Suggestion for Modding Forum/Knowledge Base

[Tampa_Gamer]

Like other SE releases, us modders tend to do a lot of independent trial and error as we slowly learn what works and what does not in the way of modding the files. Typically, this means we all cover the same ground many times and thus waste precious free time.

I would like to see Shrapnel benefit from the continued loyalty of the SE fans by increased traffic on their website. Already, we have a couple of SEV modding threads that are too long to be of much use to someone who has a specific question regarding a specific data file. In order to capture our combined trial and error, and as a starting point for people just starting to mod a particular data file, I would propose that a new subforum be created just for SE V Modding (similar to the SE V Scenario\Mod one).

Within that subforum I would also propose that you would still have general Qs about this and that relating to modding, but I would also like to see a dedicated/pinned thread for each of the major data files (like the one I started for the VehicleUnitTypes.txt). This would allow us to continue our sharing of knowledge, but do it in a manner that preserves in one spot what we are doing rather than scattered threads all over the place (as what happened with SE4). Eventually, once consensus was reached on certain points, the kernals of truth regarding the data files could be slowly copied to the wiki.

[Kana]

Sounds like an idea, and we also have Spaceempires.net as well.

[Fyron]

A good idea. Personally, I'd like to see this forum used more: SEV Modding Discussion (http://www.spaceempires.net/home/forum-69.html). It has a FAQ subsection where, in time, useful threads can be moved for archiving.

[Atraikius]

Tanpa,

Has any sort of modding info threads been set up yet? I haven't been playing SEIV for a while, and only got SEV a couple of days ago due to unemployment; and I'm having a some difficulty figuring out how to modify the data files.

Can you point me to where I can find a basic explanation of how the new type of AI files work, I've been going through the files in the game, the shrapnel forums, and the forums at SFI and havn't found what I am looking for yet (I glaned at the SEV modding Discussion but havn't gone through it very thuroughly yet).

Atraikius

PS
Hi to all of you that I used discuss modding with that are still around.

[President_Elect_Shang]

Imperator Fyron said:
A good idea. Personally, I'd like to see this forum used more: SEV Modding Discussion (http://www.spaceempires.net/home/forum-69.html). It has a FAQ subsection where, in time, useful threads can be moved for archiving.



Sounds good to me! I will move all my commentary over there since we can’t seem to get anything started here (i.e. sticky threads and other excellent ideas proposed). First mission will be to create a list of tricks I have done so far. Such as armor that increases structure every time the tech level goes up. Poof, instant upgrade for your troops!

[Mindi]

I've asked the mods for some input on this in the private moderator forum several days ago, but I will go ahead and ask here as well. Do you feel the community would be better served by splitting the subforum for Scenarios and Mods into two separate forums? Is there a particular Modder who would be good at keeping up with the organization of the area in the ways that TG mentioned at the beginning of this thread?

[President_Elect_Shang]

Wow it took me a minute to figure out that your mods are moderators and not mods like KwokMod. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif Ok once again I am the only person that can enjoy my humor! Anyway yes I think it would be great help, personally I was about to move off this forum and start posting on the issue over at spaceempires.net. Speaking of which Fyron I haven’t received my registration conformation and the site won’t even connect today. Did you block me???? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/eek.gif

[Combat Wombat]

President_Elect_Shang said:
Wow it took me a minute to figure out that your mods are moderators and not mods like KwokMod. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif Ok once again I am the only person that can enjoy my humor! Anyway yes I think it would be great help, personally I was about to move off this forum and start posting on the issue over at spaceempires.net. Speaking of which Fyron I haven’t received my registration conformation and the site won’t even connect today. Did you block me???? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/eek.gif



se.net just went down http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

edit: nm its back now http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[President_Elect_Shang]

Combat Wombat said:
se.net just went down http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

edit: nm its back now http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif



Mmm, working now??? Hic-up?

[Fyron]

Shang, I think I have resent your confirmation email...

[President_Elect_Shang]

No conformation email; I had to have of put in the wrong email which happens to me with all those dots Time Warner wants. I sent you a private email with the correct email address, can you compare it with the one I put into the database? Also when I signed up I entered President-Elect_Shang (with the underscore). Is there a way to kill the underscore or am I just stuck?

[Tampa_Gamer]

Just a quick clarification in case I was not clear in the original post. I think the existing mod/scenario forum is good (and should still remain) as to what I perceive it to be - that is a place to post completed mods (preferably one for each mod) so that the latest versions can be quickly located and downloaded (rather than scanning the general section).

The new proposed subforum is more akin to a working knowledge base dedicated to resolving modding issues.

[dogscoff]

Surely the wiki would be a good place to staore all this information as well..?

[Mindi]

Tampa_Gamer said:

The new proposed subforum is more akin to a working knowledge base dedicated to resolving modding issues.



With that said, would there be enough material to constitute a subforum? I'm not opposed to this subforum as long as everyone thinks it will actually be used and not just add more clutter to the forum.

[Combat Wombat]

I think sticking with the status quo is the right way to go right now. I see no reason to make changes.

[President_Elect_Shang]

I disagree CW, I think there is enough to constitute [being/becoming] a valuable addition to the Shrapnel family. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Tampa_Gamer]

Mindi - in the past two days alone (2 pages) I count close to 20 threads that would probably belong in that forum. I think there is too much material frankly, but this is the best I can think of. The idea is for core concepts to be transferred to the wiki once it becomes widely accepted/tested.

Much of modding is a stab in the dark through trial and error (since even the beta testers don't know how many of the files actually function). Unfortunately, much of what we do is lost to obscurity because threads slink off the page or become too unwieldy to search/read properly (like the SEV modding one which is currently 24+ pages!). By setting up dedicated threads for each file - at least modders would have a starting point to see if someone else has posed/tested a particular function already.

[Devnullicus]

I agree with with TG - I think a new subforum would be helpful, with a sticky thread for each major data file.

[President_Elect_Shang]

Devnullicus said:
I agree with with TG - I think a new subforum would be helpful, with a sticky thread for each major data file.



Or as Fyron suggested, which I think is much better; one sticky with a single post that contains a shortcut to each of the major data file threads.

[Devnullicus]

meh, just an extra click and loading another forum post before getting to where you want to go.

Personally, I prefer one thread per file, but either way is fine with me.

[President_Elect_Shang]

It would still be one thread per file. The difference is that instead of each “file thread” being a sticky only the “link thread” would be a sticky. Then if the file thread you are searching for has slipped down off page you just go to the link thread and click the link to the one you are looking for.