DLC Roadmap?

[goering_slith]

Dear Developers of Panzer Corps 2,

I have finished the SCW and also the AO 1939. I played each even several times I enjoyed both very much. But now I would love to know when and how it continues.

Any hints in this matter what and when could be expected?

Many thanks in advance!

[Rhaeg]

Ha! There you go, your most eager fans are often not the ones with a bazillion forum posts, they're just the peeps who are too busy enjoying the game to have time to post on some forum

There are a lot of questions to ask about the future of PC2: what is the next DLC? When will it come? Will the Axis Operations DLC series be completed before we see anything else like Allied Operations? Will non-German Axis forces ever play a meaningful role ? Will PC2 go to the Pacific? And what's the Finnish army up to since they are obviously not defending their own country? Questions, questions and as always we are at the mercy of the devs. What do they know? What are they willing to share? Tune in for the next episode of Meaningful Dev Update!(!!)

[Retributarr]

Will non-German Axis forces ever play a meaningful role ? Will PC2 go to the Pacific? [/u]!(!!)

"Rhaeg:"... "Your conversation is definitely very high-spirited!... and I do agree with most of it. To go further... such as... 'quote': "Will non-German Axis forces ever play a meaningful role???". Here... I am especially with you!... in order for PzC2 to really be a treasured-meaningful-recreation of WWII... more of these dynamic essential_ out of the 'Ordinaire' events "need/must" be included or taken into consideration in some purposeful determined meaningful way.

Now!!!... "On the other hand!"... "Will PC2 go to the Pacific?"… that is not possible with the current 'European-Entities'... however!!!... as an entirely "Newly developed separate entity"... Yes!!!... I could not "for-see" any-Problem with entering into that next frontier!l

Interesting 'Post' you have "Rhaeg"... do keep it up!.

[Rhaeg]

Now!!!... "On the other hand!"... "Will PC2 go to the Pacific?"… that is not possible with the current 'European-Entities'... however!!!... as an entirely "Newly developed separate entity"... Yes!!!... I could not "for-see" any-Problem with entering into that next frontier!l

Well, I'm sure they'll be able to create some new Japanese unit models, so what else would be the problem here? A rework of naval combat? I'm pretty certain they could go Pacific if they wanted to.

[Kerensky]

For a formal roadmap. Ohh I'd really like to have one, but at the same time, it's very dangerous. A roadmap is a formal promise make a lot of deliveries, which is great for a feeling of security in the game to have a long road ahead, but it's also inflexible. As soon as games start breaking their roadmap promises, it throws up so many red flags.

I feel that DLC being semi-reactionary is much more positive than DLC being fully pre-planned in advance and then just stamped out one after another in a very assembly line fashion.

Spanish Civil War feedback directly impacted the difficulty and complete absence of friendly AI forces in the 1939 DLC campaign. Sure some people really like the new friendly AI and it works great for them, but some people REALLY didn't like it.

If we can build each DLC in a specific way to be new and interesting, and then get a chance pause and really take in player feedback, and then use that feedback to influence the following designs... Seems like that is better trying to feel out what players are really looking for in a game they clearly like and are invested in.

Otherwise, there is that danger of just becoming a machine stamping out one pre-planned DLC after another as part of a pre-set plan that is actually dangerously out of touch with what the players really want.

[Kerensky]

As for the Axis Operations DLC specifically, well certainly I look forward to continuing them, for whatever that is worth.

Will the game jump directly into more AO DLC? We're still processing a lot of feedback because DLC 1939 only just came out a week ago. It's nice to process feedback asking for more DLC of course.

Will the game have something else going on in terms of campaign DLC? I think it could be great to have an alternative DLC set running in tandem, especially an Allied nation campaign. People don't have to buy every single DLC, more choice is more good. I know there are players waiting in the wings for really big and juicy Allied campaigns that aren't 6 scenarios long and link into nothing. It's also a lot more work though, heh.

