Arma 3 Community Alpha - Announcement!

[Kremator]

I have my money ready for P&C testing of arma3 :)

[Sethos]

A completely open testing model will be hell in a handbasket. The entire Day Z fanbase suddenly knows about this game, they'd test it out and you would hear nothing but "OMG broken, oh it's so janky, where is Day Z 2" bla bla.

P&C would be my preferred method.

[Slatts]

I have a dilemma, spend my money on beer...or on the Alpha (if we have to)...

x-ulkfvpQtc

[antoineflemming]

A completely open testing model will be hell in a handbasket. The entire Day Z fanbase suddenly knows about this game, they'd test it out and you would hear nothing but "OMG broken, oh it's so janky, where is Day Z 2" bla bla.

P&C would be my preferred method.

Well, very much seems like it's open, and I have no problem with that. And, you know what, what's the big deal about those people complaining about it being broken? Will that somehow prevent BIS from releasing ArmA3? NO. Let them complain, if they will even test it.

[batto]

A completely open testing model will be hell in a handbasket. The entire Day Z fanbase suddenly knows about this game, they'd test it out and you would hear nothing but "OMG broken, oh it's so janky, where is Day Z 2" bla bla.

Permanent transparent overlay with "ALPHA VERSION - EXPECT BUGS" text in the upper center of the screen should do the job.

[Sethos]

Well, very much seems like it's open, and I have no problem with that. And, you know what, what's the big deal about those people complaining about it being broken? Will that somehow prevent BIS from releasing ArmA3? NO. Let them complain, if they will even test it.

It's called bad publicity. And no, the "any publicity is good publicity" moniker don't work for a monetary controlled business venture. Seriously, have you people worked in any sort of business position? You can add as many overlays and notices you want and it'll have minimal effect. Even Battlefield 3 'Beta' was a huge PR blunder terms of what they showed off was completely contradictory to the game's true essence - Large scale, open combat which Operation Metro was the complete opposite of. Luckily heavy PR, a strong brand and showing the opposite helped them out. We keep hearing how Bohemia want to reach a wider audience, because right now the entire franchise is fairly niche at its core. Even was a study some months ago how demos and betas had a huge negative impact on how the public perceived the games whilst trailers was the most positive.

ArmA 2 is infamous for all its perceived jank and problems, releasing a PUBLIC alpha of its sequel, bound to get a ton of attention after a huge influx of interest from the Day Z mod is a PR disaster as the same problems, jank and performance issues will rear its ugly head - No matter how many Alpha stickers and notices you slap on there, it will get received negatively in the groups they wish to attract. And no, 'let them complain' is just stupid, this isn't playground rules of "I don't care, can't hear you lalala" BIS are actually running a business here and they need all the PR traction they can get.

So unless they want yet another Armed Assault, ArmA 2 situation they need to keep the Alpha locked down behind selective testing, P&C or any sort of mechanism that will only entice people who are familiar with the games history and can handle those kind of problems. It's not a demo, it's not meant to persuade people who are unsure about the game to buy it, it's meant to be an actual test to iron out problems and it does NOT make sense to release that kind of alpha for a game know for those problems, to a huge Day Z enticed audience.

And no, don't give the general public too much credit on how they read into alpha, betas and tests in general.

[Maruk]

A completely open testing model will be hell in a handbasket. The entire Day Z fanbase suddenly knows about this game, they'd test it out and you would hear nothing but "OMG broken, oh it's so janky, where is Day Z 2" bla bla.

P&C would be my preferred method.

We hope to be able to come up with smart combination of free and closed P&C Alpha of Arma 3.

[Kakeshoma]

(Very bad google translation) About the contents of this Buchta said: "The community Alpha will include infantry battles and a couple of new features. We plan to extend it by a few upgrades of course, because we are interested in feedback from the players. "

http://www.gamestar.de/spiele/arma-3/news/arma_3,46950,2568644.html

[MadDogX]

We hope to be able to come up with smart combination of free and closed P&C Alpha of Arma 3.
Now I'm really interested to see what a smart combination of, essentially, "free + closed + paid" will be. :D

EDIT: Although I guess you meant you want to offer one free alpha and one closed+paid version. The wording was somewhat misleading. ;)

Also, I'm now even more confused than before...

[PvtDancer]

I bet the open Alpha will be smaller and more focused and the P&C will have either more or you will have more pull when you say "HEY! this is broken!" mind you I'm just guessing though personally I wouldn't be very excited to be paying to test someones product when I'm helping them by reporting bugs. mind you if there was a coupon or something similar to get the price you paid off of the game at a later time I would be OK with that.

But in my mind its like your buddy is moving across town and he says to you "HEY BUDDY! pay me 20 mucks and I'll let you move my crap from my old place to this new one!" just how it feels to me but I do understand the point of it being more helpful people who love the game would pay and would be way more constructive. I was in the BF3 alpha and beta and it was a nightmare I had to type out and explain what an alpha\beta was more times than anyone should have too the stupidity of the masses should never be underestimated.

[Sethos]

mind you if there was a coupon or something similar to get the price you paid off of the game at a later time I would be OK with that.


No need for a coupon, P&C you get the actual game as well. Look at the Carrier Command P&C:


Become a P&C Supporter by providing ultimate development assistance; receive beta-access, a digital copy of the full-final game from Store.bistudio.com and Steam, plus the Gaea Universe soundtrack!

I'm sure it would be exactly the same with an ArmA III P&C

And you are right about the nightmare concerning explaining Beta / Alpha to the 'common man' and the same will happen here. The casual fanbase will judge it like a retail product no matter what sticker you slap on it.

[Hellfire257]

BF3 alpha...bad times...very bad times...

Although, that wasn't much of an alpha in terms of giving bug reports because there was no decent way to do so (a la Redmine).

Thanks for the info, Maruk!

[PvtDancer]

Thanks for the info Sethos that calms me a bit ;)

@<hidden>: I thought they did a pretty good job just hop on the forums and post, plus they had the support button to the right of the page. The worst part was trying not to get over shadowed by the flamers and people who didn't get what an alpha\beta was and would be like THIS GAME IS CRAP RAWR RAWR RAWR DON"T BY THIS PIECE OF SH** IM CANCELING MY PRE-ORDER!!!

it was aweful

[naizarak]

I don't want to go off-topic, but I think the BF3 alpha was better than final release. Either way the game was a POS at all 3 stages - a great franchise commercialized and killed. Hopefully that never happens to Arma.

[REALIN]

Very cool, can't wait. :)

[SpunkMonkey]

No need for a coupon, P&C you get the actual game as well. Look at the Carrier Command P&C:



I'm sure it would be exactly the same with an ArmA III P&C

And you are right about the nightmare concerning explaining Beta / Alpha to the 'common man' and the same will happen here. The casual fanbase will judge it like a retail product no matter what sticker you slap on it.

What abut if all the player models are replaced with circus clowns? That might get the point across.

[James2464]

Let us pre-order Arma 3 now! imagine the $$$ :)

[OverpaidUnderdog]

No one knows. As far as everyone is concerned it will be a PUBLIC ALPHA, means everyone will have access until BI says otherwise.

