Think Tanks Editing Doc
by Tyler Frans · in ThinkTanks · 09/05/2003 (12:58 am) · 23 replies
Here's the map editing doc I promised. It's my first run at it. Let me know if you have any problems with it. Thanks and enjoy. :)
About the author
#2
Have a Windows machine and dunno how to make a PDF? Try PDF995. It's free if you read the ad each time you print to PDF file. It's only $9.95 if you want to get rid of the ads.
09/05/2003 (3:22 pm)
Does it need to be a .DOC file? Could you possibly post it as plain text or a PDF file so anyone can read it regardless of word processor?Have a Windows machine and dunno how to make a PDF? Try PDF995. It's free if you read the ad each time you print to PDF file. It's only $9.95 if you want to get rid of the ads.
#3
09/05/2003 (3:33 pm)
Sorry, Michael. I'll do it up in PDF format as well. Look for it tonight or tomorrow. Thanks for the heads-up.
#4
Thank you lots for the instructions, but do you know how to actually edit the shape of the terrain? The manual is still great but I would love to be able to mod the shape of the terrain. Also, when you mod, say, medula mesa how do you switch it in? do you name the modded level TT1_1 and switch it for medula or what? Also, you didn't mention boost and jump pads. I think i can figure out what to do, but some ppl might appreciate having that explained too.
Don't get me wrong, I am very grateful Tyler, just some suggestions
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09/05/2003 (3:55 pm)
What is the A in RGBA?Thank you lots for the instructions, but do you know how to actually edit the shape of the terrain? The manual is still great but I would love to be able to mod the shape of the terrain. Also, when you mod, say, medula mesa how do you switch it in? do you name the modded level TT1_1 and switch it for medula or what? Also, you didn't mention boost and jump pads. I think i can figure out what to do, but some ppl might appreciate having that explained too.
Don't get me wrong, I am very grateful Tyler, just some suggestions
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#6
Doc Version
PDF Version
@Asterisk:
The A in RGBA is Alpha.
You cannot manually edit the terrain blocks without the terrain editor. The terrain editor encodes and interprets the data (heightfields, etc.) held in the .ter files. No way around this, sorry chief. :(
This is for crude modding. You are editing the files directly (in other words, replacing it when you save). No need to switch anything. That is the reason I stressed backing up your files at the beginning. You can switch them out if you like (to play base TT) and in that case, then yes they will need to be named the same.
I know. Sorry, I was running on empty when I wrote it up. Wife, kids, new puppy in the house, writing it in my spare time when I should be sleeping, etc. :P Heh. I'll update it as soon as I can. Thanks for the great feedback. :)
@Nathan:
More power to him. I typed up and handed this one out for free and not to an exclusive crowd.
Plagiarism? That's laughable seeing as I've never laid eyes on FP's work nor have any reason to. I've been doing editing in the Tribes community since early '99. So what would I have to gain copying what I already knew from someone else? Money? Friends? Heh. Yeah, worlds of wealth and ranks of the snooty await "my plagiarism" and me. :P I spent my spare time writing up what I've learned over the years concerning editing on this game platform to help you guys out. If it aids you in having fun, then I've accomplished what I've set out to do.
Sued? Heh. Beer sure burns coming out the nose. :) I wasn't the one looking to gain monetary compensation for work based on BraveTree's Intellectual Property. The code belongs to BraveTree and Garage Games. Look over your EULA. If someone feels the need to sue me ... have at it. I spent years in the military defending that right (among others) and have no problem with it. Sorry you feel I've done such a great disservice, Nathan.
*edit - fixed PDF link*
09/05/2003 (8:27 pm)
Here's links to the .doc version and .pdf version.Doc Version
PDF Version
@Asterisk:
The A in RGBA is Alpha.
Quote:but do you know how to actually edit the shape of the terrain?