Will we see non-campaign DLC? How about just non DLC improvements entirely? More modding support, workshop support, more MP support... there are huge possibilities and potential for Panzer Corps 2.

Right now, I'm definitely feeling positive about the future for Panzer Corps 2. I cannot imagine it will be dropped like a rock after the amount of players there have been in game and feedback they have generated across multiple forums and other discussion venues.

So I guess all I can really ask is for your patience. I have a good feeling the people in charge of running Panzer Corps 2 know they have a good thing, and we should give them time to make more good things for it, and not just rush out rubbish to 'cash out' on the game.

[Scrapulous]

It's nice to process feedback asking for more DLC of course.

Oh! Well, since you mentioned it: more DLC, please! My AO core is eagerly awaiting AO '40 specifically, but other campaigns sound fun, too.

Will we see non-campaign DLC? How about just non DLC improvements entirely? More modding support, workshop support, more MP support... there are huge possibilities and potential for Panzer Corps 2.

My wishlist, since you got me talking:

• Multiple cores per nation, similar to Rhaeg's post. I'd love for a small group of the Italians who I commanded in Spain to reappear later in the war under my command along with all the fun of core management.
• Limited amounts of national units as well as captured units. I imagine these amounts would replenish passively over time, but they could be depleted. This would not only be realistic, but would make enemy equipment more important, as well.
• Have equipment management be separate from squad management. Currently you can't completely control what vehicles your squads command. Gift units make this very obvious. You have to have a completely green squad running a new gift tank - no other option exists. Another example is capturing BT-7A units. You can't assign a veteran tank squad to it because the way you normally do that ("upgrade") only lets you upgrade a tank to another tank, an AT gun, or a recon, but the BT-7A defaults to an Artillery unit (despite being able to switch to a tank unit).
• Make gift units appear in the purchase screen. Designate them as options only available for a single unit.
• Complex experience model. Right now if I assign a tank crew to a Recon unit, they lose 1,000 xp. If I assign them back to a tank unit, they lose another 1,000 xp. And so on. You can turn a veteran squad into green recruits by doing this several times. Something instead like a base experience level that represents veterancy, morale and such, that is tracked independently from role xp. So Squad 1 has always been a tank crew and has earned 1,600 base xp and 1,600 tanker xp. In a tank, they have an effective xp of 3,200 and 3 stars. Reassign them to a recon or an AT and they have no role xp, so fall back on their 1,600 base xp for an effective xp of 1,600 and 1 star. They need to build xp in their new role. I imagine general xp might accrue more slowly in a new role, too. This is a rudimentary proposal; I'm sure an actual game designer could do much better.

These are just thoughts that keep surfacing when I am playing the game.

[Kerensky]

Seems like there might be a problem in the later war when these Axis nations get knocked out of the war. Italy is gone as early as 1943 in a historical campaign. What happens to your sub CORE then? Just deleted? I imagine that would be quite aggravating and would only encourage players to stick with forces that are permanent CORE, not temporary CORE, which means back to Germany.

[GUNDOBALDO08]

Seems like there might be a problem in the later war when these Axis nations get knocked out of the war. Italy is gone as early as 1943 in a historical campaign. What happens to your sub CORE then? Just deleted? I imagine that would be quite aggravating and would only encourage players to stick with forces that are permanent CORE, not temporary CORE, which means back to Germany.

Excuse me Kerensky but you used the wrong country for your example: the "kingdom" of Italy signed the armistice on September 8, 1943, but the RSI, Italian Social Republic continued the war against the Germans until 1945 and it would be great to be able to continue with the Italian "core" transformed into RSI (with new flag) in Axis operation until 1945. I would like in fact that the player could choose to stay in Italy in 1944 instead of going to Normandy to fight on the line gothic and in the Po Valley ... you already have the map among the scenarios!

