Dev Diary #2 – Factions
Welcome back to our series of ‘83 Dev Diary series leading up to our early access launch.
In this instalment, we’re turning our focus to the two military powers at the heart of the conflict: the United States Army and the Soviet Ground Forces.
A major inspiration for the game’s setting comes from a real historical event - Able Archer 83. In November of that year, NATO ran a large-scale exercise simulating an escalation to nuclear war. Though intended as a drill, it was interpreted by the Soviet Union as a potential first strike. Soviet forces went on high alert. For several tense days, the world sat on the edge of full-scale war.
It’s this high-stakes tension, the sense that one misstep could change everything that forms the foundation of ‘83. In our version of history, diplomacy breaks down and the Cold War turns hot.
To build this world authentically, the team has spent years researching the era, drawing from military archives, photo references, re-enactment groups, Cold War museums, and consultations with military history communities. The result is a grounded depiction of the factions, their equipment, and their doctrine, accurate to what would have been in widespread use in 1983.
United States Army
In ‘83, the US Army is built around structure, fire discipline, and precision. Players will have access to a wide array of authentic weapons from the era, including the M16A1, the M60 LMG and the M21 SWS.
Each class within the US faction has a defined role. US Special Forces introduce further specialisation with close-quarters tools like combat shotguns. Gear is consistent and modernise, standardised uniforms, with machined parts and synthetic materials that reflect the transition from post-WWII military kits to a more agile force.
Soviet Ground Forces
Opposing them, the Soviet Ground Forces embody a doctrine of pressure, volume, and momentum. In ’83 you can choose from a variety of iconic weapons like the AK-74, the PKM and the RPG-7, which allow Soviet squads to apply constant forward pressure across the battlefield. Their tactics revolve around massed infantry pushes, massed firepower, and armored vehicle support.
Soviet equipment also tells a different story. Uniforms are more rugged and made from natural materials such as canvas, leather, and repurposed stock. This reflects the utilitarian, production-focused mindset of the Eastern Bloc, where practicality often outweighed aesthetics.
A Clash of Doctrines
In ‘83, each faction allows you to bring each faction’s philosophy, equipment, and battlefield doctrine to the fight. Play as the US and choose to adopt the strategies of fire discipline, coordination, and role-based tactics. Or play as he Soviets and pile on the pressure, with numbers, and volume of fire. Two distinct potential approaches. One contested battlefield. Victory will go to the team that best understands and plays to their strengths and group tactics.
Coming Up Next
In our next dev diary, we’ll be breaking down the many playable roles in ’83, from frontline riflemen and anti-tank specialists to the Commander, who oversees the flow of the battle with powerful off-map support. Each role plays a critical part in shaping the outcome of every fight, and we’re excited to show you how squad tactics and strategic planning come together to create intense, large-scale Cold War combat.
Stay tuned, and thanks for your continued support.
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