Arm 3

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Arm 3
ArmA 3 Logo (Black Transparent) .png
Studio Bohemia Interactive
Publisher Bohemia Interactive
Erstveröffent-
lichung		 September 12th, 2013
platform Windows , Linux (open beta)
Game engine Real Virtuality 4
genre Tactical shooter , military simulation
Game mode Single player , multiplayer (100+ players, LAN and Internet)
control Keyboard , mouse , joystick
system advantages
preconditions		 Operating System:
Windows 7/8/10
Processor: Dual-core 2.4 GHz
Video Card:
NVIDIA GeForce 9800GT
ATI Radeon HD 5670
Intel HD Graphics 4000
VRAM: 512 MB
DirectX: 10
Memory: 4 GB
Hard Drive: 20 GB
Others: Internet connection and Steam -Account
medium DVD-ROM , download
language English , subtitles German
Age rating
USK approved from 16
PEGI recommended for ages 16+

Arma 3 is a military simulation released on Steam on September 12, 2013. At the beginning of June 2012, pictures were shown at the E3 game fair in Los Angeles . The computer game is the successor to ArmA 2 .

Game description

Arma 3 is a military simulation set in the near future. In 2034, Turkey was hit by natural disasters and Iran is taking advantage of this fact to expand into Greece . The NATO intervenes and has the invaders pushed back again. The player can choose between a large main card and a smaller card, as was already the case in ArmA 2 . In Arma 3 there are the two Greek islands Altis (original model: Lemnos ) and Stratis (based on the model of Agios Efstratios ). With the APEX update, the tropical island of Tanoa has been added with an Asian faction. In the Malden DLC, the card of the same name was added, which puts a special focus on Close Quarter Combat .

As a real military simulation, Arma 3 can only be seen in infantry combat. Artillery, airplanes, helicopters, drones and tanks are too weak in terms of combat power because they do not use automatic aiming systems. Despite their size, the playing cards are too small for modern weapons with many kilometers of effective range. Units, weapons and communication systems are kept somewhat conventional for the year 2034. The soldiers have data viewing glasses, but these can only be used at least rudimentarily through a mod. Technologies that are already available or emerging today, such as B. satellite reconnaissance, virtual reality, self-targeting bullets or transport and combat robots are missing. Although there are reconnaissance and armed drones and the vehicles can be controlled remotely, the standard units are still infantry and manned vehicles.

Like its predecessor ArmA 2, the game has a large mod community that provides national armies, vehicles, units, weapons, missions, game functions and playing cards that do not exist in the original game for free. The quality of these additions often corresponds to the original game content. Modders can also access content in the Steam Workshop. The installation of these extensions is relatively easy and is carried out in the Steam Workshop with a click of the mouse.

Modding is actively supported by the manufacturer with modding tools. A modding competition with prize money was also held.

The modder community has developed ways to import scenarios from the predecessor ArmA 2 or the game Iron Front 1944 to Arma 3.

The playing cards correspond in size to about 75% of the real templates and are among the largest in games with an ego point of view.

Bohemia Interactive regularly provides bug fixes, improvements and information about new developments.

Factions

BLUFOR

  • North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
  • Freedom and Independence Army (FIA)
  • Combat Technology Research Group (CTRG)
  • Gendarmerie

OPFOR

  • Canton Protocol Strategic Alliance Treaty (CSAT)

Independently

  • Altis Armed Forces (AAF)
  • syndicate

development

The game was created with the Real Virtuality 4 Engine and it is now even possible for the player to dive into a detailed underwater world as a combat swimmer.

After project manager Daniel Musil left Bohemia Interactive, Joris-Jan van 't Land took over the management of the project in December 2012. The planned release date has also been postponed to a later date in 2013. The reason given for the delay included the imprisonment of two employees (see section controversies ).

The Greek island of Limnos (Lemnos) was chosen as the location after the CEO of Bohemia Interactive, Marek Spanel, had visited the island a few years earlier while on vacation. After two employees were arrested on the island, Bohemia decided to rename the island in-game "Altis".

The public was involved in the development at an early stage. On March 5, 2013, the alpha version was released, which was already available to the general public. Users could submit bugs and suggestions to improve the game. On June 25, 2013, Bohemia Interactive released the beta version of the game. Here, too, bugs could be reported to the developers, which were then fixed in the full version and in beta patches.

The campaign was published in three chapters as download extensions - Survive , Adapt and Win .

Twelve further download extensions have been released so far: the free multiplayer DLC Zeus , the Karts , Helicopters , Marksmen , originally intended as an April Fool's joke , the Apex , Jets, Laws of War , Tanks, Malden, Tac-Ops and the Contact DLC. (→ DLC ). In addition, the modification Global Mobilization - Cold War Germany appeared , which was created by players in the form of a DLC.

