Jul 28, 2023

Q&A Part 4: Bandits, Character Creation, and villages

Sengoku Dynasty - SwordsOfTheSouth

Youkoso!

Welcome back to Q&A Part 4. We love your questions, and we're excited to dig into some more. This time around, we're chatting about bandits, creating your own characters and the position of villages. So, let's jump right in and explore more of what Sengoku Dynasty has to offer!

27. Is Sengoku Dynasty compatible with Steam Deck?

While it won't be compatible at the initial launch, we're optimistic that optimization work during Early Access will lead us there.

28. Is it easy to transition from Medieval Dynasty to Sengoku Dynasty, or is it like learning a whole new game?

While there are some shared basics between Sengoku Dynasty and Medieval Dynasty, there will be new elements to learn. But don't fret - we've dedicated resources to ensure new players have clear onboarding and tutorials. Veterans of MD or any survival or village/city builder game should find the transition smooth.

29. Does our village's location impact town building or gameplay? Can we build our first village anywhere?

Definitely. Once you have your first bell, you're free to plant roots almost anywhere. The location impacts available resources and can influence your strategy in building multiple villages. Be warned - some locations are resource-rich but challenging to build in, while others are great plains perfect for large town construction.

30. Can we play as the evil bandits?

The narrative of Sengoku-era Japan is complex, and what we might call 'bandits' were actually a diverse group of outcasts with unique stories. You won't play as a bandit, but you'll have opportunities to interact with them in ways beyond combat, like trading and dialogue. Down the line, we're considering giving players a chance to exert influence over these groups.

31. Can we transplant environmental items like trees and flowers?

We're considering this feature for a future update, but it won't be available at Early Access launch.

32. Can we recruit friendly NPCs to help us fight enemy groups?

While we haven't planned for friendly AI assistance yet, you can certainly invite friends or online acquaintances to hop in and help with challenges in your game.

33. Are natural disasters part of the gameplay? Can we influence their probability through shrines or other means?

Yes, we've planned for natural disasters and other seasonal modifiers, but they won't be available at launch. We're looking to introduce seasonal events that significantly impact gameplay – both positively and negatively, and can be mitigated or taken use of with some effort.

34. Does the game have character creation or in-depth customization?

We're currently experimenting with this feature and may add it later during Early Access. We also plan to add starting classes for more role-playing possibilities and new perks for character progression.

35. Will the game focus as much on combat as village building and survival?

Combat won't be the primary focus at launch, but we're aiming to offer players more combat-related options later. Keep in mind, combat will always be optional, and you can focus solely on building and surviving if you prefer.

36. What are the key differences between Sengoku Dynasty and Medieval Dynasty, apart from the era?

The main differences include:

Seasonal Production: In SD, each season is like a turn, with updates to production, villager happiness, and effectiveness happening seasonally.
Narrative: SD's story focuses more on a group of people trying to rebuild in Nata Valley, with closer ties to Japanese history.
Special Projects: You'll be tasked with significant infrastructure projects to restore Nata Valley.
Spiritualism: SD respectfully incorporates the religious and spiritual aspects of medieval Japanese life.
Nature: Expect to see a variety of unique Japanese plants and multiple tree types for different building materials.

Jul 28, 2023

Fleapit's Hell Guide: Lust

Freaked Fleapit - Harry Fink

Hey kiddo,

Looks like you made it through Limbo. That’s good, it means you’ve got some fight in you! But since this is hell, that's the last bit of good news that we’ve got for you today. If you want to escape the Netherworld so badly & get back to your boring maidenless life, we still have a looong road ahead of us.

So without further delay, today we’re storming the next Circle of Hell.

Welcome to the Circle of:

LUST

The final stop for all you pervs and deviants out there, no need to hold back your desires darling, let that freak flag fly! This probably seems a bit at odds with what Hell is supposed to look like after the whole ‘eternity of nothingness’ thing we had going there for a while there. As the sighs of boredom and annoyance in Limbo give way to moans and whimpers, one can’t help but think:

But isn’t hell supposed to be all ”pain and suffering” this, and “eternal torment” that? So far this new circle sounds like a place any self-respecting (or disrespecting, we don’t kink shame here) sinner would actively want to end up in, right?

