[TUTORIAL] MSMD: How to Create a Mod (video demo)

Kael · Feb 07, 2008, 01:31 AM

This is the begining of the MSMD series. What I hope is a helpful demo of easy steps to create a Civ4 mod. The audience I am aiming for are all those who would like to make a mod but believe it is to technically challenging. By viewing the steps to do it I am hoping that people realize that it really only takes a few minutes to make a simple mod (and from there they can tweak to their delight).

This forum has tons of fantastic articles on specific processes but I think its hard for new modders to really put all the instructions together in a way that allows them to get started. Once new modders have a foot up with these lessons I hope they go on to make mods and dig into the more detailed guides here on the forum.

Step 1:
     How to Create a Mod

Step 2:
     How to Add a Leader (segment 1/3)
     How to Add a Leader (segment 2/3)
     How to Add a Leader (segment 3/3)

Step 3:
     How to Add Text

Step 4:
     How to Add Audio (segment 1/2)
     How to Add Audio (segment 2/2)

Step 5:
     How to Add a Civilization (segment 1/2)
     How to Add a Civilization (segment 2/2)

If you are having problems with the screen going red while watching the video, it is because your computer is running out of virtual memory. Take note of where you are in the video, refresh your browser and jump back to that point and you should be fine. Sorry for the inconveinance, Abode Captivate isn't the best tool in the world (if you guys know of a better screen capture tool let me know).

woodelf · Feb 07, 2008, 05:18 AM

This is an ambitious and helpful project Kael. Thanks.

gepapado · Feb 07, 2008, 01:07 PM

What do I do if I am a mac user? All these tutorials are for Windows!

Kael · Feb 07, 2008, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gepapado

What do I do if I am a mac user? All these tutorials are for Windows!

The video requires Flash to view, which I believe is available on Mac. Outside of that everything I've gone over should be similiar to the what is required to mod these things on a mac.

snipperrabbit!! · Feb 07, 2008, 03:46 PM

Bookmarking right now !

snipperrabbit!! · Feb 07, 2008, 04:16 PM

hhhhmmm ! Something weird : everything works fine until about 80% of the file played but then I loose sound. Any idea why I get this strange result ?

I played the first three files with same results btw so it's not on a single file.

Kael · Feb 07, 2008, 05:31 PM

Added a new episode "How to Add Text".

Sniperrabbit I havent seen any problems with sound cutting out.

esnaz · Feb 07, 2008, 05:36 PM

This looks great! It should be useful to all future-modders.

moopoo · Feb 07, 2008, 06:36 PM

Could these files be posted as downloadables? My computer slows down to snail's pace whenever i try to watch them

Oh yeah. Great work Kael. these are great

cassembler · Feb 07, 2008, 07:03 PM

Had similar sound & video issues, but I still got the jist of it.

EXCELLENT WORK!!! Now I can finally start modding...

darkedone02 · Feb 07, 2008, 08:08 PM

you got to love the red streams when he try to select anything

Kael · Feb 07, 2008, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkedone02

you got to love the red streams when he try to select anything

That means your computer doesnt have enough virtual memory to display the video. You may want to look at your virtual memory settings.

GarretSidzaka · Feb 07, 2008, 08:32 PM

Thanks Kael!

We are adding this to Modcast, i think

!

3141592 · Feb 07, 2008, 08:39 PM

I get a red screen too, and I have two gigs of memory.

Kael, are you sure the problem isn't on your end. Before the whole screen turns red the CP (I take it stands for capture picture) icon in the lower left hand corner turn the same color red the screen does a few seconds latter.

Kael · Feb 07, 2008, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3141592

I get a red screen too, and I have two gigs of memory.

Kael, are you sure the problem isn't on your end. Before the whole screen turns red the CP (I take it stands for screen capture) icon in the lower left hand corner turn the same color red the screen does a few seconds latter.

