What is a MOD?

[No.54_Reddog]

Please forgive my ignorance, I'm not familiar with modding in IL2 or RoF. I'm much more conversant with mods in ARMA which can encompass anything from a script file to new weapons, uniforms, vehicles, terrain, sound or effects to GUI elements and gameplay changes including AI.

 

In the context of IL2, what I think I am seeing is that mods are restricted to essentially aesthetic changes? Would it be fair to say that adding new content, such as a new aircraft model (not necessarily flyable) or a truck or indeed a new terrain/map is not possible without additional tools or access granted by 1C?

[AndyJWest]

For an idea of what can and cannot be done in BoX modes, see this post and the next one: 

https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/34999-mod-wish-list/?page=2&tab=comments#comment-604031

 

In brief, mostly cosmetics, though it is possible to do some other things that don't involve modifying the code. Maps can be done (one already has been), though they require a lot of work. The developers have made it clear that they aren't going to enable flyable aircraft mods. Unsurprising really, since continuing development is funded by them selling new aircraft.

[No.54_Reddog]

Thanks. It's maps which interest me primarily and I imagine most things of this nature are not simple to achieve. I can completely understand the aircraft being off limits although it's disappointing as I know some aircraft which will never get any attention from the 1C devs for purely commercial reasons which makes sense but an enthusiastic amateur could bring it into the game. But that's a no and I completely understand.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

1 hour ago, AndyJWest said:

Maps can be done (one already has been), though they require a lot of work.

There are texture mods for existing maps. As far as I'm aware, no new maps have been added though mods. 

[AndyJWest]

41 minutes ago, Mitthrawnuruodo said:

There are texture mods for existing maps. As far as I'm aware, no new maps have been added though mods. 

 

The Velikie Luki map was developed by modders.

[sniperton]

11 minutes ago, AndyJWest said:

 

The Velikie Luki map was developed by modders.

3rd party guys and modders are not to be confused IMO. 3rd party developers have access to official development tools and are provided with the necessary know-how by the devs. Modders are not supported that way.

[AndyJWest]

1 minute ago, sniperton said:

3rd party guys and modders are not to be confused IMO. 3rd party developers have access to official development tools and are provided with the necessary know-how by the devs. Modders are not supported that way.

 

The team that produced the Velikie Luki map weren't 'third party developers', as far as I'm aware. I'm fairly certain they did the work for free.

[sniperton]

I mean what makes the difference is not whether you're paid or not, but whether you're actively supported or not. I'm pretty sure they were given the tools to make that map, and they were instructed how to make that map, but this is exactly what a modder can't expect until some SDK is released. At the moment you can't make a new map, you can only edit texture files to modify existing maps.

[AndyJWest]

How exactly does any of this relate to the question the OP asked? He wanted to know what was possible. I stated that maps could be done, because one already had been. I also stated that it took a lot of work. Both statements are true. Inventing definitions of what is or isn't 'modding' is a pointless exercise, given the wide degree of variation modders can expect from game  developers in the way of support. Anyone proposing to make a new BoX map will presumably have the sense to investigate for themselves what help (if any) is available.

[sniperton]

Sorry, mate, I didn't want to be a smart-ass, my only intention was to point out that currently you or me or any modder not actively supported by the devs 'can't make a new map, you can only edit texture files to modify existing maps'. The same applies to planes, vehicles, objects, etc. And yes, it would be a lot of work, even if someone is given access to the development tools.

[No.54_Reddog]

Thanks. I think both answers have been useful. Clearly without active support or tools it's going to be potentially near impossible to create a map and even with those which I'm sure will only be given out sparingly it will take a significant amount of work.