We've got some changes coming to WWII Online's campaign that we want you to be aware of. There is an ongoing concern about the game's balance and we have a lot of discussion going on internally to try and solve this problem. To date, we have made a series of changes to get us closer to where we need to be, but we are consistently running into a Time Zone 3 extreme imbalance scenario.
Campaign 208 begins Thursday, October 17th 2024 at 3PM PST, 5PM Central, 6PM EST.
Here are the changes coming:
Automatic AI repair: Very simply, we'll be re-enabling automatic AI repair which is done by the server after X amount of minutes if it is down. This is primarily designed to help the underpopulated side to help augment defensive forces, but it will be available globally for everyone.
Low-pop AO availability: There will be an AO availability adjustment test, that during EXTREME low-pop situations during TZ3, where no AOs will be available.
Adjustments were made based on reviewing worst-case scenario situations in TZ3.
When players balance the game and help underpop, an AO will come back online for each side.
We’re actively exploring other options internally and are waiting on developer feedback in terms of other solutions. This is a band-aid that we don’t want to do, but we need to try so 2.5% of the player base doesn't wreck the campaign out come for the other 97.5%.
Bigger battles per AO: We’re going to make it a little harder to receive a second AO, meaning more people will be needed.
Only so many people are willing to drive trucks and help facilitate logistics key to game success.
This will result in a better experience for all, having bigger / better battles.
The change will not be so dramatic that you will not see a second AO ever, it’ll happen.
This will slow down hardcore rolls that work to negatively impact the strategic game in major imbalance scenarios during all Time Zones.
Free players will be receiving Bofors and Medium ATGs for their campaign unlock(s).
Adjustments may be made as needed mid-campaign at our discretion. We ask you to help balance the game where needed while our development team works to tighten up these imbalance issues some more.
Do you support the TZ3 AO test?
Yes - it is worth testing/solving this problem.
No - I don't agree with this change.
Should free players be required to play the underpopulated side?
Yes - Require F2P to balance the game.
No - Explore other options.
Like seeing y'all try new things. Maybe only require free players to join the under populated side only if it's extremely unbalanced. Or maybe if they are not in a squad.
I think that this could help address some issues, but other issues that are important is to engage in marketing the product and drum up some interest. This game doesn't work without the "massively" of people involved.
Secondly I think that bringing back the Infantry bundle is a great idea, but also as an idea I think some portion of the playerbase would be happy to have an option that includes the whole branch of the army (tanks light and heavy) without having to also buy up the airforce and navy, and vice versa.