Hard Light Productions Forums

Modding, Mission Design, and Coding => FS2 Open Coding - The Source Code Project (SCP) => Topic started by: Lonestar on August 11, 2002, 11:56:03 pm

Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Lonestar on August 11, 2002, 11:56:03 pm
What is the goal of this project?
What kind of changes are being made?
What kind fo changes would you like to make but cant?
When do you think this will be finished or ready to demo?
Do you guys have a website to show off your purdy stuff if any?
Will this be FS3?

I would like any and all relevant info on this project.

What do you guys need?

I cant help with programming or anything, but being one of the biggest fans of this series and wanting to see something from this source code i want to try atleast to get involved in a positive way.
Title: Re: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Fineus on August 12, 2002, 02:50:40 am
Quote
What is the goal of this project?

To modify the Freespace code to take advantage of more modern graphical advancements, fix any bugs, make modding even easier and to add features that the community wants to (such as nebulas you can fly in and out of for instance).[/quote]

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What kind of changes are being made?

Lots. But it varies from little things like removing the size cap on table files to big things. Read the forums for more info on what people are doing


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What kind fo changes would you like to make but cant?

I think is for many people to answer... I won't go into detail :)


Quote
When do you think this will be finished or ready to demo?

Since it's in an almost WIP form the project won't be done for some time yet. Although results can already be seen such as fighter beams and modifications to the asteroid code.

Quote
Do you guys have a website to show off your purdy stuff if any?


Yes, but at this stage it needs some more content: http://www.3dap.com/hlp/hosted/fsscp/

Quote
Will this be FS3?

No, there won't be a new story. So it won't be FS3, however if someone made a campaign based around what happens with this new code it could be called a sequel - but not a true one.

Quote
What do you guys need?

Coders, ideas... anything you think you can bring to the party!

And thanks for showing entheusiasm! (I think that's spelt wrong...heh).
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Inquisitor on August 12, 2002, 06:20:52 am
Enthusiasm ;)

I meant to release an EXE yesterday of work to date, but couldn't circle back to everyone in time.

Expect one tonight.
Title: Re: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: penguin on August 12, 2002, 08:12:08 am
Quote
Originally posted by Lonestar

When do you think this will be finished or ready to demo?
 

1. it will never be "finished," as in "we're done, nothing left to do."  We can continue adding on to it forever :D  And unlike a commercial product, where there are release schedules, etc. we can put out a new release every week if the changes warrant it...

2.  As Inquistor posted, we will have an executable soon... anyone with a C compiler can download it now and play it.  In fact, I rarely use the (commercial) FS2.exe anymore; I always play the fs2_open version -- among other things, it doesn't nag me to put in CDs ;) and the only thing missing is the cutscenes :( but I've seen them all a thousand times anyhow...

This will not be a "demo," rather it will be the first of hopefully many releases.
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Lonestar on August 12, 2002, 10:29:40 am
Thanks for the quick response guys. Nice website BTW.

I wish i could code and help with the project. Ive got grande ideas about this game and what it should be or could have been. Heck I would learn coding just to help but I know it takes alot of time to learn it and at the time im in college for Multimedia webdesign. At this time i could only help you out with flash, website, databases and other website stuff.

Once the source code that you guys have manipulated is finished i can help make FS 2.9 a reality since ive made several validated missions for FS2 this is one thing i would be happy to do. Maybe i can get Fredzone into the mix, this is after all the biggest community project ive ever seen.

As for ideas, ill throw a couple out right now although the possiblity of it coming true are probably null:

Two seater bombers, one guy drives the bomber and one watches the rear and uses a turret while the driver controls missiles and primary guns.

The ability to drive capships, have many seated pilots at the help, some for weapon control, some for maneauvering (SP?)

Support ship able to be flown by the player and able to defend itself. Player can help rearm other players.

Thats a few ideas, ive got more and some are far better but i wont go into too much detail right now.
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Dranon on August 12, 2002, 11:25:09 am
What compilers are you guys using?  And is there anywhere i can find a decent one that is free?  i am to broke to go out and buy a big programming thing....
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Sandwich on August 12, 2002, 02:53:46 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Lonestar
Once the source code that you guys have manipulated is finished i can help make FS 2.9 a reality since ive made several validated missions for FS2 this is one thing i would be happy to do.



