- Joined
- Oct 5, 2001
- Messages
- 30,085
Starting from WOTM-02, the use of the HOF mod will be compulsory for all Civ 4 GOTMs and WOTMs. It will likely be extended to the next SGOTMs as well, depending on compatability issues.
There are many reasons for making this decision. Firstly, it provides added security to the game, over and above what can be done with simply the 'locked assets' flag.
In terms of game administration, it also greatly simplifies the process. Currently, AlanH has to make a number of tweaks to allow the uploading and validation process to run smoothly. A lot of these issues will be solved by using the HOF mod, as it provides better standardisation, and will better handle such things as non-standard language packs (that have caused a few headaches recently!). It will also remove the need for players to upload the .Civ4Replay file, and reduce the problems of determining final scores. As a result, I think that by moving to the HOF mod, we can get the results processed and delivered much faster (ideally, we will consistently meet our target of 5 days following the close of the event). Further, there are several bug-fixes included in the mod that have not yet made the vanilla patch (eg. the hammer over-run). Compulsory use of the HOF mod fixes this, and ensures that the playing field is level.
For Mac players: We're hoping that this doesn't leave you out-in-the-cold. AlanH is working on making a Mac Mod that is at least compatable with the save files, allowing you to also participate.
I have actually been playing my single-player games using the HOF mod, as I like the extra info that it provides - it provides a real benefit (with similar functionallity to a wonderful program called 'CivAssist' for Civ3 ), so I think it will actually be a good thing to use for that reason. These include better presenation of diplomacy info, alerts on tech discoveries, city growth & unhappiness etc. For those of you wanting to write-up spoilers - which are what the GOTMs are all about, the "autologger" function in it is excellent.
We recognise that not everyone will want to install a mod to be able to play the GOTM, but we have discussed this in staff, and believe that the pros significantly out-weigh the cons.
[EDIT] The mod, together with instructions for installation and configuration, is available HERE
There are many reasons for making this decision. Firstly, it provides added security to the game, over and above what can be done with simply the 'locked assets' flag.
In terms of game administration, it also greatly simplifies the process. Currently, AlanH has to make a number of tweaks to allow the uploading and validation process to run smoothly. A lot of these issues will be solved by using the HOF mod, as it provides better standardisation, and will better handle such things as non-standard language packs (that have caused a few headaches recently!). It will also remove the need for players to upload the .Civ4Replay file, and reduce the problems of determining final scores. As a result, I think that by moving to the HOF mod, we can get the results processed and delivered much faster (ideally, we will consistently meet our target of 5 days following the close of the event). Further, there are several bug-fixes included in the mod that have not yet made the vanilla patch (eg. the hammer over-run). Compulsory use of the HOF mod fixes this, and ensures that the playing field is level.
For Mac players: We're hoping that this doesn't leave you out-in-the-cold. AlanH is working on making a Mac Mod that is at least compatable with the save files, allowing you to also participate.
I have actually been playing my single-player games using the HOF mod, as I like the extra info that it provides - it provides a real benefit (with similar functionallity to a wonderful program called 'CivAssist' for Civ3 ), so I think it will actually be a good thing to use for that reason. These include better presenation of diplomacy info, alerts on tech discoveries, city growth & unhappiness etc. For those of you wanting to write-up spoilers - which are what the GOTMs are all about, the "autologger" function in it is excellent.
We recognise that not everyone will want to install a mod to be able to play the GOTM, but we have discussed this in staff, and believe that the pros significantly out-weigh the cons.
[EDIT] The mod, together with instructions for installation and configuration, is available HERE