You cannot manually edit the terrain blocks without the terrain editor. The terrain editor encodes and interprets the data (heightfields, etc.) held in the .ter files. No way around this, sorry chief. :(
Quote:Also, when you mod, say, medula mesa how do you switch it in? do you name the modded level TT1_1 and switch it for medula or what?
This is for crude modding. You are editing the files directly (in other words, replacing it when you save). No need to switch anything. That is the reason I stressed backing up your files at the beginning. You can switch them out if you like (to play base TT) and in that case, then yes they will need to be named the same.
Quote:Also, you didn't mention boost and jump pads. I think i can figure out what to do, but some ppl might appreciate having that explained too.
I know. Sorry, I was running on empty when I wrote it up. Wife, kids, new puppy in the house, writing it in my spare time when I should be sleeping, etc. :P Heh. I'll update it as soon as I can. Thanks for the great feedback. :)
@Nathan:
Quote:FoulPlay already did this.
More power to him. I typed up and handed this one out for free and not to an exclusive crowd.
Quote:This is plagerism, and you COULD be sued.
Plagiarism? That's laughable seeing as I've never laid eyes on FP's work nor have any reason to. I've been doing editing in the Tribes community since early '99. So what would I have to gain copying what I already knew from someone else? Money? Friends? Heh. Yeah, worlds of wealth and ranks of the snooty await "my plagiarism" and me. :P I spent my spare time writing up what I've learned over the years concerning editing on this game platform to help you guys out. If it aids you in having fun, then I've accomplished what I've set out to do.
Sued? Heh. Beer sure burns coming out the nose. :) I wasn't the one looking to gain monetary compensation for work based on BraveTree's Intellectual Property. The code belongs to BraveTree and Garage Games. Look over your EULA. If someone feels the need to sue me ... have at it. I spent years in the military defending that right (among others) and have no problem with it. Sorry you feel I've done such a great disservice, Nathan.
*edit - fixed PDF link*
#7
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09/05/2003 (9:28 pm)
Yes tyler but what is alpha? And i thought FP edited the terrain too? BTW FP were you still sending me the manual or not?*
#8
If I'm not mistaken it has to do with the blending of the RGB values in OpenGL. I've never noticed a difference with the value being 1 or 0. Sorry I can't be of more precise help.
Sorry, I have no idea what FP has done scripting or otherwise. I'm basing the 'no terrain editing' capablity on what I know of the engine and what I've read here. If the screenshots he's released are any sign of it, it looks to be a replacement of the terrain textures and opening otherwise unreachable areas of the original maps.
09/05/2003 (10:17 pm)
Quote:Yes tyler but what is alpha?
If I'm not mistaken it has to do with the blending of the RGB values in OpenGL. I've never noticed a difference with the value being 1 or 0. Sorry I can't be of more precise help.
Quote:And i thought FP edited the terrain too?
Sorry, I have no idea what FP has done scripting or otherwise. I'm basing the 'no terrain editing' capablity on what I know of the engine and what I've read here. If the screenshots he's released are any sign of it, it looks to be a replacement of the terrain textures and opening otherwise unreachable areas of the original maps.
#11
Nathan, stop being a jerk. Let me get this straight: you are saying that FP will sue tyler because tyler did his own work and made his own manual?
1) Tyler did his own work and made an entirely new manual himself. He did not in the remotest sense copy any of FP's work.
2) What makes you think FP has his manual copyrighted?
3) What makes you think FP cares? If he really wanted to prevent tyler from doing this, he would argue here himself. And do you think he would actually want to sue someone, if he even could, over instructions for how to hack a tank game?
If you really are so agitated about suing ppl and "copyright infringement" then go email FP and tell him to check out this forum and then go sue tyler himself.
@ Tyler
I am very grateful for the manual tyler but if FP can edit terrain I would love to be able to do that too. Not sure whether to use TextEdit or SimpleText, ST doesn't seem to work. Careful not to visit FP's site Tyler, then he might have grounds for suit :-P
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09/06/2003 (7:25 pm)
@NathanNathan, stop being a jerk. Let me get this straight: you are saying that FP will sue tyler because tyler did his own work and made his own manual?
