Baltic Dragon and Reflected answer feedback on DLC Campaigns

[@jawjaboy58]

Thanks for the feedback Gents! You guys provide a challenging, FUN experience that draws me in for HOURS! I appreciate all the efforts you guys put into these missions. Never gonna please everyone, but just keep doing the wizardry you do and you'll keep this ol' fighter jock wanna be VERY happy!

[@carloolivier1940]

It's really sad to hear that you guys are not getting the recognition and support you deserve! I understand the campaigns you make is specific and not allot of people understand or want that which is a shame. Raven one was my first campaign and after that I knew why I started playing DCS! I really hope you guys don't change the way you create campaigns just to satisfy the demand although it might mean more sales. You guys realistic approach to the missions are PERFECT! If it takes 2 hours it takes 2 hours and then 2 hours again if you fail the mission. I wish I had more time to play DCS and campaigns to show my support. The bugs are annoying especially if you have to restart an hour long mission because of it but I know it is not always a problem on your side. What I struggle with is figuring out if it was me who did something wrong or if it is a bug. Any suggestions to help with that? Thanks to you and Reflected for your passion!

[@MrCarvion]

I love your campaigns! It is my main source of studying a module and entertainment in DCS. Love you guys

[@Kzh207]

What he says!

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

Thanks gents. A save in game feature would really solve a lot of issues for people wanting the full-fidelity experience of a campaign's mission, don't want to fast forward time etc, and then come back to is over the course of several nights flying etc, etc. Keep up the good work, looking forward to more content!

[@PluckyUnderdog]

I love yours and Reflected campaigns. It's mainly why I love DCS so much. They're fantastic, and in my opinion, much needed. So, I hope you both keep making them. Because I will keep buying them.

[@belgeode]

Bottom line- you can only work with what you got. 🤷‍♂️ You guys already push the envelope to its very limits, and it is greatly appreciated. Keep doing what you do. ED will catch up eventually.

[@andrefreeman7025]

Half of my problem with the DCSs campaign was solved by adding the Chat-History function to the DCS. Next to your mentioned no-SaveGame function of DCS, my problem with the DCS campaign is that often I don't understand what is my current task after a scripted ai conversation. You, as a player, cannot ask the Ai wingman what he meant by his last sentence, or ask the air boss to specify the current situation. It would be nice if there is some list of tasks, so I can check if I should RTB now, or after some other squad gives me permission and release me from duty. The last thing is, that the kneeboard often includes a lot of useless pages, but not the information that I would write down during a real mission.

[@Leaddinosaur]

Really great that you guys put together this video explaining why you make the campaigns and what the limitations are. I’ve got all your campaigns but have only finished one. I will get around to completing more as I get more confident which each platform. I just want to support you and keep you doing what you do. I think you both do a fantastic job, so don’t stop.

[@EPiQ_cR]

As one of the people on the "campaigns are too complicated for 'newbs' side of the conversation", I don't think its accurate to say DCS campaigns "aren't for that person". The fact that the DCS community will largely send new pilots to a youtube playlist or PDF shows that there's actual space for PROPER in-game training campaigns. Modules often have OK training, but its very rarely compelling. Personally, I'd gladly pay $20-$40 for comprehensive training missions on a given module. I'm not saying campaign visions should be dumbed down though...I'm specifically saying there's room for SOMEONE to build campaigns geared at new pilots, or new module owners. It's silly that the first suggestion to learn the game is doing things that aren't the game. Considering the second suggestion is always to find other pilots to teach you in-game...it shows there's room to also provide this sort of content without having to hunt down discords, and line up sessions with experienced pilots. If the ultimate goal is looking at the lack of interest in DCS campaigns compared to the growing userbase...you have to look at what that growing userbase is lacking...and that's engaging module education. Until that learning ramp is overcome, I wouldn't expect many users to consider spending even more on something they can't fly.

[@xdiver01]

You´re the man @EPiQ_cR! Perfect, that's exactly it! 👏👏👏👏

[@EPiQ_cR]

@@xdiver01 Glad I'm not alone in this, haha. I will say, I wasn't aware Reflected had some training centric ones...so that could be better elevated by the community, Eagle Dynamics, etc. I'll 1000% be checking them out to see if they give me an actual hands-on approach to learning.

[@Cellinsky-2302]

This. I cant agree more....

[@javier6743]

Thank you for the explanations, guys!!

[@Radintoriov]

The time commitment is definitely the main factor for me and I am very appreciative that your longer missions have the option to skip ahead, especially if I have to fly it again after something went wrong my first time through

[@Crunch104]

Well, there is only 1 DLC campaign for the Viper! I hope that the Gamblers campaign does well! I will buy it immediately when it is released.

