What Is the Level of Possibility in Modding?

[Cronus242]

I don't mean to sound like an idiot, but I am generally ignorant when it comes to understand just how much can be done in terms of mods. I had an idea for a mod and I had a few questions regarding as to how I could possibly tweak the idea to be better.

So, I suppose my question simply stands as: Just how much can be physically done in a video game mod, even in terms of changing game play, entirely?

[SLuckyD]

Well... to make a long story short: you can make or do just about ANYTHING.

All it'll take is the knowledge to do 'whatever' specifically, the patience to work through bugs & obtaining familiarity with the processes & techniques, particular software packages (many are free), and a decent computer (new in the past 3years or so I'd say). There are innumerable FREE tutorials on ANYTHING you can imagine, all over the internet... these tutorials, software help files, basic problem-solving, trial & error, and reverse engineering are how I learned EVERYTHING I can do (including making my models, recording my voice-overs, and even how 1st to get a mod to run in-game). Now is the time I'm able to reverse the flow of knowledge from myself, back to the community. (so you caught me on a good month)

 

As to SKYRIM modding (per se), we are VERY limited as to what we can currently achieve; mainly because scripting is unavailable. Scripting is the near-all-important aspect of gameDesign/Development which enables quests, timing of actions/animations/sounds/etc, inter/re-actions of things to other things, interactive dialog, etc... so it's pretty important in my opinion.

 

Seemingly, I'm the only one currently willing and/or able to push Skyrim preCKModdery past the 'replacers & globals' stage. Here is my inaugural mod release:

BULLSEYE v1.0 mod at SkyNex

 

While tinkering with my 'grown-folk-legos,' in order to answer the very question this topic asks for myself, I found the ways to do these things (mostly without TESvSnippery)... and since noone else had posted ANYTHING relating to it (the methods/software/'discoveries'), I cleaned it up to presentability and released it. It isn't some fabulous eye-candy fireworks show... it just shows petty little examples of what we can do until we figure out more (or the CK is released)... and until I release my NEXT mod (the FIRST PLAYER HOME).

 

If you're MORE interested in the specifics, here is the initial write-up I made on the process:

Guide to preCKModdery v1.0 at SkyNex

 

I WILL be updating that guide to include all the INTERESTING details; such as furniture, music, sounds, activators, etc. I've made most of the changes & updates, just gotta proof-read & lightly dust it over with magically sublime beautification... or something... ahem

I hope this helps... any questions or whatever I'd be happy to pitch in.

Edited December 10, 2011 by SLuckyD

[SLuckyD]

If you're STILL interested in even more specific info, here's some technical stuff for dealing with NIFs I typed up:

 

Procedure for Control-Sequenced Animations in Skyrim (at Nifskope)

 

Procedure for Key-Framed Meshes in Skyrim (at Nifskope)

 

Until more people test all these processes, guides, and the tutorials people have been posting willy-nilly, we won't have a fuller picture of which WORKING ones to compile into a MASTER TUTORIAL LISTING (of links)... hopefully my suggestion/request to start a "modding tutorial sub-forum" will be harkened, and greatly aid in this task.

 

In the meantime: just do a basic google for "skyrim tutorial xWHATEVx" (if not, try subbing Skyrim out for oblivion/fallout3 as much of it IS the same... it only gets better with time). That should return more than enough material to set you well on your way.

[lap202]

Anything is pretty much possible... Tytanis is even talking about adding multiplayer... which be amazing if possible..