with the category & your preferred username (if not the youtube account name) to videocontest@downpourinteractive.com.

If you’re not sure and need some more info regarding rules, contact me on either Reddit, Steam discussions or the Discord.

• Comedy/funny
  
• Cinematic
  
• Machinima
  
• Gameplay/montage
  
• Fanmade trailer
  
• Other

We may have a themed contest in the future.

If you have a question on something that hasn’t been featured in the rules above you can contact me on either Reddit, Steam discussions or the Discord.

Up to 5 people helping you will receive these prizes as well!

1. ProtubeVR with magnetic cups (MagtubeVR), Onward shirt, Onward Fanny Pack and a VRCOVER (padding or facial interface)
   
2. Onward shirt, Onward Fanny Pack and a VRCOVER (padding or facial interface)
   
3. Onward shirt, Onward Fanny Pack

An onward fanny pack you say? yes sir, we've had a little thing going in the ESL invitational in Leicester a few weeks ago. So we'd thought it to be funny to include an Onward branded fanny pack in the prize list!


On 12th September we'll close the submissions. You'll be able to vote for your top 20 (numbers may differ) video submissions. After that we'll internally choose the top three videos. We'll release more info about this 12th of September.



Helpful footage/audio you might want to use :
Onward intro/outro animation.
Royalty free music/audio.

Hey guys, we're releasing a hotfix to tweak and fix a few things.

• Tutorial: Added an AKM step to demonstrate how to reload AK-style weapons (which require you to grab the mag from the gun while holding the mag release)

• Tent: Fixed spectate camera not rendering AI players in tent
  
• Bug: Fixed a sequence of events which can cause players to spawn without gear
  
• Bug: Fixed an occurrence where every player can have poor performance until the end of a round after a player joins mid-round
  
• EAC: Fixed a server issue which was kicking players shortly after joining a lobby
  
• Observer: Fixed scoreboard not showing second team's score
  
• Observer: Fixed multi-monitor machines have an issue with full screen
  
• Observer: Fixed map not showing player arrows after first person spectating
  

Stay updated on Onward, converse with the community, test builds, and participate in organized competitive events by joining our Discord!

For additional information, visit our wiki.

Hey guys, MrDeath here!

We’re starting a new series; in these we will be telling you what we’ve been up to in terms of development in the form of monthly write-ups.

I have been given this role as the Community Manager to inform you guys on what we’re planning and working on. If you have any suggestions on community involvement be sure to contact me on either Reddit, Steam discussions or the Discord.


HEADS UP! Get ready for a free weekend from the 19th of July at 10AM pacific until the 22nd 1PM!

So, now that's out of the way, let’s start with the upcoming features and fixes!

Note that these following features are still in progress and are likely to change before release!

• Optimising Inverse Kinematics CPU usage.
  
• Refactoring old code to improve efficiency.
  
• EAC problems with launching the game.

We’ve been getting reports from some players that their performance has been negatively affected by our v1.2 release. One particular nasty bug which seems to be caused by players leaving the game (and new ones joining afterwards) is being looked into as we speak, and a fix will be available ASAP when the guys have found the cause.

In addition to this fix, we also have some potentially huge performance patches coming!


We’re working on making the player models look a little more streamlined!
The potential improvements to players appearance could include :

• Crouch fix (no more legs poking through your chest)
  
• Better and smoother running animation
  
• ‘Taking a knee’, instead of squatting, when crouched and not moving
  
• Better calculated elbows
  
• Fixing the player rotating when close to a wall

So we’ve pretty much been keeping our heads down with the development on this new map since it’s announcement back in October 2017.
With the loss of our environmental artist, Abandoned had to be shelved for a brief time.

Here are some screenshots of what abandoned looks like right now. Again this is subject to change before release :





This is going to be the biggest map yet.


We’ve been working on several new pieces of equipment you can use on the battlefield. These new items will allow you to play in a different ways and tactics that weren’t possible before!

Stun gun and hacking
We’re adding a stun gun (for MARSOC only) that gives you the possibility to stun your enemy, while he’s stunned you can hack his tablet and temporarily receive enemy locations on your tablet. This will likely be limited to the specialist class.



Bipods
A new way to get more accurate shots on longer ranges! The bipod attachment will allow you to steady your gun on any object low enough to put your bipod on. This will become very helpful for players looking to get long distance kills, by providing a potential extra layer of accuracy previously unseen in the game.



Eyes in the sky
Now, I won’t reveal too much on this. But in the next big update you might want to watch out for the MARSOC marksman and check the skies next time when protecting the objective….



This was the first monthly sitrep!
If you have any tips or suggestions for improving these series, let me know! You can contact me on either : Reddit, Steam discussions or the Discord.
As for the community contest, it’s just around the corner! So keep your eyes peeled!

I’ll see you on the field!
MrDeath, Community Manager.

Hey guys, we're releasing a hotfix that will fix a few recent issues.

• Downfall: Added lights into two building instances to ensure adequate lighting
  
• Drawing Board: Added indicator to show who is currently drawing (and what color)
  
• Pickups: Added generic impact sound for all pickups that didn't have one
  
• Observer: Now allows score/map overlay to be hidden.
  
