About 2.0

[Stratos]

Ok, just discovered the template pic, looks clean and nice but have a doubt, where will the map appear? On the lower right corner maybe?
I was expecting to see land from 2.0, is not possible to trough a couple od generic "with land" maps to let us see how they work? Thinking about 2.1 we sure will need to wait until late year or more sure for early next year so this feature will be pretty cool, imagine a map with land N-S-W and E will be enough for many scenarios
Hope to get a positive response
Thank's!!

[Akmatov]

Personally, I hope for sooner. :D

[Warship NWS]

Ok.. sorry for the short and quick reply but my time is very limited today. The tactical map will be in the lower right hand corner. Land will be implemented in 2.1+ as I want to make sure the new mapping system works as expected first.

Thanks.

[Mart]

Ok.. sorry for the short and quick reply but my time is very limited today. The tactical map will be in the lower right hand corner. Land will be implemented in 2.1+ as I want to make sure the new mapping system works as expected first.

Thanks.

Hi Chris,

Sorry to be a complete pain, but at least my question isn't complicated.

I just wondered if there was ETA yet on WCDB 2.0.

Many thanks

Martin :)

[Warship NWS]

All v2.0 news is here;

http://forums.navalwarfare.net/showthread.php?t=143

I will have another update soon. Thanks.

[Mart]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for updating us on the progress of WCDB 2.0 and the delay until June or July.

Personally, I feel drawn, in this respect. On the one hand, the most important thing is that you release the product within a time scale that you can comfortably manage, and that when you release it, you are satisfied with it. I've never known you release a version of WCDB (or anything else) that was in anyway imperfect. That is unusual these days, and really great.

At the same time, I know that I find myself sort of "holding off" waiting for it's release. I suppose I mean that I am happy to be patient, so that you can do the job to your satisfaction, but I also just wondered how reliable you thought the June/July date was going to be.

It may be that you are still unsure, and that's also fine. It just means I should keep taking the pills! :)

Thanks for what you're doing

Martin

[Warship NWS]

Hi Martin, I think June to July should be fairly reliable. I don't like to make promises though as my NWS schedule is by far the busiest of any member of our team. I am involved with store operations, research/analysis work, code development, directing beta testing operations, communications with our various industry contacts, etc.. I am a very hands on person as you might say. ;) WCDB is my pet project that I take a great deal of pride in so when it came to the largest update I have ever put together for this engine I was not going to rush into it. Over time since WCDB was first released I have entered segments of code that would allow for the mapping system to be included at some point in an update but there were a lot of decisions that I had to make before each segment was put into place.. especially in terms of interface, which proved to be an equal challenge to updating the AI code. I feel the end result will be much worth the wait and as you stated.. we never do anything without making sure it is done as right as possible at launch, anything less would to me would be insulting to those that have been patiently waiting. :)

[Mart]

Thanks Chris

Your reply was really helpful. Also rest assured that if their is a further delay, I won't be moaning. WCDB is a strange game. On the face of it, it seems simple, and a bit old-fashioned. But two things soon become clear. One is that, under the bonnet, it's far more sophisticated than most games that look "cutting edge" and that it's own variety of "cutting edge" is of a completely different form, in detail, interface and AI.
The interface is extremely user friendly. I had occasion to have peek at Action Stations the other day, and the immediate sensation was one of being overwhelmed by the detail. In WCDB you've managed to get all that detail in, in a way that is manageable, and with an interface that is easy to use, even though there is far more detail (not to mention the time scale!). It's a game that I, as someone who just doesn't have the expertise and knowledge that many on the forum have, can still play and enjoy, knowing that I'm learning as I go along.

So, I am happy to be patient, knowing you'll do a good job, and are also that you're not having a nervous breakdown.

No need to reply.

Cheers

Martin :)

[Warship NWS]

Thanks Martin for the support.. :)

I have wondered at times if players would prefer to keep the advanced range band system vs the upcoming mapping system due to the simplicity of maneuvering the divisions. That is why I want to make sure that the new interface allows original WCDB gamers to fall right into the expanded dimension of the new mapping system, this was one concern that was very critical in my decision making process. I wanted the screen layout to be as familiar as possible while retaining a high quality level of BMI (battle management interface) which in turn allows for good player situational awareness.

Thanks.

[Stratos]

Guys hello! Today is my birthday so tought that maybe will be cool to ask for some pics and news about 2.0

[keschofield]

Happy Birthday!

