Isonzo News

[p]Hello everyone![/p][p]We know you’ve been eagerly waiting for more information about Gallipoli, and here it is! Today, we’ll walk you through the game mode of Gallipoli: Expedition.[/p][p]With the war spread over huge distances, combatant nations moved their troops in expeditionary forces by sea and rail to fight on new fronts. These forces were specialized in mobility and self-sustainability, capable of heading deep into enemy territory and taking key positions. [/p][p]The Expedition Game Mode seeks to reflect the faster-paced combat, rewarding attackers who adapt on the fly and book results efficiently.[/p][p]We would like to preface this blog with a disclaimer: everything mentioned and shown is work in progress and subject to change![/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]Introducing: Expedition[/h2][p]A battlefield is split into several sectors, laid out horizontally between the attacker and defender spawn points. Each sector has two objectives to control in order to take it. Sectors need to be taken in order towards the defenders’ spawn area. [/p][p]The defenders, of course, need to give everything in order to stop any of this from happening. If the attackers manage to capture every sector with the time and resources they have, they win. Otherwise, the defenders claim victory.[/p][p]So far, those of you who’ve played Isonzo may think all this sounds a little familiar. Don’t worry: this is where all the differences come in.[/p][p][/p][h2]Momentum[/h2][p]While capturing objectives and pushing towards the next sector, the attackers have to manage their Momentum. In essence, this resource represents how well the Expedition is proceeding. The attack starts with 100 Momentum, one of which is lost whenever an attacking soldier perishes. In the simplest terms, 1 Momentum = 1 attacker life.[/p][p]Of course, you’re not expected to complete every single objective with just 100 men. There’s a multitude of ways to regain your Momentum. [/p]

• [p]Kill Threshold: A portion of Momentum is regained once 50 defenders are taken out. The amount regained depends on how long it took to reach this threshold.[/p]
• [p]Capture an objective: A small amount of Momentum is regained when an objective is captured for the first time.[/p]
• [p]Secure an objective: A large amount of Momentum is regained when an objective is secured.[/p]

[p]Defenders don’t have Momentum. Instead, it’s their goal to either drain the attackers’ Momentum by killing them without taking casualties, or holding on to their Headquarters by any means necessary.[/p][p][/p][h2]Objectives[/h2][p]Both teams can capture an objective. Once captured, the objective will be supplied with static weapons to aid the defense. However, that’s not the end: the other team can recapture the objective if not secured![/p][p][/p][h3]Objective types[/h3][p]Each sector has two objectives: the Headquarters and a Support Objective.[/p][p]The Headquarters is the primary objective you need to secure in order to advance. Securing is something only the attackers can do after capturing the objective. Once secured, it can never be recaptured by the defenders, and the attackers may proceed to the next sector.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The Support Objective is different. This objective isn’t required to advance, but the attackers can target the Support Objective to regain Momentum if running low. Additionally, it acts as a forward spawn point for the team that controls it and it’s equipped with mortars, as well as a field gun, to support the battle for the Headquarters. Since it cannot be secured, the enemy can always try to recapture it.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Randomized Objectives[/h3][p]No two battles are the same; not in history, not in Gallipoli either. The spawn location of the Headquarters is randomly picked between two possible locations per sector. The Support Objective will be at the other of the two locations.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]But wait, there’s more! The Headquarters also has two types it will randomly select: Build to secure and Detonate to secure.[/p][p]Build to secure requires you to build 3 buildable structures on the objective, randomly placed in 5 possible locations. Multiple people can work on a single structure at a time to speed up progress, but you’ll also want some people to deal with the enemy! Build progress is never lost, not even when the objective changes hands. Finish building to secure![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Can't see the gif? Click here![/p][p][/p][p]Detonate to secure may be a bit more familiar: plant a bomb on the objective in order to destroy it. Once destroyed, it’s secured. However, the defenders can disarm the bomb at any time![/p][p]With 11 different possible layouts per Headquarters, 2 layouts per sector and up to 5 sectors per map, this means that a large map can have up to 5,153,632 different layouts! However, you’ll only get to see what the layout of the next sector is once you secure the preceding sector.
[/p][h3]Foothold[/h3][p]Not overloaded with information yet? Good, because here’s Foothold.[/p][p]Foothold is an overtime system that triggers upon Momentum reaching 0. Foothold counts down unless the attackers are contesting an objective that can still give them Momentum.[/p][p]Any actions that would normally give Momentum now extends Foothold instead. However, there’s no way to remove Foothold; once in effect, it will remain until the end of the battle.[/p][p]As long as they have allies fighting on the Headquarters objective or keep extending the timer, attackers can still defeat the defenders. It is even possible for the attackers to activate Foothold in the first sector and still win the battle – if they lock in.[/p][p]If Foothold reaches 0 and none of the attackers reach an objective within 3 seconds, the battle ends in favor of the defenders![/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]That sure is a whole lot of information, so here’s your TL;DR:[/p]

