Modding - 3 questions about creating units

[caygraph]

Hi, i've 3 questions about creating Units.
Have searched all available manuals, but can't find any helpful information, so please advise me, thank you!

1. How can I set up VP (victory points) for Unit? In excel file (e.g: CW 80s United States.xls) or in other place?

2. What mean "SA Value" column in Systems tab in excel (e.g: CW 80s United States.xls) - how does this number translate into combat?

3. How am I supposed to understand "Combat Ratings = 2 Area" - how does this number translate into combat?

[CapnDarwin]

Some answers until I get all of the Content and Modding docs done. Going slower than planned. Sorry.

1. You can't, really. It is an internal calculation based on the parameters of the platforms and their equipment and capabilities. You can adjust the global cost of a side's equipment in the National data file the last entry is Equipment Cost Factor. This is a multiplier for the base VP costs used to adjust VPs based on the National tech and cost impact of platforms.

2. SA is a Small Arms rating. Basically a measure of how much lead is being sent downrange or the size of a blast fragmentation warhead. You can match up other weapons by similar type like an assault rifle or my size in millimeters and type of artillery round. In combat, more SA value has a greater chance of inflicting losses on soft targets depending on cover and other soft factors (readiness, training, morale).

3. Area is a way of stating Small Arms or SA value. Again it is a value based on an area attack instead of a point target attack like a tank gun versus another tank.

I hope that helps.

[caygraph]

Great! Thank you for very much. Yeah, you helped a lot - everything is clear now

[caygraph]

@CapnDarwin - do you plan to publish/describe Unit's Abilities/Systems, like: Night Vision Sight/System - Limited, Laser Designation System - Coded (LDSC), Command & Control Radio Systems, etc. - in terms of imapct on gameplay?

Will be great to know how to correctly used them to create new units and weapons!

EDIT:
1. Is "Role", "BPT Default" and "Task Force Type" in excel (Formation tab) are pre-defined/hardcoded or this is just-a-name?
2. It "SU Type" is pre-defined/hardcoded or this is just-a-name?
3. If "CompID" is such a specific configuration of "SU Type"?
4. How can I add new "National Era" e.g "CW United States 2000s" - with new weapons, units, etc. ?

THANK YOU!

[CapnDarwin]

That information will be in the Mod Guides when we get them done.

Answers:
#1 - Roles, BPT Defaults, and Task Force Type are established constants that aid in how units are used in the game and how they are displayed in the Scenario Editor. They should not be altered or added to, as that will crash the game in most cases.

#2 and #3 - SUType is hardcoded and must be typed as seen for the game code to work. CompID is basically the SUType, but it can be user edited to create a more refined lookup for Composition data in the Formation tab. If you have a new CompID there needs to be a formation call that uses it, or you risk a crash in the game.

#4 - The best way is to copy and rename an existing data file. From there, you can add in your own items and remove the old ones. Formation Code, Units SUTag, and Systems WEAPTAG must all be unique alphanumeric identifiers. All of the tabs must exist as named.

Again, I hope this helps. Please let me know if you are interested in doing data work for the team. We are always looking for folks interested in helping out with future game content. DM me if this is something you would like to get into.

[caygraph]

#4 - The best way is to copy and rename an existing data file. From there, you can add in your own items and remove the old ones. Formation Code, Units SUTag, and Systems WEAPTAG must all be unique alphanumeric identifiers. All of the tabs must exist as named.

Ok, i got it. One clarification - in above approach, you can't choose other "National Era" than pre-defined by engine? Only you may add new systems and units to existing CW 80s United States. Am i correct?

And last thing - as i noticed game engine limit the date of new scenario to 1993, so will it be possible (in the future? ) to make a script in a different period than 1993?

CapnDarwin - THANK you SO MUCH for your detailed and helpful answers in no time!

I will write you a PM regarding my involvement in data creation.

Peter

[CapnDarwin]

For #1, sorry to confuse you. You can make any number of spreadsheets for a nation. They have to be placed in a folder. So if you wanted to do US 2000s, you could make a "CW 80s US 2k.xls" file and fill it with the 2k platforms, weapons, and formations.

You can make your own National folders as well. So you could make, for example, a "Wakanda" folder and make a new excel sheet, and as long as the National tab entry in row 36 says "Wakanda" and you have a Blue or Red side, and the file name starts "CW 80s" and your file name, you should be good to go.

You are correct that the game engine has a max and min date. To get around this at the moment, you would need to make sure any units in your listing are available starting in 1980. If and when we do a modern game engine or World Wars, then the date ranges will change, and you can update the dates and probably some items.

[caygraph]

Thank you! I'll try it today.

EDIT: Checked! Everything is working as you describe. Thank you!