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  SPOTREP #00031 - Hotfix: 1.28 Official    

On August 29, 2014 , Joris-Jan van 't Land has reported a SPOTREP #00031 on the official Arma 3 web site.

FROM: Project Lead

TO: Arma 3 Users
UNIT: Main Branch
ACTIVITY: Hotfix: 1.28 (Multiplayer desync improvements)
SIZE: ~17 MB / ~7 MB

NOTES
  • This hotfix does not yet fully correct multiplayer issues introduced in 1.26. It is an interim improvement, while we continue to find the source problem(s). Read more about this situation in the most recent SITREP.

  • Consider using the Steam client option to verify the integrity of the local game cache to avoid corrupted data after downloading this update.

  • A Legacy Build Steam branch is available for advanced users. It contains the previous significant main branch version (1.24). It can be used to compare specific changes between major releases. The access code for this branch is: Arma3Legacy124

CHANGELOG

ENGINE:

  • Removed: Guaranteed networking messaging (not just disabled). This may just be temporary while we address issues with this low-level networking feature.

  • Fixed: Stack overflow crash

  • Fixed: Missing console logging on servers


  August 29th, 2014 - 16:46 By Old Bear   Comment (0)  

  SITREP #00071 Official    

On August 27, 2014 , Joris-Jan van 't Land has reported a SITREP #00071 on the official Arma 3 web site.

FROM: Project Lead
TO: Arma 3 Users
INFO: Multiplayer situation, Default launcher
PRECEDENCE: Flash

SITUATION

Last week we deployed version 1.26. Sadly, this was not a good update due to multiplayer desynchronization issues it has introduced for too many players. The irony is that the update was an attempt to optimize multiplayer via the guaranteed network messaging. As it turns out, this low-level change is not yet robust enough to bring the benefits it was intended for (although on some servers it did work well). Our apologies to those whose multiplayer fun was interrupted by this. We need to further improve our large-scale multiplayer stability testing (with and without mods & custom game modes).

We're working on a hotfix, which can be tested already on Steam's RC branch via access code: Hotfix126Arma3. Only the executable is different, so switching between it and the default branch is quick. Our thanks to those communities who have been helping us to fill large public test servers already. As soon as we have a more stable version, we'll release it on main branch. It was our intention to stage a first version of Sling Loading on Dev-Branch yesterday. However, in part because the relevant programmers now focus on finding and fixing the desync issues, this will be delayed a while longer.

INTELLIGENCE

Community scripter Killzone Kid has kindly documented an enhanced system for automated vehicle wreck and corpse removal in scenarios. Such functionality can help to keep large and long scenarios run smoothly over time.

OPERATIONS

"Bigger ain't always better: Weapon Inertia in Arma 3" reads the summary for the latest OPREP written by Radko Voda. This feature was recently staged on Dev-Branch, where it's gathering feedback and is being tweaked before we roll it onto main branch. Radko begins by discussing why it can be very challenging to simulate a real-world thing on a platform with clear limitations such as input controls. He then describes how we've implemented Weapon Inertia, and the depth of the system (i.e. how it relates to other gameplay systems such as fatigue and damage). After reading, give it a go in-game and leave your feedback here.

LOGISTICS

With 1.26 we also tried to use the launcher as the default Steam launch option. i.e. When you double-click Arma 3, it starts the launcher. Previously it would show an option dialogue to choose between playing, playing windowed and starting the launcher. Because the option dialogue is then removed, the amount of steps to get into the game is the same, and you can benefit from the launcher's functionality if you want to. After making this change, we quickly found problems - both in the launcher and with Steam. We decided the make the launcher optional for the time being, and will try again later. The issues we were facing and are solving:


  • New third-party redistributables are required (Visual C++ 2010 & 2012 and .NET 4.5). Steam has options that allow us to install these whenever you first run Arma 3. Unfortunately it takes a while for everyone to restart their Steam client (otherwise the install may not be triggered). People without the correct redistributables installed could not start the launcher and therefore the game. In a few weeks time, most players should have been updated.
  • The launcher did not transfer command-line parameters to the game in advanced use cases. A fix to this is already being tested.
  • Some people insist on not starting the launcher. They will be able to use a -noLauncher parameter to directly start the game directly instead.

