Modding tutorial - object parameters (WIP)

Names
AbbreviationLocID - string, ID of localized text with description
NameLocIDOverride - string, can be used to override the displayed name by a name of other object

Textures
Texture - string, name of texture if using a texture bundled with the game
TextureRef - reference to a texture asset if using a custom texture packed with the mod
TextureAtlasLayout - needs to match the slots in the used texture, values are  LAYOUT_8_X_3_PLUS_CROSSECTION (for trees), LAYOUT_8_X_8, LAYOUT_16_X_8,  LAYOUT_16_X_9 (for helicopter),     LAYOUT_16_X_16 (for decals),  LAYOUT_16_X_32,  LAYOUT_16_X_64
SpriteShape - the size of the sprite in game, supported values are  SHAPE_1_X_1,  SHAPE_1_X_2,  SHAPE_1_X_4 (helicopter and ambulances) and  SHAPE_2_X_4 (trees)
TextureIDNW, TextureIDNE, TextureIDSE, TextureIDSW - index of texture slot for each direction
TextureIDBackNW, TextureIDBackNE, TextureIDBackSE, TextureIDBackSW - index of texture slot for each direction, for objects with two layers like chairs where one part needs to be behind a character and one in front
TexturesBackwards - workaround for a lamp that was originally filled in the wrong direction and was spinning around when rotating the camera

Icons
IconIndex - index of icon shown in building mode if using texture packed with the game
CustomIconAssetRef - reference to an icon asset when using a custom icon

Animations
GameDBAnimatedModel8DirControllerRef - reference to animated model, only used for xray and angio

Placement
Placement - values UNLIMITED (default, doesn't need to be set), INDOORS,     OUTDOORS,   ROOF
PlacedToEdge - false to make this the main object on a tile, true to make it use one of the 4 slots for different sides, for example useful for cabinets attached to walls
AttachedToWall - does it require a wall to be placed
AllowedInCorners - somebody was persistently bugging us about placing posters in corners
AttachedToCeiling - can be placed in mid-air
NonBlocking - doesn't block pathfinding, for example a poster
NotInteractable - can be set if this object is never used in any scripts/procedures, like a decoration

HeightOffset - mostly for objects on walls - how high above ground is it placed

AttachmentSlot - describes what can be placed on this object: HeightOffset, DepthOffset (how off center), AllowedTags (which attachments), ForcesAttachmentOrientation to always place the attachment in the same orientation as this object
ConnectedSlots - list of ConnectedSlot, to set which objects should be placed next to this one and for example control their orientation (like chairs snapping to a table)

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Hi Jan,
Could you help us a bit with the topic Light?

Is there a way of limiting the height of the light?

I was doing a bollard lamp and the light does not look quite good when the object is next to a wall.

Thanks for the help!
Juan

Hi Juan, well, it looks like you hit a limitation of the lighting system, as it uses a simple 2D lightmap. What could help a bit (and what we did with the existing lights) is to lower the brightness of the light and increase its range, hopefully you'll find a combination that you'll be relatively happy with.

Hi Jan,

thanks for the reply.

I see the point. It would be cool to be able to control the light better... like starting height or offset height-   i had in mind to do a Mod Package with luminaires for indoors and outdoors.

For the Bollard lamp it looks really good on the floor and grass when you set the range to 1.
I think a good compromise will be to limit the distance to walls to avoid  the strong light line on the walls.


What i did not quite get yet is what is the difference between directed light - false/true?

I think i did not recognize any changes so far......


I have to say i am just an Architect / lighting designer with no idea of programming whatsoever, but the idea of building a hospital got me addicted and playing a lot.

Thanks again for the game and the help.