I'm a part time, volunteer beta tester so I'm not privy to the items you are asking about, but happy birthday anyway.:)

[Warship NWS]

Guys hello! Today is my birthday so tought that maybe will be cool to ask for some pics and news about 2.0

Some pics will be coming soon.. making sure SAS stays on track at the moment so stay tuned. ;)

Thanks.

[Stratos]

Roger will wait a bit more :D

[Stratos]

Hey mate, what is soon for you?? :p

[Kyle Holgate]

Hey mate, what is soon for you?? :p

By now you should now that computer game/simulation time is the same (seeming) as geologic time. Thousands of years pass with nothing happening... ;).

[Warship NWS]

Something is happening ;).. I should have some more screenshots ready within the next couple of weeks.

Thanks.

[Stratos]

Ok Spain is now the new European football champion, please put a screenie for the players :D:D and of course one for me

[Kai]

...and please one for the vice-champions from Germany and, of course, one for me, too!!:)

(And congratulations to the spanish champions! Your team was definetly the better one!:o)

Greetings from Germany!
Kai

[Warship NWS]

Hey guys.. I appreciate the participation here but lets keep this thread on topic. Thanks. ;) You can post sports stuff in our general "off-topic" section.

[Stratos]

Was a simple joke, think like a trap to make you show some pics. Don't know how but managed to miss this until today:

* v2.1+ plans will include various ocean terrain including land, shoals, islands, shallows, etc. and possible dynamic weather and visibility conditions.

* v2.1+ updates will also include compatibility with SAS for global naval campaign management covering 1890-1950.

WOW!! That's really good news, but have a doubt, will be WCDB 2.1 out before NAW? Anyway 2.1 sounds amazing, hope to get before 2008 ends, then I can retire myself until NAW appears!

[Warship NWS]

To Stratos,

Those are the plans at this point, plus other possibilities down the road. ;) We will see how everything goes. Right now our top priority is to make sure SAS-WW2 gets finished up before I start hammering our beta team with WCDB v2.0 testing.

Thanks.

[HBuhring]

I read that WCDB 2.0 will have a real 2d map and divisional maneuvers. Will we be able to review the action with a map at the end of the game? Even a static map with colored lines for divisions and time ticks every n turns would do; all other information could be conveyed by the text AAR.
As an example, I post here an action map of a French Navy battle of WWII; even a simplified version of this would do.

Thanks for any information

HB

[Warship NWS]

To HB,

It would not be possible for v2.0 as there is enough work involved already to get the tactical mapping system added, but your idea could be a possibility in a later v2.1+ update.

Thanks.

[JMS]

Any estimate when 2.0 will be available? Christmas? Summer'09?

[Warship NWS]

My goal is sometime between Sept.-Oct., a lot depends on the beta testing of the new interface and AI code.

[Stratos]

Yes please!! Can't barely wait for it!! Man 2009 looks like ana amzing year for all the Navy addicts!!

[Warship NWS]

Yes please!! Can't barely wait for it!! Man 2009 looks like ana amzing year for all the Navy addicts!!

I was wondering when you would fire off your torpedoes..;)

[Warship NWS]

News for you to check out,

http://forums.navalwarfare.org/showthread.php?t=143

Thanks. ;)

[Stratos]

MMM Can't understand the 3D thing for WCDB... Is not a 2D game? Why we need another dimension? Maybe ships or land blocking the view or something similar??

[Warship NWS]

The added dimension will increase the level of depth perception during combat and allow for other possible features to be added with future updates. Example, one idea I am looking at is a "camera" clickable viewpoint on the tactical map. I can also use improved animated graphics for the combat resolution. Optional camera viewpoints during combat resolution - example: firing ship to target ship. Textured skies, land, and water. These are just a few of the ideas that may work out with the integrated 2D/3D interface I am testing right now.

Thanks.

[Stratos]

Sounds very interesting and I believe that will help a lot with the inmersion, If we can have some nice views with firing and targets, the sea, and maybe the sky or land for background...

[Warship NWS]

Well.. it is for certain now that the sky and sea textures will be included.. I just finished those up today. Next is the battleviewer graphics. ;)

[Stratos]

Hope to see screenshots of all this working soon. As I'm a naval fan I will buy NAW anyway but seems WCDB is getting better and better, you guys really should work in the SAS compatibility and the inclusion of land for the best naval game ever!!

[Warship NWS]

Stick around Stratos.. got some screenshots coming soon. ;)

[Stratos]

Man is amazing the job you're doing in this game. Now imagine a combat with all the new features in the narrow space of the Slot or Dakar!
Looking forward to the screens!!

