We have our very last update for the year from Eagle Dynamics and it comes packed full of news on the long awaited dynamic campaign system for DCS World. There are some interesting details that you’re going to want to read about. We also have a happy new year message and a reminder about the Christmas Sale. Let’s go!
Dynamic Campaign Engine (EDDCE)
We’ve all being waiting a very long time since the first time that a true dynamic campaign system for DCS World was first talked about. It sounds like the wait will be continuing but the progress does sound good as well. The system is being called EDDCE and I think it’ll be a big deal when it finally arrives on the scene.
Today’s update give us a view into the development process that Eagle Dynamics has followed to date. The global structure of the dynamic campaign was created back in 2021 while 2022 saw a fine tuning process to the components.
Part of that fine tuning process has been to build a system where huge numbers of units can be present in a campaign without bogging down individual missions to the point of being unplayable. It’s quite a system and this week’s update details it best.
To increase the number of units in the campaign without over-tasking the CPU, only units that are ‘visible’ to the player or that ‘see’ the player (eyesight and sensor range based) are fully calculated. For the remaining units, lighter algorithms are used which are based on pre-calculated data sets. It is good to note that when preparing such data, separate mechanisms are used in EDDCE to easily process all upcoming equipment and weapons which will be added to DCS. To ensure that unit calculations do not negatively affect gameplay, seamless transitions between the lighter and the fully-fledged calculation models have been implemented. This will allow the player to see all the units in their correct place, performing their tasks while moving across the entire map. When interacting with the player, all units use the normal DCS algorithms.
We’ve also learned a few more details on how the system works with a strategic AI that controls each side and creates tasking orders based on available resources, offensive and defensive needs. The tasking isn’t just for air operations but also for ground and sea too. Missions are generated with air patrols, SEAD, strike, etc. Notably, the player can jump into any potential role that is available to them.
It is important to remember that the player can take control of any AI unit and participate in its mission task and/or take indirect control over the strategic AI decisions, in addition to direct control over specific tasking orders.
Interesting to say the least.
There’s no indication in the update of any release schedule and this is probably for the best as we’ve had suggested windows of opportunity in the past and none of them have been hit. Indeed, during this update they did reference that the process has taken far longer than anticipated.
New developer screenshots
These new images in the DCS World screenshots section appear to be new as of this week (or I missed them) but aren’t referenced in the update. So, incase these are new to you as well, we’ve got some lovely detail shots of the B-52 and B-1 Lancer.
Sale reminder
There’s also a reminder that the DCS World Christmas Sale is still on and will continue until the 8th of January at 23:59 GMT. Plenty of modules are on sale on Steam and in the DCS World eShop until that point.
You can read about the sale, the dynamic campaign, and more on the latest edition of the DCS World Weekend News.
Stormbirds 
Leave a comment