New Feature: Command Squads (revised)

[Hayoo]

Command Squads thread contents:

Introduction
1.) Commander�s UI Window
2.) Task Forces and Command Squads
3.) Creating Command Squads
4.) Creating Task Forces: Inviting Groups
5.) Creating Task Forces: Inviting Individuals
6.) Commanding Task Forces
7.) Communicating in Task Forces
8.) Communicating in Task Forces: Task Force Chat
9.) Communicating in Task Forces: Division Chat
10.) Communicating in Task Forces: Chat Hierarchies
11.) Communicating in Task Forces: Non-Task Force Players

To view the following Command Squad graphics and diagrams as thumbnails, you can visit the Command Abilities section at Planetside-Idealab.com.


Introduction

"With all of the changes that have been made to PS in recent weeks and with the great new features that are on the horizon, one aspect of the game that has not been given a great deal of consideration is the current disparities with the command structure and the ability for player commanders to effectively coordinate with their forces. We have put together an idea based initially on the dev's commanders list concept, our own thoughts, and the feedback we received on our initial post. What follows is a detailed description of a new suggested feature that we like to call Command Squads"

ZeusPrime

�We are very excited to finally present the revised Command Squads concept to the community. More concept graphics and helpful diagrams for these concepts will be added to Planetside-Idealab and to this thread as they are finished. We hope you enjoy reading about the idea and we thank you for your consideration.�

Hayoo

1.) Commander�s UI Window

Commander's Pane concept

There are two elements to the new Commander�s User Interface window. On the left side of the window is the Commander�s List, on the right is the Mission Screen. The Mission Screen ideas are still being formed, so here we will just talk about the Commander�s List.

The Commander�s List shows players who are leading Squads, Platoons, and Task Forces on a continent. Units will either be listed as part of a Task Force, Looking for Commander, or as an Independent unit. Each squad may also designate themselves by type for a particular role. The number of troops in each unit will also be listed. The Commander�s List is a useful tool in finding a unit to join or in recruiting squads to form a platoon or a larger task force.

Commander's List concept


2.) Task Forces and Command Squads

A Task Force is the union of several Squads, Platoons, and individuals that join together for cross-continent or global campaign-sized team operations. Task Forces are created by first forming a Command Squad, the administrative core of leadership for all task force operations.

3.) Creating Command Squads

Any CR, wherever they are, can attempt to form a Command Squad (CS).

CS formation requires at least one other CR to join the squad through a /csinvite command.

Command Squad invite popup
Command Squad composition chart

There are only 6 slots available, including the Command Squad Leader (Task Force Leader). Command Squads only gain CEP when other units join them (excluding Operatives. See below for details).

There are 6 designations, or divisions, available in the CS:

1. CS Commander
2. CS Air Commander
3. CS Armor Commander
4. CS Infantry Commander
5. CS Support Commander
6. CS Spec Ops Commander

Only the leader of the CS can be the CS Commander. The remaining designations may be chosen by a maximum of 4 additional members in the Command Squad. There may be one of each kind of designation, or four of a kind. A timer will prevent instant switching between roles.

4.) Creating Task Forces: Inviting Groups

Once the CS has been formed, the CS Commanders are able to create a Task Force (TF) by sending a /tfinvite to a unit leader or individual.

Task Force invite popup
IronEddie-K invites Smokejumper's squad (commander's list concept)
Task Force composition chart

Each squad/platoon in the TF can assign themselves to a division or type designation (Air, Armor, Infantry, Support, Scout, Special Ops) by their SL/PL. Members of the CS are able to search for troops based on their designation and can select and invite/boot SL/PL to join the TF at any time, like-wise a SL/PL can ask to join/or leave a TF at any time.

Each CS Commander may create a name for their Task Force. This name is permanent for as long as the Commander is leader of the TF. If another takes his place, the new CS Commander has the option to change the name.

SporkfirePS adds squads, changes Task Force name
Task Force composition chart

5.) Creating Task Forces: Inviting Individuals

Individual players invited into a TF are automatically placed into a new group called Operatives. This group does not have a unit leader but they can take orders directly from the CS via /op chat and hear all /tf, cont, and global chats of the CS commanders, but not standard command chats unless they have the appropriate Command Rank. Troops do not receive Squad XP benefits for being in the Operatives group. Each Operative can choose a personal designation (Air, Armor, Spec Ops). This position (Operative) is created for the �Lone Wolf� players that are still interested in being part of a TF. If an Operative joins a squad within the same or other TF at any time, they are then identified with that squad regardless of which TF they were in when they joined.

Task Force invite for individual player
Adding individuals creates Operatives Group
Task Force composition chart

For example:
ZeusPrime is soloing as an AA MAX unit. Hayoo /tfinvite�s him into the �Army of Darkness� TF, placing him automatically in the Operatives group. A few minutes later webRat who is a PL in the �Psycho Jedi� TF invite�s ZeusPrime into his squad. ZeusPrime accepts and automatically become affiliated with the �Psycho Jedi�, since SL/PL membership overrides Operative status. ZeusPrime also has the choice of leaving the squad for the operatives group, or to quit the task force all together. This enables Operatives to move freely from solo to TF to squad and back again without having to use any complicated interface.

6.) Commanding Task Forces

Each CS Commander can set 4 type-specific WPs and has direct communication with the SL/PL in their TF that are designated as a particular type via /division /d chat. Command WP only show up on the map, no spinning beam of light in game (unless CS Waypoints are toggled on).

Overhead Map with Command Squad symbols

The Command Squad waypoints are:

Command Squad Leader: Red
Infantry Commander: Green
Armor Commander: Gray
Air Commander: Blue
Spec Ops Commander: Black
Support Commander: White

CS Commanders can ally with other Command Squads and share unit location data through a toggle. Squads and Platoons that are not in a Task Force can be seen by the highest commanders in respective groups.

E.g. only members of the CS can see the location of Independent platoons and squad leaders on a continent. Squad and Platoon leaders within the same TF cannot see the map locations of Independent platoons and squad leader locations unless those units have toggled the �share unit location� button; otherwise their locations are anonymous and their names only appear on the Commander�s List. Independent unit leaders can see other Independent unit leaders and TF leader locations, but not the TF subordinate unit-leaders unless the CS has toggled the �share unit location� button. Leaders will only see these external units as grayish numbers or symbols, signifying that they are under another commander's control.

Continued in next thread...