AI Modding Consortium - Please read

jpinard · #1 January 12th, 2001, 01:25 PM

I sent an e-mail to Aaron to ask him when the next official AI update would be released. If it's going to take more than a couple weeks for the next patch (disregarding TCP/IP), then I would highly suggest we create an AI Mod Consortium.

This would consist of maybe 5-10 of the top people here on the forum including: Mephisto, Tampa_Gamer, Daynarr, Talenn, Jubala, Derek, SunDevil, and myself.

If anyone feels they should also be apart of this let me know, but I want to keep the group small. I believe Mephisto should be the group leader (if he'd like) because he abides most closely to the ideology we need: We don't want to stray too far from the developer's initial vision. Create a better and more believable AI.

Once I get a response from Aaron; if he states it will be more than a couple of weeks, then we can start a thread here, or I will create a brand new forum just for this. Either way, we should enjoy output from EVERYONE concerned.

Mephisto, Tampa_Gamer, Daynarr, Talenn, Jubala, Derek, and SunDevil: Please reply here and post your feelings on this, and whether we can count on you. Since I'm on disability due to my Cystic Fibrosis, I have lots of time to coordinate all out efforts.

Remember this will be a small coordinated group effort. We have the possability to improve the game (maybe even more-so than MM can do, since their resources are EXTREMELY tapped and limited).

Derek · #2 January 12th, 2001, 01:34 PM

As for me, I have two problem.

First: I haven't really played around with the AI yet, but rather most of the other files. So AI modding is something relatively new to me.

Second: I feel no such compunction to stick to what MM intended. In fact, I like making big changes

So, while I appreciate the recognition/notice, I doubt I could do as good a job as you are looking for.

Derek

Derek · #3 January 12th, 2001, 01:35 PM

PS: But I am willing to try!

Mephisto · #4 January 12th, 2001, 03:59 PM

Sounds like a great idea if MM is willing to accept that we alter their races.

If we concentrate on making the AI races better with what there is I think MM is much more willing to include it in any patch.
But if we all agree on a new tech we can ask MM to add it anyway.

If we really really need a team leader I would do it but I think it should work quite well without a "big boss".
Jpinard, it would be great if you can do the "manage" part.
BTW: We always could use some testers for our Mod (I always could at least). Someone willing to do this?

P.S.: I hope MM will answer this one quickly.

Daynarr · #5 January 12th, 2001, 04:36 PM

This is nice idea, jpinard.
I am in.
Considering all the work that is done so far for SE4 by other moders I think that all of us could only benefit by such cooperation.

Just a side note; I am currently working on improvement of all the standard AI empires. Improvement in this case means that I don't intend to change AI personality or their research preferences or their general behavior, but to just improve on it. Sergetti is just a first one of those races, and I am using them to get a better insight of AI behavior. So far they are in final stages, and only thing left to do is testing. Right after I finish modifying Sergetti I would like to improve other standard races as well.
This will take a lot of time and work so any help will be welcome.

I have discovered some interesting ways to improve AI, so I will be sharing them as soon as I am able to test them.

PS: This was a looong 'side note' .

SunDevil · #6 January 12th, 2001, 05:58 PM

I'm in.

General Hawkwing · #7 January 12th, 2001, 06:33 PM

quote:
Originally posted by [K126]Mephisto:

BTW: We always could use some testers for our Mod (I always could at least). Someone willing to do this?

If you are looking for a tester from outside the design group, I could do it. I'm probably much better at analyzing than designing.

Tampa_Gamer · #8 January 12th, 2001, 07:02 PM

Jpinard-

Looks like you got a positive response. I like the "manager" concept with you coordinating things, but I don't think any of us need another "boss" in line with what Mephisto said. Now, if you get a positive response from MM - we can set an agenda/or goals of some sort so we don't waste time duplicating efforts.

SunDevil · #9 January 12th, 2001, 07:44 PM

We need to come up with a standard to use as a base for all future improvements/ modifications. And it seems each mod race that has been created so far, has been all modded in different aspects. We just need to put them together. I'm going to try to post some changes and discoveries I've made of the Last two weeks. In the games I've tested so far, the ai is much more of a challenge. If only the ai could rebuild on a full planet with upgrades.

Tampa_gamer: I've looked over your files, and you do a great job adding things. I've used your files as a base and have added a lot to the way the AI researches things, how and where colonies are built, and some more useful ship designs.

[K126]Mephisto: I haven't got a chance to really look over your latest Version of your mods but what can I say, you've made great strides with your race. You definitely have some nice ships designs. I didn't see much revision in your latest files in regards of how/what the ai builds on planets but I could be wrong. I'm sure it will be fun to work with you.

Daynarr: I've looked over your race and was quite impressed with the changes you made with your race, but still trying to figure out your research strategy.

Tampa_Gamer · #10 January 12th, 2001, 08:11 PM

SunDevil-

Thanks. I took a lot of time to maximize the research tree. I played it myself (all the way to the end) and kept track of the points/projects used and the order so I could maximize under-utilized project points. I am currently testing a heavy re-vamped "Planet_Types" file based on some other threads. It will be incorporated in my next Version.

In terms of a "base" what exactly do you mean? I think the EA, Sergetti and Darlok are all "pure" mods in the sense they do not alter data sets or default AI files.