.xac/.dds/.xsm --> what are this formats and how to mod that???

[warchlak]

Hi everybody,

i read a few time in forum taht a lot of things are moddable in the game. While browsing in the game' demo folders I discovered files with for me strange extension names like .xac/.dds/.xsm in teh folder called "Anims" (it is for the sprites???)

what are they for and which software should we use to mod that kind of files?

thx

 

[Jorath13]

Simple Google search (try it sometime):

.XAC = this here

.DDS = this here

.XSM = this here

Now...these search answers may not be correct as a file extension for a program can literally be anything the programmer wants it to be...so long as the program he/she is writing is able to read it. But the above can be a start for you to figure out what the answer is to your 1st question.

 

[Jaegerfeld]

Answer 1 and 3 is wrong.

xac and xsm are files of a profitool for Gamedesign ( e.g. Granny or EMotion FX)
There are NO freeware plugins(for maya or 3dsmax) available (afaik)
I have asked here several times for a sdk , but NO answer from PI.

Thats very annoying.

Just see that you are from germany

surf to this site an stay informed:

http:// 94.23.14.222 /forum/viewtopic.php?f=870&t=12550&sid=0c8b219b4f554fede5aa2988a64e4438&start=15

 

[NewU365]

.xac and .xsm are most likely a proprietary extension, paradox would likely need to release some tools to convert them. Though you could try notepad or wordpad.

.dds are compressed image files, Google "nvidia dds plugin" for a tool to view them in a graphics program like Photoshop.

 

[Socratatus]

I wanted to be able to alter some graphics and screen pictures but didn`t know the DDs stuff.

Sounds should be easy enough to mod though...

 

[Gmatt]

.xac and .xsm are most likely a proprietary extension, paradox would likely need to release some tools to convert them. Though you could try notepad or wordpad.

.dds are compressed image files, Google "nvidia dds plugin" for a tool to view them in a graphics program like Photoshop.

Gimp with it's plugin works well for me and my 3d work, as its all free stuff so I don't have money to be spending.

 

[Jaegerfeld]

i dont think that you can open xac in GIMP, do you?

Thats VERY important?

IF YES please tell me which you use ( but these are 3d modells - no pictures)

.dds are no problem for gimp.

 

[warchlak]

.dds are compressed image files, Google "nvidia dds plugin" for a tool to view them in a graphics program like Photoshop.

does it mean I need a Nvidia graphic card o use it?

 

[vertinox]

i dont think that you can open xac in GIMP, do you?

Thats VERY important?

IF YES please tell me which you use ( but these are 3d modells - no pictures)

.dds are no problem for gimp.

3d models need a 3d model application. I really doubt Paradox could release a free utility because they themselves spent thousands of dollars on 3d software (3dstudio max, maya3d, or whatever)

If you happen to have one of those application then you might be able to find the right plugins...

 

[Jaegerfeld]

the nvidia plugin works fine on ati cards - no problem.

@ vertinox : i know that but Gmatts post was unclear.

I mean a free plugin or converter, not 3dsmax ( i know enough people which earn student versions) or even granny or EMotion FX) etc.. (no one can afford these tools)

Just a sdk, cause Johan said several times that HOI3 would be a modders paradise, full modable blabla

Now let him show want he meant the time he said that.

NO ANSWER is a answer, too
It means ......

 

[Inner Circle]

It is really disappointing that we don´t get any support with this issue...

 

[KAding]

It was already stated earlier that the 3D models are in a propiertary format which was licensed by Paradox. You'll need a license yourself to edit them I suppose.

As such it does not appear that the 3D models will be modable.

 

[Inner Circle]

now, that the game is out: What about an answer from the devs?

 

[hildoceras]

As such it does not appear that the 3D models will be modable.

ok... so Paradox keeps an exclusivity on sprites and can then be the only one to sold sprites pack
I was wondering about the contradiction lately.

 

[Johan]

.dds is normal dirextx textures.

.xac & .xsm are EmotionFX files.

 

[Inner Circle]

.dds is normal dirextx textures.

.xac & .xsm are EmotionFX files.

We already know, but the question is:

will we be able to make our own 3d models?

can we get an SDK or something?

an exporter?

 

[unmerged(11982)]

Told you guys when we were having the discussion about the 'sprite packs' that the whole thing stunk bad. Modders are no longer able to create unit graphics and offer these for free (as we did for hoi and hoi2) - and at the same time these items are sold for extra cash by Paradox.

Johan can be publicly critical of empire total war (and with good reason) but at least when they released unit graphics as DLC for sale the modding community already had over a hundred FREE units created that users could use without paying anything. And while often the 'official' downloads are of a higher quality sometimes the amateur offerings are superb also.

Sorry HOI3 fans, your modding community has been kicked out of this scene. The most you will get is some tweekable text files to adjust game values ... oh yeah, very moddable

While I am sure I'll love the game anyway, I consider this a real slap in the face to the hard working modders.

 

[xtfoster]

We already know, but the question is:

will we be able to make our own 3d models?

Yes (but see below)

can we get an SDK or something?

Ask the makers of EmotionFX

an exporter?

See above

 

[Johan]

We already know, but the question is:

will we be able to make our own 3d models?

can we get an SDK or something?

an exporter?

We're not allowed to give out the exporter for it as its a 3rd party tool.

 

[The Wookiee]

We're not allowed to give out the exporter for it as its a 3rd party tool.

Can you tell us the name of this device?