In a DCS Weekly Newsletter, Eagle Dynamics has shared updates on the DCS Dynamic Campaign (DCSDC) progress and some of the features to expect upon the release. Eagle Dynamics has also announced their annual screenshot contest where winning submissions could ear up to $100 in Eagle Dynamics Miles.
Pilots of the UH-1H will be excited to know that a new campaign by Flying Cyking based around peacekeeping in Lebanon is teased by a lengthy trailer and planned for the next DCS update. The campaign promises to bring an authentic storyline to the Lebanon region on behalf of The United Nations, set in 2006. Missions include troop insertion and extractions, close air support, and reconnaissance, all aimed at testing your flying capability in a realistic experience inspired by real world events. The new campaign will be available to users in the next DCS update.
The DCSDC, as it suggests, is a dynamic campaign that changes depending on variables throughout the mission and reacts to your actions and the evolving battlefield in real time. The changes over time relate to the ground AI forces command and control system which fall within three main areas; the border and frontline system, navigation of moving objects dependant on terrain and surface type and multi-level formation system. All of which are combined to ensure that the challenges on the ground, change and adapt over the course of a mission rather than ground objects and enemy positions being static and predictable.
The decision making system that controls the ground force objectives will take into account of the overall objectives for the coalitions and considers unit size and location to decide its behaviour. These movements are calculated and optimised by analysing routes between two points using data for roads, terrain, and travel speeds across different surfaces. Designers of existing terrain can also take advantage of this data using a navigation mesh editor to apply it to older non-dynamic DCS campaigns.
Testing of the DCSDC has resulted in a revamped mission tracking system that shows different actions and behaviours in greater detail. This has been the result of the need for better ability to debug the DCSDC system. Users will be able to expand and review campaign events and add additional real-time strategy (RTS) layers with greater detail than before as well as store RTS data to review in the future. Users will also be able to save during a campaign and come back to it at a later date, as well as the ability to rewind time and replay unsuccessful episodes to review what went wrong.
Finally, the annual DCS screenshot competition is now open for submissions that capture visual appeal, creativity, relevance and story telling images. Winners of first place will win $100 in ED Miles, second will earn $50, and third place wins $30. To see further details and to enter, head to the DCS forum to submit your entries.