Krag

Well I finally have a little time to get to this, So here it is. I have seen that a few people have taken an intrest into learning about making custom maps and such. So I wanted to start with a forum Section for the Tools that you use to make a game/Mod happen.I will first start with the free stuff just about everything can be done with no MONEY.Its true you could make an entire game and spend $0.00 out of pocket. But will save that for anohter thread.

We will start with the Call of Duty mod Tools. Here are a few places to download the tools.
please note some of the places I link to may ask for you to sign up on there site.

COD2 = http://files.filefront.com/Call+of+D.../fileinfo.html

COD4 = http://www.fileplanet.com/183907/180...fare-Mod-Tools

COD WAW = http://www.modsonline.com/Downloads-full-5040.html

Now I did not include COD or CODUO but just so you know many things can be used
back and forth with in each of these games. Meaning Textures, Models, Code, ETC.
Just about every thing you need are in the mod tools although you will need a program for scripting. The section below are tools and programs which will aid you to make even more custom content then the mod tools come with.
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For writing scripts/code here are two great free programs for you to use.

Crimson Editor = http://www.crimsoneditor.com/

Note Pad ++ = http://notepad-plus.sourceforge.net/uk/site.htm

Now you can use just the regular windows note pad but these programs are made for
writing code. So you will benefit more with them. Will go into that in another thread.
for now we are just getting setup up with the right tools for the job.


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To make custom textures and or model skins you will need a few things.
One is a Photo shop style program.

This one is a free one that works just like photo shop.

Gimp = http://www.gimp.org/

or you can use Photo Shop if you have the cash.

Photo Shop = http://www.adobe.com/products/photos...?promoid=DTENB

Now the second part is a free program from Nvidia that helps you to save your image
file to .dds format you do not need to use this format. I will save that for another thread.

Nvidia .dds photo shop plug in = http://developer.nvidia.com/object/p...s_plugins.html

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Now that you have been working on your map. You may have come to a point
that you want to add some special sound FX or what ever your little creative mind
has thought of. Then you are going to need an Audio editing program. Here is the free
one on the COD WAW wiki

Audacity = http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

There are many great free audio programs out there but that one will suit most
of your needs. Most COD audio is done in the .wav format so if you have a program you like and use then stick with that.

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Now we are starting to get into even more advanced stuff which is 3d modeling.
3d models help make the environment really come alive. They include every thing from
the gun you are holding to the soda can you practice shooting at. And yes there are free
modeling tools out there. The COD series uses the .obj format for models.

Blender = http://www.blender.org/

This one is a low cost modeling program

Milk Shape 3D = http://chumbalum.swissquake.ch/

and here is what to use if you have the cash. If you have the cash for this
then im sure you won't mind sending me some LOL. There is a student version which you can use for free but you wont be able to save it for use in a game.

Maya = http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet...&siteID=123112

Once you have your model made you will need to skin it.
So you will need a photo shop style program.

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To open .iwd files you will need a zip type program.

Winrar = http://www.rarlab.com/

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and this program will convert models and textures back into there raw file ( meaning .dds , .obj , etc)

Xmodel exporter = http://diegologic.net/CoD/XmodelExporter.htm

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This is a short list of stuff to help you in your quest of making some great custom content, and for the most part all it will cost you is time. But once you learn it becomes
easier todo and you get one of the greatest rewards from it. And that is other people having alot of fun playing something you created. Just ask Drona he will tell you.
If you have any questions or need any help at all feel free to ask. If you have links to great tools please post them.

Krag.

Mindkill

Awesome write up bud!

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Cap

NICE MAN thanks, I hope to take advantage of this one day, bookmarked!

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Wookiie

Great job Krag I'll be trying soon!!

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Jack Bauer

question... are some of these tools on for use with xp or can i run them in vista in compatibility mode?? and +rep for the post man, i cant tell how long ive wanted to get into this

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P.Drona

I tried for weeks to get the official mods tools to run in vista. Don't waste your time. XP compat does not work.

Great post Krag.

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Krag

Ok I know that the COD WAW Mod Tools work on vista I have Confirmed this with a fellow
modding buddy. But what I am not sure of is if the COD 4 Tools work on the Vista. He told me that you need to shut off that user account control stuff.

I truely wish we could go back to the days of win98 with only one process thats needed.LOL. But I guess they have to make these OS's for the average Joe blow
who can barely turn the computer on.


I'm glad to see people taking wanting to learn to do this stuff. It will only make play the cod games that much better.

If every one would like I have no problem with setting up a SVN . Where we can all share
the content that is made from the sog mod to mapping , models, ETC.

I have another computer that i do my mapping and modding on and just to let you guy's
know there is about 50,000 textures from games on that computer. I also Like making my own textures so if you need any custom texture just let me know.

Here is a link to a great book on 3d textures = http://www.amazon.com/3D-Game-Textur.../dp/0240807685

I have this book and I would say that it has really helped me in becoming much better at making custom textures. But there are plenty of websites that u can use I you dont have any cash.

P.Drona

My Vista box has UAC turned as off as it can get and still no go. I tried every work around and crazy suggestion I could find.

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Jack Bauer

so looks like now i have to go and install XP.....BOOO

you'd think that they would make things work since they already skipped an OS version altogether.

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P.Drona

I have Vista 64 so that might be my main issue with the tools not working.

Like Krag said, the WW tools work for Vista so I'm thinking I'll make my next map/prefabs in WW tools (caulk texture) then import to cod4 radiant to skin and compile. Then I can have that map for cod4 and WW without much effort. I already imported some stuff (redone in caulk) from mp_place_b to the WW tools. Weeee!

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Krag

I would'nt do everything in caulk find a few textures you use most. then just import those textures. its alot less work and plus you already like your texturing.