Dear Mechanics,
Welcome to our one hundred and seventh development status update.
DLC#1 Status update
Our initial plan was to release the first DLC in Q3 of 2021. We are very sorry to push the release again for a few months. The amount of work for each new tank requires two times or three times of work that we previously had to do - mostly because we are adding more and more mechanics and features. Each new tank has to support them. The Maus tank that was released some time ago is a good example. We won't promise an exact date but expect the DLC out this year.
Now to show the progress and new features that we need to add for the DLC:
- User keys - a special set of keys assigned by a player and then recognized by tank special config - an example would be the ability to drop or mount tracks for BT-7, or drop or mount extra fuel tank on Maus
- Reorganisation of how the game handles profiles - each profile will have its own save files and folder for profile content, as well as allow for profile names without current bugs
- Sandbox mode - unlimited money and reputation but no achievements
- Building tanks - from the crafting menu, it will spawn a hull and turret only of a given tank
Churchill Mk III AVRE
Much like Shermans with their Crab version, Churchills also had some unique variants. One in our jurisdiction is the AVRE version, boasting 290mm mortar, instead of the standard 57mm cannon.
The mortar was reloaded by the driver's assistant, by opening a sliding hatch and breaking the mortar in half, like a side-by-side shotgun, rather than loader in the turret.
BT-7
BT-7 with mod.35 turrets were most often command tanks, with less ammo, but a more powerful radio, equipped with a transmitter, a rare commodity in Soviet armored vehicles. The 71-TK-3 radio wasn't the most sophisticated or robust but surely did its job.
PzKpfw VI Ausf. B Tiger II (H) “King Tiger”
The Tiger II was able to use three types of ammo, two of which we are currently making the PzGr 39/43 armor-piercing and Sprgr 43 High Explosive. The former was able to penetrate 233mm of vertical armor, and 202mm of 30 degrees angled armor at 100m. Latter high explosive round was mostly used for either truck, lightly armored vehicles, or infantry emplacements.
M18 Hellcat
M18 Hellcat is known for its tremendous speed and acceleration, and it owes it to its lightweight and powerful engine. The Wright-Continental R-975-C4 is an air-cooled, 9-cylinder radial piston engine, producing an impressive 400hp. The same type of engine was used on the early Shermans.
We are putting lots of focus into getting this engine done right. Fortunately for us, we have good references and documentation. It is much easier than making an engine or gearbox for the Maus.
Tutorial remake
We hear complaints about incorrect tutorials, that it is too complicated and bugged. The decision has been made and we are going to remake it from scratch. There will be a special mode not integrated into the main game. Stay tuned for more info about this, also if you have suggestions - please post them here in the comment section or on our discord.
Tank Creator
Development of the Tank Creator tool is resumed. Similar to Metal Object Creator, the tool will be shipped as UnityPackage. Currently, it supports the generation of tanks from input FBX geometry. The tank then can be spawned in-game from a contract, with elements assembly/disassembly, and Paint Room support. More info soon.
Thanks for all the support and have a good weekend.
DeGenerals