[GUNDOBALDO08]

Seems like there might be a problem in the later war when these Axis nations get knocked out of the war. Italy is gone as early as 1943 in a historical campaign. What happens to your sub CORE then? Just deleted? I imagine that would be quite aggravating and would only encourage players to stick with forces that are permanent CORE, not temporary CORE, which means back to Germany.

Excuse me Kerensky but you used the wrong country for your example: the "kingdom" of Italy signed the armistice on September 8, 1943, but the RSI, Italian Social Republic continued the war against the Germans until 1945 and it would be great to be able to continue with the Italian "core" transformed into RSI (with new flag) in Axis operation until 1945. I would like in fact that the player could choose to stay in Italy in 1944 instead of going to Normandy to fight on the line gothic and in the Po Valley ... you already have the map among the scenarios!

Sorry RSI continued war allied with Germans not against. I’d like ti see also Black shirts Italian infantry units...

[Kerensky]

That Gothic Line scenario doesn't have a single Italian unit on it. It's all German enemies.
I'm not convinced a puppet government propped up by Germany constitutes still being considered 'Italy'.

That's like saying you can keep playing with a French CORE after the 1940 surrender, because Vichy France/Free France exists.

Regardless, the fact that you would now need to 'transform' your sub-CORE into something else is adding more technical issues to the problem.
Imagine being on the Eastern Front and investing heavily into your sub-CORE of Italians, only for 1943 to roll around and then gg Italians on the Eastern Front?

[GUNDOBALDO08]

That Gothic Line scenario doesn't have a single Italian unit on it. It's all German enemies.
I'm not convinced a puppet government propped up by Germany constitutes still being considered 'Italy'.

That's like saying you can keep playing with a French CORE after the 1940 surrender, because Vichy France/Free France exists.

Regardless, the fact that you would now need to 'transform' your sub-CORE into something else is adding more technical issues to the problem.
Imagine being on the Eastern Front and investing heavily into your sub-CORE of Italians, only for 1943 to roll around and then gg Italians on the Eastern Front?

Yes politically you’re definitely right, RSI is not Italy, but I dont agree that this isnt a good idea for game play! Will be great if after september 8 Italian core became RSI and continue to fight with germans. Whats the matter??

[GUNDOBALDO08]

That Gothic Line scenario doesn't have a single Italian unit on it. It's all German enemies.
I'm not convinced a puppet government propped up by Germany constitutes still being considered 'Italy'.

That's like saying you can keep playing with a French CORE after the 1940 surrender, because Vichy France/Free France exists.

Regardless, the fact that you would now need to 'transform' your sub-CORE into something else is adding more technical issues to the problem.
Imagine being on the Eastern Front and investing heavily into your sub-CORE of Italians, only for 1943 to roll around and then gg Italians on the Eastern Front?

About France: you are right for Vichy France for he never had a military role, but for Free France for example in the Allied campaign it would be great if after the surrender in 1940 some French "core" units continued the war together with the British first (North Africa and Italy) and the Americans after (France 1944) ...

[Retributarr]

That Gothic Line scenario doesn't have a single Italian unit on it. It's all German enemies.
I'm not convinced a puppet government propped up by Germany constitutes still being considered 'Italy'.

That's like saying you can keep playing with a French CORE after the 1940 surrender, because Vichy France/Free France exists.

Regardless, the fact that you would now need to 'transform' your sub-CORE into something else is adding more technical issues to the problem.
Imagine being on the Eastern Front and investing heavily into your sub-CORE of Italians, only for 1943 to roll around and then gg Italians on the Eastern Front?

About France: you are right for Vichy France for he never had a military role, but for Free France for example in the Allied campaign it would be great if after the surrender in 1940 some French "core" units continued the war together with the British first (North Africa and Italy) and the Americans after (France 1944) ...

I'm not very-fresh on my memory recollection about 'French-Units-in-Africa',,, but from what little that I can recollect... I believe that they had a presence there. An internet check should clear the fog on this issue.

