Making mods for Dominions II. [Basic editing/modding discussion.]

Bard of Prey · #1 September 25th, 2003, 11:59 PM

Modding also has a lot more uses than fixing balance and other issues. In fact, if modders are spending their time 'fixing' balance issues, then that's a sign that there's something deeply wrong with the game... and from what I've seen so far of Dom I, I don't think this is likely to be a problem for Dom II.

The real purpose of modding in a well-designed game should be to add things that the developers either never thought of, or didn't have time to implement. Having the creativity of hundreds of people to draw on can only improve a good game in the long run.

I would also like to see more options added to Dom II for modding, but the idea of waiting for a patch to get them doesn't bother me either. Think of all the things you could do with good modding tools... new nations, new pretender gods, new themes, etc. A group of dedicated modders could expand the variety of the game far more in a short time than a small number of developers could hope to do in years...

[Edit: @ Kristoffer, who slipped in ahead of me - I know exactly how you feel. I love to create new maps and scenarios for games, and in the Last year or two I've gotten pretty heavily into modding for various games. I also understand your fears about what people might do to your 'baby'.

All I can say is, give us the tools and we'll be gentle... we may even surprise you...

Oh, and since this is my first post here, I probably should have mentioned that I just recently found the Dom I demo, and I'm loving it. I'm very much looking forward to seeing what you do with Dom II... whether I get to gut it and mess around with its innards or not...

]

[ September 25, 2003, 23:04: Message edited by: Bard of Prey ]

MStavros · #2 September 26th, 2003, 12:06 AM

Yes, modding/editing is an awesome part of gaming. I have seen incredible mods, and they were lot better than the vanilla game, and they were perfectly balanced.
The developers must give us the ability to mod this wonderful game. It is fun for us, and fun for everyone. I am very happy that Aristoteles plan to make a LotR mod, I am a fan of the tolkien world as well.
The possibilites are endless, if the modding tools will be good enough.

More Diversity = More Fun

[ September 25, 2003, 23:07: Message edited by: MStavros ]

Kristoffer O · #3 September 26th, 2003, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mortifer:
Well er....Nerfix's replies werent very creative, I must admit that.
In fact...he had no points, that is true as well.
As I said, the best would be to allow the players to make mods, if they want, no players are forced to play with any mods.
Just think. A LotR mod for example, would be very interesting and useful, since lot of players are huge LotR fans.
Balance? If you spend enough time to balance your mod, it can be perfect.

To me this isnt a question. Players should be allowed to make their little world. Why to put in limits? If Illwinter will be able to release the tools, databases etc. than why not?
Mods are keeping the games and communities alive. Trust me in that.

Regarding LotR maps. There was one made for Dom I by a friend and internal betatester. I do not have the final mapfile, but I have played a MP on it. We were a bit scared of copyright issues and didn't place it on our site. Soon after that game was finished the first Dom II betatesting begun and so the War of the Ring map was all but forgotten. If there is an interest in a LotR Dom I map I can try to find it and send it to someone who can put it on an unofficial page where copyrights don't bother us.

Mortifer · #4 September 26th, 2003, 12:12 AM

Kristoffer, I think that it isnt illegal. There are lot of games with LotR mods, maps etc. Check out civfanatics for example, there are loads of maps, units etc. from LotR.
I will make a DoM II. mod fansite with own Boards, when we can start modding, so I will be able host the maps, unit gfx, etc.

Kristoffer O · #5 September 26th, 2003, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MStavros:

More Diversity = More Fun

The motto of Illwinter. More units, more spells, more stuff = more fun. I assume you have to include diversity as well.

Kristoffer O · #6 September 26th, 2003, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bard of Prey:
I also understand your fears about what people might do to your 'baby'.

All I can say is, give us the tools and we'll be gentle... we may even surprise you...

That remark earned you five stars!

Mortifer · #7 September 26th, 2003, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kristoffer O:

quote:
Originally posted by Bard of Prey:
I also understand your fears about what people might do to your 'baby'.

All I can say is, give us the tools and we'll be gentle... we may even surprise you...

That remark earned you five stars!

Aye. Im with him in that of course.