Call to arms: Figure out a way to get mods to pick up changes in ArtDefines

[lemmy101]

Obviously this works fine with units/unitmembers art defines. Thing is I've not managed to get it to register any changes in civ5artdefines_landmarks.xml or civ5artdefines_wonders.xml whatever I do.

Frustratingly, this seems to be the last thing stopping us from getting wonders, resources, terrain, natural wonders, improvement mods in the game.

So anyone who can help would be much appreciated!

 

[JeBuS27]

They aren't loaded into the database. Which probably means we can't do anything to affect them without changing the exe or its dependencies that deal with loading that data. Units and Landmarks are part of the db, thus why changes in XML are effective.

 

[lemmy101]

Units and Landmarks are part of the db, thus why changes in XML are effective.

They're not though. At least it certainly appears not.

Units / UnitMembers artdefines resides in the resources directory, does not require a DB action in the mod options, and furthermore are not modular like all other XML files. All this points to them not being part of the database system and being overridden in the same way as textures or anything else.

Also as I said above, landmarks are one of those that don't work. ;D only units / unitmembers seem to thus far.

 

[JeBuS27]

But I'm looking at the data in the database, and Units and Landmarks are definitely there.

 

[lemmy101]

the actual artdefines? are you sure you don't mean the game data side of them?

as in, for the units:

<UnitMemberArtInfo>
    <Type>ART_DEF_UNIT_MEMBER_WARRIOR</Type>
    <fScale>0.14</fScale>
    <Granny>Assets/Units/Warrior/Warrior.fxsxml</Granny>
    <Combat>
      <Defaults>ART_DEF_TEMPLATE_WARRIOR</Defaults>
    </Combat>
    <MaterialTypeTag>CLOTH</MaterialTypeTag>
    <MaterialTypeSoundOverrideTag>FLESH</MaterialTypeSoundOverrideTag>
  </UnitMemberArtInfo>

you can see that specific information?

M

 

[JeBuS27]

Well, for example, the table ArtDefine_UnitMemberInfos contains Type, Scale, Model, MaterialTypeTag, and MaterialTypeSoundOverrideTag.

 

[lemmy101]

Hmm that's odd. You'd think they would behave in remotely the same way as the gameplay xml if they were in the database too.

And for that matter, the other artdefines which share a lot in common with them would need to be in the database too to function.

May I ask what software you're using to look at the db? that sounds quite handy.

 

[JeBuS27]

The tool I use is linked to in this thread: http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=386494

I'm surprised you've gotten as far as you have without looking at the database.

 

[lemmy101]

Cheers

 

[JeBuS27]

Perhaps if the XML for units isn't modularly being read into the database, you could try using SQL commands to insert the data instead. But again, this will only work for those items that already have tables defined in the database.

 

[lemmy101]

The problem seems to be that the art is loaded before the mods are, so unless you have the 'reload X system' as a mod option then you have no chance.

Strangely though, there IS a 'reload landmark system' option, but it seems to do nothing. It seem landmark art defines remain unmoddable despite it being ticked.

Bleh.

Will try an SQL add but I would assume the 'reload X system' will occur before the database actions in your mod are performed. Perhaps not.... I'm doubtful it'll work though.

EDIT: Nope. Replaced EVERY landmark in the database to point to the modern citadel model, no change in game. Confirmed with the db viewer that the entries all changed successfully.

This pretty much wraps it up. Buildings, wonders, resources, improvements, natural wonders, terrain, all completely impossible in the current game. Poosticks.

 

[poncratias]

Great threat, this is a BIG modding issue!!!

That's exactly the problem I encountered: ticking the "reload landmark" option seems to do NOTHING.

Also it's annoying that all the xml stuff is modular, but units and landmarks art defines are not!

WHY that??

Maybe you could get in contact with the guy at the mod wiki, who seems to be responsible for all the modbuddy stuff?

 

[lemmy101]

I've already posted regarding it in the ModBuddy talk page, but no reply yet.

 

[poncratias]

Can't you just hack it?

 

[lemmy101]

Nope.

Been taking time out to do some lua modding today. I'm getting SICK of all the roadblocks up wherever we go trying to mod anything. I'm actually bloody angry now. I almost feel like Firaxis are back at HQ going 'OH NO, THEY'VE MANAGED TO MOD X DESPITE ALL OUR EFFORTS TO STOP THEM'

 

[poncratias]

WTH??! They said they want Civ V to be totally moddable....

 

[Afforess]

WTH??! They said they want Civ V to be totally moddable....

They failed to specify WHO it would be moddable for. I am starting to agree with the DLC conspiracy theorists.

 

[The_J]

...then it's time for the next rant thread.
But please keep it civil.

 

[Justicex]

I'd say, let's give Firaxis a break. They've got enough on their plates trying to keep people from using thier Civ disks as coasters. We know that once the furor dies down, us modders will be shown the love

 

[Afforess]

At least you have a disc to use as a coaster.