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Wellington Bomber Progress

From our president Xoom:

BMBM and Mkw are working on the artwork of the Wellington, turning the proverbial wrenches to get the construction solid and updating the textures, polys and everything in between. Today we'd like to show you a bit more of the exterior and continue to mention that this vehicle is a high priority item for CRS to get completed along with the Ju88 for the German forces (which needs a flight model next). The Production team at CRS is finalizing some bits and pieces for a pretty significant release coming soon (sorry, had to do it) focusing on implementing Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs). Reminder: All of your subscriptions to WWII Online go to support developments like these and keep services operation, please consider subscribing for only $9.99/month




ALLIED WELLINGTON BOMBER

We've been asked why we've focused on the Wellington as the Allied bomber, and we wanted to let you know we've selected this because not only is it going to be available throughout the entire war, but because it directly competes with the Luftwaffe's Heinkel 111. Much like why we're adding the Ju88 to the Luftwaffe to compete with the A-20 / Boston / Db7, etc. Our objective has been to fill in some gaps in game play and level the playing field a bit more - not perfectly, but certainly giving the same opportunity to each side. When this option exists, CRS will work to achieve it, though perfect parity is unlikely to exist, hopefully you can see through this initiative our intent to do so.

As we announced in our recent Rat Chat in October, it is our intent (and we are presently on schedule) to get both the Ju88 and the Wellington out before 2021 concludes. That being said if our APC release has shown us anything sometimes things take a little longer than expected, even when we add some additional artists onboard to help supplement those efforts.

One thing remains sure is that the WWII Online player base has made their request clear: We want these as soon as possible, but we want them READY and FUNCTIONAL. We couldn't agree more and we're going to stay accountable to you and continue to mention these things and stress that our team had advanced their knowledge of the inner workings of these newer vehicles, which can be verified by a continuing to increase the complexity of assets introduced. That said your grace and patience has been noticed and we want to thank you for continuing to support the cause. Can't say it enough, if we say we're going to do something we intend to deliver on that.

Please note that the following images are a work in progress, only designed to demonstrate effort taking place, not a final product.



Here's a birds eye shot of the Wellington. Hope you like the paint job!



In case you were wondering if the Wellington Bomber could be multi crewed, the answer is YES! If you're being an astute observer you'll also notice that this aircraft has our first true tail gun position.

Fun Fact: Tail Gunners were routinely trained to call the locations of targets in reverse to their positions so the Pilot / crew facing forward could instantly know what the tail gunner meant. I wonder what sort of struggle that posed later in life. Your military left! Dude, that was my military left!

Allied Victory & FREE PLAY intermission

Congratulations Allies!


Intermission will begin around 3pm US Pacific time (server time), and will be extended until Sunday 31st Oct so our highest ranking players (Lt. Colonel) are introduced to the High Command Tool set.

Free access to all units has been unlocked for everyone!


If you are lt Colonel you will now have access to the HC channel and tools, as mentioned in our last update. Visit our YouTube channel to view the tutorial play list:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGLTM-dlAQ-GDBzUUT-X7JWjTJsJOaU3B

HC Tool links
https://wiki.wwiionline.com/images/4/4d/WWIIOL_High_Command_Quick_Tips.pdf

HC Unit Codes
https://wiki.wwiionline.com/images/5/50/WWIIOL_Allied_Axis_Unit_Codes.pdf

HC Draft & Squad Objectives

From our President XOOM:

As announced at our most recent Rat Chat, the time has come for all WWII Online players to rise to the occasion and ensure that the game will continue to be player-driven. In accordance with that goal, we are planning to issue all premium players with the maximum player rank of Lt. Colonel a special subscription enabling the in-game High Command toolset. This will inject many veteran players and squads directly into the strategic component of WWII Online after many years and ensure we have players with operational tools online during all time zones. We also have plans to add Squad AOs. Please continue reading to fully understand how this came to be and the implementation plan.


BRIEFING / OVERVIEW

The rank of Lieutenant Colonel (Rank #13) represents the top rank of our veteran non-HC players. Every player at this rank will be eligible for an Allied or Axis High Command subscription, which will be automatically applied (with no OCS requirements) to your account. By doing this, we issue HC tools to hundreds of players on both sides and bring squads back into the fold relating to strategy, and ensure as best as possible - no dead periods where HC players are not online.

HC numbers will therefore be buffered like we have not seen in years and we're certain many players are going to learn and participate in the strategy of the game. These new LTC's will have access to all HC tools, one exception being the .Allied / .Axis command and other higher level ranks and responsibilities available by signing up to the regular HC program (which will continue to coexist alongside this initiative).

Akin to the "mission leader" as being part of routine game play, we're looking at this as a way for us to cultivate newer and better game design and ensuring we maintain a player driven WWII Online.