• [p]Attackers need to be fast and efficient to maintain their Momentum while securing objectives.[/p]
• [p]Defenders need to dig in and stop the attackers in their path by wasting their Momentum.[/p]
• [p]Capturing Headquarters is required to proceed, Support Objectives give more Momentum, weapons and a spawn point. Objectives are randomized per sector.[/p]
• [p]Foothold is a last ditch effort for the attackers after they run out of Momentum.[/p]

[p]Hope you enjoyed that first look into the Expedition game mode! We’re ramping up our communication, so expect a lot more information to follow in the upcoming months. See you next time![/p]

[p]It’s hard to believe it’s already been 12 years since Verdun first launched in Early Access back in 2013. Since then, the WW1 Game Series has grown tremendously, but one of the biggest milestones was the full release of Isonzo in 2022. Bringing the harsh Alpine Front to life was an incredible moment for us, and the community’s response has been amazing.[/p][p]We’ve put together a 12 Year Anniversary Compilation, featuring some of our most iconic trailers and moments, of course including Isonzo’s unforgettable soundtrack and launch trailer. Take a trip down memory lane and see how far we’ve come:[/p][h3]Watch the 12 Year Anniversary Compilation:[/h3][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]If you’re interested in a WW1 Game Series timeline, be sure to check out our website![/p][p][/p][p]Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for joining us on this journey. Especially to those of us who’ve been here since the early days of Verdun (anyone remember playing Verdun in your browser?) supporting us with each new release. What started off as a passion project by a few enthusiastic rookies turned into an amazing series played by millions and a space for us all to nerd out over WW1 history.[/p][p]If you own Verdun, be sure to join us this Saturday (September 20th) at 8 pm CEST for a game night with 128 player matches! We’ve been testing large scale battles and – while not perfect – it should be good fun for a game night! Be sure to join us on our Discord.[/p][p]Now, we also have something a bit newer for you. During the Gamescom Awesome Indies showcase, an extended version of the Gallipoli trailer aired, which you can now watch on our YouTube channel as well! Don’t expect any big new reveals, but you’ll want to give it a watch if you’re eagerly awaiting Gallipoli.[/p][p][/p][h3]Check out the Gallipoli Extended Reveal Trailer:[/h3][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]Closed Playtests for Gallipoli are officially starting this week! We’ve already made our selection for the first playtest, but if you’d like to join future playtests, be sure to sign up here![/p][p]
[/p][h2]The Great Franchise Sale with even greater discounts![/h2][p][/p][p]Whether you’re looking to complete your WW1 Game Series collection or have been considering taking your first plunge, we have some great news for you. To celebrate our 12 Year Anniversary and the newly announced Gallipoli, we’re hosting a franchise sale with some of our biggest discounts yet![/p][p]Check out the Great Franchise Sale page below for everything on offer. Be sure to take a look at Isonzo especially, as this is the first time it’s on sale with an 80% discount![/p][p][/p][p]Take me to the Great Franchise Sale!
[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Thank you so much for supporting us throughout the years. From a small passion project to Isonzo’s large-scale Alpine warfare and now the road to Gallipoli, it is an incredible journey.[/p][p] [/p][p]- The BlackMill Games team[/p][p][/p]