Awesome to know :)
Thanks for a prompt and helpful response.

[SpunkMonkey]

All I can say is that with the latest round of BS from EA/Dice (the "premium" package for BF3), I can't wait to try ARMA III. EA's given me the green weenie too many times, and I look forward to supporting a company that appears to actually respect its player base.

[Amuro]

Let us pre-order Arma 3 now! imagine the $$$ :)
Yeah, my money is ready. Now just want BI to have it, LOL.

[Interceptor]

Hello!

I'm really new to this forum and also arma 3 so I've got a question about to get in the alpha:

What do you have to do to help BI during alpha stage? (In other words how to get in alpha testing?)

[Smurf]

Hi, welcome.

Nobody knows yet since the Alpha may begin only in August. Probably some weeks after E3 we'll have more details on that.

[Mr Burns]

It´ll probably be to have about 1337 posts :D

[Interceptor]

It´ll probably be to have about 1337 posts :D

Hahahaha, You encourage me to leave this forum ;)

[GossamerSolid]

Hahahaha, You encourage me to leave this forum ;)

You encourage me facepalm...

If we knew when the alpha date was, it'd be in the first post...

[Kremator]

Hello!

I'm really new to this forum and also arma 3 so I've got a question about to get in the alpha:

What do you have to do to help BI during alpha stage? (In other words how to get in alpha testing?)

I'm afraid its the Coldstream Guards initiation to get in ..... brush shaft and Ralgex up the jacksie!

[PvtDancer]

Well to get into the alpha the Dev's require you to get them some elbow grease and head light fluid. :D JK

[antoineflemming]

You encourage me facepalm...

If we knew when the alpha date was, it'd be in the first post...

Well we know a general timeframe... around august is the goal.

[GossamerSolid]

Well we know a general timeframe... around august is the goal.

That's not a set date, therefore, we do not know...

[WaxMan]

I am very much liking the differing alpha versions, as i see it an open 'Demo alpha' based on the stablest content available this would give every one who wants to get a feel for it and have some input on the 'features' and a more focused 'open alpha' made up of those people who are prepared to live with more unstable alpha versions and actually fully participate with in-depth and reasoned reports.
This to me makes a heck of a lot of sense, offer something free and most of the unhelpful elements will end up there leaving a balanced selection of people who can identify what an alpha / test build is actually about. Helps the development team separate out general game impressions form the wider community while also expanding the feature code test user base, wins all around.

[PvtDancer]

I am very much liking the differing alpha versions, as i see it an open 'Demo alpha' based on the stablest content available this would give every one who wants to get a feel for it and have some input on the 'features' and a more focused 'open alpha' made up of those people who are prepared to live with more unstable alpha versions and actually fully participate with in-depth and reasoned reports.
This to me makes a heck of a lot of sense, offer something free and most of the unhelpful elements will end up there leaving a balanced selection of people who can identify what an alpha / test build is actually about. Helps the development team separate out general game impressions form the wider community while also expanding the feature code test user base, wins all around.

But thats the problem! Open alpha's bring in people who are looking for a free game to play and then when they are crashing or glitching they rage and spread bad rumors about the game it was like that with BF3. sorry I keep bringing up BF3 but a large portion of the testers were HORRIBLE me and 3 other members friended each other and worked everyday to try and keep the forums constructive but there were so many flamers trolls and idiots it just worries me is all. I hope it works for the Dev's sakes I really do.

[antoineflemming]

But thats the problem! Open alpha's bring in people who are looking for a free game to play and then when they are crashing or glitching they rage and spread bad rumors about the game it was like that with BF3. sorry I keep bringing up BF3 but a large portion of the testers were HORRIBLE me and 3 other members friended each other and worked everyday to try and keep the forums constructive but there were so many flamers trolls and idiots it just worries me is all. I hope it works for the Dev's sakes I really do.

Difference is, BF3 WAS bad. Their alpha was better than their beta (I know, I was in both).

[PvtDancer]

I was in both and I was happier with the beta in the sense of the game but I liked the original damage model in the alpha better. but what do you mean by bad? in the sense of testers or do you mean the game? sorry I know this is off topic, well only kinda because we are talking about the lack of good testers when in an open or give away kind of alpha\beta...

[GossamerSolid]

Yeah exactly what the guys above me said.

They don't want to release a super buggy Alpha because a bunch of toolbags don't understand that Alpha != Final product. Then the game will get tons of bad press before it's out.

Battlefield 3 on the other hand deserved bad feedback. The game launched via BattleLog would fail to boot the game 50% of the time. This happened far into post-release too. I don't know if it has been fixed or not because I don't really play the game anymore.

[PvtDancer]

huh never had that issue with BF3 Gossamersolid and I didn't know anyone who did. Honestly I never had that many issues with BF3 it always worked well for me. and I still really love playing it. even though its not as good as 2 or 1942 its still a lot of fun. But I still am really interested to see what we will be testing in the beta if it will be the basic training in the camp they were showing at E3 or if we will get something else to test

[MadDogX]

huh never had that issue with BF3 Gossamersolid and I didn't know anyone who did. Honestly I never had that many issues with BF3 it always worked well for me. and I still really love playing it. even though its not as good as 2 or 1942 its still a lot of fun. But I still am really interested to see what we will be testing in the beta if it will be the basic training in the camp they were showing at E3 or if we will get something else to test
Then I guess you were lucky, because I and every BF3 player I know experienced the same problems that were widely reported across the web. And I'm not talking about the alpha or beta, this was post release.

Anyway, it's great to see that BIS is dedicated to polishing the game as much as they can, even to the point of getting the alpha into a presentable state. It sucks that we have to wait even longer for it, but in the end it will be for the best.

[GossamerSolid]

Then I guess you were lucky, because I and every BF3 player I know experienced the same problems that were widely reported across the web. And I'm not talking about the alpha or beta, this was post release.

Was about to say, every single person in my community experienced this issue...

[OverpaidUnderdog]

Yeah exactly what the guys above me said.

They don't want to release a super buggy Alpha because a bunch of toolbags don't understand that Alpha != Final product. Then the game will get tons of bad press before it's out.

Battlefield 3 on the other hand deserved bad feedback. The game launched via BattleLog would fail to boot the game 50% of the time. This happened far into post-release too. I don't know if it has been fixed or not because I don't really play the game anymore.

Look on the bright side; that could weed out the idiots. Those who hate a game based on the alpha won't buy the final release, and we won't have to waste time on them when we do. I'm actually looking forward to finding and reporting bugs; BIS has done more than enough already by keeping us informed and dissecting all the improvements and additions they're making. The least we can do is help them find a couple of annoying (or serious) bugs. How many other developers do you see doing that?

[twisted]

We hope to be able to come up with smart combination of free and closed P&C Alpha of Arma 3.

Pre-order for alpha access with pleasure for me.

