[TEC] The future of S3D / DAT-file format

[iambecomelife]

Originally Posted by skwasjer

Since I've indicated I will (likely) release an updated to S3D, and some people are trying to make S3D work (read: mod) with the new data built on top of SH4's DAT-file format I will make this new thread here in the SH5 section. This thread is to ask anyone of you to publish any info you have found regarding the file format, any customization you made to S3D's controller templates, etc. and perhaps even a wishlist for the next installment of S3D.

Provided enough info is gathered, and alot of prework is done, this saves me from having to work on S3D all by myself, something I can no longer do like I have in the past. I will take any info you have, and consider any question/tip. Remember that the more you help out, the more likely development on S3D will be continued, as a (partial) replacement for the Goblin editor, a tool that lacks in many departments.

At least privateer has done quite a few modifications already (here and there with my help), and I hope more of you can help out. Obviously, you will receive credit for your efforts, as many users and other modders will benefit from your support.

If you have (technical) questions or need pointers related to S3D or hex, you can also ask them here. Me or privateer or someone else may be able to answer.

Perhaps privateer can post the links to all his S3D-mods, so I can copy them in the first post.

Afraid I can't add very much to the community's technical knowledge, but I do have a few requests for any future version of S3d (or its replacement):

-Ability to see weapons attached to nodes (presently, ships appear without turrets etc)

-Ability to preview particle effects

-Most importantly, enhanced 3d model importation. Namely, compatibility with non-triangulated .obj files. Currently, if I forget to triangulate a single item the whole ship or plane fails to import.