Steel Beasts Pro Discussion Thread

[Grim.Reaper]

Although the use of "substantially" might indicate a lot longer than a few weeks delay.....no big deal for me since I didn't even know 4.0 was even coming out until recently:)

[Asid]

T.A.N.K.S. Multiplayer 22/05/16 @ 19:00GMT


You can watch it live.  You do NOT need Steel Beasts. http://www.twitch.tv/dogsofwarvu

*********** by DOW

This scenario is a simulation and does not have any political message.



Mission Summary :


Map

Issued in mission



SITUATION:
Briefed before mission


SITUATION:
Briefed before mission

Date: Sunday 22/05/16
Time: 19:00 GMT
Time (local): Click here

For the rest of the mission and additional info please click here -   T.A.N.K.S. Mission


All Welcome

Note: These posts are made in support of the Dogs of War Vu and GrogHeads

[Ronin_GE]

I'm not holding my breath for a June release - We are a week away from June, and 4.0 is still being beta tested.

From SSnake on the SB forums.

May very well be (hopefully, not, keeping fingers crossed) that the testers found new blocker bugs. There's at least one that absolutely has to be addressed, related to line of sight calculations, which are both functionally a centerpiece of the simulation as such, and performance critical at the same time (so we can't take shortcuts here).

At the same time we have a race against time as we have contractual obligations to meet certain other deadlines. That could mean that we have to concentrate on that new project and that we'd be forced to delay the release of 4.0 substantially. So, there clearly are a number of open issues that could swing one way or the other.

Next week Slitherine is releasing three US Panzer Corps grand campaigns. Those should hold me over for at least two weeks. Apparently in July Eagle Dynamics are selling the F-5 module as well. We've waited three years for a content upgrade for Steel Beasts, a few more weeks won't hurt.

I really hope they can iron out the remaining game stoppers till june. Problem is, as far as I understood Ssnake, that june was their "launch window" for PE 4.0 for a longer time(talking month here, proable end 2016) as they will be bound by contract work from then on.
So...fingers crossed!! (If that does not help I'll start sacreficing rodents to apease the gods of game-making)

[Asid]

D.O.W. Saturday Mission 4/6/16 @ GMT19:00


Away from frontlines take two by Lumi


This scenario is a simulation and does not have any political message.



Mission Summary :
After tropical storm, electrics are away from the isle, and there seems to be unusually much of communication problems.


Map


After nearly 6 weeks of participation to war actions at the North Korea, Dogs of War is finally assumed a welcome break from front lines.

DOW company was pulled away from front line into reserve. Much of main equipment being lost in war, so it is now essential and good time to take care of what is left. Doing all the maintenance and repairs. For this DOW company or what remain was shipped to an isle of Santa Catalina under US control. There being enough of support, supply and engineering assets to repair what remains.

Officer of Isle being very friendly, you have been provided surprisingly loose schedule, and lots of spare time to spend in city of Santa Catalina.
After an week of partying and relaxing while away from the front lines, your strength is returning.

However, last night seemed to be very rough as rather large tropical storm sweep over the isle. At times heavy wind caused electric breaks, and it was nearly impossible to see anything at all cause of downpour of water.

Currently it seems that storm is finally over. It is almost ghostly, as there is no wind at all, and yet it is nearly impossible to see even street lights cause of dense fog rising up.

Moment later you may have noticed how streetlights were taken off, and there came command of turning away lights from buildings. This was nothing unusual, as when ever there was unknown movement in the radar this was standard procedure.

But you, and all of your men's being woken up right after that, and told to get ready in 10 minutes...  is something unusual. What is going on?

