IL2Coop: A co-op lobby for IL-2 Sturmovik: Cliffs of Dover

[41Sqn_Banks]

Yes I think basically this should work. Especially I like the idea to use a steam link to start the game and connect to the mission.

However development effort is greatly increased.

The "good news" is that I desperately need a convenient solution for IL2DCE. Even if the aircraft selection is fixed one day, it's to inflexible for my demands (I have to be able to add additional information to each aircraft that include the current state) and could only server as a temporary solution. The last days I thought about using chat messages for IL2DCE instead of mission menu (if I ever find a way to react on chat messages in script), but chat is again text based without fancy buttons.
Serverside addin has the problem that even if I would get them working they wouldn't work on the dedicated server (at least I have no clue at all on how to activate them).

So good that you bring up the idea with the webinterface again, actually this should solve the remaining problems of IL2DCE. The new ideas for IL2DCE already feature a webinterface anyway for commander/planer and as a map overview, the new requirement is now that it servers as a login mechanism for pilots.
The solution for regular coop should be a side product.

[Ataros]

Originally Posted by 41Sqn_Banks

Serverside addin has the problem that even if I would get them working they wouldn't work on the dedicated server (at least I have no clue at all on how to activate them).

One of the devs, Mihanik, once mentioned that creation of a server-side add-in that overwrites interface of connecting clients should not be a problem "because interface is done using standard WPF".

Then there was info from Small_Bee who work on SeaLion mission for R1 (dedicated server), stat and commander that MP add-ins do not work yet.

Then Small_Bee said that he was in touch with naryv about this via PM and MP add-ins should come with a patch.

Let's hope the patch brings server-side add-ins. If not maybe you would want to PM naryv or Small_bee about this @ sukhoi.ru .

It is a pity not many C# literate people are helping you with DCE and coop projects. Maybe it is worth trying to form a small dev team asking for volunteers in the FMB section. Even original IL-2 online wars were a joined effort of several people usually. Some worked on statistics, some on generator, some on web interface, parsers, etc. (BTW Small_Bee's statistics is almost ready, he will make it publicly available hopefully in a couple of months.) I mean it may be good idea if you join forces with Kodiak, salmo, hc_wolf and others active in the FMB section. I am sure at least someone will be eager to help if you ask. There could be even some newcomers who will be glad to learn from you while working on DCE projects I guess.

[SG1_Lud]

Ataros, do you think that a new project in Redmine can be a solution? I mean, for gathering the FMB team together. With the help of albx, it could be tuned to meet the specific needs, and I see advantages as now the devs are fully aware of the Il2 bugtracker.

[Ataros]

Originally Posted by SG1_Lud

Ataros, do you think that a new project in Redmine can be a solution? I mean, for gathering the FMB team together. With the help of albx, it could be tuned to meet the specific needs, and I see advantages as now the devs are fully aware of the Il2 bugtracker.

Banks is one of admins there and can create a new project. It is more difficult to gather 3 - 4 C# literate volunteers who can participate on regular basis I guess. Anyone?

[adonys]

I can do it.

I've also suggested that the IL2COOp code should be merged with the IL2DCE, both on the il2bugtracker and on IL2DCE's project developer forum.

The reasons for this are in there.

[Ataros]

Originally Posted by adonys

I can do it.

Thanks for offering! I hope you can get in touch with Banks and work out something together. Hopefully others join later.

Edit:
Added this to the tracker coop entry:

Additional functionality suggestion:
COOP menu may be as well a part of ordinary MP menu (a separate screen of it available in 'dogfight' environment too).

- player joins a standard 'dogfight' server
- within this server the player switches to COOP menu screen
- the player sees a list of upcoming submissions (COOPs) scheduled by the server script, selects one, registers for it, selects aircraft, loadout, etc.
- while waiting for the COOP to start the player may switch back to dogfight menu, spawn an aircraft and fly a quick sortie
- 3 minutes before coop start the player sees a notification with a countdown, lands or bails out and enters coop menu to join the mission. If he is late for the mission he can be forced into the aircraft he was registered for by the game (server side setting).

Squads flying training missions can use it too: join the host, switch to coop menu, select the mission and fly.

UPD: To summarise, both 'dogfight' and 'coop' GUI screens should be available on all servers. If a host/server loads a mission with spawnpoints, the 'dogfight' screen will be the main menu screen but 'coop' menu screen will be accessible as a separate page. If a host loads a mission without spawnpoints, the 'coop' GUI screen will be the main screen, but 'dogfight' screen will be accessible as a separate page (in case spawnpoints are created by script at a later stage).

[JG5_emil]

Hi Banks

I am playing around with your coop lobby in the hope that I will be able to make some simple 4v4 or 8v8 coops to fight against another squad.

Am I right to assume there is no way for the players to change their loadouts or fuel amount once they pick their aircraft?

If so I guess I can get them to email me the load outs and I can build them in to the mission in FMB?

Cheers

E