You got a new Concept Art: Entrance to the Circle of Lust

But as you wander through the sticky, sweaty halls you might start to notice something weird. Try as hard as you might, but you can’t interact with anything, like…at all!

It's a feast for the eyes - and the eyes only - the lewdest level of Hell leaves you wanting in every sense of the word with no release in sight. After all, demons and succubi don’t feast on your bodily fluids, it’s your misery they desire.

So here’s your dramatic irony, kiddo. Deviants and pervs get locked up at Blue Balls Incorporated™ for an eternity and then some. But you’re built different, aren’t you? And given how you beat Chunky, you might even stand a chance of getting through another Overlord…

SALLY

🐙The Queen of Tentacles herself🐙

Sally has rightfully earned her place as the most lascivious demon in Hell and the undisputed leader of the Circle of Lust. She’s got eyes everywhere in her domain, and that’s not a figure of speech. Her private room is actually an exquisitely voyeuristic lair full of monitors that keeps an eye on every dark corner of not just her domain, but all of Netherworld!
👁👁👁

So, of course it was only a matter of time before an anomaly such as Newbie caught her attention. And the more she watched, the more her curiosity evolved into a total obsession. So when the time to face her finally arrives, don’t expect any mercy because Sally loves, ahem, hard😘

You have two options if you choose to go up against her: Either surrender willingly and spend the rest of eternity with her…or, she’ll make you stay.

Okay so that’s technically one choice, but if you’re as good as I expected, kiddo, maybe you have half a chance!

If you bark for her, she’ll make the pain go away!

We’ve gotta save some sexy secrets for later though, so our little tour through the Circle of Lust comes to an end here. Next time, let's meet at the entrance of the Circle of Gluttony! Get your best dress on, kid, it’s going to be the feast of a lifetime!

Until then, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and join the Discord server to stay up to date on all the latest news and other degenerate antics!

Thanks for sticking around, everyone!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1840880/Freaked_Fleapit

Jul 28, 2023

Open Beta Summary | F-100D Development Report | UH-1H Last Show Campaign

DCS World Steam Edition - OBWKB

Open Beta

Development Progress

The latest DCS Open Beta version contains fixes for our F/A-18C and F-16C. It also contains mixed hellfire loadouts for DCS: AH-64D. If you have not already, please check out Matt Wagner’s DCS: AH-64D | Radar-Guided Hellfire Missiles and to brush up, make sure to check out the DCS: AH-64D | Laser Spot Tracking.

Please read the full changelog.

F-100D

Development Report

Utilizing advanced 3D scanning technologies and photogrammetry we have obtained precise measurements, shapes, and textures of the exterior and cockpit. All data was then processed and refined before being sent to our 3D art team to be used as accurate reference for modeling & texturing. The following areas were addressed to enhance the F-100D Super Sabre module:

Exterior Model:
Detailed photography serves as the foundation for creating an accurate exterior model of the F-100D. This included refining the aircraft's overall shape, panel lines, surface details, and textures. The goal was to recreate the iconic appearance of the Super Sabre with the utmost fidelity, allowing users to appreciate its unique design features.

Cockpit Model:
The 3D scans provide invaluable references for recreating the F-100D's cockpit. Every switch, knob, gauge, and control panel can be meticulously replicated to reflect the real-world counterpart. The integration of accurate cockpit lighting and functional elements further adds to the immersive experience of operating the aircraft.

Sound Design:
To complement the visual and flight model improvements, the development team additionally recorded a multitude of sounds from the cockpit enhancing the audio experience associated with the F-100D Super Sabre.

Current Progress:
The current development progress of the F-100D module is steadily moving forward, with the module currently in a flyable state. We have made significant progress in various areas, including the flight model, engine, fuel and hydraulic systems, which are currently undergoing alpha testing. Additionally, we are actively testing and refining the core systems of the aircraft, such as electrical, radio, radio navigation, TACAN, oxygen, lighting, IFF, seek silence, and base weapon systems. These systems are being fine tuned to ensure their functionality and authenticity in the aircraft. Comprehensive testing allows us to identify and address any issues or improvements necessary to deliver an immersive F-100D experience to the community.

