Development Diary #27 - 6th of May 2009

[Alexander Seil]

As your conquer more provinces or lose more provinces there will be more or less theatre zones (NOT theatre HQs).

In 1939 Germany only has one theatre, while in 1942 it probably has 2. The OKH for the east, and the OKW for the west

That's now what he's saying, however. He describes what seems to be an action by the player that involves merging or splitting Theaters, in some unspecified fashion.

 

[KAding]

This is sounding great! I don't usually play large nations because I don't like being overwhelmed by all the units. This will make them a lot more accessible!

I understand that the AI will always perform sub-par compared to a human, but that doesn't really matter all that much, since I can roleplay that part . Besides, I can always take over if things get too dire.

I'm also tempted to play an 'hands-off' game, where I leave all actual combat over to the AI. Might make for a more interesting game against the AI as well, since then it will really come down to your strategic choices, rather than somewhat gamey tactics in battles .

 

[zeekater]

That's now what he's saying, however. He describes what seems to be an action by the player that involves merging or splitting Theaters, in some unspecified fashion.

The theatre zones change, but the command structure stays until you change it by merging/ splitting theatres.
It's all about the difference in 'theatre zones', which are AI defined and 'theatre commands', which can be merged or split when the theatre zones change.

Like in 1945 Germany would be divided into 2 theatre commands, the east and the west, even though there would be only one theatre zone. As a leftover from how it was in 1941-1943 when germany controlled a lot of provinces. The player can then decide to merge both into one (how, I haven't the foggiest!).

 

[foriavik]

Awesome good job, DD`s are getting better and better
Can I put also ships and air units under AI controll?

 

[JTF-2]

Oh man, this is awsome, and everything so if awsome. BUT I have to remember that, just like every new game that comes out, it always or usually falls down from MY expectations. So I have to remind myself not to start drooling right now.........but it's so hard not too....Good job guys!!!!!

Can't wait

 

[208]

Can you clarify a bit more how the theatres themselves are defined? Are they hard-coded in the map or the AI somehow, or are they dynamically defined based on the number and location of your theatre HQs, or some other mechanism?

 

[BlueWarrior]

Very nice - not too long till Q3 09 now

 

[unmerged(138740)]

Can you clarify a bit more how the theatres themselves are defined? Are they hard-coded in the map or the AI somehow, or are they dynamically defined based on the number and location of your theatre HQs, or some other mechanism?

Thats rather important. Eastern Front is much bigger than Mediterranean and Western theater both. How will it work? When will it be neccessary to create another?

Edit: 2,5 moth!

 

[Alexander Seil]

The theatre zones change, but the command structure stays until you change it by merging/ splitting theatres.
It's all about the difference in 'theatre zones', which are AI defined and 'theatre commands', which can be merged or split when the theatre zones change.

Like in 1945 Germany would be divided into 2 theatre commands, the east and the west, even though there would be only one theatre zone. As a leftover from how it was in 1941-1943 when germany controlled a lot of provinces. The player can then decide to merge both into one (how, I haven't the foggiest!).

That's the thing, why would he point out an obvious player action (reorganization) in connection with an AI "redefinition" of Theater zones?

And why is it a choice? If an AI redefinition leaves some units outside of the Theater area, does the player have to get them back to the area, or will they stay under HQ control? Can the AI even exclude an area that's occupied by some Theater's troops? There are just too many questions.

 

[Tharkun]

Conquest of the Aegean is considered the King of AI when it comes to command chain, assigning objectives to different formations etc.

But...if what is suggested in this DD is actually accomplished, Hearts if Iron 3 will be the new King, simply because the largest formation in COTA is a Corps, down to single companies, depending on the scenario. HoI3 will deal with Theaters all the way down to single divisions, while handling production etc!

The task seems too great. If it's done the way it's described here, it will be a great accomplishment!

 

[Alexander Seil]

COTA and HTTR AIs deal with a much more complex environment though, as the terrain is continuous, etc.

 

[unmerged(138740)]

All AA series not just CotA - but thats:
1 - a different scale
2 - weak AI (after few battles you almost do what you want at highest difficulty)

 

[Willmore]

Probably wishful thinking, but I would like to see an AI perform differently, depending on the commanding general of the AI unit group.

Say, Zhukov asking for masses of infantry units and performing massed pincer movements. While Rommel would request tank divisions and thus have a different tactical preference.

 

[Tharkun]

COTA and HTTR AIs deal with a much more complex environment though, as the terrain is continuous, etc.

Indeed, the environment is more complex and morale, commander skills etc are factored in, but it's not like HoI lacks complexity.

And we are told the AI will give us feedback on what it needs to achieve its objectives. I suppose this will depend on the number of brigades in the formation compared to the frontage it has to cover and the reserves it needs.

About the 4 stances...I don't think any of them covers a D-Day scenario either from the German or the Allied perspective. Assuming Heeresgruppe West has 60 divisions and a proper command chain, I assign this theater to the AI and order it to defend...

...will it cover the right beaches and defend at all costs there? Will it keep a mobile reserve force behind the front?

Or, as the Allies, how will the AI handle amphibious operations?

 

[Black Lotus]

Seems very complicated...but I'm willing to try it out.

 

[namuseta]

Few things came to my mind when i read about this

I. Are there theatre zone in sea

II. If there will "Admirals" assing ships where they are needed for sub hunting or convoy raiding? Is was really annoying at times to hunt subs in hoi2 because the areas wore so small. and unlike ai you cant really know all the time where their subs are.

III. If i assing a theatre to attack over seas how will it get transports do you have to add to it them your self or can it utilise ships that are in port or ones in use at a sea theatre(if there is).
If they can use ships freely does it know it needs escorts depending on how dangerous the sea is (massive enemy naval activity)?

IV. Are there air force theatres or are they in land theatres ?

PS. havent read all the diarys fully if some of theen answers have been given allready.

 

[PlacidDragon]

Sounds awesome, cant wait for the release

 

[GeneralDisarray]

Sweet!
Too bad I have to write 2 term papers between now and September...

 

[Sovereign]

Why is the province of Turek so obviously the wrong shape!!!1!


Only kiddin

Brilliant, the work goes well. I am so looking forward to playing these features out!

 

[unddu]

Im not convinced this is a good idea.
There are three possible options:

- The AI is worse than you are.
- The AI is better than you are.
- The AI is just as good as you are.

If the AI is worse than you are, then there is no reason for any serious gamer to let the AI handle things.

If the AI is better than you are, then things become even more silly, since you can just let the AI run the game for you.

Only if the AI is just as good as you are does it make sense to let it handle certain aspects of the war. And really now, only option 1 is likely to be the case.



It's just silly to let a big part of the player's action be taken over by the AI. Let's play chess, but let the AI move the queen and towers. Let's play CIV but have the AI handle ships and planes. In HoI2 and Eu3 you the human can easily handle a 4 or 5 front war, so has the game now become so obtuse you need the AI to help you out?