Yeap, Ive watched them all all the way through and this is a reported problem with adobe captivate (the screen capture software I use) that causes that (adobe keeps all the fmv in memory instead of switching it out after its been used). I actually didnt have any virtual memory set on my pc so I had the same problem until I set it.

Kael · Feb 07, 2008, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GarretSidzaka

Thanks Kael!

We are adding this to Modcast, i think

!

Thats great news! I'll keep adding to it.

lutzj · Feb 07, 2008, 09:36 PM

Would it be possible to make a smaller version? the 800x600 laptop screen I'm stuck with for now can't really appreciate th full video. Or could I fix that?

Kael · Feb 07, 2008, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lutzj

Would it be possible to make a smaller version? the 800x600 laptop screen I'm stuck with for now can't really appreciate th full video. Or could I fix that?

Probably not, I need 1024x768 because thats the smallest size you can run Civ4 at.

Thunderfall · Feb 07, 2008, 09:49 PM

Kael, perhaps you should offer a DivX version for download. You can use DivX Converter to convert if Adobe Captivate can save to a video format such as MPEG.

EDIT: Just checked... looks like Adobe Captivate can't export to other video formats...

Kael · Feb 07, 2008, 09:58 PM

Yeah, it just exports in flash. Anyone know any other decent screen capture software that doesn't have a significant processor utilization (since im jumping in and out of civ4 I need the capture software to be low bandwidth).

Feb 07, 2008, 01:31 AM	#1
Kael Mod Pimp Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 17,186	MSMD: How to Create a Mod (video demo) This is the begining of the MSMD series. What I hope is a helpful demo of easy steps to create a Civ4 mod. The audience I am aiming for are all those who would like to make a mod but believe it is to technically challenging. By viewing the steps to do it I am hoping that people realize that it really only takes a few minutes to make a simple mod (and from there they can tweak to their delight). This forum has tons of fantastic articles on specific processes but I think its hard for new modders to really put all the instructions together in a way that allows them to get started. Once new modders have a foot up with these lessons I hope they go on to make mods and dig into the more detailed guides here on the forum. Step 1: How to Create a Mod Step 2: How to Add a Leader (segment 1/3) How to Add a Leader (segment 2/3) How to Add a Leader (segment 3/3) Step 3: How to Add Text Step 4: How to Add Audio (segment 1/2) How to Add Audio (segment 2/2) Step 5: How to Add a Civilization (segment 1/2) How to Add a Civilization (segment 2/2) If you are having problems with the screen going red while watching the video, it is because your computer is running out of virtual memory. Take note of where you are in the video, refresh your browser and jump back to that point and you should be fine. Sorry for the inconveinance, Abode Captivate isn't the best tool in the world (if you guys know of a better screen capture tool let me know). __________________ Member of the Fall from Heaven II team with AlazkanAssassin, Chalid, Corlindale, C.Roland, Hexagonian, Loki, Nikis-Knight, Ploeperpengel, SeZereth, Sto, Talchas, White Rabbit, Wilboman and Woodelf (forum) (webpage) Fall from Heaven: Age of Ice (now includes Beyond the Sword) Articles: Modders Guide to BtS, How to Design a Mod Last edited by Kael; Feb 10, 2008 at 11:24 AM.

Feb 07, 2008, 04:16 PM	#6
snipperrabbit!! Deity Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,436	hhhhmmm ! Something weird : everything works fine until about 80% of the file played but then I loose sound. Any idea why I get this strange result ? I played the first three files with same results btw so it's not on a single file. Last edited by snipperrabbit!!; Feb 07, 2008 at 04:21 PM.