Why do you mention FS2.9? The only thing I recall with that moniker was Ascraeus' aborted (?) campaign loosely based off BEL... He did some top-notch mission scripts for it, got me all excited and eager to help, and then it all died without a squeak. :(

Do you know something that I'm dying to know? :D
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: WMCoolmon on August 12, 2002, 03:27:54 pm
Possibly 2.9, because the response to someone mentioning...:nervous:
(http://members.cox.net/~wmcoolmon/images/nofs3.gif)
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Lonestar on August 12, 2002, 04:28:31 pm
I know many things. Like the fact their will be an unofficial sequel based of the source code that is being manipulated. These coders who work day and night, will have something to play based off it.

Su-tehp and I are working out some details now, he is the unofficial smarty pants when it comes to FS2 and its history and timelines. We got something in the works.

All i can say right now is look for an upcoming MPEG showing where this story might be going and what the future for FS holds.

Stay tuned.......
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: aldo_14 on August 12, 2002, 04:41:30 pm
Um... surely every campaign set post-Fs2 is an unofficial sequel?

what about PS?
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Lonestar on August 12, 2002, 06:49:29 pm
Sure you could say that. Honestly its really an Addon though not an actual sequel. A sequel is more a continuation of the FS storyline with new ships and such.

It is debateable however.
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Su-tehp on August 12, 2002, 07:22:15 pm
Lone and I have just begun our collaboration on "Devil and the Deep Blue." He and I have just begun exchanging ideas for an introductory mpeg movie; talk of a website for "DatDB" is also in the works.

At this point, I don't think any Source Code developments will be in "DatDB", although that could change in the near future. Right now, I'm fleshing out my vision for "DatDB"; it's still very much in its early stages.

I think that lots of help will be needed with this campaign; I'll be sure to ask the HLP community here for help once I get the campaign script done.

Aldo, since you've provided a great deal of foundational work with those exceptional mods of yours, you are going to be one of the first people I call. In fact, considering your previous work, your help will be invaluable. Hopefully, you will have finished Reciprocity by the time I need your help (although, I know that is probably unlikely). :) ;7

CP5670, who is presently working on his own campaign [pImp]Procyon Insurgency[/pImp] :D, is going to be another possible candidate for assistance.

Of course anyone who wants to help will be welcome. Once I finish the script, I'll know what I need and then I'll ask the community for volunteers to help. :)
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Sandwich on August 12, 2002, 07:52:55 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Lonestar
I know many things. Like the fact their will be an unofficial sequel based of the source code that is being manipulated. These coders who work day and night, will have something to play based off it.

Su-tehp and I are working out some details now, he is the unofficial smarty pants when it comes to FS2 and its history and timelines. We got something in the works.

All i can say right now is look for an upcoming MPEG showing where this story might be going and what the future for FS holds.

Stay tuned.......


Ahh, ok, so it's not like you're in "secret" contact with Ascraeus... I've been wondering where he's dissappeared to... :doubt:
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Su-tehp on August 12, 2002, 08:04:30 pm
Quote
Originally posted by sandwich
Ahh, ok, so it's not like you're in "secret" contact with Ascraeus... I've been wondering where he's dissappeared to... :doubt:


Sorry, sandwich. Lone is really excited about my campaign vision and he believes it has the potential to be a worthy successor to FS2, hence his "FS2.9" comment. I don't think I can sanction him for such a comment, though. My campaign will need his enthusiasm to stay at the forefront in the coming months. :) :cool:

Speaking for myself, I won't make any claim how great my campaign is; that will be for the FS Community to decide once they play it. So far I've got a beginning of a story and part of the middle. I need to come up with a suitable ending; that's gonna be the tough part.

And then there's going to be the actual building of the campaign and the missions... Thank God I learned how to delegate authority! :D

As for Ascraeus, I have no idea what happened to that guy. I was really looking forward to FS2.9, but it looks as if we'll have to fend for ourselves, same as it's always been.:sigh:

In any case, the FS Community will survive; it always has before. :nod:
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Sandwich on August 12, 2002, 08:10:17 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Su-tehp

So far I've got a beginning of a story and part of the middle. I need to come up with a suitable ending; that's gonna be the tough part.


Ok, well just don't step on the toes of the campaign I have in the.... oops, the cat's out of the bag! Quick, where's that darned edit button! ;)
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Lonestar on August 12, 2002, 08:20:17 pm
I was not hasty in my reply about it being fs2.9

Su-tehp your story Idea is absolutely amazing and have thought of everything. In my eyes this should be Fs3 but i guess it can be called fs2.9

You dont give yourself enough credit Su-tehp the idea is absolutely amazing and would be surprised to see anyone find wholes in its story. Although fs 3 could be written in an infintie number of ways, yours just fits. It fits so good that im going to shut up now before its given away.