[@Jakes_1-1]

Since I caught Reflected's upload first, will add my feedback here too: 75% of my DCS time is spent in Campaigns, 20% learning(usually for the campaigns), 5% in MP. In my books, Hot Starts are the worst...specially when you know you have a specific way you want your aircraft set up. @balticdragon3611 the only thing I hate about both Raven One campaigns, is that split in the last mission of the original Raven One....I wish it had a full length version. I love the work you guys do, My module purchase choices are made based on how many campaigns are available for it, and are they Reflected/Baltic/GroundPounder campaigns. Keep em as real as you can and Keep em coming!

[@JamesGoodwin1994]

Glad to see ground pounder mentioned! His campaigns are equally top notch especially the latest harrier one! The voice acting is getting way better too

[@seancolvin8545]

I have all the Hornets and P-47 campaigns. Which is what I fly.

[@ajcoles613]

I loved your speed and angles campaign for the cat made me appreciate it in a whole new way and the a10 ones from Baltic are what got me into dcs in the first place keep up the amazing work guys dcs wouldn't be the same without you lol

[@TOMCATnbr]

Your campaign are a real thrill to play. Please don't change a thing. The more realistic they are (hard, long, with no save option, etc), the more enjoyable they are. We are playing dcs to be as close as possible to the real thing. Real pilot don't have save game option? So we don't need it. As I'm not a multiplayer gamer (only on enigma from time to time), I just want to thank you, Reflected, Baltic, and all the creator, from the more knowned, to the new one, for givin us content to play with and to enjoy our beloved planes. I hope you will continue to imagine/create content in the future. We will be there to support your hard and time consuming work. He's highly appreciated. Thanks you.

[@KomradeDoge]

To the training campaigns, i love what you did with Speed and Angels. It teaches us the basics, is challenging making you a better pilot, and has a great story. More like that are exactly what dcs needs. Im hyped fir part 3 of raven 1 for that exact reason.

[@JamesGoodwin1994]

As someone who isn’t a fan of online play and loves a good story, I absolutely love and appreciate all that you both do! Despite the limitations I’ll always buy your campaigns as long as you make them! The immersion and storyline’s that you create can not be recreated elsewhere. Truly one of a kind

[@JamesGoodwin1994]

Oh and also, despite the fact that I absolutely LOVE playing through long sorties, splitting missions up into multiple parts is definitely the way forward in terms of the lack of save game function. It may break the immersion slightly but in those really long missions it’s definitely a welcomed work around until ED introduce something better

[@thomasoswaldaerospacesoftw426]

PLEASE comtimue to produce content the way you are. Your campains are what makes DCS so special.

[@Jasonmoofang]

I'm completely on the same page, pretty much in your core audience. I don't have any major issues from the user end for campaigns at the moment actually, but I see the amount of maintenance that it takes on you guys' end, and honestly, I'd probably consider that the biggest issue with campaigns. There is word on the vine that DCS is improving along these lines, lets hope for the best. Oh, actually another small thing is it'd be nice if campaigns can be a little bit more than just a collection of related missions. It feels like ED could easily implement the ability to have intro/outro videos for possible cutscene/cinematic style content. I know I was slightly disappointed that I didn't get to hear Jello's briefing that played over the original R1 trailer in-game. If engine improvements cut the amount of maintenance work campaign authors need to do, then maybe the freed up time can go into preparing such cutscene style content. That would be a dream scenario for me.

[@thejetfighter]

Thanks for sharing your views. 😀

[@BountyV]

Thanks for the informative video! I would also like to mention, not that I'm implying this was thought otherwise, but I think most people who shared feedback are in no way blaming DLC Campaign devs, or thinking they can easily work around issues, solve them, or add new features to Core DCS to give DLC Campaigns more value. Unfortunately the reality is still that these issues and lack of features detract from interest in campaigns, and that over time as the issues are solved and new features added, and it is possible to embellish existing campaigns as well as make new ones with them, there will naturally be more interest. For players, as Baltic and Reflected said we're all in this together and it will be a cooperative effort to report issues to ED so they can properly address them. Progress might seem abysmally slow, but Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will the ideal foundation upon which the campaigns of our dreams can be developed. In the meantime, we can take a step back, take stock of what is available and possible now, and enjoy it for what it is. :D

[@realQuiGon]

My main issue with DLC campaigns is that they are SP only. I'm just not interested in SP content as I love playing DCS with my buddies. I would absolutely LOVE to play DLC campaigns in coop with my buddies, but unfortunately that's not a thing :(

[@nyandyn]

Liberation and/or Retribution.

[@realQuiGon]

@@nyandyn They don't have the same level of immersion (voice overs!) that DLC campaigns have.

[@nyandyn]

You missed the point of voiceovers. They're there to replace the immersion you normally have in a large multiplayer setting. I would not want a scripted dialogue playing on the radio while I'm trying to coordinate the rest of the package and flight.

