Dark0ne Posted January 31, 2014 Share Posted January 31, 2014 We've added a relatively small update to the sites today that revolves around the "Required files" system in the file database. When an author adds their file to the site via our file wizard one of the steps involves adding any files that the author's file needs in order to work. This information is then displayed in the rather small, out-of-the-way button labeled "Required" on the file page. Typically authors also put any file requirements in their descriptions but, as I'm sure any file author would be willing to confirm, some users seem incapable of actually reading descriptions, installation instructions or indeed anything pertinent to do with the file before they add the file to their game. Guess what some of these users then do when they can't get the file to work or it breaks their game? That's right, they head off to the file's comments to give the author a piece of their mind or ask for help when all the information they need is right there, on the file page! It's annoying. We've made two changes to help better inform downloaders about the file's requirements, and also to inform the mod author as to whether you've actually downloaded those requirements when you comment on their file page. As an author, if you've specified requirements for your file you will then be able to tick a checkbox when uploading your files that will turn on a notification window for anyone who downloads that file. The notification window will inform the user that your file requires other files in order to work, it'll list those files, and then require the downloader to click a button in order to get to the fileserver list or download your file via NMM. Please note that we've made this an opt-out feature, rather than opt-in. That means if you've specified required files on your files then this notification window will be turned on as default on all your uploads for that file. If you want to turn off this notification window you need to edit your uploaded files and untick the checkbox. Back when we updated our commenting system a short while back we added the functionality for mod authors to see what, if any, files the users who were commenting had downloaded from your file page. We've expanded this functionality now to include the user's download history of the required files too. You'll now be able to see if a user has downloaded the required files you list, as well as your files, which should help you to more quickly troubleshoot whether the user has actually downloaded the files necessary in order for your file to work. Fingers crossed we should have another update today in regards to an update to NMM to fix the downloading issues. We've been testing it the past few days but there's still a couple of niggling bugs that need to be squashed before it's safe to release. Good news is, I go from a 25%-50% chance of a download working to 100%. Shock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thandal Posted January 31, 2014 Share Posted January 31, 2014 Yea! Thanks Dark0ne and Coding Team! Questions: 1. How do I implement this "Required file checking" for already uploaded mods? 2. How will this feature handle the case of "Required files" that aren't available on the Nexus? I have them listed in my mod's Description, but these other features weren't available back then (nor was NMM itself.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dark0ne Posted January 31, 2014 Author Share Posted January 31, 2014 In response to post #11568480. If you go to your file page there's a "Required files" section where you can enter files either on the Nexus or outside the Nexus (we've had it since Skyrim was released, at least! :p). The notification will link to all the required files, including ones not on this site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thandal Posted January 31, 2014 Share Posted January 31, 2014 Excellent. Thanks again! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bben46 Posted January 31, 2014 Share Posted January 31, 2014 :dance: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bess Posted January 31, 2014 Share Posted January 31, 2014 This must be why the "Mod dependency" category was removed recently from the Tags section, then. It was under Attributes. I was on the verge of asking if it was going to be restored, but perhaps under Requirements as something like "Other -- read Description". I should have known something better was already in the works. :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BatDood Posted January 31, 2014 Share Posted January 31, 2014 The whole realm of adding mods to Skyrim is fairly new to me. I'm not even close to the point of creating my own. With that said, I think this is a nice change towards the application of mods. I'll admit that I'm a person that reads every word of every description for any mod that I'm considering. Because of the fact that I'm new to this, I want to be sure I don't bork my game. Having the site point you in the right direction for any requirements is definitely helpful. Does this mean I'll stop reading the descriptions fully? No. But it's a nice feature to have just in case, on the off chance that I miss something such as another required mod. Thanks for the hard work and effort. From a downloader's point of view, it's a nice addition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lynnmcd Posted January 31, 2014 Share Posted January 31, 2014 OK...first! - excellent!! This is a very helpful feature and I think it will save a lot of head/heartaches for authors who do good work and diligently offer everyone the information they need on their description page only to have people not read the thing and ask foolish questions. Second....please don't assume that users ignore that required button. I have downloaded tons of mods and, until I read this message I didn't even realize this existed!! Why??? Not because I am slothful, willfully reckless or just a twerky teenie who doesn't follow instructions EV-ER but because the icon is so damn small and crammed up there! In fact, I usually read desc pages twice if not three times before I do anything. (And btw....have you seen the length of desc pages such as Trade and Barter? Fookin' TOME!!) Why in all the seven hells didn't required files get a larger sized button installed on the same bar as the desc/posts/read me?? Do you think that that might be one of the reasons people get confused and ask?? Anyway, back to the positive: this is an elegant and appreciated fix. And I do thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZeroKing Posted January 31, 2014 Share Posted January 31, 2014 A much-needed update. Thank you :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NemesisTheWarlock Posted January 31, 2014 Share Posted January 31, 2014 Now, if we could only teach them to read...................... Nice addition :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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