ArmA III

[Phatso]

So its coming out tomorrow...

For those of you that don't know, ArmA III Alpha will be releasing tomorrow on Steam. for the low price of 25EURO, you get immediate access to the Alpha. You get access to the BETA in Q2. AND you get access to the full game in Q3! Its all in all quite an amazing package.

I have always been a fan of the ArmA series, purely because of how customizable it is. You've heard us talk about DayZ and seen the vids. DayZ is actually a mod for ArmA II. The possibilities are near endless even with the terrible ArmA II engine and BIS (the production house) have taken note of the popularity of ArmA II recently (thanks to DayZ) and made sure the core stuff is there. The modding.

What this means is that essentially you get a super sexy sleek realistic military simulator. Might not be your cup of tea? Well, before long a plethora of mods will be designed and released for this game. Alpha launches with modding support already. This means that by the time the full game is released, there will be STACKS of mods out already.

I know that people have been waiting for DayZ standalone for their "ArmA-ish" experience and the DayZ SA will still be amazing, but we just don't know when that will get out.

If you've ever wanted something different from Battlefield, this is the direction I would implore you all to experience. The learning curve will be a tad steeper and the game will be a little more slow to medium paced. But anyone that has ever had a gun battle in ArmA I, II, DayZ or Wasteland can attest to it being extremely gratifying. Putting someone down is not simply second nature. You relish it.

I can type about this till my fingers fall off, but again, I am not going to try sell this game to you guys. If you want something different in an FPS, a game that will make you think while shooting, this is it. A game where communication will be everything. A game where COOP will actually feel like COOP and not a FFA. A game that will have a super long shelf life thanks to its community modding the hell out of it, Arma III will be where you should look.

I will be ordering tomorrow for sure and with the package, I also get 3 ArmA III Alpha LITE keys (just SP, lets you feel the game a bit). I won't just dish these out. If you are not preordering but are seriously considering it, I might dish the keys out. I already have someone shotgunning 1 key, so that leaves 2. But I am not going to give out the key if you just want to lol about.

For more detailed information:
www.Arma3.com (http://www.Arma3.com)

And the specific package details and prices:
http://www.arma3.com/buy

PsiSyndicate of DayZ fame has posted some thoughts below. Have a looksie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pO5uypX-NAU


(PS: don't be fooled by the better than Crysis graphix. this game is extremely optimized and if you can run BF3 at a decent framerate, ArmAIII should run fine).

[J_Th4ng]

I'm quite keen to give this a look, but I'd like to know what sort of state the Alpha is in before I jump in now. Post some feedback here one the stability and completeness of the engine when you get a chance please Phats. If it's running well, I'll probably jump in and join you.

[RussianElite.]

LOL never thought somebody like Phats would market the game with the same passion like I did in the past! Good on ya Phats and spread the word! Guys there are few things in millitary gaming fps as thrilling as a coop match in Arma (Maybe Dayz) but it is a absolute must :P Will be getting it today Phats.

[SlipperyDuck]

I'll get it now - while it's cheap(ish) its gonna get real expensive later

[TygerBS]

Holly shit balls it looks good!!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=zUPHT-GOrPM

[Stu]

Looks at Credit card... Looks at Credit card balance... Looks at credit card, looks at balance... How bad could it get? Ahhh mellow! Click Click

[SlipperyDuck]

Bought at R311.04 <-- Beta it's gonna be R400 and full release likely to be over R500 closing on R600 so, really is the best time to buy it

[Phatso]

R301.42. Just bought it right now and am busy downloading. Don't know if I will get in any solid gameplay today, but as soon as I do, will post some feedback.

Oh.. and HHNNNNNNGGGGGGGGHH... (you know THAT effect..)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8vrbzNYEwM&feature=youtu.be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLIPW0oIvm8&feature=youtu.be

[NoMaD]

How big are the game files?

[Phatso]

Steam says 5.4GB download.

ITS SMALLER THAN THE BF3 PATCH #justsaying

[SlipperyDuck]

Much cleaner clearer game that ArmaII

[Stu]

Wants, Ok so early Christmas/Birthday prezzi for me!

[Hubris]

In the break before BF4, I was thinking about creating some ARMA III missions for us. I got my hands on some great scripts and have been playing around with a few ideas for a while now like reviving, heli-lifting etc. The best of these scripts is a dynamic mission generator that I can use in game to create any type of mission we like. So I'm wondering whether we can make a date to play and get as many guys on as possible to do missions of your choosing?