Future Development:
The integration of 3D scans has significantly improved the accuracy and fidelity of the F-100D Super Sabre module in DCS World. However, our commitment to ongoing development means that there are still further improvements to be made. Our future plans include:
Continuously refining and optimizing the exterior and cockpit models based on feedback from the community and subject matter experts.
Fine-tuning the flight model to ensure a more realistic and enjoyable flight experience.
Weapon system implementation and integration.
Expanding the available liveries and customization options to provide a wider range of visual variations.
Collaborating with real F-100D pilots and experts to incorporate their insights and knowledge into the module's development.

To stay up to date with our progress, we invite you to follow the latest developments at www.grinnellidesigns.com/progress.

UH-1H Last Show

Campaign by SorelRo

Packed with 15 detailed story-driven missions, over 2000 voiceovers and late 1970’s units, this campaign provides an unparalleled glimpse into the life of a war helicopter pilot. Experience the high-octane action, tough decisions, and poignant moments as you fly the legendary DCS: UH-1H helicopter. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to relive history and embark on an unforgettable adventure.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2431910/DCS_UH1H_The_Huey_Last_Show_Campaign_by_SorelRo/

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

Jul 28, 2023

House traditions: Identity, principles and impact on the families’ interactions

Great Houses of Calderia - Lau_Rad

Oy rulers,

In today’s news, our Game Director, Jussi Autio, will explain the vision behind the traditions in Great Houses of Calderia.

Finding your place as an individual in the world of Calderia, where politics are at the core of every interaction, is difficult. As a noble, you have to learn to balance the benefits of your family over your own. Will you stay true to the traditions of your ancestors or will you pave your own path?

From the beginning of the development and the game, traditions are at the center of the family and fiefdom. Your choices dictate what your family stands for and what its identity is. How individuals are combined into a family, besides just sharing the same fiefdom, has always been their traditions—the values the family stands for. Sometimes, you have to sacrifice an individual's short-term benefit for your long-term gain.

They alter many existing aspects of life. Traditions are more than just preferences or advantages and will eventually influence the choices you make. They represent what your House appreciates, shuns, and holds in high regard. Basically, they are the unifying force shared by all of your family members. They are the code of conduct according to which everyone in the family should live. Traditions deeply impact each family member and your powers and abilities.

With the recent playtests and the Founders Beta, we have introduced the tradition tree to further emphasize and develop this mechanic. Traditions can either change how the ground rules of the game work or bend them. For example, Peacemakers will require much worse relations before anyone can declare war on them, allowing players to experience a more peaceful Calderia. On the other hand, Warriors make military conquests easier, and so forth.

They are divided into six categories, and while you can advance in several of them, they come in pairs, with one choice blocking the opposing tradition. Warriors and Scholars are opposites, as are Idealists and Schemers. The third pair is Isolationists and Peacemakers—those who prefer to be left alone and those who enjoy the company of others.

Events and conflicts in the game will award you with tradition points. These points can be general or specific to the tradition you've chosen to pursue next. They can also be more specific event choices that stand for a tradition, in which case points for that tradition will be earned. Schemer families may find shady deals at a bar appealing, but Idealists will avoid them. Particular goals during conflict resolutions, trade and wedding negotiations can have an impact on tradition points. From a role-playing standpoint, choices and outcomes true to your traditions will earn you more points than generic ones.

Going against your traditions and deviating from your family's code isn't impossible. You can let a warrior House witness a family member fleeing battle, an isolationist willingly join in negotiations, or an idealist plot in the shadows. Making such decisions will result in a penalty. They obstruct your efforts to create a richer tapestry of traditions for your House. And if you fall behind in establishing your traditions, you will falter as the other Houses rise in the ranks of Calderia. The tradition system will evolve during Early Access based on your feedback. We will also further improve various mechanics, strengthen the identity of traditions and their impact on your decisions in different situations.

As previously stated, traditions are "House traditions" because they are the principles that everyone in the family ought to honor. This implies that these are among the game's most important role-playing aspects. This feature will enhance the experience of playing your family as well as the interactions with others in the various relationships you decide to maintain and bolster. From delegations to conflict resolutions, from trade negotiations to diplomatic ties, and more.