Immersion for Saturday DOW missions

•   CO dead replaced by XO
•   Radio dead = Silence


Dogs Of War Vehicles : (in mission)

M1A2SEP MBT
http://www.steelbeasts.com/sbwiki/index.php?title=M1A2_(SEP)

M2A2ODS
http://www.steelbeasts.com/sbwiki/index.php?title=M2A2

ASLAV-25
http://www.steelbeasts.com/sbwiki/index.php?title=ASLAV-25

Eagle IV
http://www.steelbeasts.com/sbwiki/index.php?title=Eagle_IV

AH-64 Apache
http://www.steelbeasts.com/sbwiki/index.php?title=AH-64_Apache



Date: Saturday 04/06/16
Time: 19:00 GMT
Time (local): Click here

For the rest of the mission and additional info please click here -   Dogs of War Mission

DOW members, by invite, or request in advance prior to mission.

Our goal is to have the DOW session more immersive and realistic.

Note: These posts are made in support of the Dogs of War Vu and GrogHeads

[Asid]

D.O.W. Saturday Mission 18/06/16 @ GMT19:00


You can watch it live.  You do NOT need Steel Beasts. http://www.twitch.tv/dogsofwarvu

Team Iron Campaign Phase V by Cougar11 

Next stage in the campaign


This scenario is a simulation and does not have any political message.



Mission Summary :
The IRIA has attacked into Iraq crossing and taking the city of Basra and Faw. They have seized the ports and supply routes into Iraq. Kuwait and Iraq have asked for assistance. Nato and US command have determined that for national security interests, regional allies, international supply, and open hostilities, that your force 3rd Brigade ABCT Team Iron of the 4th infantry Division will spearhead US and NATO forces. Brigade objective is to penetrate, and destroy as many forces of the front line of the IRIA 92nd Armored Division(+), push into the Division rear area, and force the 92nd to retreat out of Iraq, and away from the border. Brigade strength must be maintained at 40% of combat forces at all times, and if it drops below we will be forced to fall back to Iraq boundaries. Minimum success is to make the IRIA to return to Iranian boundaries. Moderate success is to push into Iran defeating the second line of forces, and reducing the 92nd to below 70% strength. Major success is to reduce enemy forces to 50% or less in the 92nd, and push into or beyond the third line of forces. Your brigade will be flanked to the North by 1st and 2nd brigade to keep any major flanking maneuvers from threatening that flank. Your forces will have responsibility of your Southern and Southeastern flank. You are required to "designate a force to secure that flank prior to missions, and cannot be from the previous mission. Terrain around Basra is mostly flat and sandy. The further east you travel, the more hills, and mountains you will run into. As you go, there will be increasingly more narrow avenues of approach, limiting your attack options, and allowing the enemy to better engage you.

3rd Brigade 4th Infantry Division has pressed 18-20 Km into the Iranian's 92nd Armored Division area. The brigade has suffered heavy losses to take this terrain. Team Iron has seized three major objectives, the area radar installation, a large population center, and the area airfield. These are vital, in securing the skies for our aircraft. The brigade must push on. The brigade will continue its offensive. Intel suggests that things will only become more difficult. Intel shows elements of the 1-71-92 Armor, 2-1-92 Mechanized, and 3-1-92 Mechanized moving into the area. The arrival of these forces will bring a new dynamic to the operations, and complicate them at the same time. Be prepared for open country, and urban fighting. Commanders prepare for phase 5 of this campaign. Study your graphics, objectives, and briefings. Bring me your force requirements when ready.


Map


Excerpts of the battalion commander's (HAVOC 6) orders for...BLUEFOR (D.O.W.)

1) SITUATION:

a) Enemy:
   Elements of 3 Iranian Brigades 2-1, 3-1, and 1-71. Their forces will consist of better forces, and have a mix of Russian and NATO vehicles. They are very mobile, have secured most if not all population areas, resources, and road intersections. Their forces are mobilizing from another area, so not all 3 battalions are in the area. They continue to have indirect support, and ADA, but have no air power.

b) Own:
              C 1-66AR+ set at the recently captured airfield.

c) Attachments and detachments: 2x AH64, 2xUH60, 2 Biber, 1xPlt Ulan.