[Stratos]

Ein... Now I'm really really lost. Sorry to post here but you have the pther topic closed so...
We are moving into a 3d world with a moveable camera, GREAT or no?? Can't imagine how we will see the 2d ships in a 3d world.
Now a request please can you post a pic of a North Atlantic ocean in a grey sky?

[Warship NWS]

Hi Stratos, I was counting the minutes to see how long it would take you to post in response to the latest update reports. ;)

The idea of the camera is to allow for a full range of watching the battle, picking ships to display status reports, etc.. Basicaly, everything the prior static battleviewer did before but much more.

As to the water and sky textures.. the engine is capable of a wide range of environments and I am considering opening up some parts of the engine for players to add in their own environments and graphics, more on this later.

Right now I just want to get to the beta stages and get everything working in good order.. so far so good. ;)

BTW, post here all you want. I keep the updates thread locked to so it will directed at progress reports only.

Thanks.

[JMS]

Hi Stratos, I was counting the minutes to see how long it would take you to post in response to the latest update reports. ;)



Please note that he posts what we all are thinking. All I can say is OOOOOOOOOH!

We Want More. :D

[Warship NWS]

Please note that he posts what we all are thinking. All I can say is OOOOOOOOOH!

We Want More. :D

Very cool..:)

[jsom]

Please note that he posts what we all are thinking. All I can say is OOOOOOOOOH!

We Want More. :D


And we want it NOW!:D

Sometimes I wonder whether I want to know of the updates......As I play WCDB at present I find myself trying to picture what 2.0 is going to be like. Mind you, it doesn't take away from the game as it is but knowing that the game will be much different in just a 'short' time.....it will be a short time, won't it?:)


John

[Kai]

i am looking to this forum almost every day since a very long time, waiting for news (like U.S. ships of pre WW2 :o or a tactical map for 2d movement), and what are you guys doing now!?

...wcdb in 3d!!!

HURRA!!! :D:D

for me the new design sounds REALLY AMAZING!

does it mean that we will be able to view e.g. the Mikasa get hit by russian salvos in full 3d environment???

[Warship NWS]

Hi guys.. thanks for the support.. it is greatly appreciated. :) I will be posting more news soon.

[Stratos]

Any news about those pics? Really interested in how the newcombat sequence looks

[Warship NWS]

Any news about those pics? Really interested in how the newcombat sequence looks

Working on it.. the new interface is still in the process of being reworked. ;)

[Mart]

Hi Chris

At the risk of being a complete and utter pain in the posterior, I just wondered how things were going with the release date for WC:NAW.

I know you are all busy, so please feel free to hurl profanities in my general direction.

Thanks

Martin :)

[Warship NWS]

No problem Mart, the TacMap for WC:NAW is about 60% finished. I am figuring on a release of WC:NAW v1.0 (also as an update for WCDB owners) around the start of 2009 this way we can have ample time for testing the mapping system and AI and not have our internal beta team working on two major beta testing projects at the same time.

The next step right now for SAS-WW2 is RC v1.0 (release candidate) and after that we will be preparing it for the production run. Once we make sure that goes as planned I will be refocusing more of my time back on WC:NAW. I want our beta team ready to watch for any verified player feedback reports so they can be dealt with as quickly as possible by Tony.

I will note this.. the TacMap for WC:NAW is by far the most complex update that I have worked on for the WC engine which is why I am taking my time to make sure it is done right the first time around. Future updates will not be as intensive or complex in terms of coding as they will be mostly database and combat mechanics updates - point being, all updates after the TacMap is completed will be easier to predict in terms of projected time frames.

Thanks.

[Mart]

Thanks Chris

That was really helpful. I can well imagine that the Tac Map is quite a job. I know how much you value "getting it right", so I hope you will take all the time you need. I am more than happy to be patient, and I'm sure everyone else would say the same.

All the best

Martin :)

[Warship NWS]

The great hurdles of WC:NAW,

The first great hurdle for the WC:NAW TacMap design was the interface. Even though only 25% of the original visual interface is being changed I wanted to make as sure as possible that the new TacMap system would not adversely alter the flow of the original WCDB concept. Players of the original WCDB design should have very little trouble getting used to the new TacMap system, and interface, and in many ways players should find the new interface even easier to understand then the previous design.

The next great hurdle is the AI. The AI in WCDB as it is now is very lethal and I want the AI to be as good as, or better, for WC:NAW. The complexity of the decision making for the WC:NAW will be nearly doubled in terms of combat maneuvering - which the AI will analyze in detail each and every game turn. The AI weapons targeting system is already geared towards the new TacMap as I had been adding updated code over previous WCDB updates in preparation for larger battles and more detailed AI targeting analysis. Point being, the AI maneuvering code will be considerably more complex - and in turn require extensive testing - but the targeting code will only require minor upgrades.

