What is the biggest problem with DCS Servers today?

What is the biggest problem with DCS Servers today?

In my opinion, the biggest challenge is that in nearly every group, no matter the size, there is usually just one dedicated mission maker, or at best a small handful, who creates all the content for the community. These are the creative individuals who design the exciting missions that keep our groups active and growing. Their work is what turns a collection of players into a real community.

These mission makers have a unique skill. They can craft scenarios that accommodate everyone’s preferred aircraft, from the guy who insists on flying the KA-50 every time, to those who prefer jets, props, or helicopters. Somehow, they manage to blend all those different interests into one cohesive mission.

A typical scenario might last one to two hours of actual flying, plus a thirty-minute briefing. Once it is over, the group is left waiting for the next mission. What many players do not see is the staggering amount of work behind the scenes. That mission may have taken hours, days, or even longer in the Mission Editor to bring to life.

Unfortunately, this often leads to burnout. Many communities experience a growth period filled with excitement, only to slowly lose momentum when the mission maker decides they have had enough. For them, creating content becomes less of a fun hobby and more of a full-time job, leaving little time to actually fly and enjoy the game themselves.

Eagle Dynamics is working on the Dynamic Campaign feature, but it is expected to launch as a single-player experience at first. Who knows when it will become available for multiplayer servers which, in my opinion, is the best way to experience DCS. PVE can be enjoyable, but doing it alongside ten to twenty friends is even better. And of course, true PVP with fully staffed Blue and Red teams is an absolute blast.

At Fox3, we understand how vital mission content is for keeping a community alive. That is why we have begun experimenting with an early-stage mission generator designed to help reduce the burden on mission makers and keep the action flowing. It is far from ready, but the initial results are promising. Until then, be thankful for your mission creators, appreciate the countless hours they put in, and most importantly, be nice to them. Without their creativity and dedication, the skies would feel a lot emptier.