We knew there was a video coming with Q&A answers and now it looks like 1CGS has elected to do two videos with the first one being a summary of what has happened in 2023 as well as some more significant discussions about the new project. There’s going to be a follow-up that answers the Q&A questions so look for that soon. In the meantime, let’s have a look at everything that we learned.
A summary of 2023
The first part of the episode is a summary of what has happened in 2023. That includes highlights such as the finalization of Flying Circus Vol 2, the completion of Vol 3, the release of several Collector Planes (Snipe, SSW D.IV, Spitfire XIVe, La-5F Series 38, Li-2, CG-4A, Bf109G-6A/S, and IAR-80/81), five new campaigns, substantial updates for older campaigns, and 82 improvements to aircraft systems and physics. There were also 12 new Career mode mission types.
Most regular readers here will know most of that but its a good overview of what they have been up to this year.
Behind the scenes and new Great Battles content
We then learn about some behind the scenes items that are going on. 13 new developers have joined the new team including two mission designers, a historical consultant, technical game designer, interface designer, environment designer, sound designer and 3D model plane designer.
They have some big plans for 2024 and they start with content for IL-2 Great Battles. There’s quite a bit of talk about the Karelia map (revealed here) and then there’s a reveal (or a re-reveal?) of an Odessa map being done by another third party. Some will recall that this map was started a long time ago and presumably it has resumed development – or this is a new iteration of the project but for now I’m going to suspect the former.
New Collector Planes include the Ta-152H-1 (confirmed version) with the nitrogen oxide injection system modeled. The I-153 is reportedly being done by Ivan Shirshov who also created the IAR-80/81. New additions to the list include mention of the desire to do a Yak-3, an La-7 and a late version of the Ju87 Stuka.
The new project
We don’t yet have a full reveal of what 1CGS is doing as their next big project but today’s video gives me the kind of details that I’ve been wanting to know for a while. Visuals are also quite telling of what they intend to do so lets have a look.
They report that the new project will have a new graphics pipeline, with PBR graphics, more detailed 3D graphics with more detailed planes, ground objects, buildings, vehicles and more. There’s a new ambient lighting system that uses ray tracing principles for better illumination of the world and an overhaul to the sound system too with a new FMOD version. That includes new radio communications. There will also reportedly be new game modes, a new approach to training and new principles to the whole of the game.
Several images were shown during the presentation offering us a glimpse at the new project and new technologies. I’ve captured most of them here.
While some screenshots show off work in progress visual effects such as new tree rendering, airbase lighting and damage effects, others clearly show off some of the aircraft that are in progress. The B-29, F4U Corsair, IL-10, and Yak-9P (I think) definitely suggest my strong suspicion that this is a Korea based title.
All of this definitely fills in some blanks that we’ve had for a while confirming that the new project has an all new graphics system, new damage model systems, and is very likely a break from the current Great Battles Series. It also suggests that Great Battles won’t entirely end its development either with new content (maps and aircraft) planned for at least the new year and beyond what was previously on the roadmap.
So there you have it, plans for the future and a partial reveal of the next project. Look for their follow-up Q&A video to come out soon.
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