Thread: Somewhat of an introduction...

Hi everyone! I've been kind of lurking around and thought I'd make my little introductory post. I'm terrible at speeches, so I'll try to save you guys from the boredom.

I'm terribly obsessed with Knights of the Old Republic 1 and 2. I actually still play the games on my PC. I still have the Xbox discs and play on there from time to time, but usually I quit because I get irritated with all of the sound glitches.

Anyway, I must admit-- I wasn't thrilled when I heard that they were making the new Knights of the Old Republic into an MMO. It's mostly because I've spent so many hours on another game, I really don't know if I can invest so much time into this one.

So nowadays, I spend my time writing. Also, I'm currently working on a mod for The Sith Lords.

Other than being into Star Wars, I like football and hockey. I am a freelance writer and web developer/admin. I like super sugary drinks from Starbucks (not their regular coffee, but the extra insanely sugar shock type of drinks).

Okay wow, that was insanely long. I didn't expect to ramble so much. Anyway, that is basically me.

So, hi JediTank!

Glad to see you finally came around and posted with us If I might ask, what kind of mods are you working on (or have made)? I play a lot of KoTOR 1/2, but have yet to use any type of modification.

I hope you find the time to play this game when it comes out, it's going to be amazing!

I'm working on the dialogue and side-quests for Revenge of Revan. We're keeping it in 'canon' with TOR, but with the way it's set-up, you can set the story the way you selected your characters in K1 and TSL. For instance, LS female Revan and DS male Exile. Depending on what you pick, certain characters/quests will or won't be in the game.

For example, if you were a dark side Revan in K1, in RoR, it's assumed that Jolee, Juhani, Zaalbar, and Mission were killed off.

Here's some info on it: [tsl] KOTOR: Revenge of Revan - LucasForums

We've been working on the demo and it should be released by the end of next month/early April.

The only things I've worked on have been dialogue and a little with building a zone. I still have a lot to learn, but it's a lot of fun. I'd really like to learn how to skin because I have some cool ideas for characters and armor.

That's kind of awesome. What exactly are you able to do in modding? It sounds like a whole new game is being written, more than just a mod anyway. Does LucasArts give you guys some sort of framework to work with?

It's a total conversion mod for The Sith Lords. It's an entire new story that takes place around 13 years (can't remember) after K1. Because it's a total conversion mod, you won't be able to play The Sith Lords and this mod at the same time. Right now, the demo is sitting at 3hrs of game play.

As for LucasArts, it's not an official mod or anything. We don't have licenses or anything like that. There are a lot of tools out there for modding, as well as official documentation to help you understand the coding and the framework of the game engine. You're allowed to make mods as long as they're not for sale.

Also, you are not allowed to port files from another game. For example, bringing Mission's character into TSL. You *can* put her in TSL, but you would have to make everything from scratch. You can't just take her data files, her model, face, etc. and place it in the game.

Hope that makes some sense.

So what you are saying, is they allow you to make a game based off of the engine, you just can't use any of the characters. Again, that is awesome. If only I had time to really get something working, I would love to work on a mod myself (I used to be a programming major with a focus on game development and physics...).

No, you can use the characters. However, you can't just take files from K1 and then place them into TSL.

And of course, there's the disclaimers and whatnot because we're not associated with LucasArts, LucasFilm, and all of that.

Yeah, I can understand that part *points at the footer*.

LOL

Anyway, it's a lot of fun seeing how a game is put together. It has a huge learning curve (which I'm still working on), but things like writing journal entries and datapads are exciting for me.

To each their own. One of my first jobs in the gaming industry was for an overly ambitious developer who wanted to make an MMO. I was a writer, as well as the web developer (it's funny how many programmers refuse to learn web development, considering the obvious similarities), trying to work my way into a programming job. My primary task was to do just what you are describing, write journal logs, scenes and speeches, etcetera. Hated every minute of it and was more than pleased when the job was cancelled I'm not saying I don't enjoy writing, but writing things like that is just so tedious.

Welcome, JediExile! It's always good to see new faces, it seems like me and JD are the only ones really talking it up on here anymore

I'm working on the programming part. I've found that this (TSL) isn't too different from C++. There's a lot to be learned, but basically boils down to time management. :/

I don't mind the journal logs and dialogue. I feel that storyline is what really makes the game. And building up the characters, backgrounds, etc.

And thanks for the kind welcome DV! I'll be around. I like the forum.

I really need to download the framework and spend a day or so toying with it. I've been looking for a fun new project that isn't a website or something of that nature, but a game (be it a php game, or pulling out one of my XNA books and trying to pick that framework up again.

No kidding! I'm actually studying XNA right now. It's a lot to take in, but I love it. I would love to be able to make my own indie game some day. Unfortunately, I'm lacking on ideas. Check this out if you're interested in learning more: XNA 4.0 2011 Workshop - GameDev.net

It's a free online workshop. I've been following along with it.

I haven't been to GameDev.net in a long time. My name is Joshuad. I might be making a trip out there later on.

Originally Posted by JediExile

Also, you are not allowed to port files from another game. For example, bringing Mission's character into TSL. You *can* put her in TSL, but you would have to make everything from scratch. You can't just take her data files, her model, face, etc. and place it in the game.

Makes sence. The 2 games were developed by 2 different company's. I don't think Bioware would like their work being used for a game developed by Obsidian, even if it's for a player created mod.

Welcome on the forums though. Good to see more Kotor fans here.

All this programming talk is way over my head What ever happened to just a simply 'howdy do'?

Well, in that case...howdy do, guys? :P

Haha, pardon DV, he's a bit 'slow'

Originally Posted by JediExile

Well, in that case...howdy do, guys? :P

Much easier to translate Welcome again! And congrats on staff, you moved up quick!

Originally Posted by jd-inflames

Haha, pardon DV, he's a bit 'slow'

Youre a douche