[gonk]

The last time BIS tried the alpha release prior to the game was OFP. And it turned out pretty good. The main reason was they actually listened to the main gripes from the forums... things like... concertinaing trees.. no kneel.. even small things like can we have coloured smoke grenades... and a 64 bit version.. I still waiting on the last one... :p But overall it went very well for the players and for BIS.

Lets not panic and I am sure it will be ok.

[ilovebeer]

Really looking forward to hearing new information soon!:)

[Darth_Saulop]

I cant wait for play alpha of this game!!! :p:o:rolleyes:

[edjcox]

How do I get on the Alpha list or Beta list for that matter?

:butbut:

[maionaze]

How do I get on the Alpha list or Beta list for that matter?

:butbut:

Nobody knows details regarding the Alpha/Beta besides the devs.

[RoboSheriff]

Can't wait to test this out.

[]NTRUDER]

All I can say is that with the latest round of BS from EA/Dice (the "premium" package for BF3), I can't wait to try ARMA III. EA's given me the green weenie too many times, and I look forward to supporting a company that appears to actually respect its player base.

Then you've come to the right place mate :)

[Old Bear]

Stop! these guys are just back from E3 ... if it was for me after such a strain I will need a month in a secluded place very far in the mountains.

I believe we will have to wait for a while, Ivan must heal his beer muscles, Jay must explain many things to Maruk and Mr Bean must get rid of the zombie lag ...

So we are going to wait ...

Then after the new strategy being define ... we will get some infos, hints or communiqué

[Alex72]

True that. Please stop the rather meaningless posts of how excited you are to test the alpha. We all are and BIS knows it too well. ;)

[mr.g-c]

The last time BIS tried the alpha release prior to the game was OFP. And it turned out pretty good. The main reason was they actually listened to the main gripes from the forums... things like... concertinaing trees.. no kneel.. even small things like can we have coloured smoke grenades... and a 64 bit version.. I still waiting on the last one... :p But overall it went very well for the players and for BIS.

Lets not panic and I am sure it will be ok.
Wow... i wasn't aware of that...OFP... really that? Are the old Topics maybe still a there? Or sunk with the Ikonboard?
I came into OFP through a Preview-Article in the german "PC Games" Magazine around 2000, the free-world-everything-playable idea was a revolution in itself.

[Yeti1]

This is the way it should be done, thanks BIS you have become my favourite developer of all time!

[James2464]

Jay said they will have a date revealed at Gamesom in July, he says the Alpha will come around September followed by a Beta then full release early 2013

[Old Bear]

Well, this is starting badly ... Gamescom in Cologne, Germany is set on 2012 15th Aug 2012 - 19th Aug 2012

If you get such a piece of intel coming from any official source, please quote the source or give an accurate description of the people involved because if you are just inferring such info from what we all already knew here, you will just get "Flame and Troll".

[RoyaltyinExile]

Hello! I've updated the OP with the latest details.

Obviously, we'd have preferred to unleash the alpha directly after E3, with the great interest we've experienced with Arma 3 with our community and the broader gaming media/ players.

Unfortunately, that's not been possible, in part - as I've mentioned to journalists and visitors to our booth - due to the implementation of certain fundamental features in the engine.

I'd really like to avoid any uncertainty or confusion spawning around this issue. To that end, we'll be as upfront about our plans as we can, with certain 'grey issues', such as access and content dealt with properly (i.e. formally) in the forthcoming weeks and months!


Best,
RiE

[rfc]

Cant.Wait.To.Get.It. :)

Appreciate the update!

[MadDogX]

Damn, I was hoping to play the shit out of the alpha during my holiday in August. Seems like that's not gonna happen. :(

But as I've said before, it's for a good cause. I'm sure there are good reasons for the move from PhysX 2 to 3, and that we will all benefit from them. :D

[jhoson14]

So the alpha will be avaliable to any one who want to try it like ToH Alpha ?

Or will be closed for some lucky chosen members?

[maionaze]

So the alpha will be avaliable to any one who want to try it like ToH Alpha ?

Or will be closed for some lucky chosen members?

Read the first post man :)

[colossus]

...
Thanks for the update. It's understandable, of course, just heartbreaking. :( August or September it is then. :)

[Booster]

Fact: I'm going to kick everybody's ass in the firing drills.

[zimms]

Fact: Liars won't be allowed to participate in the CA. :mad_o:

[b00ce]

Hopefully I get to play the Alpha before I ship off to basic. :p

It would suck having to wait 26+ weeks to play ArmA3.

[Slatts]

Hopefully I get to play the Alpha before I ship off to basic. :p

It would suck having to wait 26+ weeks to play ArmA3.

Because real soldiering just isn't good enough :)

[Celery]

Because real soldiering just isn't good enough :)
Comes home
"Alright, time for some real military action!"

[Myshaak]

I don't know what to feel! Should I feel heartbroken that I won't be playing Arma 3 for another few months... or should I feel happy that Project Splendid won't make me spend an entire summer behind my computer? ;)

[Shatter3D_S0uL]

Well,good news in general.Thanks for the update.

[MadDogX]

Would a BI dev be so kind as to elaborate on some of the advantages we will be seeing thanks to PhysX 3 when compared to PhysX 2? What motivated you guys to make the move?

[RobertHammer]

MadDoX - i can guess the Physx 2.0 was too old and there was already a new version 3.2 > http://physxinfo.com/wiki/PhysX_SDK_3.x

[danny96]

MadDoX - i can guess the Physx 2.0 was too old and there was already a new version 3.2 > http://physxinfo.com/wiki/PhysX_SDK_3.x
Wow o_O. That news!

[Iroquois Pliskin]

Would a BI dev be so kind as to elaborate on some of the advantages we will be seeing thanks to PhysX 3 when compared to PhysX 2? What motivated you guys to make the move?

Why, realistic tank armour simulation being the prime reason, of course

C U on the battlefields of Colonge in August, my dear.

http://i.minus.com/in41RSxgPyPoy.png

P.S. From that page,


(new) Full vehicle model that includes components such as engine, clutch, gears, autobox, differential, wheels, tyres, suspensions and chassis

(new in 3.2) N-wheeled vehicles (N > 2) and tanks

(new) Support for various tire types and drivable surface types

;-)

[gonk]

still would of liked to of got my hands on a early alpha, even with physx 2. Just to look at the features that are not covered by physx. This would give BIS better lead time to tweak. Oh well, good to see what Physx 3 can bring to the table.

[NodUnit]

Why, realistic tank armour simulation being the prime reason, of course

C U on the battlefields of Colonge in August, my dear.

http://i.minus.com/in41RSxgPyPoy.png

P.S. From that page,



;-)

Don't get ahead of yourself now, that is what it CAN do, not necessarily what will be included and for all we know the move could have been due to a case of "use it or lose it".

[Iroquois Pliskin]

Don't get ahead of yourself now, that is what it CAN do, not necessarily what will be included and for all we know the move could have been due to a case of "use it or lose it".