ALL FEAR SUTEHPS STORY YOU WILL TREMBLE IN ITS PRESENCE!!!

And i mean every word of that, FEAR THE SU-MEISTER!

Sorry Su-tehp ill shut up now......
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Su-tehp on August 12, 2002, 08:27:47 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Lonestar
I was not hasty in my reply about it being fs2.9

Su-tehp your story Idea is absolutely amazing and have thought of everything. In my eyes this should be Fs3 but i guess it can be called fs2.9

You dont give yourself enough credit Su-tehp the idea is absolutely amazing and would be surprised to see anyone find holes in its story. Although fs 3 could be written in an infintie number of ways, yours just fits. It fits so good that im going to shut up now before its given away.

ALL FEAR SUTEHP'S STORY YOU WILL TREMBLE IN ITS PRESENCE!!!

And i mean every word of that, FEAR THE SU-MEISTER!

Sorry Su-tehp ill shut up now......


LOL! See what I mean about his enthusiasm?

Of course, Lone, you know of the pact we spoke of. If you dare break it, I'll whop you so hard, so fast and so many times, Oldman will start getting cane-envy! :p ;) :D ;7
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Lonestar on August 12, 2002, 08:36:39 pm
LOL, i wouldnt dare, i know oldmans cane tactics and to imagine you weilding one with your intelligence is scary to say the least. I mean Old's mind has deteriorated with age, meanwhile your in your prime, i couldnt just point behind you and say "whats that?" and you would look. Oh no, you would whack me while i point.

GJ dude. This MPEG to show your Elitness in story telling will be a joy to create.
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Sandwich on August 13, 2002, 05:19:50 am
Quote
Originally posted by Lonestar
I was not hasty in my reply about it being fs2.9

Su-tehp your story Idea is absolutely amazing and have thought of everything. In my eyes this should be Fs3 but i guess it can be called fs2.9


Ok, well it sounds like you missed the point, as well as the thread(s) a while back... I'll hunt them up, but let's just say for now that you can't really call it FS2.9 any more than you can call it Blackwater Ops... the name/moniker's already taken - even if it is a "dead" campaign, it'd just cause too much confusion.

Edit: Here (http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/topic,359.0.html)'s the link to that topic, but I'm afraid that the sublinks don't work anymore... :-/
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Lonestar on August 13, 2002, 12:55:21 pm
Ok fs2.8 then :p
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Sandwich on August 13, 2002, 01:29:38 pm
Oops! Forgot the link itself... :p

Here ya go: http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/topic,359.0.html

FS2.8 would be fine - I just wanted to avoid possible confusion. :)

And now that that's over, allow me to say that I can't wait to hear what Su has up his sleeves... ;7 I know it'll be awesome, dude! :yes:
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Su-tehp on August 14, 2002, 02:07:13 am
Actually, sandwich, you might be able to find out my story sooner rather than later...IF you're willing to earn it. :)

At present I'm looking for FREDders/mission designers. (I'm going to need ship and weapon modders later on, but I have specific people in mind to ask, although if they are not available, I'll ask other people to volunteer.) I've made rough outlines of several missions in my campaign, but I'm not nearly as good with FRED as I would like. If you are proficient with FRED, then maybe you can create these missions for me; as payment, you would get a first look behind the scenes of my campaign story. You'd get to see why Lone is so excited about this campaign. :nod:

I daresay this is an equitable arrangement. :D

sandwich, you interested?
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Sandwich on August 14, 2002, 04:06:38 am
Quote
Originally posted by Su-tehp
Actually, sandwich, you might be able to find out my story sooner rather than later...IF you're willing to earn it. :)

At present I'm looking for FREDders/mission designers. (I'm going to need ship and weapon modders later on, but I have specific people in mind to ask, although if they are not available, I'll ask other people to volunteer.) I've made rough outlines of several missions in my campaign, but I'm not nearly as good with FRED as I would like. If you are proficient with FRED, then maybe you can create these missions for me; as payment, you would get a first look behind the scenes of my campaign story. You'd get to see why Lone is so excited about this campaign. :nod:

I daresay this is an equitable arrangement. :D

sandwich, you interested?


