Post: Modding 101: How To Properly Start Modding
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03-15-2015, 02:23 PM
#1
pcfreak30
>> PCFreak30.com 
<<
<<
Hello everyone. I have not been around in a long time, but you can blame the many that don't appreciate what those who invest their time in greatly, contribute.
Anyways, I figured if there was one thing I would like to pass on from what I have done and learned, it is how to start off correctly.
I ask for you to link any beginner, "noob", "n00b", or "leech" to this thread. I asked a while back to a mod if this could get stickied, but they couldn't guarantee it. None the less I am posting now anyways to get it off my chest.
So Lets Begin.
What is Modding?
The Wikipedia definition: Modding is a slang expression that is derived from the verb "modify". Modding refers to the act of modifying hardware, software, or virtually anything else, to perform a function not originally conceived or intended by the designer. The term modding is often used within the computer game community, particularly in regard to creating new or altered content and sharing that via the web.
The blunt definition: For us, modding is altering the game to add/remove stuff, make mini-games. menus/cheat menus/mod menus, and modify the environment (super jump, super speed, ETC).
Why Should I Mod?
[INDENT=2]There are many reasons to mod. For me, it was fun, a challenge, and a learning experience. [/INDENT]
When you mod, it should be just for that. You should be wanting to mod to have some fun. If its not fun, why do it. All of this is a challenge, a puzzle. If you expect to be handed the solved puzzle, close this site, and sell your JTAG/RGH/JB-Homebrew PS3. Most of all you should be wanting to learn. If you don't want to learn and practice you will never gain the skills to do things on your own. This is the problem with many modders, its it is what needs to be corrected.
Why Should I NOT Mod?
This is the million dollar question. We have all seen examples of this. A guy gets a YouTube, starts posting videos about what he thinks is modding, and spams his channel asking for subscribers and views. He comes on forums like this and tries to act like a big shot, or act a very basic question, then may put it on YouTube as a guide. While this may be a bit stretched, its the general idea.
Many modders are now under the age of 12, or even 10. Thing is they are bored online, find a game, and they want to have "fun" by getting "cool" stats, a menu, jump around, and say "Look at me". You should NOT EVER, ever never ever mod for the purpose of fame or glory. It is not what modding is about. If you have issues at home, or school and are not getting attention from friends or your family (neglection), talk to someone about it, or get help if the situation is bad enough.
Modding for the sake of looking cool to raise you self-esteem is NOT a proper reason to mod and should NOT be done.
Trying to get as many subscribers/views as possible on YouTube is NOT a reason for modding if that is the sole reason. YouTube subscribers and/or views do not rate or make one better than the other.
What You Need To Know To Mod
Too many people just look up modding, watch a YouTube video, and then try themselves. After they think they are a cool "hacker"/"modder" and get cocky. Really you do need to have some skills to mod.
Modding is half reverse-engineering and half programming. You need to be able to take something and figure out how it was made. By doing so, you split it up into its core parts. Then you can modify a single part. To modify it, you must speak computer. This means you NEED programming skills to mod ever. Taking "code" you found and using it isn't modding. Unless you can write something from scratch, your not a true programmer, or a real/decent modder.
So how do you go about programming? My suggestion is go on W3Schools.com and learn JavaScript. You can also learn python. Once you understand the basics of programming, you will be able to edit game code for real and even write your own.
Reverse engineering is the challenge part of modding. You are given a set of files, with no instructions. The only thing you can do is use your current skills to examine the files and figure out whats what. This is how the modders ' with true skills and talent do their work.
I hope this helps you understand where to start off. As I think of new things, I may add it, or I may never update this thread. A lot of "established" modder's feel this way as I have talked to most. This is ment as a wake-up call to the new comers.
Happy Modding!
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03-24-2015, 11:02 PM
#11
pcfreak30
>> PCFreak30.com <<
<<
Originally posted by Get
Contact BigTrain. He'll respond. Now, could you just explain overall what eboots, selfs/elfs, .ff files, sprx, ppc, cfg, gsc, and other common files are? I know most of them (not very much on sprx, since I've never tried sprx plugins), but it'd be nice if all their definitions and more were in one thread instead of making a user Google search across different forums. Gives more reason to sticky, no?