Armour simulation out-the-box -- tis my dream, though I'm pretty confident they have switched to version 3.X due to the above-mentioned points: wheeled vehicles and tank (suspension, tracks) simulation. PhysX 2.0 only provided ragdolls, i.e. infantry AFAIK. :icon_twisted:

[PuFu]

Armour simulation out-the-box -- tis my dream, though I'm pretty confident they have switched to version 3.X due to the above-mentioned points: wheeled vehicles and tank (suspension, tracks) simulation. PhysX 2.0 only provided ragdolls, i.e. infantry AFAIK. :icon_twisted:
If you want my 2 cents, the reason was there was no reason to keep old technology in, especially since once implemented, switching it to a newer one would have been a lot more demanding post-release.
The fact that SDK provides certain tools, as nou said, doesn't necessary mean they'll actually use them. I'll obviously love to be proven wrong though

[Iroquois Pliskin]

If you want my 2 cents, the reason was there was no reason to keep old technology in, especially since once implemented, switching it to a newer one would have been a lot more demanding post-release.
The fact that SDK provides certain tools, as nou said, doesn't necessary mean they'll actually use them. I'll obviously love to be proven wrong though

If that APC physics in E3 demos is the best physics we're going to get, then that would be a waste, as 3.2 seems to be oriented towards vehicles, not mere ragdolls. I think the choice before them was thus: 1) PhysX 2.0 - infantry ragdolls, vehicles - not applicable/minimal simulation; 2) Version 3.x - everything relevant is included, which provides freedom of action, flexibility and extended longevity of the game.

A good read for any ArmA III Zealots out there,

1) http://physxinfo.com/wiki/PhysX_SDK_2.x
2) http://physxinfo.com/wiki/PhysX_SDK_3.x

Version 2.x is old, old, ooold legacy code based on Ageia physics engine, which had been bought by NV many moons ago. Ageia - hey, I remember that name... from 3DFX times. :cc:

[Scrub]

If you want my 2 cents, the reason was there was no reason to keep old technology in, especially since once implemented, switching it to a newer one would have been a lot more demanding post-release.
The fact that SDK provides certain tools, as nou said, doesn't necessary mean they'll actually use them. I'll obviously love to be proven wrong though

As right as you've been for all your time on these forums, you ARE statistically due to be incorrect anytime now. ;)

[Old Bear]

Hey guys ... have you seen 1st post update ?


- we've delayed its initially planned release, in part due to the transition between PhysX 2-3
- it's now intended to be released some time after Gamecom 2012, which we're attending this year
-since this implementation itself - and particularly its integration into multiplayer - is central to the game, we felt there was no point in releasing an 'alpha' untll these fundamentals were in place
- it'll offer a quite limited set of content to begin with, with more released as we can
- the showcase at E3 2012 gives you a good idea of the basic content that we'd hope to package with a release
- we're actively working on the details of what will be on offer and how it will be accessed. Expect a formal announcement with simple, clear details soon™

So we are going to wait "until it's done" © Bohemia Interactive

[rfc]

So we are going to wait "until it's done" © Bohemia Interactive
I fear this is already copyrighted by id Software :D j/k

[PurePassion]

Hey guys ... have you seen 1st post update ?



So we are going to wait "until it's done" © Bohemia Interactive

aka soon™ :D

It will be interesting to know how exactly we can access it. It was called "PACA" which could relate to Pay and Contribute Alpha which would be a very good decision in my opinion!

[MadDogX]

aka soon™ :D

It will be interesting to know how exactly we can access it. It was called "PACA" which could relate to Pay and Contribute Alpha which would be a very good decision in my opinion!
Ah, well reasoned regarding the meaning of "PACA". I kept reading it in RiE's post, thought briefly about what it could mean, but never made the connection to "pay and contribute".

[PurePassion]

Carrier Command used this option as well and I think it was working really good with the seperate "CIT" like forum for bugs and suggestions. CC might have been the successful testbed for this concept.

[Tom1]

As long as anyone can try it if they pay I will happilly give BIS my money.

[Tonci87]

Would that mean that I have to buy a digital copy of the game? Damn I wan´t a boxed one....

[Iroquois Pliskin]

Would that mean that I have to buy a digital copy of the game? Damn I wan´t a boxed one....

+1

ArmA III is a paradigm shift, not having it in your hands would be akin to blasphemy. You could do many things with the DVD itself... which I won't mention. :blush:

[Dingo8]

I think it's more blasphemous to complain about this rather than just getting both a digital and physical copy. ;)

[Sniperwolf572]

We are now busy working on the public community alpha which is due for release in this autumn. It will be similar to our E3 hands-on demo, but it will contain the 2D mission editor and allow modifications. I am confident we will be able to showcase many major improvements and new features in this early build and give the community an excellent toy to ease their waiting for the final game.
Rock, Paper, Shotgun interview: Bohemia Talk Arma 3, Modding, Day Z (http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2012/06/14/interview-bohemia-talk-arma-3-modding-day-z/)

[MadDogX]

Mods supported in the Alpha! Sweet. :D

[NeuroFunker]

wow, so we will get bunch of mods before A3 release already, thats just awesome!
Big warm hug to BIS everyone!

[Sniperwolf572]

It will certainly be a good starting point for mod and mission makers so we can enjoy higher quality missions/mods earlier in the games lifetime.
Besides, without those two things, BI would probably lose some of the bug-spotting potential on features/commands/configs that do not get an official "we-need-some-focus-on-these-features" treatment.

[Smurf]

That was a really nice interview, something that you can barely see from other big developers out there. This part may drive crazy some nuts around here:

The setting also allows the team to have some rest from the pressure associated with replicating reality and focus more on the actual gameplay.
IMO, they are right.

[Tonci87]

And Editor!

[DMarkwick]

Well, the details so far make me happy :)

[Mr. Charles]

2D Editor...

Fast Forward to 2013 and we will still press ALT+E to get to the 3D Editor :o

[Slatts]

Time to get designs for the AUG A4 finished ;)

Or should I just work on AUG for arma 2 first :o

[NodUnit]

That was a really nice interview, something that you can barely see from other big developers out there. This part may drive crazy some nuts around here:

IMO, they are right.

Indeed, besides, people were generally complaining about the innacuracies of almost every bit of hardware there was and in the end remade it if they were bothered too much.

Bit dissapointed to hear about the editor though, I really hope they make it 3D or at least make the 3D extra more stable by A3's release. Imo the ability to see where you are placing things and maneuver them accordingly in real time, as opposed to seeing them represented via icon, placing the objects and then going in, guessing the distance to fix and having to do that who knows how many times, would open a dozen new doors in mission design.

Check spoiler for example if you want.

You're in the sky, so high that you can not only see but also walk through the clouds, watching them slowly travel across the great blue. As you look down you see through what appears to be a glass-like path, reflecting gently from the sky, gleaming within the sunlight as the ocean below shimmers brightly, vast and stretching as far as the eye can see. As you look back up your gaze is met by an almost ethereal scene of many curious structures, both open and closed, of all shapes and sizes, yet all gleam within the sun. Through a great tunnel you can see one structure that besets all others, a giant tower resting within the center, the shadow cast across all of the floating whatever the hell this is. Just a very rough idea but such a thing would require several "pieces" and there is no way you'd ever be able to string it together in a short time.. Other more practical idea include a large hollow structure with "lego" guts that you add in yourself, tailoring the rooms to what you want them.

