Quote:
Originally Posted by Hinrich Schwab
While your suggestions have merit, I disagree with the roots of the original problem. I think the issue here is the expectations of a single-install auto-configured, auto-balanced megamod in lieu of the "mod soup" typically found. Likewise, the big issue with SH5 over previous games is that stock SH5 is an obvious beta that was forced out the door by Ubi's executive meddling beyond the control of the Dev Team, leaving many basic functions out. With all of the needed functions, comes the massive degree of modding that we have. Modding SH5 comes off more chaotic and confusing because the game NEEDS about half-a-dozen mods just to be on par with previous titles. This prospect is overwhelming to new players. I fully admit to minor issues I had when using TDW's mods, but all of my problems were resolved quickly. Bear in mind that my coding experience stopped being top notch in 1993. The issue is preparing new players for how technical and involved modding is, rather than setting up a design and development team and using a third-party site to accommodate some perceived need for order, which I do not see any need thereof.
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Thanks Hinrich for your thoughts.
I think we both agree that configuration for the end user should be easy. I also agree with your comment when you say "This prospect is
overwhelming to new players" but I disagree with your follow on logic which is "The issue is preparing new players for how technical and involved modding is"
Obviously the complexity needs to be addressed somewhere. I challenge your idea that the complexity should be passed to users. History has shown time and again thats a very bad idea for software projects.
Without source code management, release management and configuration management there is never going to be any due quality in compatibility between mods and it will continue to dilute testing efforts by not having a standard platform. Look at Linux development and how that has progressed these sorts of approaches, Linux is a free for all in everything but those three areas for very good reasons.
EDIT: The other thing Hinrich I was thinking here is that I consider it would be elitist and selfish of me to take the position that since I have technical skills, I can handle the complexity of modding and through those special skills be one of the lucky few who can enjoy the game as it should have been. In the spirit of people doing work to improve the game for free, and sharing their work so that others can enjoy it too, what I'm trying to do is come up with ways that all this great work can be readily accessible without specialised knowledge.