Add pcfreak30 on skype and I can.
03-24-2015, 11:09 PM
#12
pcfreak30
>> PCFreak30.com <<
<<
Originally posted by Ishimura
This isn't how to properly start modding at all.. more like a "I hate how these kids who use already made programs call themselves modders"
Besides that modding is a very big word. To the normal fair unknowing public, altering the memory with netcheat or whatever to cheat is considers modding.
In the scene that's for noobies, we get it, but you shouldn't hate on kids who think they are modding.
Or hate on the definition of modding. This is some kind of elitism.
What you and I think, is comparable how to atheists and beliebers beliebe in God.
Oh but that isn't the true god, he doesn't exist, God is a she, no god is everything and doesn't have a gender blablabla.
The point is, that you need to place yourself in other people's shoes, to understand why they define something the way they do.
And then forget about all that cause nobody should care about 1 word so much when there are 1,025,109.8 words in the English vocab. Also, ain't nobody got time for that.
Some simply prefer to be end users and modify their games in one way or the other.
Besides that modding is a very big word. To the normal fair unknowing public, altering the memory with netcheat or whatever to cheat is considers modding.
In the scene that's for noobies, we get it, but you shouldn't hate on kids who think they are modding.
Or hate on the definition of modding. This is some kind of elitism.
What you and I think, is comparable how to atheists and beliebers beliebe in God.
Oh but that isn't the true god, he doesn't exist, God is a she, no god is everything and doesn't have a gender blablabla.
The point is, that you need to place yourself in other people's shoes, to understand why they define something the way they do.
And then forget about all that cause nobody should care about 1 word so much when there are 1,025,109.8 words in the English vocab. Also, ain't nobody got time for that.
Some simply prefer to be end users and modify their games in one way or the other.
I am not trying to encourage "elitism". I also am an end user in that I expect many things to work without having to fix issues the creator never did. However there is a big line between consuming a mod and knowing you don't have the skill set yourself to create it, and acting like you do and being a poser. This info is targeted to guide people to not do a modding hobby for the wrong reasons. I get some kids would like to think their modding, but in the process they are not giving attribution to the ones that enabled them to do that, and people start to follow that as a trend and it discourages ALOT of possible people from making a contribution as their time will go without notice as others just take without respect or appreciation.
03-24-2015, 11:22 PM
#14
KAOSxGaming
At least I can fight
Originally posted by Ishimura
This isn't how to properly start modding at all.. more like a "I hate how these kids who use already made programs call themselves modders"
Besides that modding is a very big word. To the normal fair unknowing public, altering the memory with netcheat or whatever to cheat is considers modding.
In the scene that's for noobies, we get it, but you shouldn't hate on kids who think they are modding.
Or hate on the definition of modding. This is some kind of elitism.
What you and I think, is comparable how to atheists and beliebers beliebe in God.
Oh but that isn't the true god, he doesn't exist, God is a she, no god is everything and doesn't have a gender blablabla.
The point is, that you need to place yourself in other people's shoes, to understand why they define something the way they do.
And then forget about all that cause nobody should care about 1 word so much when there are 1,025,109.8 words in the English vocab. Also, ain't nobody got time for that.
Some simply prefer to be end users and modify their games in one way or the other.
Besides that modding is a very big word. To the normal fair unknowing public, altering the memory with netcheat or whatever to cheat is considers modding.
In the scene that's for noobies, we get it, but you shouldn't hate on kids who think they are modding.
Or hate on the definition of modding. This is some kind of elitism.
What you and I think, is comparable how to atheists and beliebers beliebe in God.
Oh but that isn't the true god, he doesn't exist, God is a she, no god is everything and doesn't have a gender blablabla.
The point is, that you need to place yourself in other people's shoes, to understand why they define something the way they do.
And then forget about all that cause nobody should care about 1 word so much when there are 1,025,109.8 words in the English vocab. Also, ain't nobody got time for that.
Some simply prefer to be end users and modify their games in one way or the other.