2) MISSION:

Phase 5 will consist of securing the area around Objective Fox up to PL Spruce. Setup a defensive screen to the west, and provide a safe area for units to move into, and secure the objective. Additional objective provided by local commander based on unit ability, and approval from higher HQ.



3) EXECUTION:

Company Attack

Intent: Will be revised once bluefor commander has decided on course of action.

Dogs Of War Vehicles : (in mission)

AH-64 Apache
http://www.steelbeasts.com/sbwiki/index.php?title=AH-64_Apache

M1A2SEP
http://www.steelbeasts.com/sbwiki/index.php?title=M1A2_(SEP)

Ulan
http://www.steelbeasts.com/sbwiki/index.php?title=Ulan

And More



********
Date: Saturday 18/06/16
Time: 19:00 GMT
Time (local): Click here

For the rest of the mission and additional info please click here -   Dogs of War Mission

DOW members, by invite, or request in advance prior to mission.

Our goal is to have the DOW session more immersive and realistic.

Note: These posts are made in support of the Dogs of War Vu and GrogHeads

[Asid]

D.O.W. Saturday Mission 25/06/16 @ GMT19:00


BATTLE FOR THE MOUNTAINS by Connaugh 


This scenario is a simulation and does not have any political message.




Map









Excerpts of the battalion commander's (HAVOC 6) orders for...BLUEFOR (D.O.W.)

SITUATION:
Argentina has invaded and occupied the Falkland Islands.

MISSION:
Great Britain has landed two brigades (3rd Commando and 5th Brigade) to take back the Falklands. The Argentines have fortified the mountains around Port Stanley with tanks and infantry.

EXECUTION:
Two Brigades will advance to Port Stanley and liberate the town. Each platoon will have two Challenger tanks and one Warrior.

Units available:
3rd Commando Brigade:
40 Royal Marines
42 Royal Marines
45 Royal Marines
2 Para
3 Para

5th Brigade:
2 Scots Guards
1 Welsh Guards
1/7 Gurkhas

Each Brigade will have one section of the Blues & Royals (Scimitar) for Recon
Each Brigade will have a CSS platoon of Repair, Medical, and Supply

Three batteries of artillery (18 tubes) will be on call.

Argentine forces include Leopard 2A5, AS1, CV90, and infantry with anti-tank weapons.

Each Brigade Commander will determine his order of march.

120 minute Time Limit

Points scored for clearing the mountains and occupying Port Stanley



Date: Saturday 25/06/16
Time: 19:00 GMT
Time (local): Click here

For the rest of the mission and additional info please click here -   Dogs of War Mission

DOW members, by invite, or request in advance prior to mission.

Our goal is to have the DOW session more immersive and realistic.

Note: These posts are made in support of the Dogs of War Vu and GrogHeads

[Asid]

D.O.W. Saturday Mission 25/06/16

BATTLE FOR THE MOUNTAINS by Connaugh


Mini AAR

3rd Commando Brigade and 5th Brigade units beginning their advance





Argentine Infantry bunker  on Mt. Challenger destroyed with Hesh round by 2 Scot Guards




45 Royal Marines clearing Mt. Estancia




3 Para clearing Mt. Harriet




Warrior from 1/7 Gurkhas taking out Bunker on Mt. Tumbledown




2 Scot Guards destroying 2A4 at Mt. Tumbledown




Warrior from 2 Scot Guards destroyed at Mt. Tumbledown




Blues & Royals destroying missile team south of Two Sisters




CSS Repair Vehicle repairing 1/7 Gurkhas track damage




42 Royal Marines and 3 Para clearing Mt. William




Blues & Royal Scimitar destroying a Leopard 2/A/5 at Port Stanley





The assault on Port Stanley. CV90 destroyed





2A5 destroyed in Port Stanley

[RyanE]

I saw on the steel beasts forums that eSims is delaying part of the 4.0 release.  They are releasing units and gameplay changes in July and planning on hi def terrain in December.

