Homefront PC Info Released!

Soulzz

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This is good news:


PC SPECIFIC FEATURES

We thought long and hard about the additional features the PC community would appreciate and expect.

From a gameplay standpoint, we’ve done some additional work on the vehicles. On PC, you’ll be able to control all vehicles from the 1st person cockpit viewpoint as well as 3rd person. We also added additional control options for helicopters, to give those players looking for more sim-like controls something to get their teeth round. There are three settings:

o Ace: Allows for the best maneuverability, but takes the most practice to master.
o Veteran: Balanced difficulty and maneuverability.
o Rookie: Pick-up-and-play level of difficulty, least maneuverable.

We’ve included a Practice Mode so you can get to grips with vehicle controls outside the pressures of a live match. No need in wasting your hard earned Battle Points!

Lastly, we added some extra vehicle abilities for co-pilots, such as a Recon function to the Scout heli, and we obviously support joystick control for all vehicles.

In terms of other gameplay changes - we introduced a Squad Management system for PC, with Squad based VOIP. We also offer Clan Support on PC, and we’ll be tracking more post-match statistics on the PC platform. As stated above, we’re a Steamworks title and we use Valve Anti-Cheat to counter cheaters.

We also feature Multiplayer Match Recording (check out the podcast for more info), and we’ll be releasing a Dedicated Server Browser Executable to allow you set your own private Homefront servers within 2 weeks of launch. LAN support in there as well!

Finally, a few tweaks you’d expect as standard - we optimized the UI to make it more PC / Mouse friendly. We support SLI / Crossfire configurations for extra performance, and we support 3D through NVidia’s 3D Vision if you have the appropriate hardware.

Quote:
Will a Dedicated Server Executable be provided?
Definitely, we’ve been listening to what the PC audience is looking for and that file will be provided for use. We know it’s been disappearing from the FPS space and want to support the core PC gamer where we can. We need to test the dedicated server infrastructure at ship with the influx of traffic and bug reporting, so we plan to release this within two weeks of the PC title hitting shelves.

Will there be Mod Tools?
Not at launch, no. Right now the team is hammering away at the game, building those tools for Community use would take away resources that are needed on the final game. The good thing is: Mod Tools don’t need to be in a box, so if the PC Community is supporting Homefront, we have the option post-ship to provide the Community with something like that.

What’s with the Microsoft deal, why are they getting the extra map and DLC first? What happened to PC?
We’re trying to release a brand new IP in a really competitive space, and we need as much help as we can get to drive awareness for this game. Microsoft came to us early on, loved what they saw, and offered a ton of marketing support. That support will help lift the profile of all three formats. Having them say; We love the game, it looks great & we want to support it – is also a great morale boost for the studio, and really validates all the effort going into the project.

But this is a business right, and you never get something for nothing! Given the fantastic level of support we’re getting from them, offering an extra map and an exclusive window on DLC in return seemed like the best thing for Homefront

How many players in Multiplayer on PC?
Homefront will support 32 player servers on PC when the game ships. Our large maps actually play best with that number. We found that the critical factor in delivering ‘Large Scale Warfare’ is less to do with having hundreds of players, and more to do with the density of players in each game.
That said, maximum player count on PC is something we can look at and potentially change if the demand is there for it!

Is there environmental destruction?
Only low-level, mostly superficial destruction – why you ask? Our Creative Director, Dave Votypka has this to say about environmental destruction:

In pre-production we experimented with dynamic destruction, but found that this actually detracted from the experience. We use what we call ‘environmental narrative’ throughout our level design to tell the story of occupied USA, and allowing this environment to be destroyed takes away a lot of what we achieve with this. In multiplayer, because of our focus on lots of vehicles with heavy firepower on the map at all times, destruction would remove a lot of the structures we placed there to support the infantry game and help balance that infantry versus vehicle mechanic. For example, in our map ‘Farm’ there’s a wooden church with a belfry that’s perfect for sniping. If we allowed this to be destroyed early in the game, it would remove that tactical option from the map for the rest of the match.

What are the server requirements?
Server requirements are actually pretty low, such that more processing power simply yields the ability to run more servers concurrently.