[HKFlash]

But did they say there would be no 3D editor at release?

[antoineflemming]

But did they say there would be no 3D editor at release?

No, they didn't. They are basically saying "We aren't done with the 3D editor yet, so you only get to test the 2D editor in the Community Alpha".

[maionaze]

But did they say there would be no 3D editor at release?

No, for all we know the 3D editor is still in their plans. They must be releasing the 2D version so that we can make our own scenarios and test mods with the Alpha build. I'm sure the 3D version will ship with the 1.0 version.

Kung-fu'd

[CommanderJ]

Looks good, according to the RPS article they will include both the 2D editor AND mod support in the community alpha, so we'll get to play around quite a bit.

[NodUnit]

Yes indeedy, big props to BI on that one, be it alpha or beta I've never heard of actually supporting and encouraging modding, I wonder what they are looking for in that decision.

[antoineflemming]

Yes indeedy, big props to BI on that one, be it alpha or beta I've never heard of actually supporting and encouraging modding, I wonder what they are looking for in that decision.

Well, other than really good PR, probably they have made some changes to the way mods are handled, and want to get user feedback on that.

[Smurf]

Well, other than really good PR, probably they have made some changes to the way mods are handled, and want to get user feedback on that.
Yeah, this and this:

We are exploring the possibilities regarding smoother mod integration. The DayZ popularity has certainly played its role in prioritizing this issue.
http://www.thereticule.com/arma-3-wont-use-steam-workshop-will-have-better-mod-integration/

Makes sense. And give a chance to keep modders revving up for day 1 releases. (replacement packs for the whiners; trolololo)

[NodUnit]

*Looks at posted url, noticed it's the same one posted in the steamworks thread..forgot to take that into account, major facepalm for self*

[Smurf]

I knew it was going to happen when I saw it was you that posted. :D

[Old Bear]

23 February 2012 ,Daniel Musil (http://www.bistudio.com/english/company/developers-blog/285-scanning-the-horizon-arma-3-in-2012) about modding :

"Following E3, we plan to open up the game to our players. This process starts with the release of a playable build of Arma 3. We call it the 'Community Alpha'. It's intended to enable people who'd like to try the game early on in development help us to shape it up - and make Arma 3 the greatest release of the series. Ours is a large and complex game - being developed by a relatively small team - so we really appreciate your opinions, thoughts and feedback.

The Community Alpha will be quite limited in terms of the assets it includes, with the goal of providing enough content to experiment with the brand new bits of gameplay and technology. It also enables our passionate community to prepare their mods for the very latest version of the Real Virtuality engine. Then, later on in the year, we'd like to open up our game up even further with a more extensive beta program. The exact details, however, we intend to set out closer to their launch."

[samyG]

How are they going to set up access to community alpha (and beta)? Is it free access or must you purchase some kind of voucher?

[Smurf]

Nobody knows yet for sure, but will be a closed and an open phase. Check first post for updates.

[someguywho]

http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2012/06/14/interview-bohemia-talk-arma-3-modding-day-z/

A bit about the alpha in here. This bit is the best though

Ivan: We are now busy working on the public community alpha which is due for release in this autumn. It will be similar to our E3 hands-on demo, but it will contain the 2D mission editor and allow modifications. I am confident we will be able to showcase many major improvements and new features in this early build and give the community an excellent toy to ease their waiting for the final game.

[antoineflemming]

http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2012/06/14/interview-bohemia-talk-arma-3-modding-day-z/

A bit about the alpha in here. This bit is the best though

You're really late...

[ruhtraeel]

Wait so there's an alpha and a beta going to be available?

What does the word "community" mean? Forum users?

Also when is gamecom

[Papanowel]

Also when is gamecom

In August.

[Celery]

What does the word "community" mean? Forum users?

Think more along the lines of community service.

[Timnos]

Nobody knows yet for sure, but will be a closed and an open phase.

Does closed phase mean that only a select group of people will be allowed to participate?

[SpecOp9]

I have a question... If we happen to get in the alpha, and we're addon makers who already have models ready-to-go, will we be able to use ARMA 2's O2 editor to get the addons into the alpha?

[EgegaardDK]

Will ARMA 3 Alpha be a Play & Contribute?
Or what did you have in mind guys?

[NoRailgunner]

"Open Alpha" usually means WIP version to test stability and features - no need to get overexcited/hyped or utterly disappointed. Progress of developing software Alpha -> Beta -> RC -> Final.

[Placebo]

Think more along the lines of community service.

So punishment for people convicted of crimes? We have a lot of those sorts on here I can tell you ;)

[Old Bear]

Community ... punishment ... crimes ... well what are you speaking of ?

@<hidden> EgegaardDK : let's remember what Maruk, the boss, himself has said a little while ago (http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?131519-Arma-3-Community-Alpha-Announcement!&p=2165687&viewfull=1#post2165687)


We hope to be able to come up with smart combination of free and closed P&C Alpha of Arma 3.

From my point of view, that mean that BIS is thinking about 2 ways to have access to Alpha
- the free one being a kind of demo, the thing with showcase we have seen during E3, so everybody can get a hand on it.
- the other one, a Play & Contribute version of the thing, more or less based on Carrier Command P&C model (https://store.bistudio.com/carrier-command-gaea-mission-supporter).

[sgtsn1per]

+1 to "Old Bear" ^,
Either way, no doubt about it, it will be a huge success. And will relieve a'lot of the "tension" in the community.
Cant wait! :)

[Timnos]

From my point of view, that mean that BIS is thinking about 2 ways to have access to Alpha
- the free one being a kind of demo, the thing with showcase we have seen during E3, so everybody can get a hand on it.
- the other one, a Play & Contribute version of the thing, more or less based on Carrier Command P&C model (https://store.bistudio.com/carrier-command-gaea-mission-supporter).

That doesn't sound right. Why would it be called closed if it is available to everyone?

[Old Bear]

@<hidden> : Well ..., in my opinion if you have to pay for something it's not to be called "open", so if only those having subscribed the P&C Arma3 Enthusiast version are having access to another version, it will called a "closed" version, whatever their number will be.

[Timnos]

@<hidden> : Well ..., in my opinion if you have to pay for something it's not to be called "open", so if only those having subscribed the P&C Arma3 Enthusiast version are having access to another version, it will called a "closed" version, whatever their number will be.

Let's hope that your right mate, I'd be devestated to miss out on all the fun, oops, I mean testing.:)

[EgegaardDK]

Sounds good, thanks for the update on what Maruk said.. ;)

Im sure it would be the right descesion to make it P&C, because it will bring alot of alpha testers to the game.. And im sure that BI want to release only the best of the best for the final version ;)

Who would pay to be an Alpha tester?
and then get the final release in the end, off course :)

I would :yay:

[Old Bear]

At the moment, the thing that is devastating me is that I had planned to spend 3 months buried deep out off world playing Arma3 Community Alpha all Summer long ...