While I understand how much work it is doing all of this, and still delivering to military customers, it is a little annoying that once again eSims can't seem to manage projects for their civilian market.  I think it was for 3.0 that they were developing a new particle system and it was supposed to be delivered with 3.0.  But they cut it out, and then charged the same price for the upgrade with a promise to deliver the new particle engine.   It was never delivered.  Now we are getting the particle system, as part of the 4.0 paid upgrade, with the new terrain engine promised as a later update.  Things get cut out, promised for later, then get rolled into a paid update.  That is the pattern I am worried about.

Every update is late and delivers less than promised initially.  Do their military customers have the same issues?  I think they need to rethink how they set expectations and take a look at applying some continuous improvement tools to their process to better align capabilities to promises.

[Grim.Reaper]

I did like this response to one person voicing displeasure with their new direction....

You get the particle effects, all the new vehicles, plus road leveling. And in about half a year, also the new terrain engine as a free update. In addition, we'll come up with better methods to manage minor map modifications than what we had originally in mind, where we admittedly chose the wrong path. All right, we have to back-track a little. It happens. But the proposed solution, if it works out, still allows for a July release rather than waiting for Christmas (or possibly even longer).

Last I checked you still had to pay the full $40 when you purchase in July, so not sure how receiving half the content in six months as a "free update" is really a benefit......you paid for that content up front:)  Maybe they should split the cost, pay $20 in July and then pay the remaining $20 when they deliver the rest of the planned content.

[RyanE]

I don't mean to be too harsh, but after over $200 invested in SB, I think I am a little entitled to say something about the pattern.  Its a great game and I am thankful they are doing it.  But every time they do this, all the fans just fawn over them and no one ever says the emperor has no clothes.  I bet if they ran the military-side of the business like this, they would be a lot less profitable (penalties and chargebacks).

[Ssnake]

It's too early to give a definite statement about what we want to do will indeed work out for a July release, but I am at least cautiously optimistic.


WRT the "late penalty payments" with military contracts - yes, that's one reason why we give these jobs priority in our development plan. But it isn't as if a late 4.0 release wouldn't cost us. Of course I would rather have released what we had in June. I said on public record as early as about February or March that the 4.0 release would have to be made in a very narrow window of opportunity, and if we missed that window, there would be a substantial delay of at least five to six months.

Sometimes you don't really have much of a choice. If you want to be part of certain public tenders you need to commit to those projects' deadlines at a point where you just write up the bid. Once that you're awarded that contract, you can't step back if you ever want to do business in that sector again. You have contractual obligations that simply must be fulfilled.
Maybe we shouldn't submit bids to such tenders, you say? But don't forget then that sales of the Personal Edition only make up for about 5..10% of our annual turnover, and cause about 95% of our tech support burden. Like it or not, were it not for the army customers there wouldn't be a Personal Edition for you to complain about.

As far as the "promise" of the particle system for 3.0 is concerned, it never was. I said early on that this was a development goal, but in the weeks leading up to the actual release it was not advertised to be a part of the 3.0 release. And yet 3.0 was a massive improvement over any version that we released before, and looked infinitely better than its predecessor even without the new particle system. Don't tell me that we tricked you into paying more for the 3.0 release than it was worth it. EVERYTHING that we advertised prior to the 3.0 release was delivered to the letter.

All that said, our 4.0 offer is pretty simple: The upgrade option will remain in place for the whole duration of version 4.0's lifetime. If you want to wait until after the high resolution terrain engine has been rolled out, that's perfectly fine.
But the price will not be reduced. We offer upgrades for owners of SB Pro PE 2.5 licenses which are now seven years old, for a mere $40.-. That is about as generous as it gets. In all the years we have always been extremely reliable and predictable in our pricing and licensing policy. The initial price may appear high for a mere game, but hasn't been inflated for ten years now despite a staggering expansion in functionality. Every major release received free patches and updates for at least a year, and up to three. The price for the current version has always been reduced by the amount of the price for the upgrade that was planned for well in advance of the actual release -at least two, usually three to four months. We offer secondary licenses for friends and family for a fraction of the cost of a primary license. What's more, thanks to the CodeMeter stick used copies of SB Pro PE can be sold at eBay for about $75.-, how's that for a change in an age where all other software developers go leaps and bounds to eliminate a used copy market.
In short, I do not feel ashamed asking for the prices that we do. We have bills to pay, an mouths to feed, too. The team works harder than most people; it deserves praise for what it accomplishes rather than cheap shots from the sidelines about things that didn't work out perfectly. Perfection is the business of mathematicians and philosophers. We are just engineers, and must play with the cards that reality's dealing to us.