Will there be Linux Support?
No dice, sorry guys.

What anti-cheat measures are you utilizing?
Valve Anti-cheat is included, as well as a number of other techniques for protecting content, executable code, and game memory.

Will there be any kind of tournament support?
Demo recording support will be available on dedicated and listen servers. Also, automated demo recording upload is possible with some simple scripting. There’sSteam-Group based Clan Support, Player Stats, & Leaderboards.

Will there be Spectator mode?
Yup, via the admin commands.

Are there server admin tools?
Yes, dedicated server tools and RCON.

Will there be Eyefinity Support?
Not initially, but this is something we could add if there is strong demand for it.

Steamworks seems to be the mostly-likely DRM solution for the PC release. Will this mean that Online Pass will not be implemented for the Steam versions of the game?
There will be no online pass for PC Homefront. DRM is something we take very seriously from the end user point of view. While some form of DRM is vital, we want it to affect the user experience as little as possible. Our DRM is Steamworks based, and will require the user to have a Steam client (to which they need to log in during the installation process). Steamworks DRM is the least intrusive that we have seen, and it does not require the user to keep original disks. Since we are also distributing the game via Steam, it is the obvious choice.

There are more details at the following:
Homefront PC | Homefront Community
 
There are a few topics that weren't answered in the initial announcement, but were answered in posts.

Adjustable FOV (Field of View) up to 115 degrees.
Demo Recording:
- 1st/3rd/ghost
- Any players perspective (1st/3rd)
- Multiple playback speeds
- If a player is using a drone (etc), the drones POV is used
 
I like the destructible environment. Especially since I despise snipers, hell yes I want to destroy their hideouts. Fuck, let them take their chances like everybody else in the open. Sniper hideouts my puckered asshole. That's some console lover's game play bullshit mentality right there.
 
bc2 may have destructible environment but its not even remotely close playing like a PC game. Its console bullshit if you ask me with a POS master server. And in this current era 90% of the game will be ported from consoles.

Destructible environment is not really going to determine if the gameplay will actually be good. I'm going to read credible reviews and watch gameclips online to determine if I should buy it or not.
I do like how they have first person viewing something DICE fails to do and the possibility of doing more with the game even after it has been released.

I don't like that they are using VAC, well that is punkbuster fault for not updating their shit. Its good detection but if someone is cheating and they get caught it takes about 1 month for the ban to kick in. Basically a delay ban. But the first person viewing will definitely make job easier in catching the little cretin cheaters.
 
I do like it from an admin perspective. Game play wise? We'll see. It looks good though
 
Destructible environment is not really going to determine if the gameplay will actually be good.

No it's not, but neither are maps designed to hide players. It's one thing to use something for concealment and quite another to use it as a refuge of "safety". Christ, BF2 would have gone in the garbage the first time I played it if players could hide in the buildings. How is hiding in a building a critical part of gameplay in a fps? It's not, and it's more than past time to end the bullshit trend.
 
Oh, just in case I haven't made it clear. I WILL NOT be buying this game.
 
yes I agree bob. Should be way better in terms of administrating than BC2. This is really their first big project after their failed release of Frontlines in terms of compatibility and dedicated server . So i'm more interested in the gameplay and their dedicated server.
 
To each their own. In Counter-Strike, you can hide in the buildings. I will most likely be purchasing Homefront. We'll have to wait and see.
 
http://bash.podbean.com/2011/01/29/bash-177-homefront/

You can listen to the podcast

As promised, here’s your first in-depth look at Homefront’s PC specific features which should hopefully answer a bunch of questions on the MP side. The team at Digital Extremes has been working hard with Kaos Studios in order to deliver the best possible experience and tailor many aspects of Multiplayer specifically to the core PC audience.

THE HEADLINES:

We can officially confirm that Homefront will be a Steamworks title making good use of Valve’s excellent toolsets. Steam was simply the best choice to deliver the features we needed on PC. Shameless plug – Homefront is now available to pre-order on Steam right here: http://store.steampowered.com/app/55100/

We also confirm the Official Recommended Specs for the game. A few websites this week released what they claimed to be the official specs, most weren’t. Read on for the final word from Kaos and Digital Extremes.