[sgtsn1per]

I'm pretty sure they said the alpha will include a 2d mission editor so that should give it alot of hours! ha

[jan8442]

Oh god i want the alpha NOW XD

[Cnaff]

Can't wait for the alpha! =D

[Kremator]

I can wait for the alpha. The longer the better (within reason!) Having the physX3 onboard will be great!

[Old Bear]

Here some piece of info about, well ... upcoming Alpha, from an Jay and Ivan interview on RockPaperShotgun.com (http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2012/06/14/interview-bohemia-talk-arma-3-modding-day-z/)



RPS: When can we expect to see more of the game? Any chances of a hands-on session soon?

Ivan: We are now busy working on the public community alpha which is due for release in this autumn. It will be similar to our E3 hands-on demo, but it will contain the 2D mission editor and allow modifications. I am confident we will be able to showcase many major improvements and new features in this early build and give the community an excellent toy to ease their waiting for the final game.

Autumn (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autumn) ...

[CTCCoco]

Here some piece of info about, well ... upcoming Alpha, from an Jay and Ivan interview on RockPaperShotgun.com (http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2012/06/14/interview-bohemia-talk-arma-3-modding-day-z/)



Autumn (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autumn) ...

Epic fail.

[Kakeshoma]

Epic fail.

What is?

[NeuroFunker]

so if they would rush it, and release fully buggy and unstable build, you would also say:

Epic fail.
?
You sir, make no sense.

[Old Bear]

Here is my Old Bear advice :

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/19/Trolls.jpg

[roshnak]

so if they would rush it, and release fully buggy and unstable build, you would also say:

?
You sir, make no sense.

It's an alpha, dude. It's not supposed to be polished.

[Dingo8]

It's an alpha, dude. It's not supposed to be polished.

However, they do want to include PhysX 3 in the alpha so we can actually test it.

[roshnak]

I was more replying to the guy's implication that he would rather wait and get a bug free release, which is pretty much the opposite of what an alpha is.

[Steakslim]

That and implying he doesn't want to help make the release bug free. Tsk tsk, some people.

[NeuroFunker]

some people are sowhat impatient. Tsk, stk...

[Celery]

What good is a buggy alpha release where all the bugs that are there are already known to us, and feedback would mostly be about the most obvious ones?

[riodock45]

Does everyone get access to the Community Alpha or do I have to apply somewhere?

[Dingo8]

Does everyone get access to the Community Alpha or do I have to apply somewhere?

In addition to what Tonci87 wrote, to be eligible for alpha testing, you have to show the ability to use the forum search function. :)

[Nicholas]

I believe that the limitations for the alpha are age, height, voice pitch, and there is a very long and tedious registration process. Only to be entered into a lottery and if your name is drawn you may join the alpha.

FPDR

[GossamerSolid]

You should have to be registered on the forums for like a week and have 30 posts before you can post in this thread. The amount of people saying "LUL WEN IS TEH ALPHAZ OUT!?1o1ne!?" is getting rediculous.

[Celery]

Fixed it for you :D

That's like carrying water to the ocean.

[OnlyRazor]

That's like carrying water to the ocean.

So... Diluting the overall solution? Unless you mean 'carrying brine water to the ocean' but that doesn't flow as well.

[NeuroFunker]

a pity there will be not some hot girls, who ask for alpha, we might have a solution, what should they do, to get access to alpha. :)

[zigar]

cant wait :cool:

[Celery]

So... Diluting the overall solution?
Yes. In addition to beer, we are also taking skinny dips in vodka and spirits.

[OnlyRazor]

Yes. In addition to beer, we are also taking skinny dips in vodka and spirits.

Bah, ye of little liquor. I have a pool of pure medical-grade ethanol in my basement. Melts ya if you drink it, though.

[Chortles]

I have to say, as someone who's seen the contrasting approaches of rocket "versus" Buchta and Crowe's interviews and E3 presentations... I definitely like Buchta and Crowe's words in that RPS interview for the direction for ARMA 3, so sign me up for that community alpha!

[Garviel]

Does anyone have any news on when specifically the alpha is going to be released? I know "after e3" could mean anytime beween now and november but i'm so anxious to try it!

[EricM]

In september/autumn

[GossamerSolid]

Does anyone have any news on when specifically the alpha is going to be released? I know "after e3" could mean anytime beween now and november but i'm so anxious to try it!

Use the search button (http://forums.bistudio.com/search.php)

[Garviel]

Use the search button (http://forums.bistudio.com/search.php)

I did, and nothing came up, which is obviously why i came to the thread specifically about the community alpha...

[metalcraze]

It's "Autumn 2012" now if we are lucky.

[Garviel]

Better than winter :)

[EricM]

Summer is way too hot in Greece for any serious testing. We'll be much better in autumn...

[Old Bear]

@<hidden> : Read 1st post of this thread, RIE has updated it with latest news.

[Garviel]

@<hidden> : Read 1st post of this thread, RIE has updated it with latest news.

The first thing i did was go through the first 20 pages, including the updated one, which says "after gamescon" as i said. I have found my answer which is september/autumnish.

[Old_Painless]

Wonder if A3 will run on the new snazzy windows tablets, the Pro version of course (i5, SSD). Not expecting much, but if simple missions would run it could be really cool

[metalcraze]

I hope A3 will run on my calculator if BIS is serious about optimization this time.

[Vixente]

Wonder if A3 will run on the new snazzy windows tablets, the Pro version of course (i5, SSD). Not expecting much, but if simple missions would run it could be really cool

Yo have to be trolling me.

[Old_Painless]

Know it sounds optimistic, but I run Arma 2 "tolerably" on an Win7 laptop with i5 and SSD and a POS onboard graphics card. Not my main rig, but works when on the road

[Shagulon]

hmm should you not just give the alpha to those who pre-purhchase (for a slight reduced price).

Eveyone on these boards will be buying anyways... buggy or not probably.

[Bigpickle]

Fire And Smoke for ArmA2: JTD_FireAndSmoke v0.2
For better future effects addons, please vote for this ticket.
Done :)


@<hidden> BIS Devs,
Firstly thank you for the updates, I'm quite excited about ArmA3 already. Also I have a question about the alpha if I may:

Will we have simple co-op/pvp MP mission use? as we have the 2d editor use to make missions, thus enabling us test the new online coding?

[amadeus451]

I've been waiting a long time. Love the whole franchise and extremely excited for alpha. :)

[bobtom]

Done :)


@<hidden> BIS Devs,
Firstly thank you for the updates, I'm quite excited about ArmA3 already. Also I have a question about the alpha if I may:

Will we have simple co-op/pvp MP mission use? as we have the 2d editor use to make missions, thus enabling us test the new online coding?

It has been stated that there will be Mulitiplayer in the Alpha, apparently getting physics to work with MP is one of the main issues that they are dealing with (if I remember correctly). That, together with editor usage and the confirmation of mods, implies that we will be able to create and prepare missions and mods for the final release of ArmA 3 within the Alpha.

