The past few days have brought several significant changes. First, we have three game versions now: early access, closed beta and an internal developer version which as you can imagine is the most content rich one. But what's more important is that closed beta version is already way ahead of the early access build. This means that the playable version goes through a double bug hunting filter, but also still fits within our timelines - that's a solid attribute of a controlled release schedule by the way. So both content and game mechanics get properly tested and you get to play the most bug and glitch proof game build that can be possibly provided at the current stage.
As it was said before, we are keeping up a good pace and the beta version is currently ahead of the early access by two planes (Yak-1 and Pe-2) and two game modes: Quick Mission builder and Multiplayer. If we keep this up we’ll have a quality game to release. Meanwhile, flying the Pe-2 is a peculiar pleasure. It's hard for me to describe all the tiny traits of its character with words, so let's take landing for example. Somehow it makes me adore and hate this plane at the same time. Landing speed is so low that it nearly matches the stall speed, that's why landing actually looks like a series of bounces on the airfield or more like a landing turns into a control semi-spin at ultra-low altitude (it may sound like a joke, but it's pretty much true).
Read the whole developer diary on the forum.
It’s been a great week - just like all the others. But it is very easy to see how fruitful it was - because you’re getting Ju 87 for Early Access sessions! We must leave some features of the IL-2 for future investigations and testing - don’t you worry though, the Sturmovik beast now has a contester on the German side. So now with the new launcher, you just wait for the evening and click Play – and then try out this mighty weapon of Blitzkrieg.
Of course you’ll notice that Stuka has its own specific temper - as does every aircraft in IL2BOS. And we’ve prepared missions for your new Ju 87 that will reveal its powers and maybe even some week points; discover them all and you won’t regret it.
By the way we decided to update the screenshots section on our website. And it would be great if you helped us with it. Please, run the game on max graphical quality setting, find an impressive shot and send us the picture without any editing. We’ll pick the best screenies, will put them on the site, and probably make some of you famous - because your nicknames will be there. :) Please, post the screens in this topic (click here), and we’ll announce the result by the end of next week.
Read full news and discuss them on our forum.
During the next session you will experience the same mission with the IL-2, but from other points of view like piloting a LaGG in covering missions and the Bf-109 in interception scenarios. So Sturmoviks will be going on missions under AI control, and you will have a chance to try it out in new tactical roles.
This week's main update is actually important for the whole project. We are releasing the game launcher - a special application that keeps your client up-to-date. It also does the following:
- You can easily find the most frequently used links: website, forum, FAQ and get in touch with the customer service;
- Setup settings before launching the game, for example, choose screen resolution;
- Read most recent updates from the team or visit project's social network pages.
Read full news and discuss them on our forum.
As we promised you’ll get IL-2 and all its modifications including the rear gunner in the nearest early access session. Note that it’s not complete yet, for instance, a lot of gauges are disabled and the armored protection may be not 100% correct, but in general IL-2 is ready for early access.
AA crews were sent for extra training which means that: a) they are better shooters and more dangerous to careless pilots; b) they will die if you shoot them or bomb them. Another addition that shows our warm care for the AA crew guys is that the Germans now have searching lights to hunt down LaGGs in the night sky around the Stalingrad region. In this version they can be found near the Lapino airfield which we believe you already love.
Read full news and discuss them on the official forum.
Also we present you this record of the latest stream with developers.
Another week has passed keeping us busy in multiple segments of development. We're currently working on new visual effects: huge smoke domes covering the destroyed Stalingrad; bomb explosions with one particularly outstanding one - the enormous SC1800 which was the heaviest German bomb and tracers with a few shape and color corrections etc. By the way, thank you for your warm feedback about improved graphics of city ruins - we'll keep searching for the most natural looking and beautiful creative solutions trying to make the map as spectacular as possible.
One more graphical addition that unlike the previously mentioned ones is going to be featured in the early access is increased draw distance for all aerial contacts. This new feature will not depend on the field of view (from max to min). As for the gameplay updates, we're adding anti-aircraft artillery so keep focused and take care of yourselves. This is the very first implementation of AAA, it's far from final so please don't rush to criticize, but constructive suggestions are very welcome.
For more details about the next week of early access, please, visit the forum.