Finally, we wanted to confirm that you’ll be able to enjoy Homefront in glorious 3D on PC thanks to full NVidia 3D Vision support. We showed it off at CES earlier this year, it looked rad.

The guys at Bash & Slash recorded a podcast with Digital Extremes & KAOS Studios that covers a load more detail, so click the link for even more info!
bash.podbean.com/2011/01/29/bash-177-homefront/

PC SPECIFIC FEATURES

We thought long and hard about the additional features the PC community would appreciate and expect.

From a gameplay standpoint, we’ve done some additional work on the vehicles. On PC, you’ll be able to control all vehicles from the 1st person cockpit viewpoint as well as 3rd person. We also added additional control options for helicopters, to give those players looking for more sim-like controls something to get their teeth round. There are three settings:

o Ace: Allows for the best maneuverability, but takes the most practice to master.
o Veteran: Balanced difficulty and maneuverability.
o Rookie: Pick-up-and-play level of difficulty, least maneuverable.

We’ve included a Practice Mode so you can get to grips with vehicle controls outside the pressures of a live match. No need in wasting your hard earned Battle Points!

Lastly, we added some extra vehicle abilities for co-pilots, such as a Recon function to the Scout heli, and we obviously support joystick control for all vehicles.

In terms of other gameplay changes - we introduced a Squad Management system for PC, with Squad based VOIP. We also offer Clan Support on PC, and we’ll be tracking more post-match statistics on the PC platform. As stated above, we’re a Steamworks title and we use Valve Anti-Cheat to counter cheaters.

We also feature Multiplayer Match Recording (check out the podcast for more info), and we’ll be releasing a Dedicated Server Browser Executable to allow you set your own private Homefront servers within 2 weeks of launch. LAN support in there as well!

Finally, a few tweaks you’d expect as standard - we optimized the UI to make it more PC / Mouse friendly. We support SLI / Crossfire configurations for extra performance, and we support 3D through NVidia’s 3D Vision if you have the appropriate hardware.

FAQ

Will there be a PC Beta/Demo?
Right now the teams at Kaos Studios & Digital Extremes are working hard on finishing the game at the highest level of quality possible. Of course we’d love to release a public Demo, but this would detract efforts from the main game.

Rest assured, we have conducted a lengthy private Beta on the PC to help us fine tune the game, so any Demo would be for promotional purposes only.

Will a Dedicated Server Executable be provided?
Definitely, we’ve been listening to what the PC audience is looking for and that file will be provided for use. We know it’s been disappearing from the FPS space and want to support the core PC gamer where we can. We need to test the dedicated server infrastructure at ship with the influx of traffic and bug reporting, so we plan to release this within two weeks of the PC title hitting shelves.

Will there be Mod Tools?
Not at launch, no. Right now the team is hammering away at the game, building those tools for Community use would take away resources that are needed on the final game. The good thing is: Mod Tools don’t need to be in a box, so if the PC Community is supporting Homefront, we have the option post-ship to provide the Community with something like that.

What’s with the Microsoft deal, why are they getting the extra map and DLC first? What happened to PC?
We’re trying to release a brand new IP in a really competitive space, and we need as much help as we can get to drive awareness for this game. Microsoft came to us early on, loved what they saw, and offered a ton of marketing support. That support will help lift the profile of all three formats. Having them say; We love the game, it looks great & we want to support it – is also a great morale boost for the studio, and really validates all the effort going into the project.

But this is a business right, and you never get something for nothing! Given the fantastic level of support we’re getting from them, offering an extra map and an exclusive window on DLC in return seemed like the best thing for Homefront

How many players in Multiplayer on PC?
Homefront will support 32 player servers on PC when the game ships. Our large maps actually play best with that number. We found that the critical factor in delivering ‘Large Scale Warfare’ is less to do with having hundreds of players, and more to do with the density of players in each game.
That said, maximum player count on PC is something we can look at and potentially change if the demand is there for it!

