FROM: Project Lead
TO: Arma 3 Users
INFO: Final 1.36 tests, Headless Clients, Workshop Mods
PRECEDENCE: Flash
SITUATION
We are three Release Candidates into update 1.36 testing and things are looking good. Our programmers are analyzing a few more crash reports, but we hope to be ready for main branch tomorrow (CET). You can join the final stages of testing by opting into the RC branch using access code Arma3Update136RC in the Steam client BETAS tab for Arma 3. This will effectively preload the update ahead of release, even though there may still be more iterations. Be aware that the majority of public servers will not be join-able until they update as well. If you spot a new issue in the RC, please submit it to the Feedback Tracker and clearly mark the version you encountered it in. Thanks!
INTELLIGENCE
Update 1.36 will bring big improvements to Headless Client technology after a solid period of Dev-Branch testing. The new implementation will ...
- ... see HCs placed as virtual entities in the editor, and then having them automatically assigned to slots in the lobby.
- ... make HCs only visible to admins.
- ... support Linux servers.
- ... not require additional Arma 3 licenses.
If you are already using this advanced scripting tech, please be aware you may need to update existing scenarios. The Community Wiki documentation has been updated to reflect this.
Some categories of the Make Arma Not War contest have been temporarily re-opened for submissions. Unfortunately a sizable number of contestants had not submitted their work properly. This was a tough decision for the MANW committee, but the contest's ultimate goal is to highlight quality content. Take a look at this news article to find out whether your entry is affected or not.
We've introduced a new command-line parameter for multiplayer server admins: -loadMissionToMemory. It should help servers which use a HDD, which restart the same scenario frequently, and which have a relatively small amount of scenarios in their cycle.
OPERATIONS
The next evolution of Workshop support is on the horizon! Valve has rolled out a new Steam SDK, which will allow for several big enhancements. There should no longer be an item size limit, and multiple files per item will be supported. These changes open to door for full mods. The roll-out of these changes will begin on Dev-Branch after 1.36's release, and happen in stages to ensure reliability across the branches. The designer in charge of Workshop-integration, Jiří Zlatohlávek, describes a few automated changes to existing and future items: "With the upcoming mods for Steam Workshop, we will change how files are stored on Workshop, allowing more files to be uploaded for both new and old items. This means the 'Addon' tag will effectively become irrelevant. We will be first updating files tagged with 'Addon' to also include tag 'Mod' to prepare to this change. When the new SDK is implemented, we will be removing the tag 'Addon' and keep only tag 'Mod'. This change should not require anything from you, but if you plan to publish any addons soon, we advise you to already include tag 'Mod' for your files to be visible in Launcher."
Virtual Arsenal caretaker Karel Mořický, has incorporated a few nice additions for the mode. Selected weapons show various statistics such as Rate of Fire, effective range, impact and weight. Character equipment shows approximate armor levels, load and weight. No extra configuration is necessary, so community equipment will show these stats as well.
LOGISTICS
Senior Artist Oldřich Kříž has prepared a PSD template for the Huron's texture as part of the Arma 3 Tools update alongside 1.36. This should make it more comfortable to create your own liveries. We'd like to also provide this for the Taru at least.
User Interface designer Vladimír Hynek has added a feature to scenario selection screens that allows scenario designers to display relevant data. We will primarily use this to display the Challenge medal targets and your actual results. Perhaps you can imagine your own usage, so check out the updated documentation (look for overviewScript functionality)!