What do you mean by "Modding Tools"

[Muizer]

It seems that every time there is a discussion that takes the form of a "request to CA" thread, people will come in and ask for "Modding tools".

But what exactly can we, reasonably, expect in terms of modding tools?

I would say what we can hope for are tools that enable us to make sensible changes on the input side of game mechanics. Think of coverters that make game files available for modification with text editors, image editors, modeling software and so on.

What we cannot honestly expect are tools that allow us to modify games by interactively manipulating on the output side of game mechanics. In my opinion, things like "map editor" or "unit editor" fall in that utopian category.

There probably isn't a modder who does not know this already. However, it seems the discussions about CA's modding assistance are, I'm afraid to say, poluted by comments from people who don't.

But, anyway, I'm a modder of RTW. Compared to more advanced games it probably required relatively little in terms of converters and research. I'd be interested to hear from people who have extensively tried modding the warscape TW games or, for that matter, any other games of similar complexity from other companies. What can we reasonably expect from a "modding tool"?

[Muizer]

I guess nobody who is actually modding is reading this thread

[AgentGB]

There probably isn't a modder who does not know this already. However, it seems the discussions about CA's modding assistance are, I'm afraid to say, poluted by comments from people who don't.

here you go dude, check out the first post, i think there looking to get more up and personnal with modders from TWC, with the new engine, i haven't much knowledge on modding myself, i picked up a few tricks, such as skinning, from working with someone who knows how to mod, but i wouldn't know what to ask for, or what was needed, nevertheless i would push and support for modding tools "whatever they are?", allowing the true talent of TWC to come in and actually ask for what they need. despite my lack of knowledge on the subject, just so i see some great mods being put together

http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=464960