Data Encryption

[HoustonAerosFan]

Will the old data encryption programs for the Talonsoft versions work to generate the *.obx files for the Matrix version or is there a new utility I need to get?

As usual, several values to correct!

[junk2drive]

From another thread:
 

ORIGINAL:  Jason Petho

ORIGINAL:  barker
that stinks,

You are free to edit any of the files, with the exception of the platoonXX.oob and the weapon.pdt files.
These require new encryption, so these platoon files will be have to sent to me if you want them encrypted. There will be a THREAD available once the 1.03 UPDATE is officially released that will tell you the process for doing so.
The remaining OOB files are fully available for you to edit and do NOT require encryption. (CompanyXX.oob, BattalionXX.oob, etc etc)
Jason Petho

[HoustonAerosFan]

And 1.03 comes out when?

[junk2drive]

Last week. Make sure you have a copy of the game at 1.02 or 1.02b in case you don't like all the new features.

[HoustonAerosFan]

Thanks - and is there any reason the forum search fails to find any matches regardless of what you search?

[junk2drive]

Matrix upgraded servers at the end of June and search hasn't worked since. Look for a link on the main page or in the JTCS forum.

[HoustonAerosFan]

ORIGINAL: junk2drive

Matrix upgraded servers at the end of June and search hasn't worked since. Look for a link on the main page or in the JTCS forum.

Wonderful.................

Anyway, the encryption doesn't look too difficult.

[jchastain]

I understand the rationale for encrypting the platoon files to prevent cheating, but it seems to me that it should be possible to support modders and still maintain the integrity of the game.
 
There is already a User_Mods directory.  Why couldn't players edit their platoonXX.oob and place it in there?  If the game sees that during a single player game, it loads it instead of the standard encrypted file.  During multiplayer games, that file is ignored.
 
Or if the file has to be encrypted for some reason, would it be possible to use 2 different keys and provide an encyption utility with the game that uses one key that can be differentiated so the game will recognize a modified file and not permit it to be used in MP but modders have the ability to change things for their own scenarios?
 
As I said, I understand the need to protect the integrity of the MP experience.  But I also understand the desire to be able to mod units.  And I don't see why we need to choose between those objectives.  With only minimal creativity and programming, I would think we'd be able to accomplish both.

[Jason Petho]

If you require platoon or weapon encryption, post the file here and I will see about encrypting it.

Alternatively, if you are adding new units and/or require new units, let me know and I can see if they can be included in a future update.

Jason Petho

[jchastain]

I appreciate the level of service you provide regarding encryption Jason.  You've consistently made this offer and it is far more than most developers would do.  But sometimes, I just want to play around a little bit.  Additionally, by making this offer, you are actually undermining your original intent to some degree.  How do I know I'm not playing multiplayer against someone who has tweaked their file and gotten it encrypted?  But most importantly, I still think it should be reasonably easy to allow an updated unencrypted file in the mods directory to take precendence for single player games - and the purist in me just thinks that is a better design.  Just so that we're clear though, it is a suggestion and not a complaint.

[Jason Petho]

I see your point, although there is nothing stopping from anyone developing an decryption/encrytion tool that decodes the existing encryption, as was done with the original series.

Jason Petho

[Ladmo]

Jason,

Would you like us to attach a brief note or otherwise communicate to you what exactly we are doing to the platoon/weapons files that makes encryption necessary? I for one would happily do this. You know my concerns on this issue as it pertains to modding and have stepped up admirably in addressing them. For my part, if it will make it easier and honor the concerns regarding PBEM cheating, I will provide whatever information is needed and in whatever format which is helpful. I can see where some changes would run counter to the spirit of the thing, for instance invincible Tiger tanks (complete with the late Robert Shaw driving one!) or the addition of Klingon battlecruisers to the Ethiopian Order of Battle.

Just tell me what would help in the matter.

Gracias, compañero

[jchastain]

ORIGINAL: Jason Petho

I see your point, although there is nothing stopping from anyone developing an decryption/encrytion tool that decodes the existing encryption, as was done with the original series.

Jason Petho

OK, you are right. It wasn't at all hard to figure out.

For anyone interested, I built a little encryption routine and have it posted on my website. I've tested it with East Front only, but it appears to work. That said, it would benefit from some additional confirmations. If we confirm it is working correctly and if Jason agrees to it, I would be happy to make the code and logic available to anyone who wants it. But for now, just use the web link below. Enter you email address and attach your OOB file and it will encrypt the file and email it back to you.

*** LINK REMOVED ***

[Jason Petho]

Yes, it is fairly simple.

Of course, we were trying to have some form of control over this, providing a place for those with files to post them here, have them converted and having the converted files posted here. Basically providing a tracking system for who is doing what, for opponents of those players and also to see what can be included in future updates.

Jason Petho

[jchastain]

OK, I removed the link so as to permit the board to be a pseudo-tracking tool for changes. At least I have my own little encryption routine for the changes I want to make as I play around. And if nothing else, it gave me a fun little project to play around with.

[Jason Petho]

Thank you, jchastain, that is appreciated.

Jason Petho