[goering_slith]

Wow! I'm overwhelmed by your reactions! I didn't expect that much reactions and a lot of different views of this matter. Much appreciated and really interesting!

But Kerensky... I only asked for a little hint

Anyway I'm looking forward to any continuation of Panzer Corps 2!

[Kerensky]

But Kerensky... I only asked for a little hint

I'm afraid I can't even give a little hint.
I cannot tell you that I am working on future DLC for Panzer Corps 2. You'll have to wait for an official announcement, if and when they are ready to make it.

[goering_slith]

But Kerensky... I only asked for a little hint

I'm afraid I can't even give a little hint.
I cannot tell you that I am working on future DLC for Panzer Corps 2. You'll have to wait for an official announcement, if and when they are ready to make it.

Thank you very much for your quick reply! Anyway I'm looking forward!

[Retributarr]

Army of Africa (France)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Army_of_Africa_(France)

From the end of 1942, the Army of Africa was headed by French general Henri Giraud and fought in the Tunisia Campaign before its merger with General Charles de Gaulle's Free French Forces. North African units subsequently played a major role in the liberation of Corsica (September - October 1943) and the Italian Campaign (1943–44) in the French Expeditionary Corps. During the French and German campaigns of 1944-45 the Army of Africa was expanded to 260,000 men (including 50% Indigenes and 50% white French settlers in North Africa, Pied-Noir),[9] including the 1st Motorized Infantry Division (Zouaves and Foreign Legion), the 1st Armoured Division(Chasseurs d' Afrique and Foreign Legion), the 2nd and 4th Moroccan Infantry Divisions (Moroccan Tirailleurs), and the 3rd Algerian Infantry Division (Algerian and Tunisian Tirailleurs). In addition three groupements de tabors of Goumiers served as independent units while artillery, engineer, commando, reconnaissance (mechanised Spahis and tank destroyer units were drawn from the French and indigenous populations of French North Africa.

Free French Army
https://ww2-weapons.com/free-french-army/

After the fall of France, various units of French troops in the Middle East preferred to join the Allies.

In May 1941, as the possibility of operations in Syria became apparent, the scattered Free French Forces were assembled at Quastina in Palestine and formed into the 1st Free French Light Division.

After their victory in Syria the Free French troops were redeployed in North Africa being reinforced by other French units. Initially Free French forces played only a minor role in operations, their most notable success being at Bir Hakeim when the 1st Free French Light Division maintained a stubborn defense of the desert stronghold during the Gazala battle before breaking out of their surrounding position to rejoin the Allied lines.

Free French troops fought in the final stages of the Tunisian campaign but it was the war in Italy where the newly reorganized forces were to make their mark. At the end of 1943 units of the French Expeditionary Corps began to arrive in Italy; at first two divisions, the Corps was reinforced by a further two divisions in the spring of 1944. The French Expeditionary Corps was heavily engaged in the battles of Cassino and it was its out-flanking of the German mountain positions that made possible the Allied victory. After the capture of Rome in May 1944 the French troops were withdrawn from Italy in preparation for the liberation of France itself.

[GUNDOBALDO08]

Army of Africa (France)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Army_of_Africa_(France)

From the end of 1942, the Army of Africa was headed by French general Henri Giraud and fought in the Tunisia Campaign before its merger with General Charles de Gaulle's Free French Forces. North African units subsequently played a major role in the liberation of Corsica (September - October 1943) and the Italian Campaign (1943–44) in the French Expeditionary Corps. During the French and German campaigns of 1944-45 the Army of Africa was expanded to 260,000 men (including 50% Indigenes and 50% white French settlers in North Africa, Pied-Noir),[9] including the 1st Motorized Infantry Division (Zouaves and Foreign Legion), the 1st Armoured Division(Chasseurs d' Afrique and Foreign Legion), the 2nd and 4th Moroccan Infantry Divisions (Moroccan Tirailleurs), and the 3rd Algerian Infantry Division (Algerian and Tunisian Tirailleurs). In addition three groupements de tabors of Goumiers served as independent units while artillery, engineer, commando, reconnaissance (mechanised Spahis and tank destroyer units were drawn from the French and indigenous populations of French North Africa.

