Release the Foundation Engine SDK for the trilogy

[Gh0stBlade]

Also, I don't think some of you understand the Engine to the extent I do (not to be condescending). The point of me saying that is, an SDK is not really possible and/or a stable solution. As mentioned in my previous post, most of the engine and game classes are serialised from DRM files which would mean any change to that said class means a new SDK is required and all tools will need to be recompiled to support the new class data. Not only that but in relation to what I just mentioned, you'd need the source version of the said game (using official tools) to even add new content seamlessly. You'd need the source version because adding new content requires knowledge of existing assets.

Edit:

Originally Posted by Halston

Someone mentioned a repacker for modding the game, but I was referring to releasing the actual tools used to build the game itself. They can remove anything that they feel uncomfortable giving out, like in-house specific options. The new engine's SDK was built for user-friendly design and for possible public release (as stated by Crystal Dynamics around 2013). It's a shame that it never happened, and I doubt they'd put literally any extra time into making that happen and maintaining it post-release. Wishful thinking, though.

What you are asking for is way too much. An uncooked version of Shadow of the Tomb Raider will never be available to the public unfortunately.

Cheers.

[Halston]

Originally Posted by Gh0stBlade

Also, I don't think some of you understand the Engine to the extent I do (not to be condescending). The point of me saying that is, an SDK is not really possible and/or a stable solution. As mentioned in my previous post, most of the engine and game classes are serialised from DRM files which would mean any change to that said class means a new SDK is required and all tools will need to be recompiled to support the new class data. Not only that but in relation to what I just mentioned, you'd need the source version of the said game (using official tools) to even add new content seamlessly. You'd need the source version because adding new content requires knowledge of existing assets.

Edit:



What you are asking for is way too much. An uncooked version of Shadow of the Tomb Raider will never be available to the public unfortunately.

Cheers.

I'm familiar with development tools for games, but I am not familiar with the reboot and its setup as much as you are. I'm sure it's very complex and much different than it was in 2013. I'm just going based on what they said. I definitely don't expect an uncooked version of anything, or access to editing the full game itself. I had something in mind closer to the SDK tools for Call of Duty Black Ops, Far Cry, Portal 2 Authoring Tools, etc... We all know it will never happen, and I really wouldn't have mentioned it, but it's certainly possible with effort on their end, and I only thought of it after remembering back to them saying that was their initial plan.

[Gh0stBlade]

Originally Posted by Halston

I'm familiar with development tools for games, but I am not familiar with the reboot and its setup as much as you are. I'm sure it's very complex and much different than it was in 2013. I'm just going based on what they said. I definitely don't expect an uncooked version of anything, or access to editing the full game itself. I had something in mind closer to the SDK tools for Call of Duty Black Ops, Far Cry, Portal 2 Authoring Tools, etc... We all know it will never happen, and I really wouldn't have mentioned it, but it's certainly possible with effort on their end, and I only thought of it after remembering back to them saying that was their initial plan.

To be honest, it really has been the same setup since 2008. The only difference is they added the Horizon editor back in 2010 to ease development which is actually written in C#. Uncooked version is absolutely required unless Crystal have a tool which allows adding content to an already cooked game (like a patcher).

Cheers.

[Halston]

Originally Posted by Gh0stBlade

To be honest, it really has been the same setup since 2008. The only difference is they added the Horizon editor back in 2010 to ease development which is actually written in C#. Uncooked version is absolutely required unless Crystal have a tool which allows adding content to an already cooked game (like a patcher).

Cheers.

I'm interested to know how other games do this if it requires being updated. Maybe going forward, their engine will be able to support UGC tools in some capacity? It's all I've ever wanted from a modern Tomb Raider game. :')

[Gh0stBlade]

Originally Posted by Halston

I'm interested to know how other games do this if it requires being updated. Maybe going forward, their engine will be able to support UGC tools in some capacity? It's all I've ever wanted from a modern Tomb Raider game. :')

Engines like Unreal Engine have "patchers" that allow you to inject new content for a base game the source derives from. UGC tools might be a possibility with work (programmatically). Who knows, maybe Crystal Dynamics will do something if there's enough interest.

Cheers.

[Swiz19]

Originally Posted by Halston

Someone mentioned a repacker for modding the game, but I was referring to releasing the actual tools used to build the game itself. They can remove anything that they feel uncomfortable giving out, like in-house specific options. The new engine's SDK was built for user-friendly design and for possible public release (as stated by Crystal Dynamics around 2013). It's a shame that it never happened, and I doubt they'd put literally any extra time into making that happen and maintaining it post-release. Wishful thinking, though.

I'd just settle for a repacker so I can just give her a braid. I've got one ready to go already

[Gh0stBlade]

Originally Posted by Swiz19

I'd just settle for a repacker so I can just give her a braid. I've got one ready to go already

There is an existing repacker for TR2013 and mesh injector. It could be upgraded to work with SOTTR i guess.

Cheers.

[Swiz19]

Originally Posted by Gh0stBlade

There is an existing repacker for TR2013 and mesh injector. It could be upgraded to work with SOTTR i guess.

Cheers.

Serious? That would be awesome, I'm ready to start pumping out classic inspired mods for Shadow

[EzioMaverick]

Originally Posted by Swiz19

Serious? That would be awesome, I'm ready to start pumping out classic inspired mods for Shadow

Yes, but no repacker is available yet, only ghost can do that and maybe they will be bless us with one someday, i live on that hope.

[Gh0stBlade]

If you can gather enough willing software programmers (preferably 10-15) I'd be willing to lead a custom SDK implementation for the current Tomb Raider games with my knowledge of the engine.

Cheers.