Controversy

In September 2012, two developers of the game, Ivan Buchta and Martin Pezla, were arrested and imprisoned on the Greek island of Limnos . You are suspected of espionage. According to the Greek government, the two developers scouted the island and photographed and filmed military installations. The developers are said to have testified that they made these recordings for the game they are involved in developing. Bohemia Interactive, however, stated that their employees were there on a private vacation trip.

The trial was delayed due to a strike in the Greek judicial system. Bohemia Interactive urged fans to write to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassy. In November 2012, Czech President Václav Klaus wrote to Greek President Karolos Papoulias in a public letter asking him to pay special attention to the matter.

In January 2013, both developers were released on payment of a deposit of 5,000 euros each and were allowed to return to the Czech Republic.

In September 2012, importing the game into Iran was banned as Iranian troops are portrayed in the game as enemies of NATO .

User generated content

Arma 3 is significantly expanded in many different directions through user-generated content . Thanks to the extensive tools that Bohemia Interactive makes available, there are almost no limits. Some examples would be everyday role-playing games (Altis Life), military simulation (MilSim) and survival games (Exile). PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds also started out as Arma 3 Mod PlayerUnknown's Battle Royale.

There are basically two different types of modifications. On the one hand via scripts that are written in SQF and on the other hand via mods that can contain 3D models or extensions. In general, modding is also used as pars pro toto for user-generated content and can therefore also include scripts.

Scripts

Scripts are executed at the beginning and during a mission to create dynamic events in the game. When creating a mission in the editor, scripts can be created, which are then saved in the mission file. Mission files can be obtained, for example, in the Steam Workshop with just one click. When playing the mission, the scripts are then executed and, for example, new AI opponents can spawn as soon as a certain point is reached. In the case of a multiplayer mission , you can join the server without any preparations and Arma 3 will automatically download all the necessary mission files.

Since scripts are programmed exclusively in SQF, their possibilities are quite limited. For example, with a few exceptions, it is not possible to exchange information with external bodies, which makes it impossible, for example, to receive data persistently via a server restart. On the one hand, this protects the player's PC from malware , but of course it also restricts the possibilities of the scripters. Therefore, many projects only work with mods for which such restrictions do not apply.

Mods

A mod has much more extensive possibilities than a script, since it is not limited to SQF. If you want to use a mod you have to specify it when starting Arma 3 . The mod is not loaded when the mission starts, but when the game is started. A mod can add new buildings, units, items or weapons to the game, which can then be used in a mission. The Bundeswehr Mod, for example, adds uniforms, tanks and weapons of the German units to create the most authentic game experience possible. A mod can also contain an extension that is called up directly from Arma 3 . This is a DLL , i.e. a program library that has been programmed in C ++ or Visual Basic , for example , and thus offers a wide range of options. The mod TFAR, for example, enables communication via radios in the game and communicates with the VoIP software TeamSpeak .

Because of these unlimited possibilities, extensions can be used very easily to distribute malware . To counteract this, all BattleEye extensions must be approved before they can be used in Arma 3 .

DLC

Zeus

In February 2014, the first and free DLC Zeus was announced. It enables the player to put himself in the shoes of the "game master" in the multiplayer mode and watch the action and the like. a. to influence other players in real time, e.g. B. by changing mission objectives, the weather or influencing game elements. The participating players should be offered a “dynamic combat experience that forces them to improvise”. The DLC was released on April 10, 2014.

Karts

On April 1, 2014, Bohemia Interactive published a video with a parody of Jean-Claude Van Damme's balancing act between two trucks. This was carried out in the video between two karts and was originally intended to serve as an April Fool's joke to announce a kart DLC for ArmA 3. The video became very popular with fans, so Bohemia Interactive implemented the April Fool's joke and released it as the first paid DLC on May 29, 2014. The DLC enables the player to drive a 20 hp four-stroke kart . Part of the proceeds from the sale of the DLC went to the Czech Red Cross, the developer announced on June 24, 2014 that 1,000,000 CZK had been donated.

Helicopters

The DLC Helicopters was released on November 4, 2014 and includes two new transport helicopters and four time trials as well as a scenario for the exercise of load transport. In addition to the paid content, a platform update has been released for all players, regardless of who owns the DLC, with which it is now possible to fire shots from vehicles, an improved flight model for all helicopters and a new multiplayer mode with a special focus on Support, logistics and medevac by helicopter. The new sling-loading mechanism enables the player to transport external loads with suitable helicopters.

