Need civ4 gamers/developers to answer few questions

[Kia11]

Hey Guys,

Although I can infer the answer to it from some of the replies I've received I just want to make sure i'm right about your motivations.

If those of you who have previously replied could please reply to this :

WHY do you take spend your time and effort into developing an idea on how to make the game better and/or developing some user-generated content?

(this has nothing to do with sharing that idea but rather your initial personal motivation on why you decide to do the above)

[Unimatrix11]

So principally: ´Why do you mod ?´

[Kia11]

Originally posted by Unimatrix11
So principally: ´Why do you mod ?´

Well two aspects really:

Why you...
1) Develop new ideas for improving the game
2) Develop new user-generated content for the game

Modding would fall under the second category.

Not all users have the technical knowledge to do modding but they can still contribute valuable ideas on how the game can be improved. The gaming publisher can take note of both ideas and user-generated content (modding included) and be inspired for future product developments or incorporating ideas/content provided by the gaming community users.

[LDiCesare]

Not all users have the technical knowledge to do modding but they can still contribute valuable ideas on how the game can be improved.

Although this is true, editing an xml file is pretty simple, and creating a new map too (my daughter does it), so I dare say that everyone can learn at least some of the skills.

I develop new user content because I find the game more interesting with that new content.

[Kia11]

Originally posted by LDiCesare

Although this is true, editing an xml file is pretty simple, and creating a new map too (my daughter does it), so I dare say that everyone can learn at least some of the skills.

I develop new user content because I find the game more interesting with that new content.

Yes you're right on that. Depending on your modding knowledge (expertise in different software) you can personalize the content to a greater extent.

[Kia11]

Hey guys!

I am almost finished with writing up my dissertation - my deadline is this coming week.

One last request from you that I have is if you could share any screenshots of you using toolkits provided by gaming publishers in creating user-generated content. I'm looking for screenshots of both when you are modifying game code and of more simpler methods such as creating maps through drag and drop features... i'd like to include these screenshots in my appendices to support how gamers create user-generated content, share it with the community, and why gaming companies should take note of such content.

Please either upload them on here or contact me through email ASAP!

Thanks!

[LDiCesare]

I'm not sure what you expect, but here is a screenshot of what I use 99% of the time when modding...
Sorry menus and the 'Search has reached bottom' thing are in French.

[Kia11]

Hey LD,

Yes I was looking for something exactly like this. What is the name of software that is being used? Is this just a regular notepad document or is it some specific software which allwos you to edit the game code?

[LDiCesare]

It's gvim, see http://www.vim.org
I could also use notepad except gvim has, well, lots more functionalities (like highlighting syntax, as visible on the screenshoy). For details about gvim, check the usenet for flamewars between vi and emacs users.

[Blaupanzer]

Is this study all wrapped?

[Fleme]

I was also curious of that. Seems like an ok topic, atleast something that would keep me interested if I was doing it myself. Seeing how the responses are from over a month back I will not answer the questions unless Kia11 still needs more material.

[Kia11]

Hey guys,

Just wanted to thank you all and let you know that my dissertation went well. If any of you where kind enough to help me out by sharing your insights would like to receive a copy of it please send me a pm with your email address and I will make sure you receive one.

[Blaupanzer]

Originally posted by Kia11
Hey guys,

Just wanted to thank you all and let you know that my dissertation went well.

[Blaupanzer]

dp