I would if I could, but I can't, so I won't. :wink:

Honestly, I can't afford the time it would take - sorry. I'll just have to wait with bated breath along with everyone else around here. :)
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Su-tehp on August 14, 2002, 02:31:32 pm
Fair enough. You're busy; I can appreciate that. :)

When I've got enough of a script ready, I'll make an announcement on the HLP, General Freespace and Freespace mModding boards for volunteers who want to work on my campaign. But that won't be for a while yet.

I wanna see what Lone has up his sleeve for that mpeg he promised me. If he can post that mpeg here on the HLP boards at the same time as my announcement, it might get people more fired up to volunteer to work with us. :nod:
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Lonestar on August 14, 2002, 03:44:19 pm
MPEG's take quite a bit of time, especially when everything is from scratch. Ill work my hardest at it, but cannot give a timeframe. Although it will be done as quickly as possible, i cant give a date or even some kind of guess. God only know the problems i will run into.
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Sandwich on August 14, 2002, 04:20:54 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Lonestar
MPEG's take quite a bit of time...


Tell me that you're simply referring to a movie, not specifically the MPEG format, right? Cause DivX would be so much smaller... :nod:
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Lonestar on August 14, 2002, 04:26:05 pm
Im talking creating the movie. MPEG is the smallest and highest quality format to work with when creating movies.
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Sandwich on August 14, 2002, 04:30:37 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Lonestar
Im talking creating the movie. MPEG is the smallest and highest quality format to work with when creating movies.


Ahh, and then DivXing it for upload, I assume? Gotcha. :yes:
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Su-tehp on August 14, 2002, 06:58:27 pm
Lone, take as much time as you need, dude. I know this will take a long time, but you should have everything you need from me to create the movie. I'll wait as long as you need to complete the movie.

I know you'll impress me. :) :nod:
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Lonestar on August 15, 2002, 12:15:59 am
Quote
Originally posted by Sandwich


Ahh, and then DivXing it for upload, I assume? Gotcha. :yes:


Someone loves DIVx hehe.

When its finished ill convert it to a few formats and give options to everyone. This way DIVx lovers and regular users have a choice. I mean who releases MPEGs of games anymore in only one format? Get with the times i say.

Most release it in AVI because there's no way to steal from it, MPEG is easy to gather clips from. I personally dont care if mine gets pieces stolen from it, Ill be honored they were good enough hehehe.

Anyways, im beginning the graphics work on this tomorrow (since ill be starting a new module in college, wont have as much work at school). Ill get with you Su-Tehp on my 3d creations and get your opinion on them as they will be the basis of the movie. I want them to be as acurate as possible........ill take this to email when ready.
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Sandwich on August 15, 2002, 04:29:42 am
Quote
Originally posted by Lonestar
Most release it in AVI because there's no way to steal from it...


Eh? Enlighten me. :nod:
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Lonestar on August 15, 2002, 11:54:24 pm
Download an AVI and try to copy it.

Then try and open it in a movie editor and see if you can do anything with it. AVI is almost like flash, their are ways to break through the embedding to do what you wish with it, but the average user cannot copy an AVI file.

MPEGS however are a peice of cake.
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Sandwich on August 16, 2002, 05:28:18 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Lonestar
Download an AVI and try to copy it.

Then try and open it in a movie editor and see if you can do anything with it. AVI is almost like flash, their are ways to break through the embedding to do what you wish with it, but the average user cannot copy an AVI file.

MPEGS however are a peice of cake.


:doubt: Ever hear of VirtualDub (http://www.virtualdub.org/)?? :rolleyes:

Ok, on second thought, you're right - the average user won't be able to work/alter/whatever an AVI - but then again, an average user wouldn't even think of trying to! :D
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Lonestar on August 16, 2002, 09:54:03 pm
True, but you can find those that will try. As i said it doesnt matter to me, it would be flattering. Never heard of that Dub you mentioned.
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Sandwich on August 17, 2002, 04:26:43 am
Quote
Originally posted by Lonestar
Never heard of that Dub you mentioned.

I use it for converting those ~450Mb MPEG Enterprise episodes into ~220Mb DivX AVIs so I can fit 3 per disc. :D
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: aldo_14 on August 17, 2002, 10:53:15 am
I /you can edit AVI's with animation shop , which comes with PSP.... although I mostly work with the uncompressed stuff I do with MAX.
Title: Questions about Source Code Project
Post by: Inquisitor on August 17, 2002, 11:03:06 am
You can also edit them with Quicktime Pro, 30 bucks from apple ;)

Anywho, this is starting to sound less and less like a source code conevrsation, should I split the thread and toss it somewhere?