New Beta out to the testers...

[Kimball]

I thought the path.txt file already pointed to a directory, ....data. I have been adding directories for different mod experiments and adjusting the path.txt file as necessary. Did I misunderstand?

Any word if starting tech levels was added in to this patch? Aaron said it is coming, so I am just curious.

[Emperor Zodd]

I hope the AI turns on cloaked ships with this patch!

[ColdSteel]

Kimball,

The Path.txt file in Version 1.19 only points to the Data directory. I sent Aaron an email Last week requesting that MM implement a mod structure similar to the one that id uses in all of their Quake games.

Each installed mod would reside in its own subdirectory under the SE4 directory. Each mod directory would contain a mod data file containing information about the mod and which SE4 data files it replaces. Under each mod directory would then reside all of the modified SE4 subdirectories and data files. In the new game configuration screens you could look for the installed mod data files and select which one you wanted to play. This approach means that the original default directories never get touched by the mods and multiple mods can be installed at the same time. It makes it very easy to package and install mods. It also eliminates the current problems with overwriting modified files every time a new patch is installed and just makes things generally easier for everyone concerned.

Aaron sent me an email back saying he thought it was a good idea and would work on getting it into a subsequent patch. This was a much quicker response than I'd ever anticipated, though. I'm really impressed with him.

BTW, There's another older thread on the forum from Last week where I spell all this out in a little more detail if you're interested and wanted to hunt it down.

[Kimball]

I think I understand now. Are you saying that I can make multiple mods and select whichever one I want at game startup instead of editing path.txt? Sweet.

[pathfinder]

Now that is too cool fer school...a mod manager! whoohoo!

[ColdSteel]

Essentially, yes. And "mod manager" is a good description of the functionality involved.

The older Versions of Quake did this through command line parameters but Q3Arena has the mod selection build right into the menu. I don't think it would be too tough to implement something like that given that they aleady do something similar in the "Create New Strategy" screen.

Bottom line is that we'll just have to see what Aaron comes up with. Even if it's not all there at first, it can always be refined and tuned in subsequent patches. I'm just thrilled that MM is willing to add this in any form right now.

[Atrocities]

Can I sign up to be a beta tester?