DCS World 2 is the next iteration of the Digital Combat Simulator (DCS) series that will include a new graphics engine (developed in our Eagle Dynamics Graphics Engine development environment). In addition to the new graphics engine, DCS World 2 will also usher in the ability to have multiple maps integrated into DCS (both developed by Eagle Dynamics and our 3rd party partners). Maps currently in developed include the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), Strait of Hormuz, and Europe 1944. The Map SDK is available to qualified 3rd party development teams. Interested parties can PM me with detailed proposals.
Some features we plan to include in DCS World 2 include:
Direct X 11 support
Improved performance
Dynamic shadowing of the terrain and mountains
Improved weather
Improved lighting
Clipmap support for new maps
Higher object counts
Higher resolution ground terrain mesh and textures for new maps (between 1 and 64 meters per pixel depending on area of map and clipmap level)
More detailed tree models with collision for new maps
Better graphical effects
High resolution road textures for new maps
Ability for road signs and light signals for new maps
Additional ground clutter (rocks, cactuses, etc.) for new maps
Skeleton animation for infantry
Better use of multiple GPUs (CPU multi-threading is not being pursued as it will provide little if any gain)
Ability to create dedicated servers in the future
Unified front end and simulation .exe
Improved API sound support
Improved Oculus Rift support
The Black Sea map will see several benefits of this including better lighting, improved grass, effects and weather.
We hope to release DCS World 2 in early 2015. This is not a promise but simply our best estimate given the current development status as of December 2014. We also cannot promise that each feature listed above will make it into the initial release.
The Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) Map
The first new map being developed for DCS World 2 is the NTTR map.
This map originally started as a third party project with no input from Eagle Dynamics. However, as we started to develop DCS: A-10C, we realized that this map could serve as a great location for the A-10C training missions. To make this happen, we officially partnered with the third party team to help make this happen. We were so confident in this endeavor that we included a very early version as part of the original A-10C beta.
Unfortunately, due to several reasons, the third party team dissolved and Eagle was left holding the bag of a promised NTTR map to customers that had purchased it as part of A-10C. After taking over the project, it soon became apparent that the current engine was incapable of running the map at the desired quality levels vs. performance. In order to realize this map as first envisioned, an entirely new image generator would be required... this later became a key element of the new graphics engine.
Building a new graphics engine is never an easy or fast task and DCS World 2 has proved no different. However, the NTTR map has provided an excellent test bed for the new map rendering technologies. So, all that being said, the NTTR was developed for the following reasons:
1- For training missions of western aircraft.
2- To honor A-10C beta purchases.
3- Allow creation of Red Flag type missions centered on the NTTR.
4- New map technology test bed.
Some facts about the NTTR map:
Airfields include Nellis AFB, Groom Lake AFB, Creech AFB, and Las Vegas McCarren. At a later point we hope to also add Tonopah AFB.
We hope to release an Alpha test version within the next couple of months depending how debugging goes.
Currently, most of the art aspects are complete and most of the remaining work is in regards to integrating the map into DCS World 2 (AI, effects, collisions, weather, etc.)
The map is composed of three different levels of elevation mesh and texture detail. The highest detail is around the airbases and the lowest detail is along the outside perimeter of the map.
An Alpha test version of the NTTR map will be made available for free to those customers that purchased the A-10C beta. For those that did not take part in the A-10C beta, the NTTR map price and availability is TBD
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