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Engine ?

Posted: March 27th, 2017, 4:37 pm
by razing32
I noticed a lot of threads about modding , but , is there an actual pure map editor or engine someone can use ?

Or do you need to use the map editor/character editor to create mods - and that's it ?

Sorry if this is a silly question.

Re: Engine ?

Posted: March 27th, 2017, 4:51 pm
by SpottedShroom
The only way I'm aware of anyone creating mods is by building new maps with xolotl's editor. In Book I/II, you can only make "savegame mods," which are most safely applied just after creating a new character but also give you the ability to make custom items. In Book III, we got official mod support, but all it does is let you make new maps with guaranteed compatibility with existing characters.

Re: Engine ?

Posted: March 28th, 2017, 4:51 pm
by razing32
SpottedShroom wrote: March 27th, 2017, 4:51 pm The only way I'm aware of anyone creating mods is by building new maps with xolotl's editor. In Book I/II, you can only make "savegame mods," which are most safely applied just after creating a new character but also give you the ability to make custom items. In Book III, we got official mod support, but all it does is let you make new maps with guaranteed compatibility with existing characters.
Thanks for the reply shroom.
I was only wondering since Book1 is now free on GOG/Steam if the dev would release the engine as well.
I would be fine to poke around the Book1 engine.

Re: Engine ?

Posted: March 28th, 2017, 4:57 pm
by SpottedShroom
Some of the regulars around here have been asking about open-sourcing the engine for some time. I guess it couldn't hurt to ask again now. How's about it, BW?

Re: Engine ?

Posted: March 28th, 2017, 7:02 pm
by BasiliskWrangler
I considered open-sourcing the engine a while back and was strongly advised against doing so, by several sources, for various legal reasons. Many of these reasons are still true.

Namely, open sourcing means I lose all control over the software, and it will be impossible to protect the code form being re-skinned and re-sold as a new game. Also, there is some code used in the engine that is not mine- libraries and coroutines that I had permission to use, which I'd need to clear through the original authors or risk being in legal trouble myself.

I'm still not saying no forever...but, I think open-sourcing will need to wait until a bit longer. We've had a small surge in sales and interest in the game since it became free, and right now just wouldn't be the best time. Besides, I am crushed under a mountain of Zodiac work, and it will take some serious time to un-archive and prep the Book 1 code for public consumption.

Re: Engine ?

Posted: March 29th, 2017, 12:13 pm
by SpottedShroom
BasiliskWrangler wrote: March 28th, 2017, 7:02 pm Namely, open sourcing means I lose all control over the software, and it will be impossible to protect the code form being re-skinned and re-sold as a new game.
This bit doesn't have to be true. You can choose a non-commercial license for the code. And of course, I assume you wouldn't offer license to the art, music, etc.
Also, there is some code used in the engine that is not mine- libraries and coroutines that I had permission to use, which I'd need to clear through the original authors or risk being in legal trouble myself.
That makes sense, although I expect you could release it without those components and people would step in to make it work anyway.
I am crushed under a mountain of Zodiac work, and it will take some serious time to un-archive and prep the Book 1 code for public consumption.
Also makes sense. Keep in mind that I'd be happy to pitch in, though :)

Re: Engine ?

Posted: March 30th, 2017, 4:24 pm
by razing32
Wow , thanks for the reply BW.

I didn;t mean open-sourcing the code.
I meant more like a map-editor style app like Starcraft has I guess.

Not sure what code is licensed how so don't want to open a can of legal worms.
Best of luck on the new game. Look forward to it. :)

Re: Engine ?

Posted: March 30th, 2017, 5:02 pm
by SpottedShroom
As I mentioned above, there is a map editor, although it's not official. It's pretty full-featured.

Re: Engine ?

Posted: April 2nd, 2017, 3:32 am
by razing32
SpottedShroom wrote: March 30th, 2017, 5:02 pm As I mentioned above, there is a map editor, although it's not official. It's pretty full-featured.
Yup , seems that is my next stop then.
Thanks.

Re: Engine ?

Posted: April 10th, 2017, 7:27 pm
by Prismatic Maelstrom
SpottedShroom wrote: March 28th, 2017, 4:57 pmSome of the regulars around here have been asking about open-sourcing the engine for some time. I guess it couldn't hurt to ask again now.
BasiliskWrangler wrote: March 28th, 2017, 7:02 pmI'm still not saying no forever...but, I think open-sourcing will need to wait until a bit longer. We've had a small surge in sales and interest in the game since it became free, and right now just wouldn't be the best time. Besides, I am crushed under a mountain of Zodiac work, and it will take some serious time to un-archive and prep the Book 1 code for public consumption.
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Re: Engine ?

Posted: May 14th, 2017, 3:49 am
by razing32
Prismatic Maelstrom wrote: April 10th, 2017, 7:27 pm
SpottedShroom wrote: March 28th, 2017, 4:57 pmSome of the regulars around here have been asking about open-sourcing the engine for some time. I guess it couldn't hurt to ask again now.
BasiliskWrangler wrote: March 28th, 2017, 7:02 pmI'm still not saying no forever...but, I think open-sourcing will need to wait until a bit longer. We've had a small surge in sales and interest in the game since it became free, and right now just wouldn't be the best time. Besides, I am crushed under a mountain of Zodiac work, and it will take some serious time to un-archive and prep the Book 1 code for public consumption.
Image
LOL :D :D

Sorry , not so much a regular so was not in the know just HOW MUCH of a dead horse this is.