It is then natural for your family to despise those with opposing traditions. Traditions will influence the behavior of the other Houses. Starting a game surrounded by warrior Houses will be different from starting with isolationist neighbors. This topic is closely linked to the development of AI, which we will cover in another post.

Join our Discord server to participate in the making of the Great Houses of Calderia!

- Great Houses of Calderia Team -

Jul 28, 2023

BATTLEFIELD 2042 UPDATE #5.2.0

Battlefield™ 2042 - TOTALfps

Hello there,

Update 5.2.0 is rolling out next week and includes a wide range of balance changes, fixes and other areas of improvement.

Here is an overview of what’s new:

Map Rework: Hourglass
Vault Weapons: All-Out Warfare attachments for SMGs, LMGs, and Sidearms
Squad Management: Squad Orders, Lock/Remove functionality
Ammo Crate improvements
Dispersion tweaks to SMGs and LMGs

With this release we have fulfilled our commitment that we made to you during last year’s lead up to the launch of Season 1: Zero Hour - we have now reworked all of our launch maps. We’d like to thank you for your continued feedback, but also your patience as we’ve worked to roll out these improvements to you. Let us know how the Hourglass feels!

We are also completing the work to roll out the last set of All-Out Warfare attachments to SMGs, LMGs, and Sidearm Vault Weapons. You will also find further tweaks to these weapons to ensure their gameplay and versatility matches their All-Out Warfare counterparts. Share your thoughts on the feel of these changes, as we’ll be making adjustments if necessary.

Alongside Season 5: New Dawn we also made our first iteration of Squad Management improvements available to you. However, you told us that this feature did not feel complete without “kick and lock” functionality, as it didn’t offer leaders full control over their squad. No matter our previous reasoning for not initially including these options, you’ve told us this functionality is crucial to your squad management experience so we’re adding both these features.

Squad Orders are also included in this update! Work together with your squad to complete objectives and earn additional XP (Squad Order Bonus). All combined, we hope this offers you the Squad Management experience you are looking for. Send us your thoughts.

The team is excited to get this game update in your hands as it covers further areas of your feedback that we’ve been looking to action. We can’t wait for you to play it.

Now stay classy, and PTFO!

//The Battlefield Team

Stay Informed
Follow us on the @BattlefieldComm Twitter account to stay informed on the roll out of our updates. You can also follow along with our tracking of Known Issues.

Areas of Improvement

Hourglass Rework

Let’s take a look at what's new with the reworked version of Hourglass.

We have reduced the overall size of Hourglass to keep combat focused, while having more opportunity to defend yourself through added cover along the primary routes where you’ll find the action. You’ll also notice remnants of combat that has taken place over time and throughout the map alongside increased military presence and new fortified positions.

Village
The once quiet Village area at A1 is now a fortified military base, and the new starting location for Breakthrough matches.

Al Wadha Arches
The Al Wadha Arches at Flag B1 have received a complete overhaul in this now wartorn zone. The bridge has collapsed, creating a crater in this combat intense area. A new underground section has been added to keep you secure as you prepare for the assault.

You can also take combat to the new underground section below the Al Wadha Arches to find momentary relief from the ongoing battle outside.

You’ll also find the updated Rush layout will now take the combat to these new and updated underground areas.

Bridge
As you make your way from the Arches towards the downtown area, you’ll notice the once pristine skyscrapers are engulfed in flames. The underpass has also been claimed by heavy combat and is littered with destroyed vehicles. Expect heavy resistance from the enemy as you face them in close-quarters-combat.

Security Checkpoint
Fight your way downtown across the main road with new fortified military positions. We have updated this area to make it ripe for vehicle gameplay. The areas leading further into the downtown area have also received new areas of cover which will help you during the assault.

Burj Al-Kahlej, Burj Alsamaha, SIB Building (Downtown area)
While the downtown area might look familiar, you’ll find intense combat with plenty of new opportunities for the enemy to take advantage from new positions of cover.

Vault Weapon Attachments

With SMGs and LMGs as the final Vault Weapons to receive All-Out Warfare Attachments, the rollout is now complete across all weapon categories.