---------- Post added at 09:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:25 PM ----------


I've been waiting a long time. Love the whole franchise and extremely excited for alpha. :)

Me too. Sadly I'll be back in school when this fall rolls around. Oh well, ArmA takes precedence*. :)


*Just kidding

[TheCreator]

Hope this game is as good as it looks. The only problem ive ever had with arma is the buggy engine.

[LtShadow]

Not a single word on their site (www.arma3.com) since June 1st. Kinda odd? Or, maybe they are running around with their butts on fire getting alpha ready for us to download....... XD lol

[antoineflemming]

Not a single word on their site (www.arma3.com) since June 1st. Kinda odd? Or, maybe they are running around with their butts on fire getting alpha ready for us to download....... XD lol

I think they will release an E3 vid of the night and diving showcases on Thursday. They said later this week.

[SnR]

I will return here next week.

[LtShadow]

ah ha... I just realized they posted that XD

[Mathiask1]

Hope this game is as good as it looks. The only problem ive ever had with arma is the buggy engine.


Haha, its better than it looks :P

[totnine]

Waiting for the Alpha!

[Fishshrike]

Can't wait until they release the Alpha- any ideas when it will be released, and how people can access it?

[Call_911]

Knowing my luck they'll release ArmA3 beta than next day DCS Combined Arms beta will go live..story of my life than decisions,decisions.

[maionaze]

Can't wait until they release the Alpha- any ideas when it will be released, and how people can access it?

Read the first post. That's all the info we got.

[Manzilla]

Can't wait until they release the Alpha- any ideas when it will be released, and how people can access it?

Yes, of course there's an idea. They've recently confirm that it will be released when it's ready. As far as how when the time comes BIS will let us know here(forums) and by other means.

Reading the first post is fun!


we're actively working on the details of what will be on offer and how it will be accessed. Expect a formal announcement with simple, clear details soon™

[GrayFox]

when we can enjoy the alpha or beta 3 Is Armed Assault?

[Gilson]

when we can enjoy the alpha or beta 3 Is Armed Assault?

I, whu...

[colossus]

when we can enjoy the alpha or beta 3 Is Armed Assault?

I'm sad to say I don't know Spanish, yet, so I hope Google translate can convey the message good enough for now. Correct me if it's wrong.

No sabemos todavía. Después de la Gamescom de agosto. / We don't know yet. After Gamescom in August.

[Vixente]

I'm sad to say I don't know Spanish, yet, so I hope Google translate can convey the message good enough for now. Correct me if it's wrong.

No sabemos todavía. Después de la Gamescom de agosto. / We don't know yet. After Gamescom in August.


Perfect :)

[Roni]

I just wonder if there will be physx 2 or physx 3 in CA ?

[colossus]

PhysX 3.x. This is (part of) the reason why they moved the date.

[metalcraze]

Last time the date for alpha was september 2012.

[SpetS15]

they said after E3, now is after Gamsecom :(

[IcCarlos]

It can only be a good thing though delaying the Alpha release, annoying as it is. The better the Alpha the better the onward game improvements and public interest!

[Sam75]

It can only be a good thing though delaying the Alpha release, annoying as it is. The better the Alpha the better the onward game improvements and public interest!

I don't agree, the alpha could be updated with patches

[tremanarch]

but if the first look qont appease the kids they abandon it. The problem is kids think: alpha / beta = demo and corporationss act accordingly.

ont the other hand who needs those kids anyway?

[antoineflemming]

I don't agree, the alpha could be updated with patches

Same here. I can wait, but I'd honestly be fine with just having the E3 Alpha build as a sort-of pre-alpha lol. And I only say that because I have relative free time right now.

[Celery]

May I ask again: what good is a buggy alpha where all the issues are already known?

[sgtsn1per]

May I ask again: what good is a buggy alpha where all the issues are already known?

Very true Celery. But that being said I'm guessing around half the people in this forum would be happy with any form of the game they could get their hands on right now.
I know I sure would be (=

[NodUnit]

That's not really the point of early builds.

[OnlyRazor]

So, BIS are giving access to Arma 3 to random players at their HQ (http://www.bistudio.com/english/home/news/projects/317-arma-3-focus-groups), you say?

CHAAAAARGE

[MavericK96]

So, BIS are giving access to Arma 3 to random players at their HQ (http://www.bistudio.com/english/home/news/projects/317-arma-3-focus-groups), you say?

CHAAAAARGE

Cool if you live in CZ, kinda shitty for the rest of the community...lol.

[Tankbuster]

Cool if you live in CZ, kinda shitty for the rest of the community...lol.

You lightweight! :)

For me (by car) ... 838 mi, 13 hours 17 mins

[Timnos]

So, BIS are giving access to Arma 3 to random players at their HQ (http://www.bistudio.com/english/home/news/projects/317-arma-3-focus-groups), you say?

CHAAAAARGE

Damn it, I dont fall into any of those categories -


During August, we hope to take a small range of players of differing abilities – non-experienced and expert combat simulator players - and try to gather some useful feedback on the state of our development.

Guess I'll have to wait until they require the 'supreme master combat simulator player'.

[Mr Burns]

You lightweight! :)

For me (by car) ... 838 mi, 13 hours 17 mins

My buttocks still hurting from that 12hrs assbuster tour which started in cologne when shenzu & me thought it´d be cool to get ArmA1 a week early :rolleyes:

[Slatts]

argh i wish i didnt get the sack... i needs ze moneyz to's go to's gamezcomz

[Tankbuster]

My buttocks still hurting from that 12hrs assbuster ~ shenzu & me thought it´d be cool ~

This is a family forum, dude. :)

[metalcraze]

May I ask again: what good is a buggy alpha where all the issues are already known?

ArmA2 was also buggy and its alpha was called a "final version" :rolleyes:

Besides it will be great to test a movement system.

(lack of patience)

[Mr Burns]

This is a family forum, dude. :)


Oh boy, thats just ... soo wrong, i should´ve known better! ;)

:868:

[Tonci87]

So, BIS are giving access to Arma 3 to random players at their HQ (http://www.bistudio.com/english/home/news/projects/317-arma-3-focus-groups), you say?

CHAAAAARGE

Damn it, why aren´t they on vacation in croatia, like all the other czechs?

[ProfTournesol]

Damn it, why aren´t they on vacation in croatia, like all the other czechs?

And Germans...

[Tonci87]

And Germans...

Nah they are on mallorca or in Turkey^^

[nooklyn]

im really exited now :)

[OnlyRazor]

Nah they are on mallorca or in Turkey^^

No, the Russians are in Turkey. No shit, I went there once, went shopping, and every single shopkeeper addressed me in Russian.

Aaaanyway, back on topic, this is good. It means we're getting close to a community release.

[Timnos]

Will it be possible to share missions that are created by the Alpha editor?

[Bigpickle]

And Germans...

& whomever is left is here in the UK ;p

[mycatsaid]

I wonder when we will see the alpha then.