Steam client sometimes appears to get stuck while updating the game. The only work-around we know about is to delete the local content via the client and install it again. We have contacted Valve to see if they can fix this on their side.

Even considering the issues in 1.26, there still were lots of cool fixes and additions. Take a look at the 1.26 SPOTREP and the latest TECHREP. The latter now also contains a more human-readable summary of the changes to Arma 3 Tools courtesy of Julien Vida.


  August 27th, 2014 - 20:15 By Old Bear   Comment (0)  

  SPOTREP #00030 : Game Update: 1.26 Official    

On August 20, 2014 , Joris-Jan van 't Land has reported a SPOTREP #00030 on the official Arma 3 web site.

FROM: Project Lead
TO: Arma 3 Users
UNIT: Main Branch
ACTIVITY: Game Update: 1.26 (Guaranteed network messaging, Sharpen filter, Launcher presets, Launcher newsfeed)
SIZE: ~846 MB

NOTE

  • Consider using the Steam client option to verify the integrity of the local game cache to avoid corrupted data after downloading this update.
  • Consider defragmenting your HDD after downloading large updates.
  • We've enabled Steam-based redistrutables for Visual C++, .NET and DirectX, which may run one time if they had not been installed previously.
  • The Launcher is now the default and only Steam launch option for Arma 3. Windowed mode can be engaged from the basic parameter page. You can still run the game without Launcher by starting the executable directly.
  • A new Steam branch is now available for advanced users: Legacy Build (1.24). As its name implies, it contains the previous main branch version. It can be used to compare specific changes between major releases. The access code for this branch is: Arma3Legacy124


Full changelog and SPOTREP

  August 20th, 2014 - 15:24 By Old Bear   Comment (0)  

  SITREP #00070 : Update delayed Official    

On August 19, 2014 , Joris-Jan van 't Land has reported a SITREP #00070 on the official Arma 3 web site.

FROM: Project Lead
TO: Arma 3 Users
INFO: Update delay, Weapon Inertia, Sling Loading
PRECEDENCE: Flash

SITUATION

There has been a small delay in getting the final 1.26 update Release Candidate approved and released. QA Lead Miloslav Cinko and his team uncovered a potential for desynchronized game states under some multiplayer conditions, and rightly insisted we hunt & kill that problem first. As of today the source has been found, the problem has hopefully been fixed and the new build is in testing. Also, several collateral optimizations were made as a result of the thorough investigation. We'll continue to update the Steam RC branch until the update is released proper. Whether that is tomorrow or a little later, depends on test results.

Meanwhile on Dev-Branch, we're getting ready to stage Weapon Inertia. As it's not part of 1.26, there is a decent size window for feedback and tweaks before this feature hits main branch. There will be an OPREP to accompany its Dev-Branch debut to explain our motivation for this feature, its benefits and how it affects / is affected by other gameplay aspects.

INTELLIGENCE

Tools Engineer Julien Vida has submitted a guide to the Community Wiki on Buldozer, the viewer used to visualize assets in tools like Object Builder and Terrain Builder. Buldozer is not actually a separate tool, but a sub-component of the game itself (triggered via command-line parameter). The guide covers preparing your modding environment, installing Buldozer and connecting it to the other tools.

The current state of Steam Workshop addons and the accompanying Launcher has been reported on in the latest OPREP by Jiří Zlatohlávek and Jiří Dočkal. Read up on how the Launcher matured from concept to initial release, what it's able to help you with now, and some of what we're working on next. Your developer Twitter scanners may have also picked up on a preview of the skinned Publisher tool on the other end of the addon publication loop.

The Make Arma Not War contest now has over 100 entries in its database. Take a look at the submissions in various categories, try out already-released content and support your favorites. We'd also like to remind aspiring modders that the submission phase will close in late October, so don't wait too long!