The v1.1+ Advanced Combat Mechanics and Database Upgrades.

Here is where it will get quite interesting, what will happen *after* the hurdles above are completed. WC:NAW v1.1+ will be the start of the advanced combat mechanics and database upgrades... in other words, the work that was being done for the original Navies at War concept will start to be added to the WC engine as systematic upgrades. I am figuring that by around Q1 to Q2 of next year WC:NAW will begin to evolve into an even more intense tactical surface combat simulation. If any of you have watched the original WC evolve since the engine was first released several years ago.. just imagine what will happen in just the next several months after the TacMap is finished.

Warship Combat : Navies at War .. is simply the next evolution for the original Warship Combat engine with many more future upgrades in the works.

Thanks.

[Mart]

Thanks again Chris, and good luck with the huge project. It sounds really exciting.

Also, in case I don't post before I wish all you American types a GREAT Thanksgiving! :)

Martin

[Warship NWS]

Thank you Martin, your support, and others that have followed our work on WC, is greatly appreciated.

Take care friend.

[cj95]

Ouch.

So we shouldnt expect anything to be released until Q1-Q2 of next year?



:(

[Stratos]

Better forget about Q1

[cj95]

LOL......I seem to recall it was supposed to be a Q3-Q4 release for THIS year once upon a time.

:rolleyes:

Oh well. Im still waiting. I check the forums about once a month or so hoping for screenshots or whatever.

[Warship NWS]

SAS-WW2 took priority for our beta team and publication schedule as I mentioned on other threads and posts so WC:NAW was re-scheduled for Q1 of 2009 so we would not have two major productions released at the same time. I also posted screenshots on the v2.0 thread previously showing the preliminary work on the TacMap for WC:NAW v1.0.

[theonlyone]

Any new updates on the release of 2.0?

[Warship NWS]

Any new updates on the release of 2.0?

Not just yet.. we are still allowing the latest SAS-WW2 release to settle in first. However, WC:NAW v1.0 is still presently on schedule for Q1 2009. Thanks.

[Stratos]

Excuse me If I lost something but will V1.0 include WW1 USN and small ships like minesweepers, corvettes...

[Warship NWS]

Excuse me If I lost something but will V1.0 include WW1 USN and small ships like minesweepers, corvettes...

WC:NAW v1.0 is primarly aimed at the new TacMap feature.. but if time permits I will see about adding in the WW1 USN as well, it should be possible as we already have the data we need I just need to compile the graphics for the ships and enter them into the database.

[Stratos]

Hope to see a Campaign mode for WC soon, as is really a feature that need to be there. No one tought in the old campaign created for fighting steel?

[Warship NWS]

Hope to see a Campaign mode for WC soon, as is really a feature that need to be there. No one tought in the old campaign created for fighting steel?

That is the reason for our plans to make WC:NAW compatible with the SAS engine. ;)

[Warship NWS]

Update, work is again underway for WC:NAW v1.0. I just posted a new beta screenshot on this thread;

http://forums.navalwarfare.org/showthread.php?t=143

Thanks.

[Stratos]

I supose there's nothing more to update but I have some doubts about formations and speeds now. Will you be able to make formation turns and singe ships turns?

[Warship NWS]

I supose there's nothing more to update but I have some doubts about formations and speeds now. Will you be able to make formation turns and singe ships turns?

For WC:NAW v1.0 divisions will have divisional course and speed orders.

[Stratos]

That will be radically new, but what will happen with damaged ships? You can disengage, but maybe they're only lose some speed and they can continue the fighting. Will be possible to mantain them under control?
Also for example in WW1 a nice tactic for the torpedo boats and destroyers is to turn all together at the same time, not mantaining the column formation but more forming a line so is easier to attack a big target. Sorry but I don't know how to explain it better

[Warship NWS]

Ships will operate as divisions as they do now. Formations, line ahead and column, are on the planning list.

Detached, usually damaged, ships will disengage and leave the battlefield on their own. Commanders did not usually retain control over detached units in combat as that was left up to the discretion of the captains of the individual ships. Note, it was not common practice to detach warships in combat as it could cause considerable confusion and loss of cohesion, including increasing the chances of collisions. At some point I may add "detaching" warships as a tactical option but there will be penalties for taking such actions in combat.

Thanks.

[fireinc]

Howdy,

I just purchased the game... I did so because I had the impression that I would have access to ships and timeframe appropriate capabilities/behaviours from 1890 to 1950 and that I could manipulate starting/setup formations and distance. Questions:

Where are the explanations/player manuals accessed at?