[p]Hello everyone![/p][p]We hope you enjoyed the reveal of Gallipoli last month and are excited to learn more about the game! There are a lot of reveals and deep dives planned for the months ahead, but we’d like to rewind to the early stages of World War 1 and explore how we even got to the events in the Middle Eastern theater.[/p][p]We’d like to formally introduce you to Dr Chris Kempshall, a historian who has been helping and advising us on all things historical during the development of Gallipoli. So, whether it’s a history lesson or a refresher for you: take it away, Chris![/p][p][/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Greetings to you all! I have been working as the historian for BlackMill Games on Gallipoli since June last year and it is very exciting to come out of the shadows now that the game has been announced! [/p][p]My background is as an academic First World War historian specialising principally in allied relations and on the way that the war is portrayed in computer games. I’m also the current President for the International Society for First World War Studies and an Associate of the Imperial War Museum Institute. So, working on Gallipoli is a very exciting prospect for me![/p][p]Whilst there are more reveals of the game to come, when it comes to the historical aspect a good place for us to start is by exploring the background and motivations of the Gallipoli and Mesopotamian campaigns. Why were they attempted? What was the thought and strategy behind them? Were they really a viable option of winning the war? And what had brought the Ottoman Empire into the conflict in the first place?[/p][p] [/p][h2]Taking Sides[/h2][p][/p][p]As with many of the major European powers at the outbreak of the First World War, the Ottoman Empire had its own internal instabilities and considerations that would inform its decision to ally with the Central Powers. It had previously had a notable relationship with the British Empire. Both the British and the French had fought against the Russians - long-term rivals of the Ottomans - during the Crimean War to help preserve Ottoman territory and the balance of power in Europe.[/p][p]But those relationships had deteriorated over time and the Ottoman Empire had become politically isolated by July 1914. As with other nations like Italy, the Ottomans were also concerned with which potential alliance and outcome might help them secure their ongoing status as a Great Power. This was easier said than done. [/p][p]Whilst Mehmed V reigned as Sultan, his powers had been dramatically reduced before the war and the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP) effectively ruled the Ottoman Empire. Although they favoured an alliance with Germany, the Germans viewed the Ottomans as a military liability and were not as keen! However, the concern of them instead joining the Triple Entente proved motivation enough to have them secretly join the Central Powers.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Source unknown, but referenced in various academic works[/p][p][/p][p]Anger at the Triple Entente increased within the Ottoman Empire when, in early August, the British seized two new dreadnoughts that had been under construction in one of their shipyards that had been ordered and paid for by the Ottomans. Despite this the secrecy of the new alliance held until October when the Ottoman Empire launched an attack on Russian forces in the Black Sea and, as a result, was formally involved in the conflict against the full Triple Entente.
[/p][h2]Opportunism and Internal Strife[/h2][p][/p][p]As seen at their entry into the war, the Ottomans were eager to launch early attacks against the Russian Empire and began a, largely unsuccessful, winter campaign against them in the Caucasus. Fighting here would rumble on in various forms for years.[/p][p]Aside from that it was not entirely clear in what form the war would come to the Empire, if at all. The British and French appeared to be focusing most of their interests on the struggle against Germany on the Western Front. [/p][p]However, the British in particular drew a great deal of its oil supplies from Mesopotamia which could now be threatened by the Ottomans. They resolved to secure these oil fields and landed a division of Indian infantry in November 1914. They were immediately surprised by what they found.[/p][p]The Ottoman Empire was enormous and covered huge swathes of territory. Whilst landmass could be important when it came to Great Power posturing, for the Ottomans it brought some significant problems. Firstly, how could you adequately defend an Empire that covered so much ground? At the start of the war the Ottoman army only numbered around 150,000 men. That was in no way capable of defending all its borders and also launching an attack on the Russians.[/p][p][/p][p]Map of Ottoman Empire in 1914, Manatū Taonga — Ministry for Culture and Heritage, https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/map-ottoman-empire-1914[/p][p][/p][p]Within the Ottoman Empire were also a significant number of competing identities and races. There were Turks, Arabs, and - particularly in Mesopotamia - there were various different tribes of Shiite muslims who had no real love for the Empire. The 23,000 Ottoman troops stationed in Mesopotamia by September 1914 were not intended to act as a defence against invasion, but instead to deal with issues along the border of Persia and also keep the local tribes at bay. It was hoped that these same tribes would, in the case of foreign interference, act against the invaders themselves as an irregular force. But this is not what happened.[/p][p]When the British arrived they discovered very little in the way of defences. The Ottoman hope that the local tribes would rally to defend the Empire was largely in vain. Whilst some of the notable tribes would coordinate with the Ottomans most continued to operate independently and seemingly saw no reason to get involved.[/p][p]National Army Museum, 1966-02-97-31, https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=1966-02-97-31[/p][p][/p][p]So the British, after reinforcing their position, resolved to keep moving forwards and began capturing southern Iraq. Mascat and Oman both fell in short order before Basra was captured on 23 November 1914. This was followed by Qurna, which lay at the joining of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, on 11 December.[/p][p]National Army Museum, 1987-01-70-33, https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=1987-01-70-33[/p][p][/p][p]Suddenly the upper reaches of the region could be targeted. The British eyed the opportunity to capture Baghdad itself and deliver a serious blow to the Ottomans by compromising their territorial integrity. To reach it though they would have to travel further inland along the Tigris through the town of Kut and, beyond it, the ancient ruins of Ctesiphon.[/p][p]Realising the danger they were now in, the Ottomans mobilised new forces in the region and prepared to meet them. We will return to the details of these battles in a future post!
[/p][h2]Breaking the Deadlock[/h2][p][/p][p]Whilst the Mesopotamian Front would prove an ongoing challenge for the Ottoman Empire, the greatest moment of danger was still yet to come. Its roots could be found on the Western Front. The British and French had spent much of the last months of 1914 and early 1915 struggling to find a way through the deadlock of trenches in Belgium and France. [/p][p]Assaults had been launched that had cost many lives but shown no real sign of rupturing the German defences. With their territory occupied by the invaders, the French had little interest in sending their infantry reserves anywhere other than the front line. But the British were still in the process of building themselves an army and did not necessarily want to destroy it against barbed wire if an alternative could be found. Furthermore, soldiers from their Empire were now being mobilised in greater numbers. What if they could be put to better use than in France? And what of the vaunted Royal Navy? It was the major military strength of the British Empire but, in a land war in Europe, had very little opportunity to impose itself.[/p][p][/p][p]Australian War Memorial, C02141, https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1012137[/p][p]The leading members of the Triple Entente did not fully understand how the alliances within the Central Powers worked. They believed that Germany was being supported and maintained by allies like Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire. If one of them could be defeated, it would knock the supports out from under Germany and they would collapse. This was actually completely the wrong way round. Throughout the war it was Germany that was supporting its allies with military equipment and resources. But, if we accept the British and French view, then it makes what comes next make much more sense.[/p][p]When looking at Germany’s allies, Austria Hungary was effectively out of reach. Though they were fighting against the Russians in Eastern Europe, there was no easy route for British and French forces to intervene there. Whilst Italy would join the war in 1915, they were still neutral at this point. So Austria-Hungary was not a viable target. The Ottoman Empire on the other hand looked much more promising.[/p][p]A plan was formed that would see the Royal Navy ‘force’ the Dardanelles Straits that separated the Mediterranean from the Sea of Marmara. Beyond them, and across that sea, lay the capital of the Ottoman Empire: Constantinople. If it could be captured, the Ottoman Empire could be knocked clean out of the war. Furthermore a new supply route could be opened up to the Russians as well as a pathway into southern Europe and the supposedly soft underbelly of Austria-Hungary and, more importantly, Germany.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]© The Times (Q 109143), https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205351875[/p][p][/p][p]The Dardanelles Straits were, however, narrow and the Ottomans had forts on both banks. They had also secretly laid numerous minefields in the region to prevent enemy fleets from pushing through. The initial attempt on 18 March 1915 by the joint British and French navies was a disaster; with three battleships – HMS Irresistible, Bouvet, and HMS Ocean – being sunk and three more – Gaulois, Suffren, and HMS Inflexible – were severely damaged. With no hope of progressing, the Entente forces retreated. [/p][p][/p][p]By Royal Navy - Library of Congress, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=72443[/p][p][/p][p]If they were to get through the Straits then the forts in the area would have to be seized or destroyed. To do this would require massed infantry landings at key points along nearby coastlines. Those forces would be required to push in land, capturing key strategic points before eventually overwhelming the fort defences to clear the way for the fleet.[/p][p]These landings would take place along the Gallipoli peninsula. They would represent the greatest challenge to the Ottoman Empire of the entire war and also become the foundation of modern Australian national identity.
[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Now that you’re up to speed with the events leading up to Gallipoli, it’s almost time we share a bit more about the game. In the meantime, we'd like to ask you to wishlist Gallipoli if you haven't already! It would truly help us out a lot. Anyways, see you soon![/p][p][/p][h3]Follow our socials:[/h3][p]YouTube Discord Reddit X / Twitter Bluesky[/p]

