(Introducing to 1.01 patch) "Moddable Upgrades: A candy from Martin"

[Fernando Torres]

As you know, the team is working on patch 1.01 to be released as soon as possible after the release of the game.
In the midst of minor bugfixing and balancing, Martin found the time to implement a new feature that will most likely bring excitement among players and modders.

So, how would you like to be able to mod ships upgrades?

Now, how would you like being able to mod upgrades from any unit model to any other unit model/type?

I will soon introduce this feature to you.

 

[qwertyuiop2]

For example, we will be able to upgrade from DD to CV ?

 

[Chaplain]

For example, we will be able to upgrade from DD to CV ?

Ummm ... no.

 

[JRHINDO]

At least BB-BC to CV, it has been done.

Does this mean it could be possible to upgrade and downgrade units at will?
Mech to inf, inf to mot, cav to l-arm?

 

[donkeysaint]

I suppose this could be used for lots of things. My first thoughts are about things like Germany's conversion of infantry divisions to motorized and USSR's conversion of cavalry divisions to tank and motorized divisions.

The more options for a player the better. Make them triggable by events too.

And btw, great work!

 

[ALordaB]

Like being able to make ships ugradeable like all other units?
CV-1 to CV-2 for example?

If that's the case, I've been waiting for something like that for years.

 

[Fernando Torres]

Yes. DH will provide this opportunity for modders in patch 1.01.
More details to come

 

[xtfoster]

At least BB-BC to CV, it has been done.

Unless I am mistaken, the only BB/BC/CA to CV/CVL conversions were all undertaken during construction (i.e., construction of the hull was stopped and then restarted as a carrier).

 

[JRHINDO]

Unless I am mistaken, the only BB/BC/CA to CV/CVL conversions were all undertaken during construction (i.e., construction of the hull was stopped and then restarted as a carrier).

I know that 3 ww2 japanese carriers (Akagi, Kaga and Shinano) were originaly built as BBs or BCs. Dunno if construction was halted and restarted but I know they sure looked like battleship with a flat top!

 

[Delta107]

This would be a nice feature as long as it is limited in its scope. Indeed, in the early days of aircraft carriers, or in case of bitter necessity there were conversions, but that was not always the case. What some people suggest to upgrade CV1 to CV2 might be possible in some cases, but not always because of design constraints. e.g.Conte di Cavour, Giulio Cesare BB

 

[SwordOfJustice]

Wow. Great!

- Sword

 

[Fernando Torres]

So here is how it works (from our internal change-log):

942. Made upgrade to model and type moddable for every brigade/unit:
- Upgrade type and model can be specified in brigade/division files.
For example to upgrade LArm-2 to ARM-2 add armor = 2 into the model = { } entry for L-Arm-2 in light_armor.txt:
# 2 - Improved Light Tank
model = {
armor = 2 # Upgrade to ARM-2
……..
}
- This is optional and can be skipped. By default every unit/brigade is upgradeable to the next model of the same type with 2 exceptions:
1. LArm-2 by default upgrades to ARM-2
2. All ships by default do not upgrade
- It is possible to specify upgrade to a model of the same type too.
For example INT-4 can be set to upgrade to INT-7 directly and skip the two rocket interceptor models in interceptor.txt:
model = { # Advanced Interceptor – 4
interceptor = 7 # Upgrade to Basic Turbojet Interceptor – 7 directly
….
}
- It is also possible to forbid a specific model to be upgraded at all. To do that set its upgrade model to -2.
For example INT-6 could be set as non-upgradeable event if there is INT-7 model:
model = { # Improved Rocket Interceptor - 6
interceptor = -2 # Forbid upgrading of that model
…
}
model = { # Basic Turbojet Interceptor – 7
….
}

 

[xtfoster]

I know that 3 ww2 japanese carriers (Akagi, Kaga and Shinano) were originaly built as BBs or BCs. Dunno if construction was halted and restarted but I know they sure looked like battleship with a flat top!

The Akagi and Kaga (like the USS Lexington and Saratoga) were converted during construction when the the Washington Naval treaty made it impossible for them to be completed as a Battlecruiser and Battleship (respectively) within the limits of that treaty.

Shinano was converted to a carrier during construction following the Battle of Midway when Japan realized they needed more carriers.

There might have been carriers that were converted after the base ship finished construction, but none of them either took place during the years in question or were warship to carrier conversions (the Japanese converted a few merchant ships into medium* carriers (they were mid-way between full-sized fleet carriers and light carriers).

 

[SAS]

This is a great feature. Thanks!

 

[Gringoesteban]

For example INT-4 can be set to upgrade to INT-7 directly and skip the two rocket interceptor models in interceptor.txt:
model = { # Advanced Interceptor – 4
interceptor = 7 # Upgrade to Basic Turbojet Interceptor – 7 directly
….
}
- It is also possible to forbid a specific model to be upgraded at all. To do that set its upgrade model to -2.
For example INT-6 could be set as non-upgradeable event if there is INT-7 model:
model = { # Improved Rocket Interceptor - 6
interceptor = -2 # Forbid upgrading of that model
…
}
model = { # Basic Turbojet Interceptor – 7
….
}

This is fantastic.

 

[Rakshae]

So with this feature, could a modder make it possible for ships in port to upgrade to the next level? I know it isn't historically accurate, but is it possible is my question.

 

[Fernando Torres]

Yes

 

[unmerged(52751)]

wow, that sounds lile a really fun feature... imagine playing as the UK and upgrading the largely obsolete RN... What are thoughts on how realistic this is? Didn't ships of all types get much larger during the war, and doesn't upgrading attachments already model uprgrading components like fire control, radar, and other ship equipment?

I like the idea, just seems like a major cheat... but if the AI can do it as well... then it's not so bad.

 

[JRHINDO]

A completely realistic ship building system would be something similar to HoI3's ship modules and ship building. "Brigades" for every part of the ships.

 

[Fernando Torres]

It's available for modders but we are not using it at the moment, except for L ARM to ARM upgrade.