Marksmen

Marksmen includes new weapons (sniper rifles and submachine guns) and camouflage suits, as well as new shooting mechanics. In addition, a bipod can be used for most weapons . The DLC was released on April 8, 2015.

Apex (extension)

Apex is the first expansion of ArmA 3 , released on July 11th, 2016. The expansion features a new Tanoa location , a new faction, weapons and vehicles. The innovations are:

  • Tanoa: A fictional group of islands in the South Pacific, about 100 km² in size with mainly tropical vegetation
  • Syndicate: A new faction with deep roots in Tanoa, made up of armed criminals and paramilitaries
  • New vehicles, etc. a. VTOL aircraft (similar to a Bell Boeing V-22 ) and land vehicles for the attack
  • New weapons: assault rifles, machine guns and sniper rifles
  • Cooperative campaign “Apex Protocol”: The player is sent to Tanoa as a NATO special agent against the background of the ArmA 3 campaign, but there he meets the armed CSAT combat group and paramilitaries of the syndicate.

Jets

Jets was developed in partnership with Bravo Zero One Studios, run by Make Arma Not War winner Joshua 'Saul' Carpenter, and was released on May 16, 2017. Contents of this DLC are:

  • Three new fighter jets and one unmanned combat aircraft ( UCAV ) similar to a Northrop Grumman X-47 .
  • USS Freedom Aircraft Carrier - a nuclear powered aircraft carrier as a NATO base of operations, supports catapult launches and landings with safety cables . It also has autonomous defense weapon systems. The aircraft carrier is a static object, so it cannot be “driven”. This is available to all players, regardless of who owns the Jet DLC.

In addition, all players received improvements through a platform update, including a revision of the target acquisition and expanded "hitpoints", whereby the aircraft is gradually damaged by enemy fire and the way back to the base of operations is made significantly more difficult. Furthermore, the ejection seat has been implemented and the weapon systems can be dynamically equipped on vehicles depending on the use, for example the weapons on the pylons for jets .

Laws of War

Laws of War was published on September 7th, 2017 and implements content regarding the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in ArmA 3 . The following were added:

  • Another civil group: IDAP (International Development & Aid Project)
  • A mini campaign for the single player
  • New vehicles from IDAP as well as paintwork for existing vehicles
    • Van (ambulance, transport and repair)
  • New equipment from IDAP
  • New drones
    • Utility Drone (small transport drone )
    • Demining Drone (anti-minefield drone)

The Laws of War DLC was developed together with their real template, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) .

In addition, Bohemia Interactive has promised to donate all proceeds of the DLC to the ICRC in 2017.

Tanks

Tanks was released on April 11th, 2018 and added three new tanks, a mini-campaign called "Altis Requiem" and another presentation as seen in the Laws of War DLC into the main game.

  • T-140 Angara: This Russian-designed battle tank is designed to be as destructive as possible and to provide the greatest possible protection. The T-140 is used by the CSAT parliamentary group. The T-140 is equipped with a 125 mm gun as the main weapon and a coaxial 7.62 mm and a heavy 12.7 mm machine gun as secondary armament. In addition to the regular version of the T-140, there is also a “Commander” version, in which the heavy machine gun has been replaced by a 30 mm autocannon. This variant is also able to synchronize its target data with other units with the help of sensors.
  • AWC Nyx: The AWC Nyx is an armored weapon carrier based on German engineering, but which has been licensed and modified by the AAF faction.

Tac-ops

Tac-Ops was released on November 30th, 2017 and brings three new single-player operations that span seven missions. However, no new weapons or maps are included.

Contact

Contact was released on July 25, 2019 and brings a whole range of new content:

  • Livonia: This new map opens up an area of ​​163 km² for players based on Eastern Europe. ArmA 2 players will be reminded of cards like Chernarus, but Livonia has no coast. Because of the terrain, this map is particularly suitable for infantry battles with support from vehicles and aircraft. On December 3, 2019, this map was also released for DayZ .
  • First Contact: This new single player campaign covers the arrival of aliens and the mysteries that arise from them.
  • Livonian Defense Force and Russian Spetsnaz: Two new factions have been added that are part of the new campaign.
  • 5 new weapons: Promet Assault Rifle, RPK-12 Light Machine Gun, AKU-12 Carbine, Mk14 Classic Hunting Rifle, Kozlice Shotgun
  • 2 new vehicles: ED-1 Mini UGV and tractor
  • Various new pieces of equipment and clothing
  • new multiplayer scenarios

Malden

On June 22, 2017, Bohemia Interactive published a new map called Malden 2035 with this free DLC. It is an island in the Mediterranean climate, which is already known from the first ArmA part. In addition to some objects already known from the basic game, completely new structures (such as vineyards, barns) are also used. According to the developers, this map has been specially optimized for close range combat and is therefore particularly suitable for infantry combat.

