resource pack Resource Packs

[Redweaver 9]

Its time to face facts. Installing the Resource Packs for use in your game project is a pain in the butt. It doesn't really matter what the various and sundry reasons are why it is this way, it is just acknowledging reality to admit its not as easy as it really should be.

 

But I think we can fix that. We have a great community of code-minded folks. I have every confidence that one of you possesses the skills and knowledge to make a straight-forward, user-friendly, third-party installer.

 

Here's what I'm thinking. It needs to start by looking at your game project folders and asking which project you want to install to. Then it would show a manager window like so:

 

Installed Resource Packs                                      Available Resource Packs
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DS Pack                                                       DS+ Pack
The Nothing Battles                                           High Fantasy Pack
                                          <-- Add button      Arabian Nights
                                         Remove button -->    Futuristic Atmospheres



                                                Cancel button | Accept Changes button

This would give us a much more usable, "one-click" installation for all the files included in a resource pack and wouldn't remove any of the current functionality that more advanced developers make use of. I don't want to change what anyone is currently doing. If someone is comfortable working through the tedious click-fest, more power to them.

 

So, what do you guys think? Is anyone up to the challenge? I wish I knew a programming language...if I did, this would already be made.

[Asanaria 4]

I would love something like this to be available. I have no idea what I'm doing with my dlcs.

[When Bugs Roam Ur House 656]

I think it would be nice if the resource packs were perhaps a bit more categorized/ organized in the .zips as well. i can also relate to feeling uncomfortable moving a bunch of things I am unsure about onto my laptop, and then finding out that u need to delete the majority of them.. /("•A•)/ Or the download times too.

 

..i think it might b easier though to maybe just.. ask/ pm to have the folder rearranged how it's assembled though? (+3+) 

 

 

i actually do know how to script, and i think there would be difficulty defining what exactly is an installed resource-- by that, i mean, what if you only installed one or two things from the resource pack? Would that be defined as "installed" or "available"? The installer might also take awhile if it needs to scan (all of?) a computer's directories. People might also feel uncomfortable downloading something unfamiliar, that scans their whole computer.... /(> <"|) 

[Redweaver 9]

I think it would be nice if the resource packs were perhaps a bit more categorized/ organized in the .zips as well. i can also relate to feeling uncomfortable moving a bunch of things I am unsure about onto my laptop, and then finding out that u need to delete the majority of them.. /("•[/size]A•[/size])/ Or the download times too.

 

..i think it might b easier though to maybe just.. ask/ pm to have the folder rearranged how it's assembled though? (+3+) 

 

 

i actually do know how to script, and i think there would be difficulty defining what exactly is an installed resource-- by that, i mean, what if you only installed one or two things from the resource pack? Would that be defined as "installed" or "available"? The installer might also take awhile if it needs to scan (all of?) a computer's directories. People might also feel uncomfortable downloading something unfamiliar, that scans their whole computer.... /(> <"|)

 

If you're looking to use just a few select files, then you likely know how to use the current system to do just that. What I'm looking to get made is a program that will transfer the entire resource pack, so that should be a non-issue.

 

As far as scanning your comp goes, that shouldn't need to happen. The editor has a default location that it saves your project folders to (<drive>\username\documents\rpg maker), so it would start there and if your project isn't in the default location then it should let you point it at where it is at. There shouldn't be any scan involved.

 

Apparently you can just copy/paste the dlc folders into your game project folders without going through the resource manager in the editor...maybe we can automate that process? Remove the need to know where the resources are, where they need to go and the check that you have them all. These are the tedious tasks that computers excel at!

Edited December 31, 2013 by Redweaver

[+ Brackev 66]

How about the Restaff packages as well? And some kind of preview pane/music player. And a credit log so I don't have to do it in-game.

[Jonnie91 1,149]

Strictly speaking it already has an installer....when you download the rar or zip files, you can unzip or unrar the files DIRECTLY into your projects? I personally see no use for this, it takes a few seconds to copy and paste the resources you need I usually need to do a few edit when it comes to some of the small resource packs, because they don't have all the resources in them.

 

Also, I don't think Degica have that control with the "DLC" Packs on Steam, I don't think that is physically possible to have an importer automatically run...

 

 

How about the Restaff packages as well? And some kind of preview pane/music player. And a credit log so I don't have to do it in-game.

 

The ReStaff Packages? Where would you like this to be exported to? Into your project Files? As I'm the one manning ReStaff's on this forum, I can try to do a Self Extracting Archive which gives you the opportunity to install it into your project directory if that's what you are looking for?

However the same issues occur, the resources in the ReStaff's are barely full tilesets or Character sets, so this would also make it rather pointless!

[amerk 1,122]

Redweaver, you do realize that even if such a tool could be made, it wouldn't be able to automatically set up the parameters (passability, priorities, etc) in the database. As was explained on RMW, these are image/sound packs, and the system has no way of knowing what's passable or not, unlike the RTP which was purposefully formatted to match the defaults of the editor's passability for the RTP.