Is there environmental destruction?
Only low-level, mostly superficial destruction – why you ask? Our Creative Director, Dave Votypka has this to say about environmental destruction:

In pre-production we experimented with dynamic destruction, but found that this actually detracted from the experience. We use what we call ‘environmental narrative’ throughout our level design to tell the story of occupied USA, and allowing this environment to be destroyed takes away a lot of what we achieve with this. In multiplayer, because of our focus on lots of vehicles with heavy firepower on the map at all times, destruction would remove a lot of the structures we placed there to support the infantry game and help balance that infantry versus vehicle mechanic. For example, in our map ‘Farm’ there’s a wooden church with a belfry that’s perfect for sniping. If we allowed this to be destroyed early in the game, it would remove that tactical option from the map for the rest of the match.

What are the server requirements?
Server requirements are actually pretty low, such that more processing power simply yields the ability to run more servers concurrently.

Will there be Linux Support?
No dice, sorry guys.

What anti-cheat measures are you utilizing?
Valve Anti-cheat is included, as well as a number of other techniques for protecting content, executable code, and game memory.

Will there be any kind of tournament support?
Demo recording support will be available on dedicated and listen servers. Also, automated demo recording upload is possible with some simple scripting. There’s Steam-Group based Clan Support, Player Stats, & Leaderboards.

Will there be Spectator mode?
Yup, via the admin commands.

Are there server admin tools?
Yes, dedicated server tools and RCON.

Will there be Eyefinity Support?
Not initially, but this is something we could add if there is strong demand for it.

Steamworks seems to be the mostly-likely DRM solution for the PC release. Will this mean that Online Pass will not be implemented for the Steam versions of the game?
There will be no online pass for PC Homefront. DRM is something we take very seriously from the end user point of view. While some form of DRM is vital, we want it to affect the user experience as little as possible. Our DRM is Steamworks based, and will require the user to have a Steam client (to which they need to log in during the installation process). Steamworks DRM is the least intrusive that we have seen, and it does not require the user to keep original disks. Since we are also distributing the game via Steam, it is the obvious choice.

OFFICIAL HOMEFRONT PC SPECS

Minimum Spec
· Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7
· Intel Pentium Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz or AMD Athlon X2 2.8GHz
· 2 GB RAM
· Shader Model 3.0 graphics card with 256MB of memory
· NVIDIA GeForce 7900GS or ATI Radeon 1900XT
· 10GB of free hard drive space

Recommended Spec
· Windows Vista or Windows 7
· Intel or AMD Quad Core 2 GHz+ CPU
· 2 GB RAM
· NVIDIA GeForce 260 or ATI Radeon 4850
· 10 GB of free hard drive space

NVIDIA 3D Vision Recommended Spec
· 3D Compatible NVIDIA GeForce 480/570 Series GPU
· NVIDIA 3D Vision Kit
· 3D Vision-Ready Display
· Intel Core i7 processor
· 2 GB RAM
· Windows Vista or Windows 7
· 10GB of free hard drive space

Need to know more?

Why not check out the Podcast with Bash & Slash featuring the following guys from KAOS / Digital Extremes: bash.podbean.com/2011/01/29/bash-177-homefront/
 
More info released from KAOS
Homefront is based on the U3 Engine and uses INI Files, not Dvars/Cvars

it is a Steamworks Title therefore VAC is enabled and you need a Steam Account to play.

All Servers will be Ranked

The Server size is currently < 1.5 gig

The Dedicated Server does NOT require a Steam Client to be logged in, therefore if you wanted too you can copy it to independent directories.

For LAN Play however Clients do need an internet connection, there is no Offline Mode.

CPU/Memory Usage: TBA

Distribution Method: Updated Via Steam Tools

Distribution Date: 2 weeks after retail release which is currently 15/03/2011

Demos:

Servers can record demo files of all your games. These can be uploaded to your community website for ease of access by your members, they simply place them here to play them. Note this does add some overhead.