Felt the same way and to be honest didn't find this thread any helpful with anything or useful.
03-25-2015, 12:02 AM
#15
Stunz
Former Staff
Originally posted by pcfreak30
**This is a re-post of a very, very old thread that I felt needed exposure again to ensure more people see and benefit from it and is not limited to COD AW, but I thought AW was likely the most popular COD forum as of now. Please spread this if you can. Thanks..**
Hello everyone. I have not been around in a long time, but you can blame the many that don't appreciate what those who invest their time in greatly, contribute.
Anyways, I figured if there was one thing I would like to pass on from what I have done and learned, it is how to start off correctly.
I ask for you to link any beginner, "noob", "n00b", or "leech" to this thread. I asked a while back to a mod if this could get stickied, but they couldn't guarantee it. None the less I am posting now anyways to get it off my chest.
So Lets Begin.
The Wikipedia definition: Modding is a slang expression that is derived from the verb "modify". Modding refers to the act of modifying hardware, software, or virtually anything else, to perform a function not originally conceived or intended by the designer. The term modding is often used within the computer game community, particularly in regard to creating new or altered content and sharing that via the web.
The blunt definition: For us, modding is altering the game to add/remove stuff, make mini-games. menus/cheat menus/mod menus, and modify the environment (super jump, super speed, ETC).
Why Should I Mod?
[INDENT=2]There are many reasons to mod. For me, it was fun, a challenge, and a learning experience. [/INDENT]
When you mod, it should be just for that. You should be wanting to mod to have some fun. If its not fun, why do it. All of this is a challenge, a puzzle. If you expect to be handed the solved puzzle, close this site, and sell your JTAG/RGH/JB-Homebrew PS3. Most of all you should be wanting to learn. If you don't want to learn and practice you will never gain the skills to do things on your own. This is the problem with many modders, its it is what needs to be corrected.
Why Should I NOT Mod?
This is the million dollar question. We have all seen examples of this. A guy gets a YouTube, starts posting videos about what he thinks is modding, and spams his channel asking for subscribers and views. He comes on forums like this and tries to act like a big shot, or act a very basic question, then may put it on YouTube as a guide. While this may be a bit stretched, its the general idea.
Many modders are now under the age of 12, or even 10. Thing is they are bored online, find a game, and they want to have "fun" by getting "cool" stats, a menu, jump around, and say "Look at me". You should NOT EVER, ever never ever mod for the purpose of fame or glory. It is not what modding is about. If you have issues at home, or school and are not getting attention from friends or your family (neglection), talk to someone about it, or get help if the situation is bad enough.
Modding for the sake of looking cool to raise you self-esteem is NOT a proper reason to mod and should NOT be done.
Trying to get as many subscribers/views as possible on YouTube is NOT a reason for modding if that is the sole reason. YouTube subscribers and/or views do not rate or make one better than the other.
What You Need To Know To Mod
Too many people just look up modding, watch a YouTube video, and then try themselves. After they think they are a cool "hacker"/"modder" and get cocky. Really you do need to have some skills to mod.
Modding is half reverse-engineering and half programming. You need to be able to take something and figure out how it was made. By doing so, you split it up into its core parts. Then you can modify a single part. To modify it, you must speak computer. This means you NEED programming skills to mod ever. Taking "code" you found and using it isn't modding. Unless you can write something from scratch, your not a true programmer, or a real/decent modder.
So how do you go about programming? My suggestion is go on W3Schools.com and learn JavaScript. You can also learn python. Once you understand the basics of programming, you will be able to edit game code for real and even write your own.
Reverse engineering is the challenge part of modding. You are given a set of files, with no instructions. The only thing you can do is use your current skills to examine the files and figure out whats what. This is how the modders ' with true skills and talent do their work.
I hope this helps you understand where to start off. As I think of new things, I may add it, or I may never update this thread. A lot of "established" modder's feel this way as I have talked to most. This is ment as a wake-up call to the new comers.
Happy Modding!
Hello everyone. I have not been around in a long time, but you can blame the many that don't appreciate what those who invest their time in greatly, contribute.
