This last developer diary for DCS World in 2023 is now out. They talk about the DCS Dynamic Campaign system and offer a reminder on some ongoing sales. Let’s have a look!
Foundational work
This last update for DCS World has a big section devoted to the DCS Dynamic Campaign (or DCSDC) which has been in development for quite a long time now. The project is aimed at creating a dynamic campaign that lets players experience a non-scripted environment where every action has an influence on the course of the campaign. Here’s what Eagle Dynamics have to say about the system:
Rather than mimic past solutions, we hope to set a new standard, one that provides a high level of interaction, authenticity, immersion, and ease-of-use. Our goal is to deliver a system that allows players to create their own dynamic (non-scripted) campaigns that will evolve based on strategic and tactical AI decisions, indirect player influences on AI actions, and direct player influences on the battlefield.
The report indicates that 2022 was focused on air operations while 2023 has been a focus on ground operations. These operations include making the AI aware of the road network, setting up formations of units with complex command structures, ground force behavior once engaged in combat, logistics, tasking and the list goes on. Even the topology of the terrain is factored in.
Air operations are also still needing work. One of the items that they referenced is the need for airbases to support more aircraft with current airbase configurations having too few parking spaces.
Something else that’s mentioned is that they are developing the system to leverage new and existing technology including Voice Chat and new ATC mechanisms. I’m curious to see how those two play out and particularly how Voice Chat may be integrated – is this purely a multiplayer component or is there single player voice recognition coming? We’ve seen some interesting development work for Beyond ATC for MSFS so they may have grand ambitions here too.
Look forward to seeing more on this as it develops. It’s clear from this and other updates that dynamic campaign is not just creating a module but a reworking of so many of DCS World’s systems right down to parking spaces at airports. Its no small wonder that this is a major effort that will take years to accomplish.
Sales still on
Just a reminder that the DCS World Winter Sale 2023 is still on. The Steam Sale will continue until January 4th at 18:00 GMT and on the E-Shop until January 7th, 2024 at 15:00 GMT.
2024 and Beyond
No mention here in this update on the 2024 and Beyond video but I know we are all waiting with baited breath for the cinematic extravaganza that is the now annual video from Eagle Dynamics. Curious to see what they have cooked up this year, what reveals might be in store, and what projects that we haven’t seen much of yet will make an appearance.
Stormbirds 
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