The DLC also contains the multiplayer mode Combat Patrol and the survival multiplayer mode Escape from Malden.

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ ARMA 3 RELEASES ON SEPTEMBER August 12 , 2013, accessed on August 9, 2013 (English).
  2. ↑ a b Malden. Retrieved January 19, 2020 .
  3. ↑ Andre Linken: ARMA 3 - Release of the military simulation postponed. In: GameStar . December 13, 2012, accessed December 14, 2012 .
  4. ↑ Alexa Ray Corriea: Bohemia Interactive renames Arma 3 island to avoid 'undesired real-life connotations'. In: polygon. February 1, 2013, accessed February 5, 2013 .
  5. ↑ NEW TRAILER LAUNCHES ARMA 3 ALPHA. In: Arma 3 Official Website. March 5, 2013, accessed August 9, 2013 .
  6. ↑ ARMA 3 BETA AVAILABLE ON JUNE 25th. June 20, 2013, accessed August 9, 2013 .
  7. ↑ ARMA 3 - First episode of the campaign now available
  8. ↑ ARMA 3 - Second campaign episode "Adapt" available, launch trailer
  9. ↑ ARMA 3 - Final campaign episode "Win" available, launch trailer
  10. ↑ a b Mike Williams: ArmA III developers arrested in Greece. In: GamesIndustry International. September 12, 2012, Retrieved November 25, 2012 .
  11. ^ Greek police arrest two Czech men over suspected spying. In: ČeskéNoviny.cz. September 11, 2012, accessed November 25, 2012 .
  12. ↑ Rachel Weber: Bohemia devs' release delayed. In: GamesIndustry International. October 15, 2012, accessed November 25, 2012 .
  13. ↑ Rachel Weber: Czech president joins ArmA 3 dev cause. In: GamesIndustry International. November 22, 2012. Retrieved November 25, 2012 .
  14. ↑ Mike Rose: Arma espionage suspects finally released on bail. In: Gamasutra . January 15, 2013, accessed January 15, 2013 .
  15. ↑ S. Isayev, T. Jafarov: Iran denies license to ArmA III computer game. In: Trend.az. September 19, 2012. Retrieved November 25, 2012 .
  16. ↑ Altis Life for ARMA 3 - Apples, Drugs, and Rebels. May 18, 2014, accessed January 23, 2020 .
  17. ↑ 101st Airborne Division ⋆ Arma MilSim - Who We Are. Retrieved January 23, 2020 (German).
  18. ↑ Chris: Arma 3 - Exile Mod. In: Survival-Sandbox.de. February 16, 2016, accessed on January 23, 2020 (German).
  19. ↑ Joe Donnelly: The mod responsible for Playerunknown's Battlegrounds gets inducted into Mod Hall of Fame. In: PC Gamer. May 19, 2017, accessed January 23, 2020 (American English).
  20. ↑ a b SQF syntax - Bohemia Interactive Community. Retrieved January 23, 2020 .
  21. ^ Extensions - Bohemia Interactive Community. Retrieved January 23, 2020 .
  22. ↑ ARMA 3 - Game Master DLC "Zeus" released for free. Gamestar, April 10, 2014, accessed May 21, 2017 .
  23. ↑ Arma 3 Karts: Military simulation now has a kart mode. Gamona, May 30, 2014, accessed May 21, 2017 .
  24. ↑ Bohemia Interactive donates one million Czech koruna from Arma 3 Karts DLC sales to charity. Bohemia Interactive, June 24, 2014, accessed May 21, 2017 .
  25. ↑ Arma 3 - Helicopters DLC and Update 1.34 released. Gamestar, November 5, 2014, accessed May 21, 2017 .
  26. ↑ Arma 3: Marksmen DLC and new update for download. PC Games, April 9, 2015, accessed May 21, 2017 .
  27. ↑ Arma 3 Apex: Game expansion released. PC Games Hardware, July 13, 2016, accessed May 21, 2017 .
  28. ↑ Arma 3: Apex - Co-op campaign and more: Details on the huge tropical DLC. Gamestar, June 9, 2016, accessed May 21, 2017 .
  29. ^ Jets - Arma 3. Accessed May 21, 2017 .
  30. ^ Laws of War | Arma 3. Retrieved September 9, 2017 .
  31. ↑ Why is the ICRC using video games to spread awareness of International Humanitarian Law? | Global Partnerships for Humanitarian Impact and Innovation. Retrieved October 16, 2017 (American English).
  32. ^ Tac-Ops. Retrieved January 19, 2020 .
  33. ↑ Contact. Retrieved January 19, 2020 .