• Observer: Now available on all private maps, to aid content creators

• Syringe: Fixed being unable to heal other hand when holding weapon by barrel
  
• Pickups: Fixed issue which could cause pickups to be thrown backwards during a high velocity throw
  
• Pickups: Fixed issue causing pickups to be potentially thrown further than intended
  
• Fixed a problem where the grenade blocking invisible wall would disable too soon
  
• Fixed an occasion where players could be killed when proning with tracking loss due to "Accidents Happen"

Stay updated on Onward, converse with the community, test builds, and participate in organized competitive events by joining our Discord!

For additional information, visit our wiki.

We are extremely happy to share with you some links for the highly anticipated Onward Invitational, ran by VR League (Oculus and ESL), in collaboration with VRML! The teams competing are the top 4 teams from the Round Robin stage of the ProTubeVR & VR Cover Championship. These teams will be battling across a variety of maps for a prize pool of USD$10,000!

The live event streams for both days will be available on this page.

Parzival (one of the VRML moderators) is also planning on having a 360 livestream available, which can be watched here once live!

For more information on the event, please visit the VRML site!. To get involved in future Onward competitive events, please join our Discord!

We've just reverted the last audio change due to complaints that it was negatively impacting the overall audio quality of the game. This unfortunately means the audio "popping" will have to stay a little longer on live.

We do however have a potential fix available as a publicly available Steam beta branch called audiobeta. Players on this branch will be able to play alongside live so please give it a try and let us know if you have any problems with it! You may have to restart steam to have the branch show up.

• Ammo boxes: Fixed incorrectly only spawning ammo for holstered weapons (was ignoring held weapons)
  
• Gamemode: Fixed competitive lobbies ending prematurely when a downed player quit to tent
  
• Audio: Reverted gunfire audio settings back to v1.2.3 while we investigate different solutions (there will currently be audio popping again)

• Audio: Fixed audio "popping" from guns firing and frag grenade explosions
  We recommend using a 48khz sample rate for Onward
  
• Gamemode: Fixed round incorrectly ending early when a player quit to tent and there were still teammates alive

Stay updated on Onward, converse with the community, test builds, and participate in organized competitive events by joining our Discord!

For additional information, visit our wiki.

Hey guys,

In this hotfix we're bringing back the lighting for Suburbia1 and Downfall1 from v1.1 (since they were drastically changed in v1.2) whilst keeping the newer lighting as new versions (Downfall3 and Suburbia3). We've also included some improvements to the overall visual fidelity of the game, fixed a few of the game's biggest bugs and issues and made some additional changes, based on player feedback.

There is still unfortunately a known issue with throwing objects on Oculus Rifts when running through SteamVR. We'll be pushing out a new hotfix soon to address this. In the meantime we recommend running the game through Oculus SDK. We're also working hard to solve the audio popping problem.

• Oculus: Reverted a change to controller velocity that caused difficulty in throwing objects quickly
  
• Fixed Suburbia3 incorrectly having Escort mode
  
• Removed Escort mode from Cargo

• Downfall and Suburbia now have 3 variants instead of 2.
  
  • Downfall1/Suburbia1: Original daytime lighting from v1.1
    
  • Downfall2/Suburbia2: Nighttime variants
    
  • Downfall3/Suburbia3: Afternoon/dusk variants that were added in v1.2
• Graphics: Added some brightness/contrast post-processing to improve visuals
  
• Player: Lowered the height that the vest starts rotating. Vest should now be less-rotated when in a crouched position
  
• Player: Tweaked player collider slightly to better support players using each other to boost onto scenery objects
  
• Player: Exit button (Vive menu, Oculus B/Y) now only appears when the hand pressing the button has nothing in it (was a problem if holding weapon in non-dominant hand, press exit button to close bolt but it also popped up the exit)
  
• Ammo Holster: now shows secondary mags while no weapons in hand or holster and primary mag holster is empty (previously only showed primary mags even if there were none)
  
• Casting setup: Added speed slider for the flycam movement

• Shotguns: Buckshot falloff adjusted to be more damaging at close range
  
• Shotguns: Fire rate increased

• Player: Fixed networked players bouncing up and down rapidly when on slopes/stairs
  
• Oculus SDK: Fixed an issue which resulted in players not being able to throw objects consistently (soon to be applied to SteamVR version also)
  
• Anti-exploit: Fixed an exploit which allowed players to climb up buildings using external software
  
• Gun Grip: Fixed grip letting go when trigger hand gets too close to front grip
  
• Gun Grip: Fixed proximity grip not releasing correctly when pressing grab button
  
• Gun: Fixed being able to shoot your hand while it was holding the barrel/foregrip
  
• Tablet: Fixed map image not rotating correctly when on a perfectly flat surface
  
• Cargo: Fixed some objects not rendering on scopes
  
• SA80 now correctly labeled as SA80 LSW variant

Stay updated on Onward, converse with the community, test builds, and participate in organized competitive events by joining our Discord!

For additional information, visit our wiki.