Delta Force Dev Spills the Beans on Future Updates

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TiMi Studio’s Delta Force represents a modern take on the iconic tactical shooter series that originated in 1998 and set the stage for many large-scale first-person shooters since then. Unlike its earlier versions, it’s an online, free-to-play game featuring two unique modes: Warfare, which is similar to classic team competitions where objectives are carried out, and Operations, reminiscent of extraction shooter games. With abundant customization options for weapons, multiple Operator classes to choose from, and a cooperative rendition of the Black Hawk Down campaign, Delta Force caters to every taste of first-person shooter enthusiasts.

Recently, Game Rant had a chat with game design director Ricky Liao about the upcoming Delta Force title. Liao discussed how this new installment intends to preserve the series’ legacy while adding its unique touch. Additionally, he revealed some of the team’s development plans and objectives. (For the sake of conciseness and clarity, this interview has been condensed.)

Honoring Delta Force’s Legacy

Question: Given that your team is named after Delta Force, what do you think were the key elements to preserve from the original series?

Ever since my childhood, I’ve been an avid player of Delta Force and have always been deeply fond of the entire series. What struck me the most when I first played was the sensation of being completely immersed, as if I were stepping into a soldier’s boots on the brink of executing missions that seemed almost unachievable.

As a gamer, let me share my thoughts about Black Hawk Down – it’s not just a game, it’s an immersive experience. I find myself right in the thick of it, feeling like one of those soldiers in that intense setting. Every move counts, every bullet matters, and I’m constantly aware of my own situation and ammo supply. The open environment offers a multitude of choices to complete the mission, making me feel like an active participant in the story, not just a spectator. Unlike many other shooter games, it doesn’t rely heavily on cuts or cinematics. Instead, the narrative unfolds naturally as I advance through the mission, making me feel deeply connected and invested in the storyline. It’s a unique gaming experience that I haven’t found in many other titles.

In crafting our latest Black Hawk Down campaign, we aimed to encapsulate and convey an authentic, engaging experience for our gamers. Rather than mere spectators, we wanted them to become integral elements of the narrative. For instance, there’s a mission in the game where you must safeguard a location – think of it as a survival-of-the-fittest situation. As your ammunition dwindles and health decreases, your character may struggle to breathe, vision may blur, and overall sensation may intensify. This immersion makes players feel they’re living the story, not just observing it – that’s the level of engagement we strive for our players to achieve.

What struck me most about games like Black Hawk Down and their ilk is the vastness and openness of the maps. For the first time, I felt immersed in a world where I could genuinely engage with the map and other players – strategizing from afar, employing various tactics. The map was expansive enough to foster creativity and offer a wide range of gameplay possibilities. This is an element we aim to retain and enhance in our own project.

As a devoted enthusiast, I’m thrilled to talk about the unique aspects of the original Delta Force that stood out from other shooters. In today’s gaming landscape, there are certain elements I yearned to see more of within the broader shooter genre, and luckily, they’re now incorporated in the modern version of Delta Force.

As a dedicated player, I’m thrilled to share that our Player versus Player (PvP) offerings include two exciting modes: Operations and Warfare. Our approach to game design is grounded in creating memorable experiences, ensuring every battle you engage in feels unique and rewarding.

There are two main categories of shooter video games. One resembles games such as Call of Duty, characterized by swift, intense combat that’s quite competitive. On the other hand, there are games like CS:GO, Valorant, and Rainbow Six Siege, where strategy and teamwork play a crucial role. Each style is fantastic in its own right, boasting dedicated and passionate communities.

As a gaming enthusiast, I long for an immersive experience that encapsulates the thrill of competition, the gracefulness of movement, and the intensity of combat, all while offering strategic depth to analyze, strategize, and make informed decisions. The true test comes in the execution, where the action speeds up, heart races, and the trading becomes a rapid-fire exchange. It’s about striking the perfect equilibrium between excitement, fluidity, competition, and strategy – a game that keeps me on my toes and challenges my mind!

This is the kind of experience we love making, and our players love playing.

A: Prior to the Black Hawk Down campaign, Delta Force was known as a multiplayer (PvP) game. Given your experience with cooperative play (PvE), are there prospects for delving deeper into this aspect of the game?

In terms of our upcoming strategies, we’re focusing on enhancing the existing game content for Warfare and Operations settings. There are numerous concepts we’d like to develop further with both modes, and we’ve garnered a wealth of constructive player feedback regarding aspects such as map layouts and general game dynamics. We believe there are several insightful ideas that can be utilized to elevate the enjoyment factor for gamers even more. Therefore, be prepared for regular and substantial updates from us, which will incorporate improvements and fresh content tailored specifically for these modes.

