My Experience as an Ageod modder

[Leibst]

I want to share with you what have been my experience being a modder of an Ageod game.
Probably I’m not the only who had the idea of some day create my own computer game. But this is a difficult task indeed, so the idea remained in the bottom of my mind for years waiting for the appropriate moment.
In Spring 2012 I saw that moment. Ageod engine brings us the opportunity to mod their games. I had lot of experience with their games and experience with several computer programs. So I started to take my first steps. I read carefully a lot of threads in the modding section of this forum and with the help of Philippe T. and Pocus begun to work in my own map.
What I wanted initially was simple, a small map and a small scenario to see if I was able to make it work. And I did it, but it was hard. The first steps are always the hardest. But Ageod was always there helping.
To create the map is not a difficult task, but it is a task that needs dedication and time. Once you have a map (in bmp format) you can split it in regions with the Exmap tool developed by Ageod. This part is really full of satisfaction as you see your own creation growing day by day.
The step of getting your map inside the game is the hardest part of this. Its really important to understand clearly the different components of the map.
Regions, Areas, Theathers, weather zones… I spent hours trying, testing, fixing errors but one day finally I got it and after that everything became easier.
The design of Ageod games helps a lot in my opinion to understand how they work and where to find each thing (events, graphics, models, units…) Just take a look at the folder of any game you own and you will see it easily.
To change things, data, graphics, UI is easy once you know where to find the data you want to change.
The tools to change/create everything:
Basically during the development of España:1936 I have worked with Excel, Gimp and CSVsplitter. Excel is for all the Data, Regions, Factions, models, units, events. Gimp to create graphics (you can use Photoshop or any other graphic tool). Finally CSVSplitter is a tool developed by Ageod to transform the excel files into scripts and other type of files used in the game.
As all the files of previous Ageod games are available it’s easy to take a look at them and see how things are designed, it’s even funny (at least for me).

Initially as many of you know España:1936 was only a mod over RUS, but as things begun to go well Ageod became interested in an official release as a game not as a mod and of course I was. So work continued and with the help of many people (I have knew really nice people in all this time) España:1936 became a reality. I’m very happy with this experience and I’m very grateful to the community of people that reads this forum, this support was critical to continue each day with the project. Another interesting part is that you will earn some money, that was never the goal but believe me that in some parts of the project you feel really working so money are welcome at the end of all. The real prize is to see your game on the shop together with AJE, WiA etc...

If you are interested in modding Ageod games I encourage you to give it a try. There are many people willing to help, including me.
I recommend to start with something easy like changing something in an scenario. Ageod bring us lots of excel files of their games available in the forum.

[Altaris]

I highly second Leib's statements here. AGEOD is a lot of fun to mod with, the script commands are for the most part very intuitive and easy to use, and it's quite a bit of fun to boot. For new modders, I'd recommend keeping your scope small and simply working on modifications to existing game/scenarios, you'll know when you've reached a proficiency level to jump into bigger things.

I've been modding in AGEOD for roughly 3 years now, and I still find it enjoyable.

[Pocus]

Hi,

Nice post of your Miguel, I'm moving it to General discussions if you don't mind.

[Kensai]

I have made two minor mods myself and was quite happy. Did it all manually though. Do you think we should create a page where we elaborate a little bit more how to use the various tools for newcomers? With examples, possibly.

Nice work, Leib!

[Pocus]

The general modding discussions forum can surely benefit from that, the previous docs are starting to get old.

[Leibst]

Maybe we could start by parts

[anjou]

This is a nice development. Ive been modding a bit for the past months and really like how things are going but there's a lot to understand