Hi there!
I'm the guy currently modding "Commander: The Great War" with my "Potzblitz" mod which is my first step into modding ever as the developers were so kind to release the scripts in unencrypted form.
CTGW uses LUA for scripting purposes so I first had to get my head about the basics of LUA which was not
that hard for i've been doing some sporadic coding since I had my Commodore64 homecomputer back in the 80ies. Anyone with a basic understanding of how a program works should be able to understand LUA in my opinion.
Modding the game has been both a great pleasure and pain at the same time, and I had some help to get me going from fellow forum members. My design philosophy is not to add more graphics, sounds or variety of units but rather to improve upon the possibilities of twists and turns the course of the First World War could have taken if certain conditions were met.
1) Are you satisfied with Slitherine's modding support?
Well, you released the CTGW scripts in unencrypted form which of course was mandatory to mod the game to begin with. Later the AI files were also released in unencrypted form which was even more helpful. Though by reading the comments in the scripts it's obvious to see the AI was nowhere near at being completed and in some parts even partly dysfunctional. I applaud your obligingness and courage(?) to release those files at all.
2) How do you think it could be improved?
It would have been very helpful if at least some of the original coders of CTGW were still around which is apparently not the case anymore. Also a map-editor was announced but never released which severely hampers modding the game. This is sad but perfectly understandable since the game is quite old by now.
3) What Slitherine games have you played with mods and scenarios?
Only CTGW since WW1 is my favourite topic.
4) Was it a positive experience?
As I've already said it was both a joy and total frustration trying to mod the game. The satisfaction you get when something you coded is actually working at last is outweighing the hours of trials & errors by far in my opinion. Positive feedback from players is an additional motivator to keep me going even if the community has probably shrinked to about a dozen of players.
5) What Slitherine game would you say has the best modding community?
I have no clue to be honest, but I'd guess the game with the largest community. PanzerCorps maybe, don't know if it's moddable though.
6) What is your favourite mod for a Slitherine game?
CTGW Potzblitz-Mod for sure. It's a love (and sometimes hate) affair.
Best regards!
Hopefully my views are at least somewhat useful though.
