PART-1 Writing a GDF2

In this our first topic we will cover how to write a GDF2 script.

In preparation for what is to come please read the file "GDF2 Info 1" which you can download from the Tread3D download page.

In the next installment we will begin with "Choosing a game to write a GDF2 for".

PART-2 Writing a GDF2

Hopefully you have downloaded and read Joe's "Official GDF Scripting Documentation".

Now, let's begin. No matter how much you like a certain game it makes no sense to write a GDF2 for that game unless Tread3D supports it. The following criteria will help you in determining if Tread3D supports a certain game:

Can you obtain a list of entities and their properties from the game developer?
Can Tread3D input/output the games .map file?
Can Tread3D read the textures?
Lets go down the list one by one:

Probably the most important factor as to whether or not you write a GDF2 for a game is, can you obtain support from the developer or at least obtain a list of the games entities with their properties. We have had a lot of success going straight to the developer for this information. All game developers had to use some sort of editor to make levels for their game, so the information is out there.

The second most important factor is, does Tread3D support the type of game you want to write a GDF2 for. Tread3D must support the game in the areas of .map format and texture format. Tread3D supports most "Quake" type .map formats and texture formats. Also, Tread3D has the ability to read the textures directly from a .pak file or from a directory.

Tread3D supports the following .map formats:
QUAKE_MAP
QUAKE2_MAP
HALFLIFE_MAP
To compare the above map formats, go to any site that provides "Prefabs" and download a couple of each format; open them up in "Notepad" and look at the structure.

Tread3D supports the following texture formats:
WAD
WAL
TARGA
We do not expect you to understand the differences in the above texture formats but most games "Pimp" what texture format they are using.

Now, armed with the above list its time to determine "What game to write a GDF2 for!" We would also recommend that you start with something easy, since you also have to learn how to use the GDF2 Editor that came with Tread3D.

In the next installment we will choose a game and verify its compatibility. Also we will start the learning process on how to use the GDF2 editor.

In preparation for the next installment please open up the "GDF2 Editor" (written by our other resident programming god, Nick) and open up an existing GDF2 file in the scripts directory. All you have to do is look at the various entries used and their structure.