Intel Update #003 is here with a little SITREP to keep you busy while the next Build Update is in the oven. Here are some of the main highlights to look forward to—whether in the next update or in the ones to follow:
Work on lag compensation and hit registration systems
Kris has been working on fixing one of the biggest issues with online play: the perceived "inaccuracy" when playing with higher pings. In reality, it's a networking issue due to the lack of a proper system to compensate for lag and ensure hit registration. Here's Kris' explanation for his current approach:
Client-side hit registration works by creating a client-side bullet for the local player. If the client-side bullet hits another player, information about the impact is sent to the server for verification. For the server to be able to verify the impact, it keeps a short history of previous player positions and other relevant data. Once the impact info makes it to the server, it is checked against this history based on the delay between server and client. If the info received is found to match up, damage from the impact is applied. If not, the impact is ignored. In the case of co-op vs. AI, we have chosen to skip this test and simply "believe" the client. In the case of PvP [adversarial], it will always verify.
So there you have it! You can expect a first implementation of this system in the next Build Update.
Sound design is on its way
One of our newest team members—Mikołaj Ławiński, a.k.a. Mikson—got in the talks about taking care of the sound design in GROUND BRANCH a few months ago, not long before Early Access launched. Now on board, he's doing exactly that. Mik is a young sound engineering student (and self-professed tacticool maniac) from Poland who, like many of us, fell in love with Rainbow Six—one of his first games—way back in the day and is now thrilled to be working on what some have called a spiritual successor to the influential tactical shooter.
He's reworking sound effects and will also be taking care of the soundtrack. One of our goals for the sound design is getting as close as possible to the excellent atmosphere and punch present in Insurgency: Sandstorm. Mik will do his best to provide a "powerful, satisfying and realistic feel of the weapons, an immersive soundscape and tension coming from silence that suddenly turns to momentary chaos." He also says:
The sound design rework will be pushed to the game in phases. Right now, my main priority is weapon sound effects. I'm focusing on making them aggressive, loud and punchy while keeping them as realistic as possible at the same time.
Sounds good to us, Mik. Welcome aboard!
We're still unsure whether any sound updates will be available in the next patch, but rest assured that the importance of sound design is not being underestimated in the development of GROUND BRANCH.
New content
Zee has been busy reworking a few models and adding sweet new assets to the armory. While there isn't much to show yet in terms of a modernized AK platform (currently in early production) and the T-1 red dot sight (next in line), here are a couple gems currently being implemented and tested:
G33 Magnifier: a tacticool favorite, it offers toggleable 3x magnification when placed behind a holographic or red dot sight.
In addition to the existing MP7A2, the MP7A1 (earlier variant with a standard folding vertical foregrip) will soon be available. Both versions can receive the dedicated Rotex-II suppressor and 4 skins—black and tan (both pictured), as well as green and AOR-1.
We'll also be adding a new mount for the Mk 14 EBR that goes over the ejection port and should provide better sight attachment and usability—particularly for scopes.
General fixes and updates
As usual, expect lots of other smaller/under-the-hood fixes and updates that will be listed and detailed when the time comes.
Stay tuned via our social media channels, and thank you so much for your continued support and patience!