Implement "buddy slap"

[lstor 17]

WHAT: A "buddy slap" is an essential part of a lot of real life combat drills. The buddy slap is performed by slapping another soldier in your squad on his shoulder. The meaning of the slap depends on the context, but usually means "You're next to move". See this video (starting at 0:40) for a demonstration:

HOW: I would like to see a simple buddy slap system implemented. Obviously, the use for this would be multiplayer only, as it would be hard to make the AI respond properly to a buddy slap. (Besides, there are other issues with the AI that are more pressing.) I suggest to have a "buddy slap" key binding. When the key is pressed, the closest soldier within 1-2 m will receive a slap. If there are no soldiers within that range, the key press will be ignored. For the soldier receiving the slap, it could be indicated by some unambiguous representation on their screen, for example a small semi-circled shockwave effect on the side of the screen closest to where the slap came from. Making the slap animation look right will probably be difficult, so I think a simple arm waving motion from up to down would suffice.

WHY: This feature will be most handy for realism units, but could in general be useful in combat to get the attention of another player. A buddy slap has several benefits over the existing possibilities:

- It takes a very short amount of time, compared to voice or especially compared to chat.

- It targets only a single soldier, so other soldiers nearby won't be confused.

- It can convey a lot of information (depending on the situation) in a very simple movement. For example "I'm right behind you", "I'm ready", "You're next to move", "Pay attention", "Stop shooting, I need to pass in front of you" and so on.

- It adds a nice bit of realism.

Finally, I think it would be fairly simple for the BIS developers to make such a system. What is needed is roughly:

1. A key binding

2. An indication on the receiving soldier's screen

3. A simple slapping animation (at worst three, depending on the other soldier's position: left, front and to the right)

4. The code that detects the closest soldier within a proper range

So, beloved Devs, please consider implementing a buddy slap.

Edited April 28, 2013 by Lstor
Fixed link

[zooloo75 834]

Ooh, good idea! I can actually create this system - the only problem is finding a suitable animation.

[Mac 1]

This is a good idea. ACE has it in Arma 2 but its a little awkward. If the Devs could get it into the base game for Arma 3 it would be nice

[sproyd 2]

I don't know if Arma 3 is... intimate enough for a buddy slap... check this out, Metal Gear Solid 4 had this (sort of)

0:25

[On_Sabbatical 11]

I'm afraid that arma is not at this level of realism yet :D

[Nexerius 10]

Not so sure about this, it wouldnt be very noticed in first person?

And even the most veteran players within realism squads in ARMA games doesnt really stand up like that as far as i have seen

[babydoc 1]

The Bitch Slap would be more usefull since theirs more of that kind ingame :)

[metalcraze 290]

In "realism squads" people will just use TS3 to say "ready".

And it will be utterly pointless in public gaming since everybody there runs around like headless chicken.

Nobody will use it, just like nobody used hand gestures in ArmA2.

[rye1 21]

In "realism squads" people will just use TS3 to say "ready".

And it will be utterly pointless in public gaming since everybody there runs around like headless chicken.

Nobody will use it, just like nobody used hand gestures in ArmA2.

Pretty much this. Set and moving. ACE tried the 'tap shoulder', so it's a credible idea but unless featured in a way that was attractive to gamers, I doubt you'd see it used that often.

[Tankbuster 1746]

everybody there runs around like headless chicken.

Ah. THAT'S what the headless client is for!

[SavageCDN 231]

In "realism squads" people will just use TS3 to say "ready".

Nobody will use it, just like nobody used hand gestures in ArmA2.

Except when saying something over voice means you'll been discovered by the enemy, then the ACE tap shoulder feature works quite well.

Also saying no-one uses the hand gestures is false. We use it to feel each other up all the time :p

[lordprimate 159]

In "realism squads" people will just use TS3 to say "ready".

And it will be utterly pointless in public gaming since everybody there runs around like headless chicken.

Nobody will use it, just like nobody used hand gestures in ArmA2.

Pretty much this. Set and moving. ACE tried the 'tap shoulder', so it's a credible idea but unless featured in a way that was attractive to gamers, I doubt you'd see it used that often.

I completely disagree.. My clan operates silently most of the time and we always used the tap shoulder in arma 2 AND the hand gestures! When your playing a PvP and using ACRE.. you don't want to talk when there are enemy close.. I mean hey maybe that's just my clan, but it is used.. A LOT by us.

When you stop thinking about playing against AI Only, you'll see that this can and does get used often. Because playing against people that can hear you talk.. means they know your position. If you just use hand gestures and taps its actually quite immersive! And it means that you hear them talking and not the other way around.. But like I said before my clan is small.. You may be right, not many people may use it.. However, it is used, and is part of military training.. So lets working getting it in the game...

Ill finish with: you cannot surprise and take the enemy if you are heard.. A shoulder tap or hand gesture that your ready, or to move, or to point.. ETC. would be essential for stealth movement!!