[p]Zafer Bizim Olacak! For King and Country! [/p][p][/p][p]The WW1 Game Series expands beyond the borders of Europe to the Middle Eastern Front. We’re incredibly excited to finally announce the fourth game of the WW1 Game Series: Gallipoli.[/p][p][/p][h2]Watch the Gallipoli Reveal Trailer here: [/h2][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]
If you’re as excited as we are, please add Gallipoli to your Steam wishlist and follow the game! This would help us massively with spreading the word about Gallipoli, and you’ll get notified whenever there’s news and when the game releases. Thank you![/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]About Gallipoli[/h2][p][/p][p]Early on in the war, allied progress on the Western Front had ground to a stalemate as breaking Germany’s defenses just seemed impossible. So, what about a different approach? Defeating the Ottoman Empire and taking Constantinople would not only open up a supply route with Russia, but also a new angle to attack Germany & Austria-Hungary from. The British believed it was a plan that could work, so they assembled an expeditionary force from across the empire and attacked. However, they would quickly realise that the Ottomans weren’t as weak as anticipated and would do anything to repel the invasion. [/p][p]That’s the stage for Gallipoli! You’ll fight to control the beaches of the peninsula, defend key positions in Kut al Amara and charge across the deserts of lower Mesopotamia. The Middle Eastern Front will have you face challenges and exploit opportunities unlike those of any other theater.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]
Battles of Momentum[/h3][p]Each entry in the WW1 Game Series has its own signature game mode, and Gallipoli won’t break that streak! We’re saving the detailed rundown for a dedicated blog later on, but we’ll give you something to work with for now. [/p][p]The signature game mode of Gallipoli is a 50-player battle all about momentum. If you’re on the attacking side, your aim is to complete your objectives as quickly as possible. Doing so keeps your momentum high and your allies motivated. The defenders however, will want to bunker down and hold the objectives as long as possible to waste the enemy’s momentum. Once that starts to bleed dry, the attackers are in trouble. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Throwing yourself at the main objectives may not be the best course of action for the attackers. Other opportunities will reveal themselves that can recuperate lost momentum. Battles in Gallipoli play out differently every time, and it'll be up to you to figure out the best approach![/p][p] [/p][h3]Improvements as far as the eye can see[/h3][p]The BlackMill Games team has expanded significantly since the development of Isonzo. Now over 30 people strong, we have room to make major improvements to all facets of the game![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]
One of the more obvious examples from the trailer are the improvements to the graphics. What you see in the trailer and screenshots is what Gallipoli currently looks like! We’re using a lot of modern tech and techniques to crank the immersion to eleven.[/p][p]
Gunplay also receives a major upgrade with Gallipoli. We’ve gone to great lengths to faithfully recreate the weaponry used on the Middle Eastern Front, which was usually quite obsolete, weird or both. In Gallipoli, you’ll truly be able to see, feel & hear all the unique characteristics of each weapon.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]
You can also expect major improvements to progression, loadouts, cosmetics and the health system, to name a few. However, it would be too much to share all the details at once, so we’ll leave it at that for now. Though, who knows what you may already be able to spot in the trailer?[/p][p][/p][h3]Much more to come[/h3][p]If you’d like to learn all the details about Gallipoli, you’re in the right place! We’ll be sharing more details on Reddit, YouTube and right here on Steam in the months leading up to release. There are a lot of surprises still to come, so make sure to not miss out![/p][p][/p][p]You’ll hear from us again soon with new intel about Gallipoli. Until then, hoşça kal![/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h3]Follow our socials:[/h3][p]YouTube Discord Reddit X / Twitter Bluesky[/p]