Feb 07, 2008, 05:31 PM	#7
Kael Mod Pimp Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 17,186	Added a new episode "How to Add Text". Sniperrabbit I havent seen any problems with sound cutting out. __________________ Member of the Fall from Heaven II team with AlazkanAssassin, Chalid, Corlindale, C.Roland, Hexagonian, Loki, Nikis-Knight, Ploeperpengel, SeZereth, Sto, Talchas, White Rabbit, Wilboman and Woodelf (forum) (webpage) Fall from Heaven: Age of Ice (now includes Beyond the Sword) Articles: Modders Guide to BtS, How to Design a Mod

Feb 07, 2008, 06:36 PM	#9
moopoo Prince Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 576	Could these files be posted as downloadables? My computer slows down to snail's pace whenever i try to watch them Oh yeah. Great work Kael. these are great __________________ I am an Ideas man A new fighting system. A programmer with a bit of spare time would be great A new improvement system. A tech idea. I think it's my best idea yet. Dynamic Traits. You KNOW this is a good idea Check em out

Feb 07, 2008, 07:03 PM	#10
cassembler Warlord Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 154	Had similar sound & video issues, but I still got the jist of it. EXCELLENT WORK!!! Now I can finally start modding... __________________ ‘In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few.’ -Shunryu Suzuki

Feb 07, 2008, 05:18 AM	#2
woodelf Bard Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Gallery Posts: 15,034	This is an ambitious and helpful project Kael. Thanks.

Feb 07, 2008, 01:07 PM	#3
gepapado Chieftain Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 9	What do I do if I am a mac user? All these tutorials are for Windows!

Feb 07, 2008, 03:46 PM	#5
snipperrabbit!! Deity Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,436	Bookmarking right now !

Feb 07, 2008, 05:36 PM	#8
esnaz King Join Date: May 2006 Location: USA Posts: 708	This looks great! It should be useful to all future-modders.

Feb 07, 2008, 08:08 PM	#11
darkedone02 The Suggestor Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Louisville, Kentucky Posts: 1,300	you got to love the red streams when he try to select anything

Feb 07, 2008, 08:32 PM	#13
GarretSidzaka Associate Producer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Arizona Posts: 4,597	Thanks Kael! We are adding this to Modcast, i think ! __________________ ModCastNewest Episode! Beyond the Sword: Road to War Art and Level Design Second Revolution 3.0 Creator

Feb 07, 2008, 08:39 PM	#14
3141592 Warlord Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 287	I get a red screen too, and I have two gigs of memory. Kael, are you sure the problem isn't on your end. Before the whole screen turns red the CP (I take it stands for capture picture) icon in the lower left hand corner turn the same color red the screen does a few seconds latter. Last edited by 3141592; Feb 07, 2008 at 08:52 PM.

Feb 07, 2008, 09:36 PM	#17
lutzj Deep Crow Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: The Nether-Roost Posts: 1,578	Would it be possible to make a smaller version? the 800x600 laptop screen I'm stuck with for now can't really appreciate th full video. Or could I fix that?

Feb 07, 2008, 09:49 PM	#19
Thunderfall Administrator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: NY, USA Posts: 12,603 Images: 1349	Kael, perhaps you should offer a DivX version for download. You can use DivX Converter to convert if Adobe Captivate can save to a video format such as MPEG. EDIT: Just checked... looks like Adobe Captivate can't export to other video formats... __________________ Thunderfall Weight: 1.0 Value: 161 Cast When used Shock Damage 1 to 25 points on Touch Last edited by Thunderfall; Feb 07, 2008 at 09:58 PM.

Feb 07, 2008, 09:58 PM	#20
Kael Mod Pimp Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 17,186	Yeah, it just exports in flash. Anyone know any other decent screen capture software that doesn't have a significant processor utilization (since im jumping in and out of civ4 I need the capture software to be low bandwidth). __________________ Member of the Fall from Heaven II team with AlazkanAssassin, Chalid, Corlindale, C.Roland, Hexagonian, Loki, Nikis-Knight, Ploeperpengel, SeZereth, Sto, Talchas, White Rabbit, Wilboman and Woodelf (forum) (webpage) Fall from Heaven: Age of Ice (now includes Beyond the Sword) Articles: Modders Guide to BtS, How to Design a Mod

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