Data editing/importing/exporting?

[76mm]

I've been a bit afraid to ask about this one because it is an important issue for me and I think I know the answer, but I'll try anyway.

There has been some talk in the past about being able to edit or perhaps import/export data from saved games to facilitate the use of TOAW IV as the operational level for tactical wargames. IIRC the save files will be in XML format, but I think that the XML format used for previous versions was not very user-friendly.

Any news on this topic?

[Curtis Lemay]

ORIGINAL: 76mm

I've been a bit afraid to ask about this one because it is an important issue for me and I think I know the answer, but I'll try anyway.

There has been some talk in the past about being able to edit or perhaps import/export data from saved games to facilitate the use of TOAW IV as the operational level for tactical wargames. IIRC the save files will be in XML format, but I think that the XML format used for previous versions was not very user-friendly.

Any news on this topic?

There is the "Trusted PBEM" feature. This allows such games to be exported. Unfortunately, that feature may get axed. [:@]

[76mm]

Thanks for the news, that would be a great misfortune if the feature were axed.

Speaking for myself (and no doubt the legions of customers that think just like me[8D]), I will certainly buy the game if this feature is included, if it is not, the jury is still out.

[Curtis Lemay]

ORIGINAL: 76mm

Thanks for the news, that would be a great misfortune if the feature were axed.

Speaking for myself (and no doubt the legions of customers that think just like me[8D]), I will certainly buy the game if this feature is included, if it is not, the jury is still out.

The problem is that it only works on the legacy PBEM system. Matrix rules mean that it can't be made to work on PBEM++.

And Matrix wants to rip out the legacy PBEM system - to prevent the TOAW IV community from being split between them, newbies on the PBEM++ and veterans on the legacy PBEM.

I've been arguing for a back-door access method for the legacy thing that would only be found via meticulous reading of the manual, but, so far that hasn't swayed the issue.

[76mm]

ORIGINAL: Curtis Lemay
And Matrix wants to rip out the legacy PBEM system - to prevent the TOAW IV community from being split between them, newbies on the PBEM++ and veterans on the legacy PBEM.

I've been arguing for a back-door access method for the legacy thing that would only be found via meticulous reading of the manual, but, so far that hasn't swayed the issue.

Not sure if I see the logic in tearing out a perfectly functional PBEM system liked by veterans to accommodate people that haven't even played the game Especially since like with most games, 90% of players will probably play mainly/exclusively vs the AI, and because this data import/export feature would be extremely handy. Plus, I don't even think the assumption is correct--if the legacy PBEM system is not encrypted, I'm sure at least some veterans would prefer to move to PBEM++.

I'm actually a big fan of the PBEM++ system, but that doesn't mean it should be crammed down our throats...

If this feature is removed, will save game files be available in unencrypted XML format, so that players can at least theoretically program their own data import/export tools?

[Curtis Lemay]

ORIGINAL: 76mm

If this feature is removed, will save game files be available in unencrypted XML format, so that players can at least theoretically program their own data import/export tools?

Hot Seat game saves could be emailed back and forth (you can do that with III). Players would lose the Playback feature, of course. You don't need any XML for those. .SAL files can just be renamed .SCE and they'll go right into the editor.

[Lobster]

ORIGINAL: Curtis Lemay

And Matrix wants to rip out the legacy PBEM system - to prevent the TOAW IV community from being split between them, newbies on the PBEM++ and veterans on the legacy PBEM.

I've been arguing for a back-door access method for the legacy thing that would only be found via meticulous reading of the manual, but, so far that hasn't swayed the issue.

Unbelievable