Overview

This document serves as a comprehensive design overview outlining the features and functionality planned for the release of Operation: Harsh Doorstop out of early access. The forthcoming release will introduce several expansive additions, including vehicle support, integration of Steam Workshop with multiplayer servers, enhancements to animations, implementation of outpost construction, implementation of additional server security measures, and a diverse range of improvements to our user interface menus.

Current status: Due to how close we are to finishing the first iteration of Operation: Harsh Doorstop we've made the decision to transform this document into a "exit out of early access" roadmap instead of a roadmap for each individual update. This roadmap will now give a comprehensive overview of all features we intend to add to the game prior to our exit from early access. We plan to continue updating the game even after we leave early access, but this document will outline all of the features we consider "essential" to making Operation: Harsh Doorstop a fully functional base game.

A significant feature we'll be implementing for Operation: Harsh Doorstop is the addition of vehicles.

This vehicle system will not only enhance gameplay but will also serve as a foundation for any potential mods or future updates involving vehicles. The initial version of this system will include two vehicles: an MRAP Oshkosh (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) armed with CROWS (Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station) and an armed insurgent technical. The MRAP will feature support for remotely operated weapons, while the technical vehicle will have detailed animations for manned turrets. If circumstances allow, we may also include the bonus vehicles listed below; however, this will depend on our available time, funding, and manpower.

For our initial vehicle implementation, we will primarily utilize marketplace assets for 3D models and textures. However, we will handle the majority of animations and codework ourselves to ensure a seamless integration. Once the initial vehicle implementation is fully accomplished, we will proceed to hire 3D artists to design custom vehicles for future updates.

Current status: Vehicles are mostly feature complete, and you can currently experience them during specific playtests on vehicle-mod-enabled servers. We're currently waiting to finalize the implementation of vehicles until some other supporting features are completed, such as the necessary user interface expansions.

In our release for Operation: Harsh Doorstop, we will be introducing the first official version of our construction system. This system will allow players to deploy outposts, rally points, and defensive emplacements. Outposts are constructed by transporting supply crates with logistical vehicles to the front line. We believe this update will provide a gameplay experience closer to what we originally envisioned for Operation: Harsh Doorstop, featuring dynamic spawn points and shifting frontlines created by the players themselves.

Current status: We've currently completed all of the necessary assets and designs for the construction system, and we've even created multiple prototypes that our community can play on construction-mod-enabled servers. Currently we plan to implement construction after the implementation of vehicles.

As part of our release update for Operation: Harsh Doorstop we will be undertaking extensive improvements, fixes, and expansions to huge portion of our animations. These enhancements will enhance and expand on animation systems for vaulting, weapon handling, and changing stances. When playing the updated version of the game, you will experience a significant increase in animation momentum and weight, providing a more realistic feel. Additionally, we have meticulously added numerous small details to enhance immersion.

Current status: The animation overhaul is currently completed, other than weapon-world collision and some additional inverse kinematic expansions.

Our release game update will introduce a significant enhancement to the gamemode system, along with several new gamemodes that showcase this improvement. We will be implementing a dynamic gamemode named "Terrorist Hunt" and a more familiar gamemode called "Assault Rush," which is a modified version of the "Rush" gamemode from Battlefield. These gamemodes not only offer increased replayability and variety for players, but also provide additional elements that mod creators can incorporate into their own modifications.

Current status: All designs and related assets for these game modes have been completed, however we're currently waiting to implement additional game modes until we've refactored the underlying game mode system. This refactor is currently planned after we've completed the vehicle and construction update. Base protection measures are something we're expecting to implement shortly after the launch of our December 2023 update.

Our AI infantry in the game has received considerable attention from our development team in recent months. We have completely revamped the underlying logic system governing their decision-making process, making it simpler for mod teams to modify and enhance AI behavior. Moreover, we have incorporated several advanced systems enabling the AI to identify cover, flank enemy positions, and enhance their overall survivability. In the release update, players can expect significantly more cautious and tactical AI behavior during assaults on enemy positions. We are committed to further refining and improving the AI even after the release.

Current status: Our artificial intelligence framework has just finished receiving a much needed refactor and refinement pass. We're currently waiting to finalize our remaining artificial intelligence functionality until our other primary features (such as vehicles and construction) are finished. Once all remaining features are implemented, we can return back to finalizing our artificial intelligence systems and facilitating their interacting with these features (such as driving vehicles, constructing bases, accepting player commands, etc.)

Current status: These disconnect messages will utilize similar systems that we've already implemented for the multiplayer Steam Workshop integration and you can expect them to be implemented shortly after our December 2023 update.

Current status: These notifications will use an almost identical system to what we already had to implement for vote kicking, so you can expect this functionality to be implemented shortly after our December 2023 update.

This feature will enable players to revive injured teammates and include mechanics like bleeding and patching up other players.

Current status: Much of the necessary assets and systems for this feature (such as bandaging, pain visualizations, and other elements) have already been implemented and are currently in-game. We're currently struggling with creating the necessary system that allows ragdolled players to stay networked in multiplayer matches, which is a necessary feature prior to implementing the revive system. Once we've solved this issue, implementing the remaining systems for player reviving and healing will be trivial.

This feature will allow players to select different weapon variants and equipment for each class.

Current status: All related assets for this system have been completed but work on implementing the necessary logic has not started.