Log in

View Full Version : The Limitations of MTW modding



Guilhabert de Castres
10-20-2003, 21:29
Having seen what MTW mods are attempting, and messing about with the program myself a bit, one central issue comes up in attempting to create modified scenarios: limitations due to hardcoded areas of the program. More specifically Activision chose to make the system "closed" as opposed to a system with an open editor--Talonsoft's Operational Art of War for example, where everything from units, to maps, and PO behaviour (Programmed Opponent--"AI" is a misnomer), are accessible, albeit with a fairly steep learning curve. Since the release Activision has occupied a sort of halfway house in not discouraging modding obviously, even putting a mod page up at their official site; the fact remains, however, that numerous closed areas in the program see modders doing backflips to generate desired effects. A case in point would be Wesmod where Wes has applied stringent build requirements to encourage the PO to refrain from building huge peasant armies etc.

My question (and I'm new to the board so forgive my missing this issue if it has been dealt with elsewhere): are there any programmers in this group who have, or would, care to approach Activision about opening up the program, if not entirely, at least in specific areas? In particular I think most would agree it would be a huge improvement to get at the map files and PO criteria.

Again,, if this has been dealt with just direct me to the thread.

GdC

komninos
10-20-2003, 22:14
Hi Guilhabert de Castres and welcome,

Though not a programmer ... I have been modding different things since the early 90's. The MTW is not THE most open game but it has many open areas. On the other hand I would love to see some true openes where the parts and modules of the code will be opened for programmers to tap in like it was done with Quake, Tribes ... and many others.
If possible I would love to see this game in other platforms ... like Linux http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/rolleyes.gif

Any way I as Welly has pointed out in the past the CA programmers pass from these forums ... in what can e put in marketing cases ... just before or a bit after a major release http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/frown.gif So no I doubt it will get any where.

BTW
---
The huge peasant armies are a problem of VI actually. I have managed to over come it a lot in might mod ... some times though it does not work still.

Wellington
10-20-2003, 22:49
Quote[/b] (Guilhabert de Castres @ Oct. 20 2003,15:29)]In particular I think most would agree it would be a huge improvement to get at the map files and PO criteria.
What do you mean by the "map files"?

We can now access all aspect of maps, campaign or battlefield.

Guilhabert de Castres
10-21-2003, 04:00
Komninos,

I'm not a programmer either and thanks for the welcome and the information. My big interest is modding Programmed Opponent behaviour and it certainly looks cumbersome the way it is right now for obvious reasons.

Wellington, I knew you could get at the files but can you redefine provinces as such, add new ones etc. I believe I heard all the slots are limited for that in any case, but I was wondering if you could redraw the map in any case.

GdC

ShadesWolf
10-21-2003, 13:16
http://www.shadesmtw.com/graphics/image1.gif

Hi Guilhabert de Castres Just to show you that map modding is possible, this is the map im using for my new campaign. Its based on France, and has a number of new provinces. England has been reduced to 4 provinces and Spain approx 4 also.

(PS Thanks again Wellington for the map)

http://www.shadesmtw.com/graphics/image3.gif

This is the era selection screen, here you can see a better view of the extent of the map. It us based on the original map.

Also this is a map that Barc is using for his Shogun mod

http://www.totalwar.org/barocca/mod_images/n_07.jpg

http://www.totalwar.org/barocca/mod_images/n_06.jpg

Sorry for all the pictures, but as they say ' A picture is worth a 1000 words.'

Guilhabert de Castres
10-24-2003, 20:57
SW--

Yep, that graphically answers many questions and thanks. Very nice work on the maps. This is in fact what I was interested in--a more detailed "Europe-only" mod. I'm particularly interested in the Albigensian crusade against the Languedoc (12c) and in detailing all the important areas in the south of France currently lumped together as "Toulouse".

Regards,

GdC