Anyways, I figured if there was one thing I would like to pass on from what I have done and learned, it is how to start off correctly.
I ask for you to link any beginner, "noob", "n00b", or "leech" to this thread. I asked a while back to a mod if this could get stickied, but they couldn't guarantee it. None the less I am posting now anyways to get it off my chest.
So Lets Begin.
What is Modding?
The Wikipedia definition: Modding is a slang expression that is derived from the verb "modify". Modding refers to the act of modifying hardware, software, or virtually anything else, to perform a function not originally conceived or intended by the designer. The term modding is often used within the computer game community, particularly in regard to creating new or altered content and sharing that via the web.
The blunt definition: For us, modding is altering the game to add/remove stuff, make mini-games. menus/cheat menus/mod menus, and modify the environment (super jump, super speed, ETC).
Why Should I Mod?
[INDENT=2]There are many reasons to mod. For me, it was fun, a challenge, and a learning experience. [/INDENT]
When you mod, it should be just for that. You should be wanting to mod to have some fun. If its not fun, why do it. All of this is a challenge, a puzzle. If you expect to be handed the solved puzzle, close this site, and sell your JTAG/RGH/JB-Homebrew PS3. Most of all you should be wanting to learn. If you don't want to learn and practice you will never gain the skills to do things on your own. This is the problem with many modders, its it is what needs to be corrected.
Why Should I NOT Mod?
This is the million dollar question. We have all seen examples of this. A guy gets a YouTube, starts posting videos about what he thinks is modding, and spams his channel asking for subscribers and views. He comes on forums like this and tries to act like a big shot, or act a very basic question, then may put it on YouTube as a guide. While this may be a bit stretched, its the general idea.
Many modders are now under the age of 12, or even 10. Thing is they are bored online, find a game, and they want to have "fun" by getting "cool" stats, a menu, jump around, and say "Look at me". You should NOT EVER, ever never ever mod for the purpose of fame or glory. It is not what modding is about. If you have issues at home, or school and are not getting attention from friends or your family (neglection), talk to someone about it, or get help if the situation is bad enough.
Modding for the sake of looking cool to raise you self-esteem is NOT a proper reason to mod and should NOT be done.
Trying to get as many subscribers/views as possible on YouTube is NOT a reason for modding if that is the sole reason. YouTube subscribers and/or views do not rate or make one better than the other.
What You Need To Know To Mod
Too many people just look up modding, watch a YouTube video, and then try themselves. After they think they are a cool "hacker"/"modder" and get cocky. Really you do need to have some skills to mod.
Modding is half reverse-engineering and half programming. You need to be able to take something and figure out how it was made. By doing so, you split it up into its core parts. Then you can modify a single part. To modify it, you must speak computer. This means you NEED programming skills to mod ever. Taking "code" you found and using it isn't modding. Unless you can write something from scratch, your not a true programmer, or a real/decent modder.
So how do you go about programming? My suggestion is go on W3Schools.com and learn JavaScript. You can also learn python. Once you understand the basics of programming, you will be able to edit game code for real and even write your own.
Reverse engineering is the challenge part of modding. You are given a set of files, with no instructions. The only thing you can do is use your current skills to examine the files and figure out whats what. This is how the modders ' with true skills and talent do their work.
I hope this helps you understand where to start off. As I think of new things, I may add it, or I may never update this thread. A lot of "established" modder's feel this way as I have talked to most. This is ment as a wake-up call to the new comers.
Happy Modding!
03-25-2015, 12:52 AM
#17
Im_YouViolateMe
NextGenUpdate Elite
Originally posted by pcfreak30
**This is a re-post of a very, very old thread that I felt needed exposure again to ensure more people see and benefit from it and is not limited to COD AW, but I thought AW was likely the most popular COD forum as of now. Please spread this if you can. Thanks..**
Hello everyone. I have not been around in a long time, but you can blame the many that don't appreciate what those who invest their time in greatly, contribute.
Anyways, I figured if there was one thing I would like to pass on from what I have done and learned, it is how to start off correctly.
