During the last couple of weeks, we moved one more step closer to Early Access. The world map was further improved and finalized. Most likely this will not change until after the Early Access launch.
Enhanced visuals fidelity of the world map
Added several new areas
Added mountain, which we plan to improve over time to incorporate these into game play
Implemented a road network which you will hear more on this later
Improved some of the interior areas of the Tiger
Within the next couple of weeks, you will get to see some of this in action and hopefully in a video!
Hope you have a great weekend!
AFTC
Development Progress Update (Game world)
Happy 4th of July everyone! Hope you are having a wonderful day off (hopefully with some good food)!
I know it has been some time since the last update so I wanted to give a brief account of what’s been going on.
Openworld
It was clear from your overwhelming votes (on Discord) that the vast majority of you want an open-world game. And so, without further ado, I started working on the open world. I decided it would be best to start out with this now rather than adding it on later. In fact, I am very happy to say that the work required to get this on Early Access is mostly complete!
Tiger 1
Most things required for Early Access are now complete but we are still working on damage, repairs, and rearming. Most likely these will be simplified for Early Access and will continue to grow during EA.
AI Vehicles
Basic AI for Early Access is now complete and they will evolve with development during EA. Also, please do keep in mind that AI (NPC units) will be minimal at EA launch but you can expect to see more vehicles, infantry, and air units in the future.
Bases/Skills/Unlocks
The way you progress through the open-world grand campaign is by securing “sectors” (I will go into more detail on this at a later date). Each sector will consist of a base (or bases and outposts) and capturing and holding these will give you access to abilities such as calling in air support or artillery strikes. This feature will greatly extend with other complimenting features and missions. Keep in mind that at EA, that thing will vastly improve and new abilities will be added with time.
AI Tank Crew
Tank crew is something that still needs to be worked on but most likely you will see a basic form of AI at the EA launch.
Damage Model
I have decided to start out with a somewhat simpler damage system (similar to World of Tanks). Just to be clear, shells will bounce and not penetrate depending on the angle. Hover AI will still be able to damage your hull with splash damage (think of this as stress/shock damage). Making damage ultra-realistic would, well, make the tiger invincible as nothing would really be able to hurt you. After all, this is a game.
All and all, the majority of things we need for Early Access is complete. You will begin to see more frequent updates in the coming weeks. Also, I still need to do a playtest session with a small group (hopefully soon)!
I want to be fully transparent, you should expect Early Access to last for a while as there is still work to be done. However, I aim to add new content every few weeks so you always have something new to play.
Thank you very much for your support so far. I really appreciate those of you who have been patiently waiting for this!! I really do mean it! The clock is rapidly ticking down towards EA!!
Development Progress Update #4
Happy New Year Tank Commanders!
Hope you all had a great Christmas and holidays! Just wanted to give you a quick update video and share with you few things Armored Front has been busy with. Hope you enjoy it!
[previewyoutube="4PpwpzCH2jc;full"]
Stay safe out there!
AFTC
Development Progress Update #3
Hello All!
Hope you all had a great weekend!
There were number of improvements and implementations that happened with systems and coding since the last update, but today, I am not going to bore you with the technical stuff. I am here to give you a quick sneak-peek of the new movement system that I mentioned in update #1 and a glimpse of the Tiger's interior.
I know inside looks a little empty now, but not to worry! This is because the tank is still at the factory getting assembled. By the time it is issued to you it will be locked and loaded with everything you need to survive!
[previewyoutube="enJoL8X_tac;full"]
Until next time! AFTC
Development Progress Update #2
Hello, Tankers!
It was yet another busy week but most of the work done was code-related, so there isn't anything too flashy to share today. However, I still wanted to give you a quick recap of what was done.
Tiger's Lower Hull
This week, the lower hull was stripped of all its components and received a coat of "Afrika Korp Tropical" paint scheme.
But of course, the logistics company that was in charge managed to miss-handle it during transportation, I think they might be a little jealous! However, the camo we will be applying in the field will cover the scratches right up. And that reminds me, yes you will be able to change color schemes and camouflage in the future! Each camo scheme will adversely affect how you are detected by the enemy. ːsteamhappyː
UI Interaction
User Interface Interaction System was recreated from scratch this week. There will be a wrist menu (like a quick menu) which you can interact by touching, and a conventional menu (for settings, etc..) that uses a laser pointer for interacting. It is worth mentioning that, when it comes to menus, we want to use them as little as possible. Since this is a VR game an item should be accessible from your surrounding and not via a menu.
That's all for today, see you next time! AFTC
Development Progress Update #1
Dear Tiger Commanders!
Just wanted to give you a quick status update on the development progress and share a few screenshots. Since the last announcement, it has been a very busy two weeks and a lot of progress was made in artwork and, in areas of code and framework.
Art Update
A new turret came out of the factory with an 88 gun and most of the vital parts. This should carry us up to the Early Access launch. However, do keep in mind that this model is by no means meant to be the final version. Please take this as a starting point and a work in progress. The model and the detail will be improved significantly over the course of the development.
Commander Cupola
Tiger commander had 7 periscopes in the cupola, giving a good 360-degree view of the battlefield.
8.8 cm KwK 36
Generally referred to as "the 88", this feared gun was able to fire Panzergranate 39 (APCBC), HEAT, HE, and the Panzergranate 40 (APCR). In the game, you will also be issued smoke rounds.
Code/Framework and Game Systems Update
There is a lot of existing code that will be reused from the previous version, but some systems will be completely overhauled or created from scratch including the interaction and locomotion system. During the last two weeks, a new locomotion system was introduced. Now, while in the tank, you can grab and drag yourself around, allowing you to move freely to any point within the tank with precision –you will see this in action in the coming weeks.
Hope you have a great weekend! AFTC
Armored Front: Tiger Command
Hello All,
I hope you are all safe during these uncertain times. I know it has been some time since my last update, but development has been going strong and I have some exciting news for you. I will try to keep this short, sweet, and to the point.
Armored Front will be taking a different turn and going big and heavy! Instead of the T34, you will now be taking command of the Legendary Tiger 1 Heavy Tank. The core concept will be more or less the same but from now on the game will be centered around a Tiger tank in North African Theatre.
What is new and will be available at Early Access release?
You will Take Command of a Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger
The game takes place in the treacherous landscape of North Africa giving an open landscape better suited for tank combat
Loader Crew Station: Play as the loader and manually load/unload the gun with different types of shells
Those who do not want to get their hands too dirty can also enable a simple loading system where the game will assist in the loading process
Commander Crew Station: Give basic commands to AI tank crew, call-in support
Call in Stuka close air support
Call in artillery strikes
AI tank crew and ability to give basic commands
Field repair mode: perform basic repairs, rearm, give the crew a break, etc.
Create custom levels using the in-game Level Editor (it will be basic at first but evolve with the game)
Skirmish gameplay mode
New renderer (much better visuals with improved performance)
What is planned for Final Release?
I have some exciting things planned but I want to avoid too much detail as certain things are still in progress. However, Career Mode featuring Grand Strategy, Open World Campaign, Advance AI, and Tank Upgrades will remain as planned. Also, there will be improvements to everything listed above.
What about the Early Access release date?
While I always have the best of intentions when I try to predict a release date, I hate potentially changing it and disappointing you all. Therefore, since there are many things that could affect game development, I am a little reluctant to predict when this would come out. For the time being, the release date is still to be decided.
There is still a lot of work ahead, but I am very excited and cannot wait to share more updates with you. While I am guilty of at times being too optimistic on timelines, I will do my best to share more on the new Tiger as soon as I can. I appreciate your continued interest and your patience so far. Stay safe out there!