[RyanE]

No one is saying we want to take food out of your kids' mouths.  Just be a little better about communicating what your plans are.  The pattern is over promise and under deliver.  While that is true of most immature companies, I would have thought having a government contract would have instilled a little discipline on the commercial side.

I have no issues with what you charge.  Adn you can say what you want, obviously.  I am just pointing out a pattern that you have the control to change.

[Apocalypse 31]

I did like this response to one person voicing displeasure with their new direction....

I wasn't displeased. I never expected a June release - I just didn't think it would take another six months to get the full package. We didn't hear about any issues - they showcased it at ITEC, and all the youtube videos showing the new terrain.

It's too early to give a definite statement about what we want to do will indeed work out for a July release, but I am at least cautiously optimistic.

...and I don't expect July release either, considering July begins tomorrow and the developer is 'cautiously optimistic'.

And a recommendation suggested by someone on the SB forums..

With regards to the delay - I'd be more than happy if you would just scrap this update and only release one complete, tested and working package for Christmas instead. I remember back in the previous major release particles were left out, and said to be available in the coming months which never happened. So... take your time and realease only when its done :)

I think this might be the best solution. Personally, I'd rather get the whole thing in one sitting. Even if they can release 4.0 in the upcoming month, there will be bugs and required fixes that will consume time and potentially take time away from developing the terrain engine (I'm calling it 4.5). I don't know how eSim schedules their developmental timeline, but I assume that there is an allocation on the back-end for follow-up bug fixes. I think eSim should just put it in open BETA. It's win-win; players get their new vehicles/features, more eyes to find bugs, and 4.0 can still be released as a full package in December. ArmA did the same thing for APEX.

As far as the "promise" of the particle system for 3.0 is concerned, it never was.

But if all of your players are making the same assumption...? It may just be a communication breakdown.

[Asid]

D.O.W. Saturday Mission 02/07/16 @ GMT19:00


GAZALA REVISITED by Connaugh 


This scenario is a simulation and does not have any political message.



Map



SITUATION:
The Commonwealth has occupied a defensive line running from Gazala on the coast down to Bir Hacheim at its southern end. The 1st South African, 50th Highland, and Free French occupy the defensive positions of the line. In reserve behind the line, are the armored units - 1st Armored with the  22nd, 32nd, and 201st Guards Brigades and the 7th Armored with the 4th and 7th Brigades.

MISSION:
The Afrika Korps is to breach the Gazala line and capture the defensive positions and destroy 75 per cent of the Commonwealth force.

EXECUTION
The Etruscan Infantry Brigades- Sabratho, Trento, Brescia, and Pavia will assault the two defensive positions held by the 1st South African and 50th Highland.  Due to the extensive minefields in front of the Gazala line, the main armored thrust will involve sweeping around the most southern defensive position, Bir Hacheim, and attack the Commonwealth positions from the rear. The two Etruscan Armored units - Ariete and Trieste, will capture Bir Hacheim at the end of the Gazala defensive line. The Afrika Korps of 15th Panzer and 21st Panzer along with 90th Light will sweep around Bir Hacheim and move north to assault the key defensive position of Knightsbridge, held by the 201st Guards and then destroy the two Commonwealth Armored units - 1st and 7th Armored, then assist the Etruscan Infantry with their assault. Next the advance to the east is to be made with the goal of capturing Acroma, El Adem, Retma, and Bir El Gubi.