I ask for you to link any beginner, "noob", "n00b", or "leech" to this thread. I asked a while back to a mod if this could get stickied, but they couldn't guarantee it. None the less I am posting now anyways to get it off my chest.
So Lets Begin.
The Wikipedia definition: Modding is a slang expression that is derived from the verb "modify". Modding refers to the act of modifying hardware, software, or virtually anything else, to perform a function not originally conceived or intended by the designer. The term modding is often used within the computer game community, particularly in regard to creating new or altered content and sharing that via the web.
The blunt definition: For us, modding is altering the game to add/remove stuff, make mini-games. menus/cheat menus/mod menus, and modify the environment (super jump, super speed, ETC).
Why Should I Mod?
[INDENT=2]There are many reasons to mod. For me, it was fun, a challenge, and a learning experience. [/INDENT]
When you mod, it should be just for that. You should be wanting to mod to have some fun. If its not fun, why do it. All of this is a challenge, a puzzle. If you expect to be handed the solved puzzle, close this site, and sell your JTAG/RGH/JB-Homebrew PS3. Most of all you should be wanting to learn. If you don't want to learn and practice you will never gain the skills to do things on your own. This is the problem with many modders, its it is what needs to be corrected.
Why Should I NOT Mod?
This is the million dollar question. We have all seen examples of this. A guy gets a YouTube, starts posting videos about what he thinks is modding, and spams his channel asking for subscribers and views. He comes on forums like this and tries to act like a big shot, or act a very basic question, then may put it on YouTube as a guide. While this may be a bit stretched, its the general idea.
Many modders are now under the age of 12, or even 10. Thing is they are bored online, find a game, and they want to have "fun" by getting "cool" stats, a menu, jump around, and say "Look at me". You should NOT EVER, ever never ever mod for the purpose of fame or glory. It is not what modding is about. If you have issues at home, or school and are not getting attention from friends or your family (neglection), talk to someone about it, or get help if the situation is bad enough.
Modding for the sake of looking cool to raise you self-esteem is NOT a proper reason to mod and should NOT be done.
Trying to get as many subscribers/views as possible on YouTube is NOT a reason for modding if that is the sole reason. YouTube subscribers and/or views do not rate or make one better than the other.
What You Need To Know To Mod
Too many people just look up modding, watch a YouTube video, and then try themselves. After they think they are a cool "hacker"/"modder" and get cocky. Really you do need to have some skills to mod.
Modding is half reverse-engineering and half programming. You need to be able to take something and figure out how it was made. By doing so, you split it up into its core parts. Then you can modify a single part. To modify it, you must speak computer. This means you NEED programming skills to mod ever. Taking "code" you found and using it isn't modding. Unless you can write something from scratch, your not a true programmer, or a real/decent modder.
So how do you go about programming? My suggestion is go on W3Schools.com and learn JavaScript. You can also learn python. Once you understand the basics of programming, you will be able to edit game code for real and even write your own.
Reverse engineering is the challenge part of modding. You are given a set of files, with no instructions. The only thing you can do is use your current skills to examine the files and figure out whats what. This is how the modders ' with true skills and talent do their work.
I hope this helps you understand where to start off. As I think of new things, I may add it, or I may never update this thread. A lot of "established" modder's feel this way as I have talked to most. This is ment as a wake-up call to the new comers.
Happy Modding!
Hello everyone. I have not been around in a long time, but you can blame the many that don't appreciate what those who invest their time in greatly, contribute.
Anyways, I figured if there was one thing I would like to pass on from what I have done and learned, it is how to start off correctly.
I ask for you to link any beginner, "noob", "n00b", or "leech" to this thread. I asked a while back to a mod if this could get stickied, but they couldn't guarantee it. None the less I am posting now anyways to get it off my chest.
So Lets Begin.
What is Modding?
The Wikipedia definition: Modding is a slang expression that is derived from the verb "modify". Modding refers to the act of modifying hardware, software, or virtually anything else, to perform a function not originally conceived or intended by the designer. The term modding is often used within the computer game community, particularly in regard to creating new or altered content and sharing that via the web.
