We've got a lot of questions about what lies ahead for Regiments - and while some answers were given here and there - let's sum it up as an actual roadmap.
As with all plans, these are likely to be adjusted in the process - for the same reason, we're not providing any dates, for now, just the order of priority.
Regiments 'lifecycle' is planned to last roughly a year, until the autumn of 2023, when a decision would be made on how to proceed further.
Content Packs
The new content will be split into 4 major add-ons, preliminary named and structured as follows:
(Names of the content packs are, of course, not final)
'Immediate Reserves'
This add-on will introduce several more units to the existing nations and add the first playable UK Regiments to the Skirmish modes. One new Operation along with 1-2 maps are also planned.
'Northern Group of Forces'
Netherlands and Poland, along with the remaining UK elements, will make an appearance in this DLC, along with several operations and new maps.
Heliborne and motorized infantry is also scheduled to appear here.
'Central Group of Forces'
This DLC will focus on the South German Front, adding Czechoslovakian, French, and Canadian battlegroups.
The 'Custom Operations' mode is likely to be introduced with this update, allowing to set fighting sides, regiments, stages, length, and other parameters for one of the Operations templates.
'Final Update'
Scheduled to appear close to August 2023, this DLC will wrap up the additional content. At this moment, it's hard to define its scope - anything from a small farewell content pack for existing nations to a different front outside of Central Europe is on the table.
Most likely, the first content pack will be released free, while the next two DLC will be paid ones.
It will only concern the content like new units, regiments, and operations, of course - new mechanics will be rolled into the game regardless of whether you purchase the content pack or not.
Potential Features
Here we're going into the more speculative territory.
These features are going to be at least researched & prototyped, but not all of them may be implemented. There's no definite timeline or priority for them too - it'll be done in whatever order fits best for the major content add-ons.
So, possible features, in no particular order:
While most are self-explanatory, a few require extra notes:
New Skirmish modes
- Dedicated defense mode without the transport units of the Mobile Defense mode
- Meeting engagement / Attack that uses the node networks from the Operations mode
- A mode or an optional rule that places a higher value on the casualties inflicted and sustained
Further additions to the Regiments system
As the number of nations and regiments increases, hardware alone will rapidly become inadequate to show the differences between them - and there's only so much we can do with different organizational structures. A deeper representation of the fighting spirit, level of training, logistical and command aspects will be required.
On top of that, let's repeat the stance on the most frequently-asked additions:
Multiplayer - definitely not during Regiments '22-'23 lifecycle.
Map Editor - highly unlikely due to the technical and, possibly, license-related constraints.
Scenario Editor (or at least some sort of) - perhaps, though the scope of the task makes estimating it pretty hard. It overlaps a lot with the 'Customizable Operations' too and may end up bundled together.
We'll also be looking into other distribution platforms.
I hope this roadmap answers key questions about the next steps of Regiments development.
That's it for now, thanks for your attention!