Altis looks like the best map to do that with as there are many open fields, rolling hills, sprawling urban areas and a great airport base to start off with. I have already set up the base to include all the vehicles and toys we may need on our mission so there's no lolling about waiting for that to be created. All I would need to do is place the enemy and let the scenario play out. It's really quite awesome. Basically just pick an area, pick a scenario and we're off to the races!

The sandbox script let's us incorporate some cool ideas like progression in xp and ranking up of respawned soldiers. So either you respawn at base with full kit or respawn in the field with kit you buy off the xp system - all progess is saved on the server. Alternatively I could create a few ammoboxes at respawn FOBs so we can respawn and get fully kitted. It's really up to you guys and what you feel will be most fun and immersive for you.

If you have specific ideas you'd like to float now, post them and lets set a date! Some ideas I had thus far include: HVT capture, assault and demolition, underwater ops, convoy and convoy interception. I can garrison enemies to make the experience a lot better and give them artillery to use via forward observers. I won't reveal all the features just yet but I can assure you it will be tons of fun to plan out the missions and execute them with a small team.

All the enemy would be AI - since we can't field an OPFOR element ourselves. We can have additional friendly AI but I would prefer we try and execute it ourselves with the support of our mates in vehicles and maybe some AI artillery support. I have created a basic mission just so you guys can get a feel for what's possible and I hope we can run through that before loading the next - mission profiles are dynamically loaded!!

The biggest issue will be hosting of the game, since we don't have a server, but it shouldn't be a problem to just run it off the best connection & pc amongst us. I have a fantastic script to control the behaviour and skill of the AI so you won't need to worry about insta-gibbing AI - I would leave their skill high but just reduce their accuracy somewhat so we have longer and more enjoyable firefights.

[Stu]

Count me in I would be keep to have a organised game on the weekend. Can't offer hosting, but deff keen to join.

[RussianElite.]

In like flyn!

[Hubris]

Confirmed things!:

Two spec ops infantry squads of 6, a sniper squad - all led by squad leaders and a commander - no class restrictions, full ammobox with savable gear
A base full of vehicles, aircraft, artillery and UAVs for your choosing
On the fly controllable time, weather etc
AI controlled, player requested fire support (Various Arty Types, CAS Jet, CAS Choppers, Transport Choppers, Supply Drop)
HALO Drop option (respawns with original gear after landing)
Respawn system with an FOB or Base spawn choice
Enemy artillery called from forward observer units (needs testing to fix any bugs)
High value targets that are "hostages", recruitable and extractable
Satchel explosion only for killing "destroy" objectives
Revive and repair system including dynamic markers for medics/engineers
High command system for leadership strategic view and orders
Many more smaller features!

I can load profiles for missions on the fly, so we can keep the basic layout and then just apply whatever mission we like. Spawning enemy is as easy as selecting a zone, choosing the units and they get random spawned. They can be made to fortify, patrol, ambush etc. No restriction on vehicles used by AI except for jets - currently they can only do CAS missions. Some effort is required to create the scenario and some ambiance manually but it's done in 3D so all good.

As far as a server goes, we can get a client to host the game but ideally we could run a second PC as a server and make it a private internet game. I've made all the AI spawn on a headless client to reduce FPS hits, but it's limited when you're hosting and playing off the same PC. If we have a second PC but no second ARMA copy there is a way to run it with a pirated version we could use to host pretty easily.

[Paul]

Oh man another game I wanted to get but just haven't found the time. Good hunting boys

[TygerBS]

I really wanna play this!

But i have to get a new PC, my pc actually is totally fucked playing any game i am getting massive frame rate fluctuations, and crashes.

[Morphza]

I've played for a while, think I have one kill to my name...

SOOO many keys, and its so complex.

[SlipperyDuck]

yeah - there is a learning curve, but if you stick with it, it is most definately a very rewarding experience

[NoMaD]

I am down with this. keener than a weener

[RussianElite.]

I am down with this. keener than a weener
ROFLMAO

[Hubris]

OK chaps I am proud to announce that the entire mission is complete - there are still some bugs but nothing gamebreaking. There are tons of interesting scripts run here like heli lift, place explosive to vehicle, kill ticker, mobile respawn and a lot lot more! Basically this is a sandbox to allow anyone to create any mission of their choosing with little effort! I am really happy with this result and can't wait for more people to test it out.