 

So even if a tool like this was created, you would still have to manually set all the parameters in the database as before, so all you're really saving is a copy/paste into the project folder.

[+ Brackev 66]

@Johnny91 I was thinking more of a previewer where you see everthing at one time and can import what one wants. I'm currently doing it manually with each folder. There is a folder that I extract all the Restaffs into. I feel it's just a slower process doing it through windows.

[Redweaver 9]

Strictly speaking it already has an installer....when you download the rar or zip files, you can unzip or unrar the files DIRECTLY into your projects? I personally see no use for this, it takes a few seconds to copy and paste the resources you need I usually need to do a few edit when it comes to some of the small resource packs, because they don't have all the resources in them.

 

Also, I don't think Degica have that control with the "DLC" Packs on Steam, I don't think that is physically possible to have an importer automatically run...

 

 

How about the Restaff packages as well? And some kind of preview pane/music player. And a credit log so I don't have to do it in-game.

 

The ReStaff Packages? Where would you like this to be exported to? Into your project Files? As I'm the one manning ReStaff's on this forum, I can try to do a Self Extracting Archive which gives you the opportunity to install it into your project directory if that's what you are looking for?

However the same issues occur, the resources in the ReStaff's are barely full tilesets or Character sets, so this would also make it rather pointless!

 

I and several others keep trying to disagree with you and others about it being pointless. But you and others keep ignoring them. We'll never, ever break through this and get to the point where the resource packs are easier to deal with until you guys drop this "I won't use it" attitude. Its not meant for you. Its meant for newbs. I understand that from your standpoint of the veteran user who knows all the tricks it seems like its easy to do and no big deal and having this installer is pointless...but that's kinda the whole point of asking for it. To get the new users to the same place you're at.

 

Besides, I don't know about you, but I bought RRG Maker VX Ace. Not Resource Importer Vx Ace. Anything we can do to clear the way so that users can get down to the business of creating games is, in my opinion, a very, very good thing indeed.

 

 

Redweaver, you do realize that even if such a tool could be made, it wouldn't be able to automatically set up the parameters (passability, priorities, etc) in the database. As was explained on RMW, these are image/sound packs, and the system has no way of knowing what's passable or not, unlike the RTP which was purposefully formatted to match the defaults of the editor's passability for the RTP.

 

So even if a tool like this was created, you would still have to manually set all the parameters in the database as before, so all you're really saving is a copy/paste into the project folder.

No one has said one word about any of those parameters. Just about getting the resources themselves in place and ready to be worked with. Let your users worry about it from there.

[Jonnie91 1,149]

 

Strictly speaking it already has an installer....when you download the rar or zip files, you can unzip or unrar the files DIRECTLY into your projects? I personally see no use for this, it takes a few seconds to copy and paste the resources you need I usually need to do a few edit when it comes to some of the small resource packs, because they don't have all the resources in them.

 

Also, I don't think Degica have that control with the "DLC" Packs on Steam, I don't think that is physically possible to have an importer automatically run...

 

 

How about the Restaff packages as well? And some kind of preview pane/music player. And a credit log so I don't have to do it in-game.

 

The ReStaff Packages? Where would you like this to be exported to? Into your project Files? As I'm the one manning ReStaff's on this forum, I can try to do a Self Extracting Archive which gives you the opportunity to install it into your project directory if that's what you are looking for?

However the same issues occur, the resources in the ReStaff's are barely full tilesets or Character sets, so this would also make it rather pointless!

 

I and several others keep trying to disagree with you and others about it being pointless. But you and others keep ignoring them.

No, I'm not ignoring you, I am stating my own, and many others opinions, I have barely seen people complaining about where to put the resources, there is not a big need for this, people who ask about where to put the resources are merely unsure where to put them, up actually being informed where to hold said resources they seem perfectly fine with doing something called copying and pasting the resources they need.

 

On the point of ignoring, you are ignoring MY previous point

 

the resources in the ReStaff's are barely full tilesets or Character sets, so this would also make it rather pointless!

 

 

There is literally no point for the smaller resources to have an installer, you're not gonna be able to create a full game with say, just Lunarea's Shop Tileset Adon or even her modern day. YOU NEED TO DO SOME FREAKING EDITING.

 

And also quite a few people don't have a problem, so it's not a FACT!? it's an opinion. Facts dictate that the majority of people agree with you, and most don't.

 

 

 

Redweaver, you do realize that even if such a tool could be made, it wouldn't be able to automatically set up the parameters (passability, priorities, etc) in the database. As was explained on RMW, these are image/sound packs, and the system has no way of knowing what's passable or not, unlike the RTP which was purposefully formatted to match the defaults of the editor's passability for the RTP.

 

So even if a tool like this was created, you would still have to manually set all the parameters in the database as before, so all you're really saving is a copy/paste into the project folder.

No one has said one word about any of those parameters. Just about getting the resources themselves in place and ready to be worked with. Let your users worry about it from there.