OPERATIONS

Sling Loading is ready to be staged on Dev-Branch. We're getting Weapon Inertia out first, but then it's time to start trying under-slung external loads for helicopters (and the rope technology at its core). We've configured the stock helicopters and suitable objects, so that the default sandbox is ready to support this means of transport. The feature is multiplayer-compatible as well of course. Some parts are still undergoing significant tweaking and finishing until Arma 3 Helicopters release. We're yet to set up the sound effect triggers in the audio engine, and the User Interface elements are being iterated.

LOGISTICS

A new set of scripting commands has been added to Dev-Branch, dealing with objects and their actual render position as opposed to their simulation position. That sounds a little vague, but it should help in cases where smoothness is key, such as drawing 3D icons via script. Community scripter Killzone Kid has documented the collection for you.


  August 19th, 2014 - 17:54 By Old Bear   Comment (0)  

  SITREP #00069 Official    

On August 13, 2014 , Joris-Jan van 't Land has reported a SITREP #00069 on the official Arma 3 web site.

FROM: Project Lead
TO: Arma 3 Users
INFO: Update 1.26 coming, RotorLib tweaking
PRECEDENCE: Flash

SITUATION

In the midst of the summer holidays and heat, the team has pushed on full steam with their work on Arma 3 Helicopters and more. A release candidate for the 1.26 update has been mastered and is close to release. As has become usual, we're staging the update on Steam's hidden RC branch. Keen server admins, modders and players can try it using access code Update126Arma3Splendid in the BETAS tab of the Steam client. The central feature of the update is the roll out of the so-called guaranteed network messages. See the LOGISTICS section for a bit more on this multiplayer optimization. Another, more trivial addition, is the set of sounds for opening / closing doors of various materials (and therefore technology to add sounds to other objects with animation sources). This update does not include the RotorLib flight model yet! The final version of that technology is to be released in a game update alongside Arma 3 Helicopters. We'd like to remind players to consider running a Steam local verification and defragmentation on HDDs after updating to solve potential file corruption issues and to improve performance.

INTELLIGENCE

We're reminded by Bořivoj Hlava that you can use keyboard combination Left Ctrl + / to copy basic information about your game version to your clipboard. You can then proceed to paste this info into any report you post to Feedback Tracker, which will help us identify your exact version.

Community member Clawhammer asks on the forums how much Arma people have actually played so far. There are some staggering numbers being presented there. We're also interested in seeing where you spend your time, be it singleplayer content, multiplayer, the editor, user-generated content, ... the video options?!

It's motivational to see Polygon re-review Arma 3 based on its current state, after the campaign episodes, Zeus, Bootcamp and everything else. They have raised the score from 6.5 to 8.0, which tells us we're on the right track. There's room for improvement and we'll continue to work hard on making the Arma 3 platform all it can and should be.

OPERATIONS

As an addendum to his OPREP, designer Karel Kališ reports on the progress on RotorLib since its release on Dev-Branch: "The advanced helicopter FDM is available in dev-branch for some time now and we're gathering your feedback on this new functionality. Some issues were already solved. For example, collective and pedals in all helicopters should be fully animated and responding to your inputs. Transmission in some helicopters wasn't properly configured so rough handling with the Stress Damage setting enabled wasn't penalized. These days are over and now you can severely damage your helicopter when torque rises over the limits - keep your eyes on the TRQindicator!

We've also fixed some of the problems related to landing gear. Wheels should properly roll while taxiing and the behavior of ground contacts was tweaked. You can now land at higher speeds without damaging your helicopter. Speaking of damage – this is one of the most mentioned concerns on the forums. We're afraid a full overhaul is a huge task which would need to be resolved taking in consideration all vehicles, not just helicopters. We can't promise we'll be able to tackle this in the foreseeable future. We are however committed to improve the various aspects of helicopters and will bring a lot of new fixes, Sling Loading and tweaks to flight models, instruments and the rest. Stay tuned and please keep providing us with valuable feedback.
"

LOGISTICS

The BattlEye anti-cheat engine now handles bans across Arma 3, DayZ and also new SteamID-based bans issued in Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead. So, for example, a ban in Arma 3 will also apply to Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead and conversely.