Personally, I believe this gives you the best small group ARMA experience possible - brave statement I know! I am going to make the .pbo mission available for anyone that wants to see what it's all about, but I will be running the mission this weekend for whoever is available. I have managed to keep frames somewhat reasonable and you can spawn much more AI for less FPS hit than usual, but to totally fix the frame rate issue we need a dedicated server to free up processing power.

If you're interested in learning about how to create missions on the fly, let me know and I will happily introduce you to the subject. It does take some practice as you are effectively "recording" spawning and movement instructions for the server/head-less client. So any mistakes you make cannot be undone (with some exceptions for unit placement etc.) and will be carried through to the mission. Fortunately, you can just wipe the mission scenario and load another as need be in the game!

The mission features a populated NATO base with complete armoury, command structure and fire support system. The fire support does influence fps and is unlimited at this stage - but what is available is randomised on server start with some basic ones always available. It also features a basic diving and recovery mission. You could easily remove these if you preferred to clean up the mission assets in the editor and work with maximum fps possible via virtual assets for your mission generation process.

I have been working day and night on this to ensure it's of a high quality, you will not be disappointed - get involved people!

[Phatso]

Great stuff Stef! Sounds blerrie epic bro! Will hopefully get some time this weekend to try it out... busy times but keen.

[Hubris]

Ducky and Morph joined me tonight for a little testing of the MCC Sandbox, we found a couple bugs and Ducky has kindly offered to look into how one would go about hosting something like this. I've fixed most of the issues mentioned and will keep at the others. As we play with the game I'll be able to get more feedback, make more fixes and get more sophisticated with all of it. I also need to trim down the scripts so there's no useless stuff being downloaded when you join so it's a bit quicker on that front - current 7 odd mb takes a while. Thanks for the help guys!

http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?147537-Tutorial-How-to-run-ArmA3-on-a-dedicated-server

That shows how to set it up for a Windows server. In the CONFIG_Vanilla.cfg file you can just // comment out the reportingIP setting. This will allow you to host with a cracked copy, or a legitimately owned copy that someone playing would be using. It means the server is not listed in the server browser, but you can connect to it via the ip manual connect. The recommend specs for using a server are a 2 GHz machine, with 512 MB RAM and a 1 Mbps upload. Apparently everything is done on the CPU so you don't even need a GPU to host a dedicated server, I could be wrong though.

The below explains a linux server I think?
http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?149892-ARMA-III-on-Linux-servers-via-WINE

Dry has an exam on Monday, so he wont play games this weekend but he is looking into possibly borrowing his brother's PC this weekend to run the dedicated server. Failing that we can continue to test it via me hosting. SO DON'T FORGET THIS WEEKEND IS ARMA 3 MCC SANDBOX TESTING WEEKEND AND I NEED YOU TO PLAY! YAARRRRRR! You can host the testing state of the mission yourself with this file: http://s000.tinyupload.com/index.php?file_id=47519873856375751002

Put it in this directory: \Steam\steamapps\common\Arma 3\MPMissions

[Hubris]

After some more playtesting with Phats and Nom, I managed to iron out all of the gameplay bugs at this stage, you can download the first stable release here - I'll probably put up a new version in the next couple weeks or however long it takes me to actually write out the user guide and put into the briefing format with a few example/quick missions:
http://s000.tinyupload.com/index.php?file_id=09617285517335388716

Put the .pbo file in your Steam directory, ARMA 3 MPMissions folder.
So far, hosting off a 10MB line seems to work okayish for a small group of players.
Don't worry about the versions changing if you have designed a mission, it will be compatible.
**includes fatigue system tweak!!**
**multiple gear, revive and respawn fixes**
**markers for mission locations, including easter eggs!**

I really encourage you guys to just downloaded it and fool around on a local lan game so you can get a feel for it. Better yet, design a mission and save it so we can run through it together! I am working on putting together a user guide to help with building missions through the console - it will be added to the intel blurb on the map so you can just refer to it in game if you need help. Also, I'll complete the parameters list so everything is customisable in terms of scripts running.

Most tasks now complete on triggers added via the console, but you need to use some code to do it hence the user manual. You have the ability to save the game via the escape menu and load it again when you join next. This only applies to generated missions, not the static mission with no objectives.