1) Tyler did his own work and made an entirely new manual himself. He did not in the remotest sense copy any of FP's work.
2) What makes you think FP has his manual copyrighted?
3) What makes you think FP cares? If he really wanted to prevent tyler from doing this, he would argue here himself. And do you think he would actually want to sue someone, if he even could, over instructions for how to hack a tank game?
If you really are so agitated about suing ppl and "copyright infringement" then go email FP and tell him to check out this forum and then go sue tyler himself.
@ Tyler
I am very grateful for the manual tyler but if FP can edit terrain I would love to be able to do that too. Not sure whether to use TextEdit or SimpleText, ST doesn't seem to work. Careful not to visit FP's site Tyler, then he might have grounds for suit :-P
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#12
Maybe he didn't copewrite it. Maybe it's not plagerism. Maybe there's nobody stopping you.
Still. I just don't think its right to post this. FP probably put alot of work into his manual, only to have somebody put one up for free.
I am not going to sue you. I just thought saying that, just maybe, would open your eyes to see what you're doing here.
It IS a free country, and I know that. Which means:
-I CAN FREELY POST ANYTHING I WANT HERE WITHOUT BEING CALLED A JERK. (That's aimed at you asterisk)
-YOU CAN FREELY POST THAT MANUAL.
There. Are we all settled now?
Nathan Gibney
"Arguing my ass off since 2002!"
09/07/2003 (9:49 am)
Look. I just think it's wrong, and not moral to do this. You already know FP did this. Is this a way to get back at him? To beat him? To make yourself superior?Maybe he didn't copewrite it. Maybe it's not plagerism. Maybe there's nobody stopping you.
Still. I just don't think its right to post this. FP probably put alot of work into his manual, only to have somebody put one up for free.
I am not going to sue you. I just thought saying that, just maybe, would open your eyes to see what you're doing here.
It IS a free country, and I know that. Which means:
-I CAN FREELY POST ANYTHING I WANT HERE WITHOUT BEING CALLED A JERK. (That's aimed at you asterisk)
-YOU CAN FREELY POST THAT MANUAL.
There. Are we all settled now?
Nathan Gibney
"Arguing my ass off since 2002!"
#13
You're quite welcome and I understand your enthusiasm for terrain editing. Sorry I can't be of further help on that subject.
@Nathan:
Sorry, Nathan, but I fail to see how me handing out free help is immoral. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I whole-heartedly welcome yours. On the other hand, throwing around false accusations and idle threats I do have a problem with. So I apologize if I came across a bit harsh in my past replies. There are better (more productive) ways to communicate your opinion/feelings.
Look, Nathan, I have nothing to gain from this ... you all do. I think Think Tanks is a great game and BraveTree has fostered a creative, fun community that is blossoming. Growing pains are inevitable and I think that's what is happening here with the editing demand. If people ask for help, I'll give it. If I can level the playing field for everyone, I will. If you'd remember I gave you a hand with your editing problems before FP had even put his wares up for sale. I just expanded upon the long post I gave you and handed it out for free. I think charging people for help is absurd, but that's just my humble opinion. Call me a nice guy. I'm sure Joe and Clark can think of worse names to call me right now. :D Heh.
09/07/2003 (11:26 pm)
@Asterisk:Quote:I am very grateful for the manual tyler but if FP can edit terrain I would love to be able to do that too.
You're quite welcome and I understand your enthusiasm for terrain editing. Sorry I can't be of further help on that subject.
@Nathan:
Quote:Look. I just think it's wrong, and not moral to do this. You already know FP did this.
Sorry, Nathan, but I fail to see how me handing out free help is immoral. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I whole-heartedly welcome yours. On the other hand, throwing around false accusations and idle threats I do have a problem with. So I apologize if I came across a bit harsh in my past replies. There are better (more productive) ways to communicate your opinion/feelings.
Quote:Is this a way to get back at him? To beat him? To make yourself superior?