The blunt definition: For us, modding is altering the game to add/remove stuff, make mini-games. menus/cheat menus/mod menus, and modify the environment (super jump, super speed, ETC).
Why Should I Mod?
[INDENT=2]There are many reasons to mod. For me, it was fun, a challenge, and a learning experience. [/INDENT]
When you mod, it should be just for that. You should be wanting to mod to have some fun. If its not fun, why do it. All of this is a challenge, a puzzle. If you expect to be handed the solved puzzle, close this site, and sell your JTAG/RGH/JB-Homebrew PS3. Most of all you should be wanting to learn. If you don't want to learn and practice you will never gain the skills to do things on your own. This is the problem with many modders, its it is what needs to be corrected.
Why Should I NOT Mod?
This is the million dollar question. We have all seen examples of this. A guy gets a YouTube, starts posting videos about what he thinks is modding, and spams his channel asking for subscribers and views. He comes on forums like this and tries to act like a big shot, or act a very basic question, then may put it on YouTube as a guide. While this may be a bit stretched, its the general idea.
Many modders are now under the age of 12, or even 10. Thing is they are bored online, find a game, and they want to have "fun" by getting "cool" stats, a menu, jump around, and say "Look at me". You should NOT EVER, ever never ever mod for the purpose of fame or glory. It is not what modding is about. If you have issues at home, or school and are not getting attention from friends or your family (neglection), talk to someone about it, or get help if the situation is bad enough.
Modding for the sake of looking cool to raise you self-esteem is NOT a proper reason to mod and should NOT be done.
Trying to get as many subscribers/views as possible on YouTube is NOT a reason for modding if that is the sole reason. YouTube subscribers and/or views do not rate or make one better than the other.
What You Need To Know To Mod
Too many people just look up modding, watch a YouTube video, and then try themselves. After they think they are a cool "hacker"/"modder" and get cocky. Really you do need to have some skills to mod.
Modding is half reverse-engineering and half programming. You need to be able to take something and figure out how it was made. By doing so, you split it up into its core parts. Then you can modify a single part. To modify it, you must speak computer. This means you NEED programming skills to mod ever. Taking "code" you found and using it isn't modding. Unless you can write something from scratch, your not a true programmer, or a real/decent modder.
So how do you go about programming? My suggestion is go on W3Schools.com and learn JavaScript. You can also learn python. Once you understand the basics of programming, you will be able to edit game code for real and even write your own.
Reverse engineering is the challenge part of modding. You are given a set of files, with no instructions. The only thing you can do is use your current skills to examine the files and figure out whats what. This is how the modders ' with true skills and talent do their work.
I hope this helps you understand where to start off. As I think of new things, I may add it, or I may never update this thread. A lot of "established" modder's feel this way as I have talked to most. This is ment as a wake-up call to the new comers.
Happy Modding!
Honestly I'm just a beginner/intermediate programmer. I know a few languages (VB, C#, C++, GSC, Lua, Java and PHP), but I've yet to learn anything about PowerPC or anything to do with memory. Still going to learn more about that though :p I modded cod to have fun but that's mainly it. Never leeched anything in my life either, but I do remember back in waw being able to create my own menu and such thinking I was badass lol. :p
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03-25-2015, 12:54 AM
#18
pcfreak30
>> PCFreak30.com <<
<<
Originally posted by Get
No, I mean on this post, not private. So other users as well can learn without the hassle of long amounts of searching. :/
- Self - Encrypted ELF file
- Elf - Computer program/executable for PS3. Other systems with a PPC processor may use it as well. I think Wii does.
- SPRX - A code library. Same as a windows DLL file. Used for storing common things shared between elf/self's.
- PPC is a type of computer processor. PPC though as also a dialect of ASM, Assembly Language. This is what is read/modified for many hacks now since content files can not be edited as easily or at all.
- CFG - File extension for a plain text file that commonly has commands the game engine understands. Said commands are used as a hack or part of one generally by enabling something the developers did not intend to have used but never removed it prior to release.
- GSC - File extension for a version of QuakeC scripting. This is for call of duty games since COD used the QUAKE engine, though it became heavily altered over the years, yet its core still have some of the same code.
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