FROM: Project Lead
TO: Arma 3 Users
INFO: Roadmap blog
PRECEDENCE: Flash
SITUATION
So, now you know our plans for 2014 and 2015, or at least the major milestones! We hope you're excited for the updates, DLC and ultimately expansion. More specific information will obviously be shared as we approach each of the releases, with the Bootcamp update and Helicopter DLC first in line (not counting regular game updates). But, rather than rehashing the blog here, we recommend you read it and get the full context of what's next for Arma 3. We are now writing a follow-up blog that goes into specifics on how we intend to handle DLC, namely in such as way that avoids fracturing the platform and its player-base wherever we can. You can expect it later this month.
INTELLIGENCE
A message to Supporter Edition owners: since the expansion is revealed to be not stand-alone, it is included in your bundle. All currently announced paid additions are included without extra charge: Arma 3 Helicopters, Arma 3 Marksmen and the expansion. Thank you again for your support since the early days of Alpha.
The entire in-game Field Manual has been exported to the Community Wiki. Tips, explanations, weapon & vehicle info, hidden features, find them all here.
OPERATIONS
Let's take another look at what we said in the roadmap blog: "features are free, content is paid". To elaborate using the example of sling loading, this means everybody who currently owns Arma 3 or will buy it later (regardless of the Arma 3 Helicopters DLC) will be able to sling external loads under helicopters. It also means the rope technology is available for user-generated helicopters, or even completely different applications. What you will gain by purchasing the DLC are, among other things, carefully selected new and high-quality helicopters that are capable of transporting heavy loads.
Another example is the RotorLib flight model for helicopters. We will provide this flight model for all previously released helicopters in Arma 3 whether or not you own the DLC. It should be repeated that this flight model will be an option in the game. It offers distinct benefits for precise control over rotary-wing aircraft, and makes the simulation more authentic (particularly having control over the collective). But those who would want to stick with the Arma 3 flight model can do so. We don't even expect it to be default on the normal difficulty setting. Actually owning the DLC will give you the cool new birds and other content.
LOGISTICS
Find details on the recently released 1.18 game update in its SPOTREP, and a changelog for Arma 3 Tools in the corresponding TECHREP. Today we are deploying a small hotfix for the game, to address multiplayer performance and stability.