[Darpaek]

Hi,

This is probably an overly simplistic question to a very complex answer - but how do you map custom maps for your IE mods?  You have a lot of really great custom maps.  What software do you use?  Can you suggest any good walkthroughs or even tips on how someone can get started making custom maps for the IE?

Thanks!

[Lava]

That may be a disappointing answer, but the whole process -- the creative part -- isn't much different from editing photos, creating digital paintings etc. 

I am not an expert when it comes to creating stuff from scratch, so I mostly use NearInfinity to export existing maps (BG, BG2, IWD, IWD2) and use GIMP to mix them together. It's just HOUR of exporting images, cutting them, editing the colors, patching, smudging, drawing shadows, cropping etc. It's basically the same as when you edit photos in Photoshop, but here you must be mindful of original styles, color palettes, compositions, and perspective.

And then, when you are done, you just crop again (because image dimensions must be divisible by 64 -- in game tiles are 64x64 px) and code the area: and that is another huge part. It was mostly described by Acifer here: https://www.gibberlings3.net/forums/topi...ent-338627

There are also those that create new areas in 3D, by using Blender or other software, but am not familiar with the process. 

Sadly, there are no tricks here, its just years and years of practice. I've been practicing modding since 2008, so... it's mostly experience, with a fine dose of luck and help of others.

[Darpaek]

Thanks for the insight!  I didn't know about GIMP.  I will have to take a look at it.

I'm pretty handy with Blendr from 3d modeling.  Any suggestions on who I could talk to about using Blendr to create new backgrounds?  I can't recall playing a mod where I thought it looked like Blendr.

Thanks!

[Lava]

I think it's best to ask Acifer. He's making areas from scratch.

[Nexus]

Hi Lava!

Now that registration is finally back I quickly registered

I am a big fan of your mods, especially the Rediscovering Kuldahar one.

I was wondering if you needed someone making custom maps? I am very facinated with the idea of making 2D isometric art.

Unfortunatelly I am not good with weidu and Near Infinity but I feel quite confident with GIMP (and Photopea as a great online alternative). 
I have already created an area that I planned for IWD but got stuck with turning it into a real game asset. (I lack the time and motivation to learn the whole modding thing.) You can check it out here:
https://www.gibberlings3.net/forums/topi...ng/page/6/


So, let me know if you are interested in someone creating maps for you.

[Lava]

Hi! Right now, I am not planning on creating any new IWDEE mods, and I usually work on the areas myself, with specific stories in mind  So thanks for the offer, but I'll pass for now. 

Truth be told, it would be really cool to finally see someone else create some quest mods for IWD, because right now, when I want to play IWDEE myself, most mods are by me, and it's always less fun to play mods that have no secrets to uncover.

Anyway, again, thanks for the offer, but I truly hope someone at the G3 is gonna create something with you! It may help to state if you used AI elements. I believe you planned on doing so, but then you replaced the elements with your own stuff, I think? Believe me or not, I did observe your thread   Anyone, once people know how the area was created and if it's totally authentic, people may be more eager to use it   Just an advice, though! 

If I decide to work on something for IWDEE and I get stuck in regard to area art, I will remember the offer.

Cheers!

[Nexus]

Hi! Right now, I am not planning on creating any new IWDEE mods, 

Oh, if that matters, I'm willing to create maps for BG too... I just don't play it. 

Believe me or not, I did observe your thread

I'm honored

[Lava]

Thanks for now, I have everything I need. But as I said, I'll remember about you if I happen to need some help. 

Cheers!

[Nexus]

Okay, understood, but just one more question, and I really don't want to be pushy, it's just brainstorming:
Do you consider Rediscovering Kuldahar finished or do you still have plans, accept ideas? I always felt like wanting to go up among tje branches. I already tried making a map that could be used for that but little success so far. If i happened to make a good image for that could you make use of it?

[Lava]

The Redicovery is finished and complete -- the mod is available in 5 different languages, and when I have to add something at this point, I would need to either provide new lines for all these languages. All of them have to be considered, which isn't fun, because you either need to mix languages (and, for example, Korean players will end up with one half of the mod showing in Korean, and the other half in English) or manage updates of all text versions. 

That's mostly why I don't add content for years-old mods or those that already have so many translations. I would rather focus on something else. 

Cheers!

[Nexus]

I see. Thanks.