Previously described in SITREP #00058, the coming 1.26 update enables the use of a new method of sending multiplayer network messages. Brought in from DayZ stand-alone, the aim is to send less data over the network by sending only the difference compared to the previous state of such messages. While the same amount of messages need to be processed, the reduced traffic may help servers with large player numbers. After a good period of testing on dev-branch and our special profiling servers (splendidly administrated by David Foltýn), we're now ready to get this into the main game.


  August 13th, 2014 - 13:53 By Old Bear   Comment (0)  

  SITREP #00068 Official    

On July 22, 2014 , Jay Crowe has reported a SITREP #00068 on the official Arma 3 web site.

FROM: Creative Director
TO: Arma 3 Users
INFO: Advanced Helicopter FDM Deployed
PRECEDENCE: Flash

SITUATION

It's been an exciting time on Arma 3's development branch as - alongside our usual line-up of tweaks, fixes and additions - we've just rolled out the first version of the advanced helicopter flight model! Rotorhead-in-chief, Karel Kališ, found the time to put together a splendid OPREP, which outlines the changes to helicopter flight, customisation options, controls and GUI elements! Together with Lukáš Miláček and Vojtěch Hladík, we're keenly awaiting your feedback on our official forums!

Looking ahead, we'll aim to deploy our Sling Loading and Firing from Vehicles features once we're ready for your feedback. And, speaking of future updates, work has continued apace on Weapon Inertia. Programmer (and part-time animation exorcist), Šimon Kolčiter, has continued his close cooperation with Sandbox Designer, Radko Voda; together, they've made some good progress on 'sight misalignment' (a key part of the feeling of inertia) and - with the help of the rest of the team - we're evaluating a version that we hope to deploy to the dev-branch soon™!

INTELLIGENCE

Next week, a motley crew of Bohemia's Top Men will descend upon GDCE in Cologne. Proud citizens of Westphalia, hide your beers and your gaming-folk! If you'll be in the area, give us a tweet or - if you get the chance - yours truly will be presenting an overview of our team's experience with the (relatively new) Early-Access model of development.

In other news - for those that like to dig a little deeper - social-media scan-bot, Borivoj Hlava, uncovered a detailed guide to getting the most out of Arma 3's many configuration options, while long-time/suffering community member, NouberNou, presented 'Carma', an object-oriented programming extension to SQF. Splendid stuff!

OPERATIONS

As we teased last week, Tools Commissar (and temporary Project Lead), pettka of House Bounce, shared some additions to the Arma 3 Tools development branch yesterday: Game Updater, Bulldozer Configurator, fixed Addon Builder + cfgConvert. On a semi-related note, if you strive for documentation of Doors, you may find it rather soon in Arma 3 Samples on the dev-branch of Arma 3 Tools.

Yesterday's dev update also brought word of a fix to 'speed of sound' simulation. It's a relatively complex under-the-hood change to the ordering of samples, which caused an issue where some samples were played in 2D, rather than 3D with attenuation. One useful example of what's changed is an issue where you could hear reloading across the island after the shooting, but the shooting sound came later than reloading sound. This problem should now be addressed. As promised last week, more updates should emerge from the re-purposed Audio department in the near future!

LOGISTICS

As we mentioned previously, localisation of the Launcher has been in progress! We should now support Czech, German, Spanish, French, Italiano, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and British English*. Should you encounter any unsightly errors, please do share your feedback (aside from the inclusion of extra vowels in words like 'colour'. I'll just force people ignore those**).

Last but not least, we can thankfully report that Arma 3 Project Lead - and all-round Dutch Dreamboat - Joris-Jan Van 't Land should return next week, no doubt refreshed and infused with vigour and vim (after the jet-lag wears off)! It has been a pleasure to temporarily sit as Guardian of the REPs and the Splendid Men, Lord of the Iron Throne of Mnisek, Royalty of the Exiled, Changer of Logs and Breaker of Games; yet, normal service shall soon™ be resumed!

* Disclaimer: it's actually En-US; aka, English (simplified)
** Disclaimer: I don't have this kind of power. Yet.


  August 7th, 2014 - 07:42 By Old Bear   Comment (0)  



 
 
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