[Nel] NeL Status Update?
Dim Segebart
zager@teleaction.com
Thu, 19 Apr 2001 14:55:25 +0200
E> My game project has gotten to the point where I am ready to start putting the world together, and doing some logic/AI scripting and such. The problem is, I have no idea how the data structure
E> works for NeL, and we still have no access to the 3D Studio plugin that NeL needs for it's textures.
E> Is there any way I can get an ETA on that 3DS plugin, and detailed documentation of how to structure the data for my world, so NeL will work with it?
As I noted earlier, IMHO the best solution for all of us, will be open
format of NeL's data files and accompanying stuff. In such a case we
will be free to write converters from our favorite 3D tools XYZ to the NeL
format. But I can predict changes in format of NeL files to extend the
current set of features. Just like DWG file format was always closed
to the most of us and was subject of permanent changes, DXF file format was opened to everyone, so I'm
offer not too stick to the current implementation of NeL's binary file
format, but just invent some formal data format which will be the same for NeL as DXF
is for DWG (let's name it NFF - NelFileFormat). In such a case Nevrax team create translator
from NFF to the internal representation and the people outside the
Nevrax create translator from format XYZ to the NFF. With addition of
new features and other format changes Nevrax make changes to the
NFF2INTERNAL and we make changes to the XYZ2NFF As a consequence of
such a decision Nevrax will be free to change internal stuff without
breaking users world's data and users always can store their data in
some intermediate format. Just imagine the situation. Nevrax add new
really cool features to the game and release new internal file format
with new release of engine. What happen with users worlds which are
incompatible with new version ? I think you may guess ;)
But if along with a new version Nevrax will release a new version of
converter NFF2INTERNAL the problem will be solved. This converter takes
care about all internal changes and user's data will be on-line again
within short period of time.
What's about standard XML as a basement? :)
--
Dim Segebart
PS. May be I'm completely wrong and Nevrax team has a better
solution?