What happens in MP with an altered equipment file?

[the_iron_duke]

I'm making a multiplayer scenario and want to re-assign the various Sherman tank images in the equipment file (.pzeqp) as they are incorrect. It is a case of swapping the allocated images rather than introducing new images or altering existing ones.

Will this work for MP? What are the implications?

Thanks in advance.

[the_iron_duke]

I'm sure someone must know the answer to this. To simplify things I have turned the question into a multiple choice, so all I need for an answer is one letter.

A - I change the assigned images in the .pzeqp file and the scenario doesn't work in multiplayer (and possibly my computer explodes).

B - I change the assigned images in the .pzeqp file and set up a game. The scenario plays but my opponent sees the images as they are assigned in the original unaltered .pzeqp file (on his computer as game guest).

C - I change the assigned images in the .pzeqp file and set up a game. The scenario plays and my opponent sees the images as they are assigned in the altered .pzeqp file (on my computer as game host).

[ThvN]

To be honest, I am not sure what will happen. I know the game warns when the opponent is using modified game files, but other than that I don't really know much about MP and mods.

I don't think the modified image files will be sent to the other side, so I'm picking B.

My theory is that the game just sends over the unit ID and uses the stats of the side that is currently playing the turn locally (the 'active' side). If the unit ID is found, it uses the settings found in the local ('active') equipment file, and if after sending over the turn to the opponent, no matching ID is found because of a modded equipment file, an error is generated (but again, this is all theory).

But since I'm curious as well, perhaps it might be an idea just to try it out? I'm on GMT +1, and I'm going for a nice sleep after a busy day shortly, but we could just set up a game sometime and see what happens? I'm currently running an unmodded equipment file because I'm doing an MP game with a friend of mine, so there should be no funny business on my side that affects things.

[Razz1]

You can not change the image as the other player won't have them.

The game will CTD after the player buys it and trys to use it or if you have a unit ant the player can see it move or it engages his units.

This is why we have the GME

[the_iron_duke]

Thanks, could try and check it out some time.

Just to reiterate, I'm not talking about adding new unit graphics, just reassigning existing ones by changing the text in the equipment file to images already there within the game.

I'll check out the Generic Mod Enabler, anyway.

[Razz1]

If that is the case, it only works for you.

So if you assign the sherman an infantry icon and the infantry icon as a sherman... it only works for you/

[bebro]

Can't you just distribute the altered file to everyone you MP with? Just an assumption - but wouldn't that work?

[the_iron_duke]

Can't you just distribute the altered file to everyone you MP with? Just an assumption - but wouldn't that work?

That is what I was thinking of perhaps doing, although it does make things slightly more complicated. Also, I don't know if it would affect other multiplayer games (that wouldn't be using the affected units). One might have to swap equipment files when playing different games against different opponents.

Another option would be to fix the Sherman graphics for the next patch. This would involve resizing a couple of the images and reassigning the allocated images in the equipment file. It is also actually quite easy to lift a whole turret off one image and place it on another tank chassis and create a new Sherman model (I just tried). It is only complicated by the additional large view of the unit you get in the right pane of the purchase screen, which I can't find the images for in the Panzer corps files.

[ThvN]

Also, I don't know if it would affect other multiplayer games (that wouldn't be using the affected units). One might have to swap equipment files when playing different games against different opponents.

If an MP game doesn't use the unit, I guess the other player will still get the 'modded content' warning because of the altered file, and it will be difficult to keep track once you start changing things. I have been working on-and-off on a mod, but I swapped the eqp file back everytime when starting up for multiplayer, to prevent problems.

Another option would be to fix the Sherman graphics for the next patch. This would involve resizing a couple of the images and reassigning the allocated images in the equipment file. It is also actually quite easy to lift a whole turret off one image and place it on another tank chassis and create a new Sherman model (I just tried).

Yep, that's the easy part, modding the graphics can be quite simple. Getting new official graphics made and implemented is a bit more difficult. I spend several DLC beta tests, starting from Afrika Korps, arguing that the American towed anti-tank guns should have different images (that were already used in the game!). It has been changed now, but it wasn't easy.

During the Allied Corps beta, there was an interesting discussion by veteran beta-testers about the Shermans and other hardware, but it didn't influence much, although the Valentine tank now has move 4, but that has an important effect on gameplay (with 3 it can't enter bocage I think). So I think your proposal has a near-zero chance of succeeding, to be honest. Not saying it is a bad idea, as I have altered the graphics myself, but just to explain how difficult it can be.

This is also one of the big pitfalls when modding things: once you start somewhere, is can snowball out of control and your original design constraints become handicaps. You end up doing a lot of extra work for little gain, especially if you are a perfectionist.

It is only complicated by the additional large view of the unit you get in the right pane of the purchase screen, which I can't find the images for in the Panzer corps files.

Have a look in \Panzer Corps\UI\bigunits Note there are no bigunits images for the desert versions. Note: if you really want something modded in particular, have a look around the forum, chances are it has been done before.

[the_iron_duke]

You end up doing a lot of extra work for little gain, especially if you are a perfectionist.

I am a perfectionist, and if you are one there is no such thing as "little gain".

It's probably easiest just to not make a scenario for the U.S.

[ThvN]

I'm a bit of a perfectionist as well... Well, actually I can be a huge perfectionist.

I was missing the Panzer 35(t) from Panzer General, so I made my own icon. Than I made more ground-firing versions of AAA guns, some animations to go with them, and things got a bit out of hand at some point. My apologies, I didn't try to say that you shouldn't do it, just don't let your modding get frustrated over 'little things'.

BTW, I can probably make a decent Sherman icon, I have been busy with work lately, but a little hobby project to get my mind somewhere else is always nice.