Over the recent updates, you’ve noticed our consistent efforts in enhancing these modes. For instance, one update primarily targeted vehicle handling, leading to significant improvements. As for upcoming updates, anticipate similar refinements. In the coming season, we’re launching a revamped edition of certain maps, providing a unique gaming experience for players. This pattern will persist across future updates as we’re also working on new maps and game mechanics to keep the game feeling fresh and thrilling for you.

Absolutely, we’re not only delivering the fresh content players are eagerly anticipating – such as new characters, new firearms, new battlefields, and new transport options – but also ensuring they continue to enjoy it.

A: Have some supporters questioned the idea of an infantry-exclusive Warfare mode? Does it seem out of line with Delta Force’s reputation as a multi-faceted game, or could such an option be considered?

In Warfare mode, our aim is to ensure that every map stands out distinctively. This is the approach we take when introducing fresh maps to this gameplay style. For instance, we’re planning to include an archipelago map allowing players to participate in both land and sea battles. Additionally, we are developing canyon maps filled with vertical terrain for players to explore, and urban warfare maps emphasizing close-quarters combat. Our objective isn’t to force a particular aspect; rather, we want the experience to feel dynamic and engaging, maintaining its fun and intrigue factor as new maps are added.

How did we develop the abilities of each operator, ensuring they functioned effectively both as a collaborative team and adversaries at the same time?

In our game’s design, we ensure that the role of operators aligns with its fast-paced philosophy. For instance, operators such as D-Wolf and Vyron are superb at leading assaults, excelling in breaking through enemy lines and initiating attacks. However, they may not possess abilities to collect information or support their teammates. To counterbalance this, we’ve also included support and recon operators with distinct strengths and roles tailored for the game. A crucial part of our operator design is crafting a unique position and skill set for each operator that complements the overall game’s philosophy.

To ensure every fresh operator feels distinct and valued, we prioritize creating an individual identity rather than focusing on popularity or frequent usage. Our goal is to foster a dedicated player base who appreciate these operators deeply, using them consistently over time. For us, having such players signifies that we’ve successfully designed an exceptional new operator.

Discussing realism in shooting games, particularly tactical ones, often sparks debates. When should we prioritize realism over fun in gameplay decisions?

Your query is insightful and well-thought-out. Maintaining balance in Delta Force, as a dynamic class-based shooter game, is indeed an ongoing endeavor for us. This is due to the fact that we regularly add new operators to the game. Occasionally, we create exciting gameplay elements that are thrilling but might not always align perfectly with real-world situations.

As a gaming enthusiast, I embark on the journey of crafting a new operator by first brainstorming and building mockups of their unique skill sets, followed by rigorous testing to guarantee seamless functionality. Then, I scrutinize whether their abilities align with reality and can be backed by authentic military technology and gear. It’s only when I’m confident that the operator’s skill set is player-friendly do I proceed further in the process. This approach not only lays a strong groundwork for shaping the operator’s persona but also demands patience, as it takes considerable time to develop an operator – from initial concept to final in-game realization.

When it comes to creating our game’s layout and imagining its universe, we put in a great deal of effort to adhere to a genuine, forward-thinking philosophy and aesthetic. The game’s levels are set in the year 2035, not too distant from our current time. Our aim is for players to feel that everything they encounter in the game could plausibly exist in the near future or be perfectly reasonable ten years down the line.

Hey there! As a gamer immersed in the world of Delta Force, I can tell you that crafting the diverse array of weapons and modifications is an intricate process. Coming up with these customization options involves a lot of brainstorming, testing, and adjustments to ensure they’re both fun and fair for players.

Balancing their impact is like walking a tightrope – too little, and they become underpowered; too much, and they dominate the gameplay experience. It’s a complex task that requires meticulous attention to detail, countless hours of playtesting, and continuous feedback from the gaming community. It’s definitely not easy, but it’s worth it when you see players enjoying the rich, customizable world we’ve created!

A: You’re spot on! It’s quite labor-intensive since we have dual operating systems, numerous operators, weaponry, gadgets, and customizations. We meticulously balance each mode separately to provide an exceptional gaming experience in every setting. This is crucial because the only way to guarantee a harmonious balance is by adjusting it for each mode independently, while ensuring seamless integration when both modes are active.

In our perspective, a universal approach doesn’t exist when it comes to achieving equilibrium within our game; every situation demands its unique balance. Instead, what we are dedicating ourselves to is meticulously examining all potential scenarios and addressing each one separately for balanced gameplay. By doing this, we strive to provide an optimized and enjoyable gaming experience across all situations.

A: Can you remember if there was anything that proved challenging to perfect in the game, be it a specific weapon, vehicle, or character?

A: Essentially, it’s not just about creating one particular component; instead, it involves skillfully coordinating all the interconnected elements in our game design. The trickiest aspect is harmonizing all these parts so they function seamlessly. For instance, merging the battlefield experience of PUBG with an Apex Legends map might not yield a smooth outcome, and conversely. Our main challenge lies in blending these diverse components to create a unified yet distinctive player experience that feels enjoyable and cohesive. This part is both the most challenging and rewarding, making up the crux of our design process.

