Difference between revisions of "Mod system proposal"
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| + | This article is outdated. The current state of moding system is described in [[Modding guidelines]] | ||
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This article describes the framework of modding system which is not yet implemented. Everything stated here is a subject of discussion. | This article describes the framework of modding system which is not yet implemented. Everything stated here is a subject of discussion. | ||
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* [[Stack experience]] | * [[Stack experience]] | ||
* [[Mithril]] (unsupported) | * [[Mithril]] (unsupported) | ||
| − | * [[Stack artifacts]] | + | * [[Stack artifacts]] |
* [[Commanders]] (unsupported) | * [[Commanders]] (unsupported) | ||
| − | Modules may be prerequisites for actual mods. The mod may require one or a number of | + | Modules may be prerequisites for actual mods. The mod may require one or a number of modules to be active before it is avaliable to use. |
The module can be active or inactive. Activation of module in game options automatically activates or deactivates all related mods, assuming they were turned on in first place | The module can be active or inactive. Activation of module in game options automatically activates or deactivates all related mods, assuming they were turned on in first place | ||
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Conversions may also alter bahaviour of other mods, assuming they are on their prerequsites list. | Conversions may also alter bahaviour of other mods, assuming they are on their prerequsites list. | ||
| − | Conflict between multiple conversions trying to change the same thing should be reported by [[Mod Handler]]. In such case file with | + | Conflict between multiple conversions trying to change the same thing should be reported by [[Mod Handler]]. In such case mod.py file with newer modification date has priority and is selected for execution. |
=Scripting= | =Scripting= | ||
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==Adventure map scripts== | ==Adventure map scripts== | ||
| − | These scripts allow map designers to control game flow and alter object bahaviour. They are stored as Python file, which will be a part of new map format. | + | These scripts allow map designers to control game flow and alter object bahaviour. They are stored as Python file, which will be a part of [[new map format]]. |
==ERM scripts== | ==ERM scripts== | ||
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==Calling scripts by player== | ==Calling scripts by player== | ||
==Scripts online== | ==Scripts online== | ||
| − | Execution of scripts by [[Client]] is forbidden in multiplayer. Client may only send requests to scripts | + | Execution of scripts by [[Client]] is forbidden in multiplayer. Client may only send requests and replies to scripts hosted by [[Server]]. |
=Modding engine= | =Modding engine= | ||
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When a client tries to join server, server send him a list of mods installed on host. Client may decide to download the mods required he doesn't have yet and configure them according to server settings. | When a client tries to join server, server send him a list of mods installed on host. Client may decide to download the mods required he doesn't have yet and configure them according to server settings. | ||
| + | Server may be configured so it does not allow mod downloading, sending only configuration files. | ||
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| + | ==Versioning== | ||
| + | ==Localisation== | ||
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| + | {{Modding}} | ||
Latest revision as of 16:07, 29 December 2013
This article is outdated. The current state of moding system is described in Modding guidelines
This article describes the framework of modding system which is not yet implemented. Everything stated here is a subject of discussion.
Contents
System structure
The main concepts of modding system are modules and mods of two kinds: extension packages and conversions. Managing of all mods is performed by Mod Handler.
Modules
A module refers to part of the engine that handles optional mechanics. Currently considered modules are:
- Stack experience
- Mithril (unsupported)
- Stack artifacts
- Commanders (unsupported)
Modules may be prerequisites for actual mods. The mod may require one or a number of modules to be active before it is avaliable to use. The module can be active or inactive. Activation of module in game options automatically activates or deactivates all related mods, assuming they were turned on in first place
Packages
Packages are made of Python scripts. Teir purpose is to add new conetnt to the game, such as creatures or artifacts. Packages may be dependent of modules and other packages with version greater or equal of certain number.
All packages are versioned, with version being an integer. All modders are requested to bump a version number with each update.
Conversions
Conversions are also made of Python scripts. Alter original objects and behaviour of the game. They may be content replacement, alter mechanics or change graphics and sounds. Conversions may also alter bahaviour of other mods, assuming they are on their prerequsites list.
Conflict between multiple conversions trying to change the same thing should be reported by Mod Handler. In such case mod.py file with newer modification date has priority and is selected for execution.
Scripting
The proposed scripting language is Python thanks to if popularity and wide array of possibilities.
Python functions use high-level callback functions of the VCMI engine to perform basic game actions or access modding engine.
Adventure map scripts
These scripts allow map designers to control game flow and alter object bahaviour. They are stored as Python file, which will be a part of new map format.
ERM scripts
To maintain compatibility with old WoG mods, all ERM functions have to be mapped into new set of Python functions. This mapping may not and will not be 1-to-1 due to acrhitecture of VCMI mechanics. Also, some unsafe functions like direct memory access will be unsupported.
ERM scripts are given their own memory space, which is equivalent of variable space of original ERM.
Safety
Calling scripts by player
Scripts online
Execution of scripts by Client is forbidden in multiplayer. Client may only send requests and replies to scripts hosted by Server.
Modding engine
Synchronising mods in multiplayer
When a client tries to join server, server send him a list of mods installed on host. Client may decide to download the mods required he doesn't have yet and configure them according to server settings. Server may be configured so it does not allow mod downloading, sending only configuration files.
Versioning
Localisation
| Main articles | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Modding changelog | Modding guidelines | How to create a town mod | Mod Handler |
| Formats | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mod file Format | ||
| Town Format | Creature Format | Hero Classes Format |
| Artifact Format | Animation Format | Hero Format |
| Bonus Format | Object Format | Spell Format |
| Work-in-progress formats | ||
|---|---|---|
| Building bonuses | Map format | |
| Bonus Type Format | Random map template | |
| Outdated pages | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mod system proposal | ||