Apparently I can currently only play in WWI and WWII timeframes? :confused: What if I desire a Span-Am war or Russo-Japanese or other game? (1890 - 1950 :mad:)

Is the "tac map" not yet available (patched to version 1.7) or is it coming later?

Can/How can one stipulate starting entry locations relative to each other and starting formation steaming directions (and not just distance)?

How do you exit the application? (ctrl/alt/deleting so far... :o)

thanks in advance

E!

[Warship NWS]

To fireinc,

a) The manual should be in the directory where you installed the game at in PDF format.

b) WWI and WWII are both presently available including ships from the RJW - Japan and Russia. SAW ships are not available just yet but they are planned to be included in a future update.

c) The TacMap is not available just yet, it is in the works as shown here;
http://forums.navalwarfare.org/showthread.php?t=143

d) You can exit by hitting "backspace".

Let me know if this helps.

Thanks.

[cj95]

Just had a thought while looking at the "tac map"

Is it possible to 'surround' an enemy? ie to have two columns of ships going down either side of the enemy force?

The reason I ask is to determine exactly how much freedom of movement there is. Can you set course by compass points or degrees and such or is it still limited to 'approaching' or 'withdrawing' and such.



Also....where the heck do I download the RJW ships? Did I miss somethiing?

[Warship NWS]

The RJW ships were part of the updates .. move up to v1.7

http://forums.navalwarfare.org//showthread.php?t=5

TacMap is exactly how it sounds.. full tactical maneuvers. 40nm map with 200yd resolutioin. 8 point compass course and speed controls will be included.

Thanks.

[Akmatov]

Haven't posted in a while - not wanting to clutter up the forum - but I gotta say - code faster! All of this looks so very excellent! I already have WCDB, but these new developments are going to be really something I have to have.

I greatly appreciate that the WC:NAW v1.0 will be a free upgrade for us current owners, but I really hope you guys will push on to the additions mentioned, which will very reasonably cost us a bit.

In terms of ships to include into the database, please also include as many of the ships that were designed, but not built - not being built was usually a reflection of politics, whereas the designs are fascinating examples of where the design philosophies were leading the various navies.

And by the by, moving to the tac map from the range bands will cure a major irritation in the current design.

Akmatov

[Warship NWS]

Thanks for the support Akmatov.

1) Hypothetical ship classes will be based on the feasibility for the country in question to build the ship and handled on a case by case basis.

2) The TacMap is a major move from the advanced range band system - however - those that enjoyed the previous system should find it fairly easy to move into the new TacMap interface.

3) Special surprise.. http://forums.navalwarfare.org/showpost.php?p=28882&postcount=7

[Akmatov]

Special surprise

Very nice!

[Kyle Holgate]

3) Special surprise.. http://forums.navalwarfare.org/showpost.php?p=28882&postcount=7

Soooo, does that mean that ships with torpedo reloads might be reload during a scenario? One thing I liked about good ol' Action Stations was that you could pull a ship out of combat and reload tubes. You could do it in combat too, but it was a bit hazerdous and often took a loooong time as the crews were theoretically ducking for their lives and what not.

[Warship NWS]

TT reloads would not make it into v1.0, possibly v1.1.. have to consider some AI coding for it first.

[theonlyone]

I was wondering if in 2.0 there is any chance you could include the option of turning off all the sound effects, including the gunfire? As, when I play the game, I like to listen to music, but it is kinda of hard to hear the music over the gunfire sound effect.

[Warship NWS]

I was wondering if in 2.0 there is any chance you could include the option of turning off all the sound effects, including the gunfire? As, when I play the game, I like to listen to music, but it is kinda of hard to hear the music over the gunfire sound effect.

You mean WC:NAW v1.0? ;) I have added it to my list. If I have time before release I will toss it on the works.. if not I can work on it for v1.1. Thanks.

[JMS]

You mean WC:NAW v1.0? ;) I have added it to my list. If I have time before release I will toss it on the works.. if not I can work on it for v1.1. Thanks.

What's the ETA for NAW?

[Warship NWS]

What's the ETA for NAW?

Looking to try and finish up v1.0 before the end of this month. Thanks.

[JMS]

Looking to try and finish up v1.0 before the end of this month. Thanks.

That soon! that's great!

thank you for your efforts

[theonlyone]

You mean WC:NAW v1.0? ;) I have added it to my list. If I have time before release I will toss it on the works.. if not I can work on it for v1.1. Thanks.

Thank you very much, I look very forward to v1.0. :)