The P90, AKS-74U, PP-2000, M60E4, XM8 LMG, M240B, Type 88 LMG and the RPK-74M have also had their damage curves, dispersion, recoil behavior and accuracy tweaked to feel more consistent with All-Out Warfare counterparts as viable and competitive options.

In addition, Vault Sidearms have also received All-Out Warfare Attachments, where possible.

Since this is a large rebalance injection into the game, we will be monitoring the feedback and data post-update and we are ready to make further changes. We hope you’ll enjoy discovering new ways to play as you interact with moment to moment engagements!

Squad Orders & Lock/Remove for Squad Management

Through Squad Orders leaders can now issue attack or defend orders towards objectives. Collaborate with your squad and earn additional XP (Squad Order Bonus) for successfully completing the orders.

Is your Squad Leader not up to the task? You will now be able to take leadership duties from them if your order requests are not being acted upon.

Lock Squad functionality is also enabled as part of this update, allowing Squad Leaders to lock and unlock squads as they see fit, as well as removing players.

Changelog

Audio

Fixed an issue where the sliding sound would play endlessly if a player was killed while sliding.
Fixed an audio issue that resulted in no impact sounds when hit by certain weapons while inside of an air vehicle.
Subsonic ammo will no longer have bullet crack sounds.
Sundance now will play a Voice Over when requesting or skipping a revive.
Decreased the volume of the late reflection sounds of Crawford's Mounted Vulcan.
Fixed an issue that caused Irish’s DC-2 Deployable Cover to not play any audio when being destroyed.
Melee attacking friendly players in the head no longer plays a bullet colliding sound. We still don’t recommend stabbing your friends in the head though.
Improved the audio impact for the EMP Grenade.

Soldier & AI

The Penguins had placed grease on some of the ladders which resulted in Specialists losing control of themselves when using them. We told the penguins that these objects were ladders and not slides. They reluctantly agreed to clean up their mess.
Fixed an issue that caused directional arrows to allied soldiers and vehicles to always be present even if they were in view of the player.

Battlefield Portal

Fixed an issue that resulted in long names for Custom Experiences not properly being framed during the loading screen.
The Teleport Block for MCOMs will now correctly function on Flashpoint.
Updated Game Mode iconography to correctly reflect icons within My Experiences Tab.
Fixed an issue that caused the BC2 Armored Transport vehicles to have the wrong icon.

Maps
Exposure

Resolved an issue that allowed for Sundance to fly outside of the play area.

Reclaimed

Custom Conquest is now available within Battlefield Portal!

Modes
Rush

Attackers will no longer be able to see if Defenders are defusing MCOMs through the displayed iconography, and Defenders will be unable to see when Attackers are arming.
---- Dev Comment: There was too much reliance on this mechanic to indicate when to run in and counter the enemy. We wish to encourage objective awareness rather than icon reliance.
Made improvements to the retreat timer and fall back messaging for Defenders.

Specialists & Gadgets

Bushes no longer block players from interacting with dropped weapons and deployed gadgets.
Fixed an issue that caused the Hazard Zone call-in tablet to auto-cancel the first call-in.
Fixed an issue that caused post-explosion smoke VFX to not appear for players who were not facing the explosion at the point it went off.

Ammo Crate

Ammo Crates now have a shared supply cooldown between other deployed ammo crates.
Ammo & Medic Crates will now have a recharge time of 16 seconds, down from 30.
Ammo Crates will now supply every 15, instead of 20 seconds.
Ammo Crates now give an extra magazine to both primary and secondary weapons.
---- Dev Comment: We have made these changes for a couple reasons, one being that we want to reduce instances where players are instantly gaining masses of supplies from multiple crates in a short period of time. The second being that we've heard your feedback about crate cooldowns being too long, with the aforementioned change this allows us to lower this without breaking game balance.

Anti-Tank Grenade

Fixed an issue where Anti-Tank grenades could bounce off a vehicle without detonation while the vehicle was moving away from the thrower.

Fixed an issue where C5 could bounce off other C5 that was already attached to a target.
Made improvements towards some cases where throwing C5 at fast moving vehicles would often not stick.
You can no longer interact with or pick up C5s and Claymores through large foliage structures such as tree trunks.