 

What you are talking about is to ensure new users can do things easier. so you are actually contradicting yourself. by saying "let your users worry about it from there" as this is the attitude you are condemning me for having for not taking on your idea.

[Redweaver 9]

Every single post on steam and these forums where someone says they bought a DLC and asks what to do with it is someone who is telling you this:

 

No, I'm not ignoring you, I am stating my own, and many others opinions, I have barely seen people complaining about where to put the resources, there is not a big need for this, people who ask about where to put the resources are merely unsure where to put them, up actually being informed where to hold said resources they seem perfectly fine with doing something called copying and pasting the resources they need.

...is wrong.

 

At the bottom of this thread, right under this post, I see three threads linked as similar by the forums.

 

http://www.rpgmakervxace.net/topic/20816-how-do-i-installimport-dlcs/

http://www.rpgmakervxace.net/topic/20321-trouble-locating-dlc/

http://www.rpgmakervxace.net/topic/18912-using-dlc-rmds-character-generator/

 

Without any effort whatsoever, I've just pointed out three people who could have used an installer.

 

Slightly higher in this very thread are replies from a couple others. LISTEN TO THEM!

 

Also, I think this:

 

What you are talking about is to ensure new users can do things easier. so you are actually contradicting yourself. by saying "let your users worry about it from there" as this is the attitude you are condemning me for having for not taking on your idea.

Is part of learning to use the editor and really should have nothing to do with importing resources. Just so we're perfectly clear, we are only talking about automating and streamlining the process of copying and pasting the files from folder A into folder B. Quick making mountains out of molehills.

 

 

Just wanted to further prove my point. Spent a few minutes searching the Steam forums. Unfortunately, they've recently undergome some serious rearranging (well, unfortunate for the sake of this search at least...the rearranging was a GREAT thing. Thank you for that!), so I couldn't find some of the threads I remember being there from previous discussions about this. Yes, that's right...this isn't the FIRST TIME that the idea of a resource manager or making importing resources easier has been discussed.

 

http://steamcommunity.com/app/220700/discussions/1/648814844391877730/

http://steamcommunity.com/app/220700/discussions/2/648814844390308008/

http://steamcommunity.com/app/220700/discussions/2/648814844392312961/

http://steamcommunity.com/app/220700/discussions/2/648814844417341288/

http://steamcommunity.com/app/220700/discussions/2/648814844417542794/

http://steamcommunity.com/app/220700/discussions/2/648814844417546028/ <-- This guy would LOVE a more automated way to deal with this.

http://steamcommunity.com/app/220700/discussions/0/648814842971649698/ <-- The thread that started it all where a guy DIRECTLY ASKED for a resource manager.

 

I remember a thread from a guy asking how to deal with the resource packs. He was pointed to a guide. He came back after learning how to import and deal with resource packs and took the time to make a comment saying that although he could deal with the system, he found it "clunky". I remember that word very specifically.

Edited January 3, 2014 by Redweaver

[Jonnie91 1,149]

a couple others. LISTEN TO THEM!

 

I see one person!

 

When Bugs Roam Your House is talking about the ReStaff resources, rather than the DLC's.

 

I'm not saying what I'm saying is 100% correct, but you good sir are not 100% correct, there are 3-4 new people who may not be confident with the engine and therefore need support from the forums, it's a very simple process, that doesn't need to be done for you. YOU are making the mountain outta the molehill here, by saying it's FACT that tons of people are struggling with it.

 

Also, in your threads that you linked to someone replied with:

 

 

Thanks, that solved it!

 

...of course, now I feel like an utter idiot for missing something so obvious  

MISSING SOMETHING SO OBVIOUS! It's not really rocket science to copy and paste a freaking folder, which you are STILL overlooking what I am saying about the fact that some (and rather alot of the DLC) isn't fully complete.

 

ALSO, you are missing the FACT that no matter how much of a hissy fit you throw up about it it sadly can't change cause of Valve's policies, it's not that RMW don't wanna do it, it's just that they CAN'T.

 

It's not hard to copy and paste a file, or a  folder, people are asking because they don't know how to read. It is highly well documented, if people actually took the time to read. It's not complex it's not hard. to have it exported directly into your project through the zip or rar file. The only difference is you have to put in some SLIGHT effort on your part!

[amerk 1,122]

Yeah, I'm just going to do like they did over at RMW and close this. I read through the posts and the rants there, and I debated keeping this open myself. However, the bottom line is, your idea won't work for the one-off contributions that the community offers for non-commercial games. It's really intended more for the purchased resources, which is not something we have control over. RMW controls the store purchases, and it's up to them to offer a device for auto install if they decide to do it.

 

Even if somebody created a tool to allow this, they couldn't force the resource holders at the RMW store to use it. And really, I don't see the point of this unless it also had a means of also formatting based upon default passability, which is where time could be saved, but that won't happen unless they build their resources off the default passability settings, which I doubt they will do.

 

So, yeah, closing this.