[@realQuiGon]

@@nyandyn Sorry, but I have yet to see a large multiplayer event where you here the JTAC on the ground desperately screaming trying to get his 9-line transmitted while you hear the bullets and explosions next to him over the radio. Sure, large multiplayer events are a great thing on their own and I love them too (although i prefer Falcon 4 for them), but scripted campaigns offer something that those large multiplayer events can't (they offer other things that a scripted campaign can't).

[@FlyingKENNY]

Hi guys. You're totally right about missions. I think that shouldn't be easy. DCS World is SIM game and not arcade. Sometimes, I flew one mission maybe 20 times, but when you managed to complete it, the feelings after that are....indescribable!!! ❤ Especially after 2+ hours mission. I've always goose bumps during landing. After good landing is so much relieve and time to open Champagne bottle 😀 Thanks for your hard work, guys ❤

[@ramtin-s8722]

I love single player campaigns for DCS…it’s especially great with limited time…I just commit learning only a couple of modules like viper and hornet…and do 1 mission a week and it’s a great experience

[@JasonBourne1227]

I have noticed that many new players pick up DCS and maybe expect "Ace Combat". You can play it that way in some cases but the campaigns, rightly, capture the immersion of the intended modules, both the maps and the airframes. I'm sure sim-nerds (like myself) revel in them despite the bugs etc and look forward to fixes ED makes along the way. I guess the only set-back is that some of those fixes are very far down the track. Keep doing what you are doing. Its great content. Any news on the works for A-10CII Iron Flag Pt2? Pt1 has kept me busy. I thought I knew the Worthog! This campaign has taught me some new tricks! Good job!

[@ernestwinslow7316]

I can relate with the group that said the campaigns are complicated. Training campaigns preceding combat mission campaign would have alleviated this by much but again module development time in dcs take many years to get to state where a comprehensive training campaign can be designed. The whole limitation comes from dcs as things are currently.

[@g0r3le3ch]

I voted to timing isuues but that is actually not a problem for the campaign creators to solve. I love the campaigns with difficult and stuff and will keep buying campaigns to support their development. Sometimes wish I could retire already and have more time 😂 keep doing what you are doing please 😊

[@sebywest3736]

I haven't been able to solve the autopilot for the mig-29 for 5-6 years now, and let's not even talk about the rest, so it's zero

[@KP-lt4kt]

It is possible to pause game and come back to it.

[@SVgamer72]

Two DCS legends!!! Instant buys when a new campaign comes out despite the code limitations.

[@juanpedroperezalcantara9930]

Recently I see many talented and dedicated professional content creators like you, in many different creative fields, making an effort trying to justify their creative choices and approaches. I'm almost in my fifties and for sure this is a generational misunderstanding issue, but I understand this the only way I see it can be: creative professionals make their craft the way they like and understand it, and if it's not your stuff, just don't consume it! How can I, an old fashioned 70-90 rock enthusiast, and an old grunge to my heart, ask Bad Bunny to do something I'd like more? It's completely pointless and a lack of respect to his creative achievements, as much as it is not definitively my thing?! But he's a great artist liked by many, and that is great. He is not my thing, just that. So keep up with your craft, your job is just so amaizing. I wish I could deploy a single bit of your creativity in crafting DCS stuff.

[@nyandyn]

Every point you addressed, apart from the multiplayer one, is completely or partially the fault of the DCS core being what it is. Eagle's response to bug reports seems to be "let them eat cake" or crickets, sadly. Regarding multiplayer, I completely agree with you. However, do realize that the community is much larger and diverse than ED admits, so you will have to expect these comments in the future. You are the outliers here😃

[@Scoop1_1]

A 3rd Raven Campaign, Yes!!!

[@jameswilliams1085]

Sir, id love to play your campaigns , its not the AI , its the fact that they are TOO complicated. Im NOT a fighter pilot. I need something on my level. That saying, If your were to develop a Dynamic Campaign as a module i would buy like a shot...... Thank you Sirs

[@xdiver01]

Very disappointing your selfish opinion of those struggling due to there not being MORE appropriate payware training campaigns like Maple Flag used to do, by the way, Instant Action, ED trainning missions? Are you kidding? Like @EPiQ_cR said, we need and there's actual space for PROPER in-game training campaigns, you guys simply don't care about people who have a different kind of life, respond with no empathy to look for an arcade game then. Well, now I see your true face.

[@ReflectedSimulations]

Errrr excuse me? I'm not a selfish bastard because my campaigns don't match your playing style. And yes, there is space for proper training campaigns, that's why I released Speed & Angels, Baltic released Iron Flag, and is working on more. What kind of missions or trainings come with a module is as much within our reach as it is within yours. Not at all.