Maybe he didn't copewrite it. Maybe it's not plagerism. Maybe there's nobody stopping you.
Still. I just don't think its right to post this. FP probably put alot of work into his manual, only to have somebody put one up for free.
Look, Nathan, I have nothing to gain from this ... you all do. I think Think Tanks is a great game and BraveTree has fostered a creative, fun community that is blossoming. Growing pains are inevitable and I think that's what is happening here with the editing demand. If people ask for help, I'll give it. If I can level the playing field for everyone, I will. If you'd remember I gave you a hand with your editing problems before FP had even put his wares up for sale. I just expanded upon the long post I gave you and handed it out for free. I think charging people for help is absurd, but that's just my humble opinion. Call me a nice guy. I'm sure Joe and Clark can think of worse names to call me right now. :D Heh.
#14
- I CAN FREELY POST ANYTHING HERE INCLUDING CALLING YOU A JERK AND/OR MUCH WORSE
- going by what you said "I CAN FREELY POST ANYTHING I WANT HERE WITHOUT BEING CALLED A JERK"
then "TYLER CAN FREELY POST ANYTHING HE WANTS HERE WITHOUT YOU SAYING IT IS IMORAL, WRONG, BEATING SOMEONE, OR MAKING HIM "SUPERIOR" "
I know those two contradict but i think you can probably understand nathan. Besides, I still hold to my point that FP has yet to post here himself and argue for himself you know.
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09/09/2003 (6:23 am)
Nathan, stop being a jerk again lol just kidding this time- I CAN FREELY POST ANYTHING HERE INCLUDING CALLING YOU A JERK AND/OR MUCH WORSE
- going by what you said "I CAN FREELY POST ANYTHING I WANT HERE WITHOUT BEING CALLED A JERK"
then "TYLER CAN FREELY POST ANYTHING HE WANTS HERE WITHOUT YOU SAYING IT IS IMORAL, WRONG, BEATING SOMEONE, OR MAKING HIM "SUPERIOR" "
I know those two contradict but i think you can probably understand nathan. Besides, I still hold to my point that FP has yet to post here himself and argue for himself you know.
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#16
09/09/2003 (5:03 pm)
Oh my....
#17
09/09/2003 (5:04 pm)
TYLER ROXXOR ZCUZ WE DUN WNNA PAY FOR FPS STUPID MANUAL!!!!!!!!!!!
#18
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09/13/2003 (7:53 pm)
Tyler how do you get around the developer's bounding box? Is it the mission area? Please tell me.*
#19
Ppl, im sorry for stirring things up here in the past. I was pretty ticked off, untill you said this:
"FP has not posted here yet to argue"
Or something like that. Yeah. Your're right. If he doesn't care, then it's ok.
BUT WAIT!!!!
I remember telling FP about this a few days ago, and here is what he sayed:
"Who's the F___ing moron doing that?"
Well. Nobody's stopping you.
I'm not, Fp's not. I won't argue, and maybe, JUST MAYBE, i can help you ppl out a bit without yelling again :)
I still think its immoral, but yes. You have the right to post this.
Nathan Gibney
"Arguing my ass off, AND exercising my rights since 2002!"
09/13/2003 (9:24 pm)
Sakilrif, thats just wierd. And not to mention immiture.Ppl, im sorry for stirring things up here in the past. I was pretty ticked off, untill you said this:
"FP has not posted here yet to argue"
Or something like that. Yeah. Your're right. If he doesn't care, then it's ok.
BUT WAIT!!!!
I remember telling FP about this a few days ago, and here is what he sayed:
"Who's the F___ing moron doing that?"
Well. Nobody's stopping you.
I'm not, Fp's not. I won't argue, and maybe, JUST MAYBE, i can help you ppl out a bit without yelling again :)
I still think its immoral, but yes. You have the right to post this.
Nathan Gibney
"Arguing my ass off, AND exercising my rights since 2002!"
Asterisk
g2g post more later it is great thx tyler
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