Can data files be changed between turns?
 

We are playing our own test game experimenting with engine tweaks. Of course, there are errors, like "Combat Movement" trying to be used ala "Standard Movement".
- I know the problems (especially one above)
- I got my fixes figured
- I know data files are "checked" (SEIV Mod 101)

Q. How implement changes to data files in current game?
- Any way to change the component.txt (or any data file), HOST the turn, then send updated data files to players? Or something similar??


Thank you!

Re: Can data files be changed between turns?
 

As far as I know, data files are read when the game is first created, and then not read again during the game.

However, I might be wrong about this, you'll want someone else who knows more to confirm it.

Re: Can data files be changed between turns?
 

You've got it.

1) Players play their turns using the old version of the mod.
2) Then you host using the new version.
3) Then the players play using the new version.

The one thing you must not do is reorder items, insert or delete them. You can edit parts of an item, but wholesale item move/add/delete will break savegames.

Items can be added to the end of the file without breaking the savegame, but it may look sub-optimal in game, and they may not hide obsolete items properly.

Re: Can data files be changed between turns?
 

For referenge, in a single player game (that is using sequential movement), all you have to do is close SE4, then reopen it and reload your savegame and it will be updated.

Re: Can data files be changed between turns?
 

The files in the Data folder are loaded when SE4 is launched. If you make changes to the data files during a game, you have to quit and re-start SE4 before you can see your changes.

The AI files are loaded when a turn is executed. You can make changes to the AI while the game is in-progress and the game will follow any changes you make when you hit the "End Turn" button.

Re: Can data files be changed between turns?
 

That makes for an interesting chaotic brainfart.
So I could write a little basic program that randomizes the settings of some races. Just enough to provide fluctuation in their mood and responses.

Wait, better than that, who wants to create a race of insane beings? Every 10 turns they have a coup and completely redefine their empires policys.

Ohh ohh better yet a race of insane shape-changers. Not only do they redefine their policies but also randomly select their appearance and ship designs (Im guessing that already built ships would stay that way)

OK.. ok.. Im better now. I will go take more medicine.
The doctor says these episodes are getting much rarer. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Gandalf Parker

Re: Can data files be changed between turns?
 

No wait don't take the blue pill! I think your on to something here!

Re: Can data files be changed between turns?
 

Hey, with the SEV AI scripting, that could be done. Just make a random number generator, add in all the scripts. Every X number of turns, Y script package is randomly selected and run each turn.

Re: Can data files be changed between turns?
 

You guys are really starting to scare me....... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/eek.gif

Re: Can data files be changed between turns?
 

ohhhh yaaaa I like it! Suicide Junkie's Empire of Totally Whacked Behavior (tm)... every random turns execute funky script then execute directory change of AI personality. That'd be entertaining!

Re: Can data files be changed between turns?
 

"We propose a Partnership treaty."
"We accept."
"Your cities will burn with our vengeful fire!"

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif

Re: Can data files be changed between turns?
 

Ive always thought that random AI changes would be fun anyway. Maybe not mid-game but generating more variety than Ive seen. I can see some interesting results.

A) If you have ship in their space then they love you, but if you fight them and lose they hate you (disdain of weak nations?)

B) If you have planets in their space then they love you, but if there are enemy ships in their space they hate you (you have failed to proect our common interests)

C) if you turn down trades from them they love you but if you give them gifts they hate you (Id rather face a shrewd trader than a false friend)

Maybe I could make a program to scramble the neutral races. Or even add to them. If I toss in an ImageMagick file then I could even randomly alter a few colors on the BMP files to give each a unique flag. Maybe even a unique portrait altho the easiest thing would be to select one portait and decalre them all to be offshoots.
MUHAHAHahahaaa Ive always loved pogramming randoms
Gandalf Parker

Re: Can data files be changed between turns?
 

This is an interesting idea indeed.

Or you could have a race that has "seasons". Six months out of the year they are passive and easy-going, and then the last 4 months (10 months per SE4 year, remember), they have their "mating season", and get wildly aggressive and warlike.

In fact this opens up all sorts of ideas...

Re: Can data files be changed between turns?
 

Stargate Atlantis:
the Wraiths hibernate for years and then awaken to ravage every planet they can reach. They are quiet until you actually make contact, then you set off their alarms and they boil forth.

Re: Can data files be changed between turns?
 

Hmmm...
if I write a Basic program I can run it on my linux servers to create downloadable zips of neutralraces. As far as I can tell the game doesnt have to be told how many neutrals to select from, if you put more in that directory then it will use it no matter what mod you are using.

I may have to play with the naming convention though. Does it have to be named in numerical sequence? Im thinking the answer is no so I can use random file names as long as the references to the nations files are correct.

The designname files would be the messiest. I would have to select randomly from the generic collection in order to make sure its there.

Re: Can data files be changed between turns?
 

Since the AI files can be changed during the game, you could definately create a program that ran in the background and changed the AI randomly. (one turn they're EEE, the next turn they're EEEvil)

But I wold be more interested in a program that would respond to changes within the game. It might be possible to make a program that runs in the background and interprets SE4 log files to make changes to the AI depending on what happens in the game.

Re: Can data files be changed between turns?
 

If you are playing against a race and do not have their race files, a random one that does exist is used. Looks like you have what you want with out any programming. The race you play against is changed each time you reload the game.