Why is there no "mods on" mode for CLoD?

[354thFG_Drewm3i-VR]

A serious question I have always wondered about...it seems to me with the limitations of Team Fusion (i.e. skillfull hobbyists and not full-time developers), despite their wonderful work is why not allow modders to help contribute and speed along development in CLoD? There are still two large modding communities in SAS 1946 and IL2FreeModding that are still actively developing IL-2 1946, despite the vast majority of those folks longing for a much more modern and better platform to help develop.

 

While I do think GB takes a good approach to modding generally and that FMs and DMs are better left off limits (especially for online play), it seems to me that modders could really help improve CLoD or even add new maps, textures, sounds, 3d meshes, effects, and fix certain quirks that turn people off to CLoD.  I do not see why this could not be done with a "mods on" mode, where content that is deemed good enough could eventually be patched into the game in updates with the permission of the mod creator like GB did with the 4k cockpits. It seems that this would speed along development and benefit both TF and the flight sim community. I do realize TF reached out to those 1946 places a long time ago to recruit, but perhaps it is time to do so again. Please don't think this comes off as ungrateful...I am very happy with Tobruk and the planned updates to the engine and graphics (vr and truesky), but I do wish that there was more entusiasm and active community development and involvement like there was with 1946 and even when TF began to "mod" and fix CLoD in the first place.

 

[Enceladus828]

It looks like that if modders want to add maps, textures, and such, they have to join Team Fusion.

[Buzzsaw]

If we opened the game to modders, then the security of online play would be compromised.

 

That was the situation with the original game prior to TF forming and releasing our independent mods.

 

Hackers had a program which allowed them to create UFO level performance or laser powered weapons.

 

The online servers were a carnival of hackers.

 

We want to avoid a repeat of that type of disaster at all costs... but if at some point we can create a system whereby singleplayer modders can add their own mods without jeopardizing security we will do that.

[354thFG_Drewm3i-VR]

2 hours ago, Buzzsaw said:

If we opened the game to modders, then the security of online play would be compromised.

 

That was the situation with the original game prior to TF forming and releasing our independent mods.

 

Hackers had a program which allowed them to create UFO level performance or laser powered weapons.

 

The online servers were a carnival of hackers.

 

We want to avoid a repeat of that type of disaster at all costs... but if at some point we can create a system whereby singleplayer modders can add their own mods without jeopardizing security we will do that.

Thanks for the info Buzzsaw! I do think the nodding community could add a lot to what TF is building and help speed/refine development as it has in 1946. Obviously they can't happen at the expense of the game integrity, but maybe some day we can have modding ability like in DCS or GB. The only thing that I would like to see more of in those sims is more developer integration of well proven mods into the core game, like MayBug's beautiful Moscow retextures for example.

[Mysticpuma]

A system like BoX would be perfect, Mods on, Mods off. Can't join servers if they don't allow mods on

[Buzzsaw]

Unlike the other Development teams you mention, Team Fusion is community based and open to outside people joining.

 

If you have the skills and knowledge to create professional quality new features for the game, TF is open to have you join us.

[Angry_Kitten]

modding is a bane of contention in the long run .   Proven so with Box. 

 

The that matters is that the community CAN help.  But as I asked and suggested once, there isnt much interest in having the communities 3d designers churn out 3d models of things as we may not know the exact requirements for how the finished model is supposed to WORK in the game. 

 

Meaning, doing a plane model of a plane and having the assembled final 3d object have everything perfectly done, have the propeller spinning freely in the radial engine, all the surfaces work, etc. May not be enough if we dont know how the parts are supposed to inter relate with each other in the game engine. 

 

And some like myself who has enough time at night to do serious help, just dont have the ability to do, as I at least dont have any 3d software and just cant make the commitment to buy a design program without financial gain.

[354thFG_Drewm3i-VR]

5 hours ago, Buzzsaw said:

Unlike the other Development teams you mention, Team Fusion is community based and open to outside people joining.

 

If you have the skills and knowledge to create professional quality new features for the game, TF is open to have you join us.

I wish I had the technical knowledge to be able to help TF, but my expertise and professional experience lies elsewhere in writing, marketing, and conducting historical and academic  research. Perhaps this would suit me towards a PR, testing, or campaign/mission building type of role. I will say I am very excited to dive back in to CLoD once vr is natively integrated and would happily volunteer to help test it for launch.