Well, actually there are still a lot of things I want to add (takes time to test and implement) and perhaps even change the name to something unique. Ultimately my goal will be to release this on the Steam workshop as a finished product, so any and all feedback is appreciated towards that! Since I'm not exactly creating scripts from scratch, but butchering and integrating a lot of them, it really needs to be slick and complete before I get ahead of myself.

I also need to figure out how to store mission saves on the server, so that you can have a set of say 20 missions preprogrammed for both quick play and learning purposes - you could copy/past the mission text data and save it locally no problem. I'm really enjoying the editor and scripting side so if you have any ideas for game modes exploring more of the mechanics would be very fun xD

[Hubris]

Who's in for a mission or two on Saturday or Sunday? I have set up a great assault on the Dome with quite a few objectives including HVT so it should be awesome! We can also do a straight up city capture or something like a convoy interception. It would be great to see how it all comes together with more than two or three players, so get involved! Just note your name and when suits you. It shall be EPIC! I'll update the mission file later this week, dl in so you can join without hassles.

I've fixed the fire support modules not working after respawn and have made a few small changes to make it run a bit smoother. I've also figured out all the event triggers, so we should get a really immersive experience! I'm just finishing off a little experiment I'm doing to see if I can teleport the mobile respawn around.

-- Hubris (Sat/Sunday afternoons)

[SlipperyDuck]

I'm purdy much busy and away the whole weekend - soz bra - would have loved to......

[NoMaD]

Sunday Afternoon for me

[RussianElite.]

I'm in Parys this weekend :/ Soz man

[J_Th4ng]

Sorry, I don't have ARMA III

(felt like joining in)

[DryMan]

I'm in Parys this weekend :/ Soz man

what the hell is in parys?

sunday is good for me.

[Stu]

what the hell is in parys?

Second Cousins with benefits?

[RussianElite.]

Huge mansion next to the vaal river with all my friends going. Looks like a place you'd find on Top Billing or something. Some fishing and.... GIRLZ :D Lotsofthemz hellzyeah

[NoMaD]

"All your mates"? i see how it is hey... warra dick!

[DryMan]

hmm... a bunch of dudes? any pouncing involved?

[RussianElite.]

Forgive my inaccurate description. Most of my friends.. And I can surely say the best aint gonna be there :D Unless.... you guys wanna come? Seriously :P

[Hubris]

Added a new defense mode mission - hold Kavala castle! This is my last update on this file for a while. If people show interest in it I might continue working on it but quite honestly I can't keep working on it endlessly if its not going to be used. Remember we can create and load scenarios on the fly and completely user designed so consider running it on lan and creating a mission! Alternatively just give me your ideas for cool missions and I'll put them together in advance.

http://s000.tinyupload.com/index.php?file_id=52490464883860632513

[Thor_23]

Hey Hubez, will try and get some time in this weekend if you okes are playing?

[s3xy_j0nny]

In case you guys don't know Frankie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edC9jLi1ExA

(I also wanted to join in, but don't have the game.)

[Skouperd]

freaken awesome graphics!

[RussianElite.]

Het jy dit perd? Die game is defnitief vir jou. Baie strategie betrokke...

[Skouperd]

nog nie, maar oorweeg dit sterk.

[Hubris]

Hello Peoples of Grrr,

You may have been wondering where I have been for the past couple months, well this should explain everything. I have flirted with editing in Arma before and this time went full retard. I've been working on a new mission type based on the Cooperative (against AI) mission called Invade and Annex. Some of you have played this before I know, but for others it's basically a popular dynamic mission generator with rewards for completing missions etc.

I've been working on modding that to run as an asymmetrical PVP mission, with a small component of AI to serve as resistance so both teams have a chance to contest an objective and earn it's reward. Now I must warn you, it's still an early build but it has a lot of potential. I am as of now officially working with the creators of Invade and Annex for development support and the AfriGamer (Afrihost) guys to host it in SA. If there's nothing gamebreaking, I'll release it publicly in a month or so as V1.

The mission involves two factions: NATO (blufor) and CSAT (opfor). Both are playable and compete for objectives and their rewards. The objectives are guarded by a small component of AI (in the "story" they are AAF - Altis Armed Forces). It involves the full war machine - jets, tanks, helicopters you name it. It's based on a conquest style completion criteria (hold capture points) and provides lesser rewards for side missions (easier to complete).

