SITREP #00221

FROM: High Command
TO: Arma 3 Users
INFO: Encore Update RC, New Documentation
PRECEDENCE: Flash

SITUATION

We've just made the Release Candidate (RC) of the upcoming Encore Update (version 1.84) available for public testing. This means we're very close to its official main branch release, and our team is working closely together with the people from BRAVO ZERO ONE Studios to resolve the final issues.

INTELLIGENCE

As the last step before deploying a new update, we usually make a Release Candidate build available. This RC build is meant to be identical to what should later become the main branch build. It allows us to weed out any last-minute issues that may have been missed in the Dev-Branch or internal development builds. It's also an opportunity for us to stress test the new game version in a multiplayer environment, which is where most issues typically occur. Plus, if needed, mod-makers can use this build to prepare their creations for the new game version. In the particular case of the Encore Update (version 1.84), we'll be delivering a bunch of free new assets to all Arma 3 players, such as the destroyer-class ship, SAM systems, and radar sites. Of course it's very important that these all work as intended. Hence, if you want to help out, you're more than welcome to check out the RC build and report any potential issues to our Feedback Tracker. Thank you in advance! If all goes well, we hope to officially release the Encore Update next week or the week thereafter. We'll let you know the exact date as soon as we've confirmed the RC build is functioning correctly.

One of the most creative minds in the realm of #armachinima, GAMmovies, continues to create some of the most atmospheric and impressive Arma 3 videos out there. GAM's latest cinematic short, "Blue", shows how a group of undercover Special Forces operatives come under sudden attack from an allied jet. The video makes use of custom sound and visual effects that truly place you in the middle of the action. But, what is especially impressive is that the entire video seems to be one continuous shot. In real life, such a scene would require an incredible amount of planning and precision timing (or digital fakery). So we can only imagine the complexity of doing this in Arma. Hopefully, one day there will be a special 'making of' video, such as the one GAM made for the recent Into the Black cinematic. Be sure to subscribe to GAMmovies' YouTube Channel for more splendid videos, check out the video descriptions for the list of mods that are used, and follow this talented film-maker on Twitter!

Another community release that speaks directly to our sense of national pride is an update to the Czech Air Force Hind Tiger helicopters (available on the Steam Workshop as an addon for CUP or RHS). One of its main highlights is the addition of the Mi-24 (Kosta) 3370, which just like the other choppers, sports the squadron's distinct tiger crest and tiger stripes. For those who don't know, this special Czech helicopter squadron is part of the NATO Tiger Association, which was first established in 1961. The role of this association is said to promote solidarity between NATO air forces and to share ideas and experiences. The Tiger squadrons also sometimes come together in so-called 'Tiger Meets' for special exercises and public events. In any case, it's great to be able to see (and fly) these wild animals in Arma 3. Be sure to check out this screenshot gallery of the Tigers - and let us congratulate its author, Qinetix, on the amazing work done. Výborně!

If you ever have new Arma 3 videos, mod/addons, or screenshots that you'd like to share, and you want to be certain it ends up on our radars, then we recommend you to post it to Twitter, and mention or tag @arma3official and/or use the #Arma3 hashtag in the tweet itself. We may just feature you in one of our next SITREPs!

OPERATIONS

Together with Tanks DLC, we released a massive free platform update which introduced brand new gameplay features to Arma 3. We always intend to make such features configurable by our community's modders. As part of that, we also aim to provide as much documentation as possible. However, since during a release itself our developers are often very busy to just get everything out of the door on time, it can sometimes take a bit longer to arrive. Nonetheless, we're glad to report that we've finally updated the Community Wiki with fresh documentation on both Missile Flight Profiles and Vehicle Handling! The former introduced a top-down attack and terrain-following mode for missiles, while the latter made our ground vehicles (including cars) behave more realistically and fun to drive. Prepared by our Designer Ondřej "Oukej" Kužel, with help from community ambassador and contributor Lou Montana, this documentation provides description of the available parameters, example of our configurations, and/or our recommended parameter values. So get ready to mod away!

LOGISTICS

As of July 11th last week, it's already been two years since many of us went on our first trip to Tanoa in the Arma 3 Apex expansion. This release was very important and special to us in many ways. It was a huge team effort, which was preceded by several major platform updates as part of our #RoadToApex push. Our main goal for the expansion was to live up to the Apex name, and deliver a true pinnacle moment in Arma 3's development. And we hope that we did! To celebrate its second anniversary, the @bohemiainteract Twitter account asked you to share your favorite Apex screenshots. So be sure to check out the replies to the tweet below!

Did someone say birthday? That calls for an Arma 3... #CAKEREP. Congrats, Barend!