Matrix Games Forums

Will it be possible for others to modify the look of the game by changing the counters and interface? I hope they will be open for those with 'the touch' to be able to tinker with. There are definately some very talented modders out there that could really make this baby shine. Not that I don't like the look but,some hi-res counters would be great.

How much is moddable?

What about the map?

thanks
Mo Reb

ORIGINAL: Missouri_Rebel
Will it be possible for others to modify the look of the game by changing the counters and interface? I hope they will be open for those with 'the touch' to be able to tinker with. There are definately some very talented modders out there that could really make this baby shine. Not that I don't like the look but,some hi-res counters would be great.

How much is moddable?

What about the map?

thanks
Mo Reb

Some, but not much. The interaction between the game play and the graphical elements is pretty intricate. For example, changing the depiction of clear terrain would appear to be simple, but all the coastal hex bitmaps are created by running a preprocessing routine. If a player changes the definition of the clear terrain bitmap, all the inland hexes would change, but the coastal hexes wouldn't.

Of course, these things can be overcome by making utilities available to players, but then you run up against one of my prime directives: I am creating WIF FE for the computer, not a WIF design kit. That decision was also made before I signed a contract with Matrix.

So what the player will get is anything that falls out easily without any extra work on my part. There will be quite a few graphical elements in that category, though I promise nothing at this point. Continually maintaining my focus is crucial to sustaining forward momentum.

I understand that counters will be able to be modified graphically and its capabilities. The first as a .bmp and the second in the CSV. Is this correct Steve?

ORIGINAL: abj9562
I understand that counters will be able to be modified graphically and its capabilities. The first as a .bmp and the second in the CSV. Is this correct Steve?

Replacing bitmaps for the naval and air units - yes.

Chaning numeric factors for all the units - yes.

Adding new units (but not new unit types) - yes.

Changing setup particulars for the 11 scenarios - no.

Replacing bitmaps for the naval and air units - yes.

The same for ground units?

mo reb

ORIGINAL: Missouri_Rebel

Replacing bitmaps for the naval and air units - yes.

The same for ground units?

mo reb

No. Land unit depictions are composed on the fly based on the unit type, size, nationality, current owner, optional rules, and perhaps some other stuff I can't remember off the top of my head. They also change between high, medium, and (eventually) low resolution. The players will have access to the colors and numbers, but not the process itself of generating the visual image.