What do you want from modding tools

[crzyrndm]

CraigTW's update the other day on the modding situation, and how they are "hitting the wall" on the mod tools got me thinking. Everytime we ask, it's just for mod tools, not what we would like to be able to do with said tools. That is what this thread is for.

1) First part should indicate(0-10 scale) how much of a modder you are with 0 being not ever going to go into the files, and 10 being Darth Vader/King Kong/Total revamp of how the game is played
2) Then your idea of what you should be able to achieve with any tools that CA releases.

To CA: Most of us will not fully understand what guys can achieve with these tools so, if you have an idea not mentioned, include it.
Please make this about positive suggestions, whining is highly overrated.

So here's my example

1) 3 - I go into the M2TW files occasionally to balance stats, and change building effects, and thats about it. It would be about all I would want to do with Shogun 2 aswell.

2) A unit editor similar to what the M2 EDU editor in my sig will be once I finished. Alot of the variables are currently not included, some because I haven't got that far yet, and others because they are irrelevant to the average user(accent, holy banner, etc.). Something like that for editing units and buildings for S2 would be great, especially if you included an option to create a new unit/building and have something similar to the avatar customization where you can pick the units weapon, armour, and then ofc stats and abilities. Include a tutorial for advanced modders on how to include new weapons/armour/abilities. Something similar for buildings aswell.

The ability to manipulate the tech tree would be nice aswell. Currently I don't like how most of the bushido techs give xp bonuses, with a modding tool I would change those to something more along the lines of the bow tech line(ie. armour/defense increases for spears, attack/charge for swords...). It would also be nice to be able to create new techs to diversify the tree more.

And change it so we can still play online if we want to without changing which version(mod/vanilla) we are using. I'm sure you could keep a copy of units for MP only locked off somewhere.

[daniu]

The tools the modders need will turn out best if the modders themselves write them; the usual requirements-implement-deliver process is not flexible enough for this type of software.
Best thing CA can do is document the database (as in, what value means and does what) and answer questions regarding it; this would remove the guesswork of re-engineering it.
Or maybe an API to access it properly.

[crzyrndm]

The tools the modders need will turn out best if the modders themselves write them; the usual requirements-implement-deliver process is not flexible enough for this type of software.
Best thing CA can do is document the database (as in, what value means and does what) and answer questions regarding it; this would remove the guesswork of re-engineering it.
Or maybe an API to access it properly.

While you are correct in saying people will make a version better suited to what they need, if CA does release some, they will be much better for the community input. The request thread was full of request's for modding tools, why not be more specific

[BunnyPoopCereal]

The tools the modders need will turn out best if the modders themselves write them; the usual requirements-implement-deliver process is not flexible enough for this type of software.
Best thing CA can do is document the database (as in, what value means and does what) and answer questions regarding it; this would remove the guesswork of re-engineering it.
Or maybe an API to access it properly.

ah yes, very well thought out, I dont see how CA would release the tools they use to make the game so why not help the community create one themselves?

[The High King of Ireland]

1)4-I like to change many things to suit me, bar adding/taking away regions and changing models, as i have had bad experience with this in the past.

2) I would expect to be able to:
- more easily change the map
-more easily change starting conditions
-More easily add units and their models
-Be able to easily make a re-coloured version of a unit so I could add it to a different faction
Basically, a nice little GUI with a tool for mapping, for adding models+skins+animations, and adding new units+stats, and of course the re-colur and ownership, in other words, allowing be to edit the descr_strat/unit/buildings and all related with ease, also do the same things with the alloted files in warscape

BTW, anyone fancy giving me a hand in learning more advanced modding?

[bangell99]

1) 2
2) I expect a few trivial features but nothing to really revolutionise modding, such as map editing.

[hochmeister devin]

1) 1 I've only change faction from non playable to playable (med2)
2) hopefully modders will be able to do anything they want. If they could I'd be so happy.

[jetlee81]

mapping make your own map

[Trajan]

Moved to the S2 Mod Workshop.