Benefits for new Lt. Colonels receiving HC Subscription:
  • Eligible to earn "Colonel" Rank #14
  • [C] Command symbol in-game
  • HC channel for side-wide comms
  • All essential in-game HC tools (Excludes .allied/.axis which is eligible for full HC officers only)


CURRENT HIGH COMMAND OFFICERS

All current High Command officers listed on the official Allied or Axis orbat(s) will be considered "Ranking Officers" while online and they're requested to help support the new players learning these tools as gracefully as possible. The HC structure(s) that we have will continue to be operational and its primary mission is to execute the overall strategic component of the theater in and out of the game, manage and recruit new personnel into its orbat (order of battle / roster) and of course to help educate these new Lt. Colonel's learning the ropes of their new tools.

ADDITIONAL ATTACK OBJECTIVE ADDED FOR SQUADS

In an effort to support both HC officers and Squads, we are adding +1 extra AO for any AO threshold above 2. Each extra AO is to be 100% designated to Squads online to do what ever they wish with. The original AO availability is to remain at the discretion with the HC officers. Of course working together may result into quick - strategically significant - decisions which help everyone.

Current AOs > New AOs
1 -> 1
2 -> 3
3 -> 4

MODERATION
At the outset of this initiative, we expect a level of controlled chaos of new officers joining, wondering what to do with their tools and "who is in charge." In the event of a player abusing their tools (which can be defined as not allowing squads to have an AO, or being disruptive / not a team player) all officers / players are advised to take a screen shot (F9 key) and type .report to inform the GM team of the issue.

Our game moderation team has been briefed in advance and is prepared for handling these sort of issues, and the Community Managers will also be supporting for any issues like this.

Please note that this initiative does not qualify as a right of service. The regular Terms of Service will be in effect. Losing your toolset will be based on TOS violations accrued.

IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE
At the conclusion of Campaign 184 (the beginning of this next coming intermission), we will be issuing HC Tools to all Lt. Colonel's. You will start Campaign 185 with full tool capabilities. Each HC program should be preparing for this influx accordingly.

EXTENDED INTERMISSION FOR TRAINING

We will have an extended intermission lasting from 5 to 7 days where we will ask as many players to show up and train on these new tools as much as possible. CRS will also be conducting two all-inclusive HC tools training events on Discord during intermission. We are also working on a cheat sheet guide for basic tool usage, though all of that will be available by typing .help and then .help command.

IN CONCLUSION

We have great confidence that the player base will rise together to this occasion and work towards the health of the game and their respective side. It's important to proceed with a general understanding that more hands make for less work and stress. This is a perfect opportunity for you and your squad to get done the work on the frontlines that for along time, too few have shouldered. To all of those HC officers, thank you for your efforts and we hope you look forward to the extra assistance.

Campaign 185 isn't too far away, and it's sure to be unlike any we've seen in awhile. GET READY!

Thanks for your support on this everyone, Salute!


Join our our social network channels for more information and community interaction!


Discord: https://discord.com/invite/wwiionline
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WWIIOnline Twitter: @corneredrats
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOQ90QTMviaKRqIMlUthW2A Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/corneredrats

Wishlist our game Chokepoint, our prelude to WWIIOnline 2.0! https://store.steampowered.com/app/1576780

M3 Halftrack - Coming Soon!

M3 Halftrack


The M3 Halftrack is receiving its final touches from the Production team and today we wanted to share with you some additional screenshots, mainly from the internal (crew member) perspective. Continue reading for some more information how armored personnel carriers will be introduced, their affect on game play and see the current work in progress views. Thanks for your continued subscriptions making efforts like these possible. S!

This armored troop carrier is well equipped with an M2 .50 Caliber machine-gun mounted on top, and 10 seats for troops to sit in. It is also capable of towing light-medium anti-tank / anti-aircraft gun, much like how the 251 Halftrack for the Germans do today.

We have been thinking (though not confirmed) of eventually making the APC's of WWII Online (M3 HT for the US and French, Universal Carrier for the British, and 251 for the Germans) be the primary vehicle deploying mobile spawns. Respond with a comment to let us know what you think about this idea.







How do you think having Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) will affect the WWII Online game experience? Which APC are you most looking forward to?
Please comment below and let us know your thoughts!


Special Event: OPERATION DYNAMO 19 Sep, 2021


The chance for YOU to rewrite history will be the next World War II Online Special Event: OPERATION DYNAMO. Join the Axis in an attempt to rout the British Expeditionary Forces at Dunkirk before they can evacuate. Join the Allies and hold out as long as possible to allow your countrymen passage back to the British Isles to fight another day. Better yet, flip the script completely and launch a massive counterattack to breakout of Dunkirk! The special event will be held on September 19th at 11:00 a.m. server time/U.S. Pacific Time.

EVENT BACKGROUND
Looking back at history there are many moments when a single decision by a person altered the course of history. The Battle of France had such a moment. The German Forces relentlessly pushed the Allied Forces to the brink of annihilation almost dooming Britain's ability to hold out and possibly ending the war in Western Europe. With a majority of the British Expeditionary Forces trapped around Dunkirk and their backs to the English Channel. On May 21, 1940, poorly coordinated and ultimately failed counterattack by British and French troops near Arras would have major ramifications. To prevent disaster, German General Erwin Rommel's last-ditch effort had any large caliber begin firing, including the 8.8cm Flak 36 on the British Matilda tanks. It would not be enough to allay fears of German leadership and Colonel-General Günther Von Kluge ordered a 24 hour halt.



