Request to CA: please give us a model converter

[Aldgarkalaughskel]

I have a simple request to the The Creative Assembly team in the name of the total war modding community. Please provide us with a tool that can import and export model files to and from modeling softwares like 3ds Max.

Right now we can't do anything with the extracted 3D model files. ETW modding is moving full speed ahead, but this stamina could slow down if we lack the proper tool to convert and modify the models used in the game. This little help from CA could open up plenty of possibilities for the development of the game: improved unit rosters, new ship models, new and more detailed buildings, etc. and completely new game proposals (based on the ETW engine) are also awaiting for this tool to start the real work. It would be benificial for both CA and the modding community.

I am very optimistic about this request, because CA already showed an open mind and special care for the modding community by posting the Empire Mod Architecture Primer, which was a very nice gesture.

Empire: Total War is a great new title with so many new and improved features. We all give heavy respect to you for creating this game, otherwise we wouldn't spend our free time here, in the ETW forums. Please help us make this game even better / varied, by giving us this tool.

Thank you in advance.

[ToonTotalWar]

I support PowerWizard 100% on the above, i can only see this being beneficial to CA on all of our hard work that is done here for personal and community use!, and not forgetting CA launching this fantastic game for us all to use.

Please provide us with the tools for the job!!

[HellFell]

I suport.

[Jingles]

Support. All the best mods need to make modelling changes one time or another. Plus we might be able to finally fix the light infantry model.

[Remo]

I support this. The community needs to be able to import new models. As a modder myself, there are many things I wish to do that involve modelling.

[AlphaDelta]

I support it, but I feel quite sure if CA can give us a model convert they will. However, if they can't, then they won't.

I think a more feasible request would be to ask CA to give support to GOM/KE to help add ETW support to the M2TW model converters.

Cheers

[Aldgarkalaughskel]

Thanks for the support, guys.

I support it, but I feel quite sure if CA can give us a model convert they will. However, if they can't, then they won't.

Well, I don't think that is entirely correct, take the case of the PFM. I think the core base of this converter would simply be a script, I'm not sure though.

I think a more feasible request would be to ask CA to give support to GOM/KE to help add ETW support to the M2TW model converters.

I don't mind either way, just let us mess with the 3d models, please.

[Dvids]

Totally supporting you...

[waronmars]

I would loooove a model converter! I love ETW and I love messing with its insides even more!

[Remo]

I would loooove a model converter! I love ETW and I love messing with its insides even more!

Weirdo!!

[CAMPVS-CAESAR]

I support

[Davincee]

letting people mod the game is basically good for the financial part too, as mods have made the vanilla game even better with most TW games

[Hengest]

Excellent idea, I support this 100%~ we NEED a model converter

[MrThib]

I support! Can't wait to see full custom units!
And if they could let us know about how to mod the localisation.loc like they've done with the db files that will be fine too!

[Wartotalworldguy]

I support this 100% we need a converter or mayor mods wont be able to develop

[LtChambers]

I have no doubt that the mod tools will include a model importer and exporter when they are released, but I also think that the mod tools are taking a back seat to the crash and gameplay fixes that are more important to the community as a whole.

[Aldgarkalaughskel]

I have no doubt that the mod tools will include a model importer and exporter when they are released, but I also think that the mod tools are taking a back seat to the crash and gameplay fixes that are more important to the community as a whole.

Are CA planning to release mod tools? That's excellent news.

[Captian Barbossa]

Yes, they are. They told us a while ago that the mod tools are being refined and may be ready for public release "soon." Apparently, the reason why they haven't released them yet is because they're not user friendly.

LtChambers is right though, CA are concentrating on patching the game for now, once they've got all the the major issues fixed, THEN they'll probably release the tools.

I too support this motion, however, as to what you said PowerWiard:

I think the core base of this converter would simply be a script, I'm not sure though.

That really depends on what the exporter has to do. The exporter CA released for Rome/Med2 was a Binary .DLU plugin, a 3ds Max Utility Extention that operated through the untilities panel.

The mod community had to develop their own importer/exporter maxscript using the binary plugin as a template. The same will most likely be true this time. IF CA give us something to use, it will most likely just be a binary .DLU or .DLE, the latter of which work via the "File>Export...." command, in which case, the mod community will have to develop their own maxscript version for importing, which will then be comparitively easier, once the .dlu/dle is released, since then we will know how the export process works, and how the ingame model files are structured, which we don't at the moment.

[The Big Red 1]

In agreement.

[Salvo]

PLEASE CA DO IT