During our playtests, we frequently discuss what needs modification: is it the operator, the vehicle, the map layout, or the weaponry? It can be quite challenging to determine which aspect requires adjustment in order to achieve that perfect balance and create an engaging gaming atmosphere. However, the process is also incredibly gratifying, and we’re pleased that we were able to release the game on schedule while ensuring a top-notch player experience.

Question: What factors influenced the pacing of combat in Delta Force, making it distinct from games like Halo and Counter-Strike?

Let’s understand this way: Time to Kill (TTK) is the foundation upon which we base all our design choices, as it greatly influences the gaming experience we provide. Right from the beginning of the game development, we invested a substantial amount of time in selecting the optimal TTK for our game. This decision significantly affects the game’s rhythm, battle dynamics, and the overall sensation during gameplay.

In our project, we’re developing a game inspired by Delta Force, and it’s essential for us to preserve their distinctive identity. This means creating a game where players are recognized for their strategic thinking and battle skills. To achieve this balance, we opted to employ the OODA model, which might not be familiar to you.

Each type of game has its unique pace. For instance, games like Rainbow Six require players to spend a significant amount of time observing and gathering data before making decisions about their actions. Once the action begins, it tends to happen quickly and decisively. Conversely, games such as CoD are characterized by immediate combat with minimal time spent on observation and information-gathering. The approach we’re taking for our game’s Time-to-Kill (TTK) is based on this understanding of the different paces and requirements in various types of games.

In our game, we aim to provide players with a slightly extended duration for the observation and familiarization stage. The active phase, in contrast, won’t be as lengthy as Call of Duty, but it will be longer than games like Counter-Strike. We believe this balance is suitable for Delta Force and matches the gaming experience we want to offer our players.

Player Feedback and Delta Force’s Future Plans

Question: Could you explain how player feedback is incorporated in the development process of Delta Force? Do you remember any instance where feedback significantly influenced specific development choices?

As a devoted fan, I can share that our team values player feedback immensely in shaping our game’s design. For example, last year, we felt our character animations and movements needed improvement. They were too quick, leaving players with limited time for strategic thinking. To address this, we incorporated slower animations, making the characters move more realistically within the game. It was an exciting change for us. However, post-update release, we heard from many players that the characters seemed less responsive than they had expected or were accustomed to.

At this point, we paused all our tasks and devoted an entire day to carefully examining clear feedback regarding potential changes. We deliberated on whether or not to revert the current change. Ultimately, we chose to make that adjustment. Moreover, we enhanced the game’s quality by adding smoother animation transitions for characters, which made their movements appear more lifelike and increased the overall production value. Additionally, this update made the characters more appealing to players due to their improved responsiveness.

One instance among many, we’re continually refining the player feedback loop. Our dedicated community team diligently reviews player comments about our game, while our designers are consistently engaged with the gaming community, keeping their DMs open for suggestions and feedback – including mine.

As a gamer, I’ve found that fostering openness, trust, and transparency within our gaming community has been key to growing an authentic and thriving space. Players are eager to share their thoughts and ideas with us, which we genuinely value. This collaboration enables us to jointly develop the game, making it a shared effort between us and our player base. Frequently, when we come across player-made content that catches our eye or leaves us in awe, we strive to incorporate it into our game.

Our players are constantly generating a variety of fascinating content. For instance, there’s adorable and entertaining art from the Japanese community, along with cosplay. Additionally, we see creative stories, animations, and occasionally theories being produced. We genuinely appreciate their work and may choose to include some elements within our game.

Q: Looking at current development plans, what do you feel is most important to focus on right now?

Currently, our primary goal is to enhance the core game experience and polish the various modes for better functionality. We’re creating a unique map that will offer a distinctly different feel compared to all those we’ve had before. Regarding the warfare mode, we’re designing new maps incorporating in-game events, which are expected to significantly alter the atmosphere and gameplay dynamics of these maps.

Players have expressed their delight with the challenging bosses in our game, and many have requested more of such engagements. Although we can’t promise anything at this point, we are actively thinking about incorporating more boss battles into the gameplay experience.

Additionally, we believe Delta Force makes an excellent choice for competitive gaming in the esports scene. The gameplay is thrilling whether you’re participating or spectating, making it a versatile option. As part of our strategy, we’re working diligently to optimize both modes specifically for esports, ensuring they deliver an immersive experience. Furthermore, we’re exploring various formats to establish a dynamic and engaging esports environment that caters to the enjoyment of all players and viewers alike.

Regarding specifics such as map features and visual aspects of particular elements, there’s a wealth of details we’ve incorporated. However, in terms of the overall direction of our game, we believe we’re largely heading where we aimed five years back when we embarked on this project.

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2025-03-23 16:06