Modders- compatibility cooperation

[skwasjer]

To be honest, I think when adding NEW content to the game we must stop modifying the existing game files, if possible. Instead, we should start distributing new files and only if really necessary distribute original (modified) game files. This is a legacy from the days without S3D (self pimp, I know) in my opinion.

Now, say I want to make a new particle? Don't modify particles.dat, instead make a new file with your new particle(s). "But I need to link it to a hull object!" Modify the submarine file? No, again you don't have to in alot of cases. Add sounds to a sub interior, modify the original DSD? No, a seperate new file will do... It all depends on what specifically you have to change of course, but can be done for alot of mods. Just remember most of the naming semantics used by the original game are not required in most cases.

If everybody does that, there will still be conflicts but alot less, and using a good naming scheme (like <modname/description>_<version>_<optional stock filename>: MyParticles_1.0_particles.dat) can improve understanding of what does what. And mods can coexist without explicit need for version A or version B of another mod.

Obviously, this won't work for things like cfg's and campaigns etc, but it will help...

PS: I think you may even be able to overrule original content in a different file but I will verify this before I write down how. It may not work, and I don't want to be responsible for CTD drama's

[jimimadrid]

Originally Posted by skwasjer

To be honest, I think when adding NEW content to the game we must stop modifying the existing game files, if possible. Instead, we should start distributing new files and only if really necessary distribute original (modified) game files. This is a legacy from the days without S3D (self pimp, I know) in my opinion.

This is the idea behind JTxE. I've made several Mods where i insert new graphics and with JTxE i change the lines in the menu_1024_786.ini pointing to the new images.
This make sense if because in the most graphic there a a lot of different used images. So the original graphics still can remain in the game.

[nautilus42]

I agree!

[skwasjer]

Originally Posted by jimimadrid

This is the idea behind JTxE. I've made several Mods where i insert new graphics and with JTxE i change the lines in the menu_1024_786.ini pointing to the new images.
This make sense if because in the most graphic there a a lot of different used images. So the original graphics still can remain in the game.

lol, yea, I forgot about JTxE