I know a lot of you have given up on ARMA, but I would like to start the hype machine around this. A lot of the issues normally associated are fixed: class restrictions, the AI are not laser deathmachines, it runs at a solid 60fps, thermal sights have been removed, mobile respawn options, vehicle lifting, reviving etc even fast roping. The mission makes provision for ~40 players, but I would like to do a small closed testing run with you guys - if I could get 10 people (5v5) I would be stoked.

Anyway, that's my update. I will have a beta mission ready in about 2 weeks, so prepare yourselfs! Let me know if you're keen to participate and I'll try to arrange a decent date/time for everyone. I expect around a 1hr play session would be plenty - with about 15min feedback at the end. I'll hand hold throughout the mission, so don't worry about not being used to it. If you absolutely must see it before agreeing to test, that can be arranged.

Think BF conquest in Arma! Or if you're an Arma vet, Domination. I will host it on my PC as dedicated, but please understand I don't have the upstream to give you perfect performance - if someone with a beast line would like to do that, be my guest. You may be asking "you're not a developer" or how the hell did I manage to do this, well a lot of time and effort with support from real deal developers for the trickier aspects. It has a long road still to go, but its exciting times (at least for me).

There will be bugs, but that's what testing is for. Here are some quick and dirty screen dumps from the alpha build for the illiterate. Don't mind the extra markers on the map (notes that will be removed). It doesn't require mods to download, but it does support a few if you want the tactical edge. There is no ranking up system, so all the weapons are available. There is also no ticket win condition system or anything like that - it's just a perpetual for the hell of it shoot em up.

https://flic.kr/p/nbmAM6 - Map
https://flic.kr/p/nbmzGv - NATO base
https://flic.kr/p/nbmCya - CSAT base
https://flic.kr/p/nsU22A - NATO base from the air
https://flic.kr/p/nbn9Ee - CSAT base from the air
https://flic.kr/p/nszK3W - a selfie with the cheap and cheerful AAF at the main objective

Join in and help, don't, whatever. Any testing/fixing I can't get done in this session I'll have to do on the live version. Oh I forgot to mention. The AI have jets, attack helicopters, tanks, divers all the rest - they patrol and they occupy buildings (that took a lot of work). There is a main objective, a side objective, an urban objective and a scuba objective. Once completed, they give a tiered vehicle reward based on the objective and then randomly regenerate somewhere else on the map.

[Irish_Luck28]

How much is Arma now? And what did you just write? Would like to get involved but am lost... lol.

[Hubris]

Arma is $60USD on Steam. It was cheaper during Alpha. Don't worry dude I don't expect the grrr's will play it anyway. Only a few guys have it and even less play regularly.

[Stu]

Although I'm not that fast on the draw when it comes to Arma III I haz it and I'm willing to assist in some test run games for sure would be epic to have more than 4 grrr members killing each other.

Get involved folks! haha

[Irish_Luck28]

60$! eina. lol I'll keep an eye out 4 specials, but sounds very interesting.

[Phatso]

Great stuff Steph. Checked you smashing the time into this and from the looks its paid off proper.

My Arma3 friendslist in steam is chokka. Will maybe be able to get more guys to assist. Also, maybe I can help with hosting on my 20mbsp VDSL line.

@Irish, bro, yeah wait for a special. Its a game that was dirt cheap @ Alpha release ($15) and has just gotten better and better. Don't stress tho, I can like to always look for specials and we'll post a reminder. Hopefully people get it though ;)

[Ecko7]

Good day fellow people of the Grrr,

Long time no speak. Anyways, Arma 3 is on special for about $36 on Steam and it is free to play for the weekend if you wanna try before you buy. Think I'm gonna buy it and give it a go. Especially the modded side of it :D

[Phatso]

Just to add to this, that the entire Bohemia Collection (ArmA games etc) are on special this weekend on Steam. Highlights below.

ArmA 1: Cold War Assault - FREE FOR LIMITED TIME - SIMPLY ADD TO YOUR ACCOUNT THIS WEEKEND AND YOU KEEP IT FOREVER.
ArmA 2 - $2.59
ArmA 2: Operation Arrowhead - $3.99
ArmA 3 - $35.99
DayZ: Alpha - $25.49

[Irish_Luck28]

Hey guys, I am confused, on steam it said that i could download ARMA 3 for free? Is this the weekend special Echo was talking about or did someone gift me this? Anyways downloading as we speak... :)

[Phatso]

Its free for the weekend Irish, but its on special all weekend!