[NeuroFunker]

not to nag around, but visiting this thread i see a new post every time, hoping to hear something new about alpha, but i see offtopic much, pls guys let's not make this thread to a trash.

[Nikiforos]

^+111111

[Ekko]

Lately I've been going in to arma 3 video feed to see if there is a new showcase but it seems as if nothing is happening there! Since i first saw the new gameplay mechanics and older features like diving, I have been looking for new content on ArmA 3 every hour, and I think im going crazy! I don't care if its just some pictures they give out, just give me SOMETHING!

Anyone else going crazy?!

[-Coulum-]

Anyone else going crazy?!

Already gone. And holding back the infantry showcase from us is just cruel. I am salivagating like a dog waiting for it. But I think this might be the wrong thread no?

[froggyluv]

@<hidden>: Welcome to the diabolical world of BI's anti-marketing campaign. Where they drag you in by showing less and keep you begging for anything all the while -evil genius. Do what I do, pretend like it's never coming out then one day you'll wake up to a really nice surprise (hopefully no WW3 before!).

Best!
~Froggy

[Fennek]

hopefully no WW3 before!
In that case we would have to look at the bright side: The "scifi"-haters couldn't complain about it beeing fiction anymore.

[SQB-SMA]

@<hidden>: Welcome to the diabolical world of BI's anti-marketing campaign. Where they drag you in by showing less and keep you begging for anything all the while -evil genius. Do what I do, pretend like it's never coming out then one day you'll wake up to a really nice surprise (hopefully no WW3 before!).

Best!
~Froggy

Good god, I've played right into the hands of an expertly executed D.E.N.N.I.S plan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZuOKUrwoys

[SpetS15]

Release it noooowww! just take my moneeeyyy!
mmmok :s I wait...

[Celery]

Release it noooowww! just take my moneeeyyy!
mmmok :s I wait...

http://i1.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/003/617/okayguy.jpg

[metalcraze]

What does Jay Crowe mean by "the end of the year"? Did it get delayed again?

[Papanowel]

What does Jay Crowe mean by "the end of the year"? Did it get delayed again?

We will get more infos in a couple of week (hopefully).

I want to play it before the end of the world :rolleyes:

[^Th0mas^]

Will the alpha have AI, or is it MP only?

[GossamerSolid]

Will the alpha have AI, or is it MP only?

Why would they remove a huge chunk of the game for no reason?

Even if they haven't changed the AI one bit since latest OA patch, it would still be in there.

[^Th0mas^]

Because its very comon that betas are MP only.

[maturin]

Modern shooters are essentially MP only anyways. ArmA is different. The editor is the game.

[-Coulum-]

I doubt ai will be excluded. Even if the alpha is more focused for MP (which I believe it is) it is my understanding that the majority of arma multiplayer is Coop so it would be silly not to include ai.


The editor is the game.
Agreed. Its what makes arma so great but also what makes it hard to for certain people to get into the game. They don't understand how powerful it is and how the campaingn and provided mp/sp scnerios are are not even close to comprising the whole of the game.

[Gerwazy]

So everybody will be able to download community alpha or there will be special requirements?

[Papanowel]

So everybody will be able to download community alpha or there will be special requirements?

We don't know yet ;)

[Coffeecat]

We know. Everbody will be able to download and play the Alpha. Atleast thats what Ivan Buchta answered on my question when i send him a mail 3 weeks ago.

[Mr. Charles]

That's not right coffecat, there are several restrictions to the community alpha:

a) you'll need a computer to play it
b) you'll need an internet connection to download it

So at least 66.3% of the world cannot play the ArmA3 alpha. That's nearly two thirds of the world!

http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats.htm

[maturin]

And then the 99% of the 33.3% that can't meet the min specs.

[froggyluv]

And then the 99% of the 33.3% that can't meet the min specs.

Haha! I've finally made it to 1% status -dream achieved and I have only a world chock full of PC slackers to thank. Cigars for all my 1% brethern!

[maturin]

Not the 1% the .3% :p

[Papanowel]

We know. Everbody will be able to download and play the Alpha. Atleast thats what Ivan Buchta answered on my question when i send him a mail 3 weeks ago.

I didn't know that :)

Thank you for the answer.

[Chortles]

We know. Everbody will be able to download and play the Alpha. Atleast thats what Ivan Buchta answered on my question when i send him a mail 3 weeks ago.Does this mean that the community alpha is actually an open alpha? :D (I already have ARMA 2, OA, BAF, PMC... but not TOH or ACR.)

[GossamerSolid]

Does this mean that the community alpha is actually an open alpha? :D (I already have ARMA 2, OA, BAF, PMC... but not TOH or ACR.)

We've been told that everybody is allowed into the alpha, so I'd say it's open.

[Gerwazy]

:yay: amazing news.

[dsi24]

Because its very comon that betas are MP only.

Those aren't betas, those are MP only demos with the launch bugs explained away.

[tremanarch]

an alpha needs more developement than a beta. so the gamma verion is the one that is the last version? is it the greeks alphabet or just a coincidence...

[PuFu]

lol what ^^? Alpha < Beta < RC < Release version. There is no gamma version in the software/gamming industry whatsoever.

[NeuroFunker]

omega is the latest version :P

[Onjin]

I'm just happy to have stumbled upon ArmA 1 & 2 on Steam in the first place. That was this last Friday, 8/3/12. Played demo and I am now hooked. ArmA 3 is looking mightily sick.

[Chortles]

I'm just happy to have stumbled upon ArmA 1 & 2 on Steam in the first place. That was this last Friday, 8/3/12. Played demo and I am now hooked. ArmA 3 is looking mightily sick.Think of ARMA 3 as *ahem* "an ARMA that's (finally) in the 21st century"!

[NeuroFunker]

Think of ARMA 3 as *ahem* "an ARMA that's (finally) in the 21st century"!

expain urself sir, please.

[Steakslim]

expain urself sir, please.

As his lawyer I strongly advise my client to not "explain" himself.

[twisted]

@<hidden>: Welcome to the diabolical world of BI's anti-marketing campaign.
Best!
~Froggy
It works for sure fire arma supporters. But im surprised bis don't get more ambitious. Their recent successes show whats possible, and now that they have momentum and a great sequel coming up theyd be smart to run a strong marketing program for some key segments of their global audience.

[metalcraze]

Strong marketing is for people who make shit games. Those money are better spent elsewhere.

[DMarkwick]

Strong marketing is for people who make shit games. Those money are better spent elsewhere.

You do have some odd notions :)

[Tankbuster]

I think what he means, and I'm not normally in the business of interpreting metalcraze's ramblings, is that strong marketing is sometimes indicative of a poor game and in that case, the marketing budget would have been better spent making the game better.

[Mr Burns]

I think what he means, and I'm not normally in the business of interpreting metalcraze's ramblings, is that strong marketing is sometimes indicative of a poor game and in that case, the marketing budget would have been better spent making the game better.

Full page OFPDR adverts a month prior to release anyone :D

[Tankbuster]

My point exactly!