Introductions

[berto]

I am Robert Osterlund, "the new programmer," aka Berto, here at the Matrix Games Forum and elsewhere.

In the months (and, yes, hopefully years) ahead, I will be coding Modern Wars, then after that, the CS 1.05 update and beyond. Pitching in with graphics enhancements also, when I can find the time.

As the "new programmer," I'm easing into this. Well, maybe not "easing": bulling my way forward, actually. I received the source code just earlier this week. Tons of stuff to learn (~100,000 lines of code over several hundred files), tons of stuff to do, tons of challenges, tons of gotchas too no doubt.

Modernizing legacy code (JT's code, dating back to the late 1990s, when JTCS first came out); ensuring compatibility across so many versions of Windows over the years, and so many evolutions of C++; not to mention: fixing bugs old and new, adding new features (in most cases optional; no breaking of older legacy scenarios), spiffing up the UI ... You have no idea!

When I have tangible accomplishments, I plan to open an ongoing Dev Diary thread here at the Matrix Forum. But it's much too soon for that.

It is with some trepidation that I "come out" in this forum. Please don't think that the releases of Modern Wars and the CS 1.05 update are imminent; they are not.

Remember: Rome Wasn't Built in a Day.

I think I should devote virtually all of my time to the workload before me, not chatting at the forum. Not until I have more than just wish list items dreamed of, not until I have actual accomplishments to report.

So it's best if I keep a low profile, and mostly remain silent.

Whey then do I announce my presence here at all?

Until I am prepared to open the Dev Diary thread, from time to time I might open other threads to support the work of myself and others. If you see me open a new thread, you might give it special credence and attention, because it will be by a team member, and it will be closely watched by the CS Team. (For example, by and by, I will open a new thread in the Matrix JTCS Support forum, "Graphics Glitches".)

Just so you know: The rest of the team and I will continue working diligently on this. The Campaign Series is not dead! We will work as hard as we can, and as much as time permits, to give the CS a new lease on life.

Wish us luck.

[MrRoadrunner]

Good luck!

RR

[wings7]

Welcome, we are all behind you!

[OttoVonBlotto]

Good news and good luck.

[BadElvin]

Thanks and good luck!

[Josh]

Thx for the update Berto and all. And good luck to you all.
I was under the impression that Modern Wars might be a few months away from release ... but that might easily turn into more than a year I see, or even two. [:D]
 
Modernizing legacy code (JT's code, dating back to the late 1990s, when JTCS first came out); ensuring compatibility across so many versions of Windows over the years, and so many evolutions of C++; not to mention: fixing bugs old and new, adding new features (in most cases optional; no breaking of older legacy scenarios), spiffing up the UI ... You have no idea!
 
You're right I have no idea, looks to me climbing the K2 is done more easily [;)] 

[berto]

I really can't say about the time to release. Much will depend on where we draw the line on the wish list items. Fully modernizing the UI, for instance.

I will say that Jason & team have already done an impressive amount of work. They -- not to mention the programmer who preceded me -- deserve full credit for taking the game to its current rather advanced state. I stand on the shoulders of giants. All thanks and praise to them for taking the game this far.

Two years? In all probability, not.

I think I should shut up now. ([:-], Berto.)

Patience, patience...

[junk2drive]

Good news for all of us I hope.

[KEYSTONE07950]

Best of luck.

Your success will mean our enjoyment.[&o]

[Bigeard]

All the best in your endeavours, Berto. Modern Wars will be most welcome, as and when it arrives.

[Big Ivan]

Thanks Berto,

Good luck!!!

Big Ivan