How do you save the modded stuff?

[alex0809]

Hello, I am wondering how you are able to save the things you modded so they won't get deleted when the next update is released?
For example I have tried to create replacement cards for Axis minors as well, it's really easy to create (thanks for the good in-editor documentation Vic), but I am wondering if I really have to save it all as a completely different scenario? Won't this mean that a) I have to create the axis minor replacement cards for all scenarios separately and b) after a Case Blue update - since no one will want to play with an outdated map - the modded cards would have to be newly created again?

[Redmarkus5]

Yes, this is a challenge.

Graphics mods (map, icons, photos, etc.) are modded in the main game folders, so they will persist after an update to the game. You just need to uninstall via JSGME, patch the game, then re-install your mod.

Changes to scenarios will need to be supported through the life of the game, possibly like this:

1. Save your modded scenario with a unique name. I call mine things like dc2scenario1_PZKRG_1.0. This ensures that a patch will not make any changes to your mod version.

2. Depending on what the patch introduces (you will need to really study the patch list, forum posts, etc.) you might need to:

2a. Open the new patched Vanilla scenario and import your map, SFTs etc., or;
2b. Make the same changes inside your modded scenario, e.g. by importing new events, importing the patched map or units and so forth.

It will require commitment and you might need to repeat a lot of tasks. Once the game stabilizes, this issue will largely go away, so I would suggest that you focus on smaller mods and small scenarios for a while.

[alex0809]

It would be awesome if there was a way to select files to include in a scenario. For example, if you could create a file with only new events/cards/SFT's/peoples/whatever, and then just specify the location of that file inside the scenario and all data would be automatically loaded into the scenario. But I guess that is way too much to ask...

[Redmarkus5]

Actually, I think there is using ALT folders, but I haven't figured it out yet.

[bwheatley]

Ya the folders are described in the editor manual.

[alex0809]

Oh, there's an editor manual? Never noticed it[:'(]

The master files system is awesome! Since as far as I can see no original scenario uses them, I can now freely add the new cards for every scenario[:D]

[Redmarkus5]

ORIGINAL: alex0809

Oh, there's an editor manual? Never noticed it[:'(]

The master files system is awesome! Since as far as I can see no original scenario uses them, I can now freely add the new cards for every scenario[:D]

Yes, and you can add new units types, new combat results, new landscape or location types and move costs/combat effects, new events, a new map and new unit graphics. Plus a new UI if you wish!

So, what are you going to build for our war gaming pleasure? Cold War goes Hot, maybe?

[alex0809]

I wish I'd have the abilities, time and will for a project like that[:D]
But nah, mostly just trying out some scripting stuff right now. Also, as I wrote, I want to give the axis minors some love, each nation will get cards like the Germans have already, in a separate HQ cards category "Axis minors". Less replacements than the Germans get per card, but very cheap. Additionally, I'm looking to include cards that raise morale but for a hefty price.
I also thought about extremely expensive "training" cards to improve the infantry of a specific minor nation, so in the end you could have one nation on which you concentrate all your training/replacement/morale efforts. But thinking about it that might be a little too powerful.

[Redmarkus5]

ORIGINAL: alex0809

I wish I'd have the abilities, time and will for a project like that[:D]
But nah, mostly just trying out some scripting stuff right now. Also, as I wrote, I want to give the axis minors some love, each nation will get cards like the Germans have already, in a separate HQ cards category "Axis minors". Less replacements than the Germans get per card, but very cheap. Additionally, I'm looking to include cards that raise morale but for a hefty price.
I also thought about extremely expensive "training" cards to improve the infantry of a specific minor nation, so in the end you could have one nation on which you concentrate all your training/replacement/morale efforts. But thinking about it that might be a little too powerful.

Are you going for 'historical accuracy' or 'more player options'?

[alex0809]

"More player options" for sure. I don't know very much about WW2 history anyway to be honest. Though, since there are already cards for German reinforcements, I don't see why cards for the other nations reinforcements are too far-fetched.

[Redmarkus5]

I don't disagree, but it's good to bear in mind the likes and wants of the audience. I am sure there are people who will really enjoy having more options, but there are others who will demand to see your historical justifications unless you name the Mod something like "Completely a-historical reinforcement mod designed to enhance player enjoyment" etc.