My Documents/My Games/Homefront/Config/demos

Known Server Variables: (bound to be more, just what I see so far)

Server Name
MOTD
Game Mode (easy to have mixed mode)
GC Score Limit
TDM Score Limit
Time Limit
Internet (off for LAN)
Vac Secured
No of Slots
Game Port
Query Port
AdminPassword
GamePassword
Friendly Fire
No Vehicles
Record Demo

How do I start my Server?

There is a Server launch Tool included, with features such as banning, adminsay etc included. This tool can make a remote connection to your server as well.

For the Old School, I will be posting example batch scripts etc to start multiple servers right here at FPS before you need them.

If I've missed anything currently known feel free to post them and I will update the first post.

Off to compile all your questions for KAOS now, link to new Questions Thread soonish.

Questions Thread Here

New Information (11/02)

SteamID's uniquely identify players.

Server logging

Yes. Chat, kills, round transitions, and anything else sensible that is requested. We also let the dedicated server software know the players online, their clans, and their teams. When we inform the dedicated server tool of round ends, we also include the match result (USA/KPA win)

Will we have FTP access to the log files?
Yes, although this is dependent on provider.

Edmar is in touch with B3 and they are adding support for Homefront.
Big Brother Bot Forum

Will Admins be able to move players to another team like we can in the Battlefield series using the RCON tools?
will we be able to use third party tools with official player database (to retrieve statistics, just like in bfbcs)?

Yes to both.

Also the entire game will NOT need to be installed on your Server, total filesize is still TBA.

Multihome is confirmed, you WILL be able to assign multiple IP's to the same box.

New Information 22/02

Does the server exe support multi core and multi thread?
YES

if your making an Rcon will you also have a webadmin?
Yes, we are releasing RCON, however we are not releasing a webadmin application, but we have all the support required for 3rd party tool development implemented.

Will we be able to run a 3rd party Anti Cheat?
We currently support VAC, permanent banning based on unique player ids, as well as a few other anti-hack measures.


Will we be able to give players reserved slots? If the server is full, for example, it will kick a player on the server for the person with the reserved slot.
This can be implemented via the functionality we expose for 3rd party server management tools. We will patch in additional support for this in the future.

Will we be able to put 'image banners' on the loading screen of our server to advertise our respective clans/communities?
Not in the shipping build, we may patch this in if there is sufficient demand. We do support MOTD’s etc of course.

Will there be the ability to add scrolling server messages, similar to how COD and BF do it?
Not in the shipping build, we may patch this in if there is sufficient demand.

Post launch, will the PC Players be able to play on higher then 32 slot servers?
Not in the shipping build, we may patch this in if there is sufficient demand.

Will there be a PC Demo
A demo has not been announced.


will there be features that will allow for Clan matches or league and ladder competitive play to take place.
Things like a ready up feature, halftime team switching, round number selection
There will be features that allow for clan matches/League competitive play. Currently we support the following.
1.Intermission timer (Currently 60 seconds but are working to make this a setting in the console of the server and be variable.)
2.Console ability to switch members to a team. Ability to swap teams as a player as well.
3.Support for Clan Tags. (Support for team selection based on clan tag is in development.)
4.Support for private dedicated servers.
5.RCON access.
6.Ability to make a admin (or anyone) a spectator via console.
7.Ability to turn on and off auto-balance.
8.Ability to run the server in “Mixed Mode” with maps from the TDM or GC in rotation.

The following features are being evaluated for a future patch:
1.Ready Up Timer (Idle time with no player interaction after intermission but before actual round start allowing time to select a kit and a spawn point.)
2.Halftime team swapping/switching. (Ability to change a whole team to the other side for a balanced play experience.) *** Please note that there is no real advantage currently to either side in the form of weapons or spawns. So feature may be mute.***
3.Round Number Selection. The ability to run a map a set number of times. (Note. This is already possible by placing a map into the map list more than once.)

Will there be a hardcore mode available, as in less health, no crosshairs, no HUD etc
Not in the shipping build, we may patch this in if there is sufficient demand.

Is there a reserved slot system?
See above.

Will banning be done by GUID or can you ban based on other factors such as IP address or player name?
Players are uniquely identified in bans, changing IP address or name will have no effect. The banned player would require a different steam account.
 
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