This order was to consolidate the front line and allow supply lines to catch up. To the British the break in fighting opened the door to OPERATION DYNAMO, the incredible and daring evacuation of the British Expeditionary Forces. General Von Kluge's decision to delay the advance, unbeknownst at the time, would ultimately doom Germany's chances of winning the war in the West. The cascading affect contributed to the inability to invade Britain, rebuilding of forces, and a in 1944 staging ground for the largest seaborne invasion in history. Had the Germans pushed onward, could they have routed the British Forces at Dunkirk ending the war right then? Can the Allies successfully launch a counterattack and breakout from Dunkirk? Join the fight on September 19th to be a part of writing your history in World War II Online!

EVENT RULES
  • Event Start: 19 Sep, 2021 at 11:00a.m. Server Time/U.S. Pacific Time
  • Starting Position: Allied Forces will start the event encircled around the areas of Calais and Dunkirk
  • Allied Victory Conditions: Evacuate Allied Forces to England by holding Dunkirk; Continue the fight for France, hold Calais and Dunkirk; or Counterattack, holding Calais and Dunkirk and taking Boulogne Oostende
  • Axis Victory Conditions: Take Dunkirk
  • Supply Rules: Standard
  • Equipment: Tier Two (1940-1942)


This is your opportunity to relive one of the most pivotal moments. What decisions will you and your squad make to change history?



Campaign Update - #184


As of this writing on my Underwood Model 5 typewriter, the map currently rests at 23% Allies & 77% Axis (Day 26). The Axis rapid push westward has slowed as some very tough and dedicated Allied warriors have dug in with the recent reinforcements from the Americans as Tier 3 entered the campaign. Such sharp clashes bring forth strong emotions as each side competes. You know you are playing WWIIOL right when you get so fired up after being killed that you are tempted to spike your headset (I said TEMPTED!) and you know the needle is deep into you as you drive to work and you duck lower behind the steering wheel as you see a low flying aircraft instantly thinking that it's a Stuka or DB-7. The pure joy, anger, and fatigue of our game.


ONGOING COMMUNITY INITIATIVES:

Return of The Mailbag

The Community Management Team is exploring different ways for US to hear from YOU. We want it to be easy and efficient for our gamers to provide feedback or ask questions through the Forums, Social Media, and Discord. There will be future updates on this important topic. NOTE - The Mailbag is a great portal to discuss Community Topics but it is NOT a system designed to address, replace or augment the .report or .bug feature.

How to be Successful in WWIIOL

Our game is a difficult game to learn and master; however, at present and over the years some great content has been developed to show you how to be more effective in the game world AND to showcase how to enjoy yourself, too. Check out these links!

Your CRS Team is hard at work and as a recent new member to the team shared, "I had no idea so much was going on". We cannot always show what is being developed but I will strive as the Community Manager to share as much as possible. The team is working toward a daunting multi-year goal which will have its own share of triumphs and disappointments as do all projects. Remember the distance we have covered together these past few years when previous development was technologically stagnant. I cannot share what I know but I believe in our course, I see the effort and progress being made but as the wise man once said "Rome wasn't built in a day".

I am honored to be a part of the Community Management Team (CMT) and I look forward to seeing you on the battlefield and if I show up on your kill list . . . I was looking at my map!!

!S,
tex

Readme: Version 1.36.13.0

Released September 6th, 2021), version 1.36.13.0 focuses on several production related fixes ranging from vehicles, ammunition and terrain, and it also includes a couple of small fixes for Mac users. CRS remains hard at work behind the scenes preparing big updates for the fall and winter seasons, with a strong emphasis on roadmap deliveries.


World War II Online
Version 1.36.13.0 - September 2021

This release incorporates multiple terrain related fixes and features and also includes bug fixes for some 20mm rounds.

Features
  • Wildhund and Wittmann added to the Fallen Soldiers
  • Updated the game’s Credits
  • Underwater beaches have been added to the coast line
  • Some river banks have had their textures updated
  • Airforce 20mm round penetrations have been updated to align with historical numbers
  • The Church and Chapel have been updated


Fixes
  • Corrected some armor errors within the M4 Sherman Series tanks
  • Fixed a broken bush LOD
  • Replaced the Dusseldorf Airfield Bunker
  • Corrected a bug that caused an over penetration of 20mm rounds against some tanks
  • Fixed a few floating and mismatched terrain tiles
  • Radial engines should now show the proper smoke colors for their current damaged state
  • The GMC Truck’s weird shaking should now be fixed
  • The invisible collider around some trees has been reduced to fit within the trunks of those trees
  • Fixed the cause of the Mac minimap sometimes coming up as black
  • Mac players should now be able to utilize the numpad enter key to effect the chat bar


WWII Online has recently reduced its subscription from $17.99/mo to $9.99/mo. This was done to open the doors to a lot more players, new and returning. Please get the word out about this and how it continues to help push game development forward. As we are 100% community funded this is a critical reminder to boost efforts here.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/667291/WWII_Online__Premium_Pass/

S!
Cornered Rat Software