[p]Monday, July 28th, marks the start of World War 1 a whole 111 years ago. Political turmoil following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand reached its breaking point during the July Crisis, and Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. As more and more countries promised to support each other, the war grew to a scale no one anticipated.[/p][p][/p][h2]Film Memoir[/h2][p]We commemorate this day every year by enabling the Film Memoir mode for free across Verdun, Tannenberg and Isonzo on PC! You can enable and disable the mode as you please in the graphics settings. It'll remain available for the rest of July, but owners of the Supporter Pack DLCs can of course continue using it for the respective games.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Share your stories![/h2][p][/p][p]We'd like to invite you to share your stories of World War 1, to help us all remember what it was like to be part of it. 111 years is quite a long time, and we could all do with a little refresher from time to time! After all, those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it.[/p][p]Be it a heroic tale passed down the family, an overlooked historic event local to you, or a friend's friend found a little monument with an interesting story to tell. We'd like to learn about it![/p][p]Head on over the WW1 Game Series subreddit and make a post using the 'WW1 Stories' flair to tell your story. If you have any related memorabilia, be sure to include pictures! You can also include related images from the internet to illustrate your story, but include a source so we know it's not yours.[/p][p]Do keep your own privacy in mind! You don't have to dox yourself to share a good story, so maybe leave out overly identifying details. We'll leave this to your own discretion.[/p][p]This isn't a contest either, you don't have to one-up everyone with your story! Even small titbits of history are worth sharing.[/p][p]We're excited to read about your connection(s) to World War 1 and learn about more local stories![/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h3]Follow our socials:[/h3][p]YouTube Discord Reddit X / Twitter Bluesky[/p]