Modding the Instant Action Screen
 

Which files need to be modded to change the layout of the instant action (game setup) screen.

Are there any tutorials out there on this topic.

Re: Modding the Instant Action Screen
 

I'm not sure the layout can be changed, the images are in the bitmaps/mutisetup

There is however every chance the layout can be changed, if it is possible, it would probably be in a gui_xxxxxxx.CFG file, which are located in the misc folder, I skimed the generic ones really quickly and didn't find anything, but all the in game GUIs are contained there so it is logical that the pre-game setup ones could be too.

Re: Modding the Instant Action Screen
 

I don't believe the instant action layout can be changed, as Ryan mentioned, and as I just double checked, the misc folder seems to contain only the layouts for the various races.

Also, double checking that recent FO news piece about the new game menus it doesn't look like they were able to alter the layout of the instant action menu...

The textures are fair game though, I know Freyr's made one, and there are probably others out there... or ones being made for mods.

Re: Modding the Instant Action Screen
 

I believe that the layout is hardcoded, and the A2 EULA specifically forbids changes to the executable so we can't change this.

Re: Modding the Instant Action Screen
 

Forbids changes? I've seen it changed several times especially in fleetops, lol

But on the point, you can still do a lot of image changes and make it appear very different (as Fleetops does)

Re: Modding the Instant Action Screen
 

Yes, its fairly specific on this point especially with the definitions of the program contained in the first paragraph. Unlike other areas of the license there are no holes.

This is varied slightly by the "PROGRAM UTILITIES" license which actually creates rights that were otherwise revoked by the EULA. It allows us to create "new game materials" under certain conditions, however it is specifically stated in paragraph four that new game materials shall not modify certain files, including the executable.

Re: Modding the Instant Action Screen
 

The Fleet Operations Team are in trouble if what you say is true Freyr. For they have a modified .exe file. Do they not?

Likewise, in regards to changing the opening introduction, and the menus and such. I've had some experience (am changing them for Zero Hour). One thing I will tell you, it is bloody tedious work.

Re: Modding the Instant Action Screen
 

Fleet Operations is as forbidden as the inofficial milkshape sod importer/exporter is.

Re: Modding the Instant Action Screen
 

Maybe the milkshape converter is illegal, although I haven't seen where it is written that producing a program that can convert models for the game is wrong so I doubt it is. Even if it is wrong, just because a man walks down a street and robs a shop doesn't give everyone else a right to. (ie: it doesn't make you any more right.)

edit: I've just realised we are disgressing a little from the main point with an argument we'vew had a hundred times before.

Re: Modding the Instant Action Screen
 

Difference between inoffical and illegal ;)

Anyhow, please can we remain on-topic. If *another* thread needs to be made about Fleet Ops that can be done in a non-flaming manner, then we (me and Tycoon) may permit one, otherwise, please desist (on both sides). If another thread needs to be made regarding the do's and dont's of the EULA, then so-be-it, but not here. Thank you :)

Re: Modding the Instant Action Screen
 

i am sorry, my point was that the milkshape exporter was more or less created by reverse engeneering as are aspects of fleet operations. (as someone tried to start a discussion about fleetops=forbidden).

yes, the instant action is changeable to an extent through reverse engeneering too - but not through the files provides by mad doc. notice the fonts on the instant action screen on the screenshots i recently posted - their color are changed to white, usually they are yellow, a few control positions are changed to, we just didn't have had the time for a full redesign of the instant action screen and saw no real reason to do it.
i promised that we are releasing some tutorials or universal loader files in the future providing those things to be easily mod these as you would change values in the odf files (making even more ingame changes possibile with a game optimations and fixes). i just can't tell you when that will be as time is still the limiting factor and what we want to finish first is fleet operations.