Three batteries of artillery (18 tubes) will be on call.

Armor units are equipped with Leopard AS1's.
Motorized Infantry Units are equipped with ASLAV-PC's.

Commonwealth tank units are comprised primarily of  Centurions.
Infantry are equipped with anti-tank weapons and missiles.

150 minute time limit.
Points scored for capturing defensive positions and destroying 75% of Commonwealth forces.





Date: Saturday 02/07/16
Time: 19:00 GMT
Time (local): Click here

For the rest of the mission and additional info please click here -   Dogs of War Mission

DOW members, by invite, or request in advance prior to mission.

Our goal is to have the DOW session more immersive and realistic.

Note: These posts are made in support of the Dogs of War Vu and GrogHeads

[Asid]

D.O.W. Saturday Mission 09/07/16 @ GMT19:00


Battles of Suomussalmi part 2 by Lumi 


This scenario is a simulation and does not have any political message.




So for happened
Yesterday, 23th you, dogs of war volunteers arrived to Tank Nut's training camp, and got introduced to your commanding officer - Sergeant Cliff, who is responsible of your training. Right away on first day, after hours of driving trough narrow bumpy roads of Finland you were equipped with standard set of clothing and equipment, including personal weapon, that Finnish army uses. And with no second to rest, put into short, but intensive athletic course training, where not only your physical shape, but as well brains and obedience were briefly tested. Some of you performed well, some less. Though all in all after all the sweat and mud in your foreheads Sergeant was happy enough to give you first feeling to old and rugged training gear at hand.

During driving / commanding training your skills as a driver, and commander. As obedience, both in driving and communication were tested.
- In driving you were tasked to be able to follow, other vehicles, and commanders orders both in forward, and as in reversing blindly with commanders guidance.
- As commander you were expected to dutifully follow what others did, and report your arrivals to turns while in colum formation. And to be able to guide your driver while he reverses vehicle blindly.

After this you were tasked to perform refueling and daily maintenance to all these vehicles. And naturally were more than dead tired after all the traveling. - Near the evening, you were moved to a small rugged building that looked suspiciously much like a school, and that would serve as your quarters during stay in Finland. Not a luxury but good enough...  it was after all 22:00, near midnight already.



April 24th of 2014
After a early wake up on 06:00 AM, you were fed in school restaurant, and then transported back to tank nuts training camps class room to lessons of.

- How to operate Finnish Army vehicle T-55 MBT (T-62)
- Safety regulations in maintenance, and use
- Where all the key components, controls are located to.
- How to use vehicle systems reliability
- How to handle ammunition, load main gun, coax, and how operate weapon and related systems.



In the maintenance halls you had short time able to take good look at these old rugged tanks, and their interiors. To get rough flesh memory of how to actually operate these vehicles.
Shortly after that you were commanded to outdoors as Ural truck was parked next to tanks, and all of you were put into heavy work of lifting and loading live training rounds to these tanks, until ammo boxes in the truck got empty.

Once this demanding task was completed. You were given short break from heavy work and given change to eat refreshing meal from local field kitchen.

Offered menu was Pea-soup, with green peas, pieces of carrots, and little amount of small brown pieces that perhaps could be called meat?

Once meal was eaten you were told to move to field in front of hangars and to wait Sergeant Cliff to arrive, he would be arranging your training for rest of the day. (ACTUAL MISSION will begin from this moment, and is still unknown to you.)


Map
http://infogis.infokartta.fi/infogis-kainuu/index.php?link=hcx3eDCHFa






Date: Saturday 09/07/16
Time: 19:00 GMT
Time (local): Click here

For the rest of the mission and additional info please click here -   Dogs of War Mission

DOW members, by invite, or request in advance prior to mission.

Our goal is to have the DOW session more immersive and realistic.

Note: These posts are made in support of the Dogs of War Vu and GrogHeads