Free French Army
https://ww2-weapons.com/free-french-army/

After the fall of France, various units of French troops in the Middle East preferred to join the Allies.

In May 1941, as the possibility of operations in Syria became apparent, the scattered Free French Forces were assembled at Quastina in Palestine and formed into the 1st Free French Light Division.

After their victory in Syria the Free French troops were redeployed in North Africa being reinforced by other French units. Initially Free French forces played only a minor role in operations, their most notable success being at Bir Hakeim when the 1st Free French Light Division maintained a stubborn defense of the desert stronghold during the Gazala battle before breaking out of their surrounding position to rejoin the Allied lines.

Free French troops fought in the final stages of the Tunisian campaign but it was the war in Italy where the newly reorganized forces were to make their mark. At the end of 1943 units of the French Expeditionary Corps began to arrive in Italy; at first two divisions, the Corps was reinforced by a further two divisions in the spring of 1944. The French Expeditionary Corps was heavily engaged in the battles of Cassino and it was its out-flanking of the German mountain positions that made possible the Allied victory. After the capture of Rome in May 1944 the French troops were withdrawn from Italy in preparation for the liberation of France itself.

Thanks Retributarr! this is why it is not out of place to imagine a French "core" in the allied campaign from 1939 to 1945. I am also convinced that an Italian “core” alongside the Germans would also be great, becoming "RSI" from 1943.

[adiekmann]

My Wishlist for North African campaign...

1. Separate Italian and German cores and prestige banks
2. Italian core begins first, without Fritz, in 1940 in Egypt. I suppose you could actually start even earlier. Or built up some experience before WW2 by fighting in Ethiopia or against the native in Libya. Or, some of the units that made it eventually to Africa participated in the attack on France. It could be worked in, but not five missions!!! Like one. I really liked what Nivadid (don't remember how he spelled it - sorry!) revised the African campaign to add Italians to it so they'd build some experience and not totally suck by the time Rommel showed up
3. German units in N. Africa were not green troops! So maybe allow (optional) import of some of your 1940 core troops. Like in GC 42/43 West, where you were only allowed x-number of units, perhaps you get x-number of cores slots that you can import. Perhaps limit how many heroes you can take with you too. Like one per unit maybe. After all, the 5. Light Division was formed mainly around a chunk of the 3. Panzer Division, not raw recruits.
4. A fictional path is fine, but draw out the historical path more. Break up the battles or parts of the battles, especially after 2nd Battle of El Alamein. Smaller scenarios that cover their retreat from Egypt all the way to Tunisia. A lot of historical ideas especially come to mind when thinking of a British campaign, but that's off topic for right now.
5.Naval/Air scenario around the convoy supply issue and suppression of Malta come to mind. If you successfully guide/defend a convoy of supply ships from Italy to Tripoli, you get some kind of special bonus or additional core slots, prestige, or whatever! If you don't, then they're some sort of penalty to reflect the fact that your forces received insufficient fuel, ammo, and other material.
6. There's GOT TO BE a buff Hans-Joachim Marseille special hero! I mean c'mon!
7. Okay, this one is not historical, but we want a longer campaign so we'll make an exception for this one. You are able to disobey orders and withdrawal your troops from Africa to Sicily like Rommel wanted to do, instead of reinforce a defeat like Hitler ended up doing. Maybe this is optional? Massive prestige sink anyone? Then campaign continues with the invasion of Sicily and mainland Italy. After all, you're still facing the 8th Army (along with the Americans.)
8.Your core stays in Italy until the end of the war, unlike in GC WEST.

Thoughts?