Irish

Fixed an issue where an active APS-36 Shootdown Sentinel could intercept the same projectile twice.

Rao

Fixed an issue that caused Rao's CyberSuite Warfare device to continually switch between targets when aiming at vehicles.

Smoke Grenade

The Smoke Grenade is now unlocked by default, at level 1, we have also changed the default grenade of the Recon and Support Classes to be the Smoke Grenade instead of the Frag Grenade.
---- Dev Comment: With this change we’re hoping to educate new players with the importance of Smoke Grenades when it comes to the aforementioned classes. Smoke Grenades are your friends when it comes to support actions and concealment!

SPH Explosive Launcher

Fixed an issue that allowed players to be able to go prone when stuck with the SPH Explosive Launchers projectile to negate the damage entirely.

Throwing Knife

Fixed an issue where the Throwing Knives icon would sometimes appear behind a target if they were moving.
Fixed an issue where Throwing Knives wouldn’t move with automatic doors when they open or close.

Weapons

The Fire Mode indicator is now only visible for Marksman Rifles when underbarrels are equipped and active.
Fixed an issue that made recoil control when firing at a Dozer shield not replicate properly sometimes
Fixed an issue that caused the player to move slower than intended when aiming with the XCE Bar and BSV-M.
Fixed numerous Laser Sight VFX alignment issues on weapons.
The NVK-FSN Holo now has the intended reticule.
Fixed the weapon firing animation on the NVK-P125.
Fixed an issue that caused over exposure of the players surroundings when firing full auto with the ACOG 4x Scope.
Fixed an issue that caused the camera to snap when swapping from or to various weapons while prone.

Dispersion Tweaks
Similar to recent dispersion changes made to Assault Rifles, SMGs and LMGs have now also received tweaks to their dispersion rates, alongside general dispersion improvements across weaponry:

SMGs now have a higher starting dispersion, but their maximum dispersion and the rate at which it is reached is now comparable to Assault Rifles
The rate at which dispersion increases and the minimum dispersion while moving has been increased for LMGs
Fixed an issue that was stopping dispersion penalties from being applied correctly while moving under specific circumstances. These are now being applied as designed and should provide a more consistent and fair experience for all players.
Fixed inconsistencies with calculated weapon dispersion when the player is moving.
Vault SMGs have had their spread and shooting behavior tuned to make them more consistent and viable against All-Out Warfare alternatives.
Bipods' are now more effective against dispersion and recoil on LMGs to compensate for these changes

Vehicles

Fixed an issue with the roll rate of the F-35E Panther after using VTOL mode. The SU-57 FELON has also received some roll rate resolutions.
Radar Missiles should no longer lock onto Stealth Helicopters, or hit through flares - this may still happen in close ranges due to vicinity of vehicle and flare activation.
Passengers will now get hints such as when to reload.
Fixed an issue that caused the LCAA Hovercraft, Mi-240 Super Hind and MV-38 Condor to not have functional directional exiting.
Added directional exit to ground vehicles allowing you to exit these vehicles from the direction you are looking at.
Added additional exit points to the back of the combat ground vehicles to allow you to exit behind the vehicle if you want to.
Fixed an issue that caused tank turrets to twitch when turning the tank with decoupled aim enabled while giving target lock input.
Fixed an issue that caused a second shot (purely visual, no damage) of the 20mm Flak to appear in third-person even if one shot had been fired.
Fixed an issue that caused victims of the EMKV90-TOR's railcannon to not have any visual feedback of the projectiles trail
Fixed an long standing issue that resulted in a black screen being present when switching between Zoom In and Zoom Out on vehicles, as well as opening menus within vehicles. Hopefully this is the last we see of this one!
Fixed an issue that would sometimes cause the vehicle weapon's blue bracketed crosshair to not be aligned with barrel direction when the vehicle was moving.
Fixed missing impact sound on some vehicle weapons including the Flak 20mm and 30mm cannon of Wildcat

This announcement may change as we listen to community feedback and continue developing and evolving our Live Service & Content. We will always strive to keep our community as informed as possible.