I haven't played Nightly, but I did read how they've removed the separate space sectors: July 31st update - Programming retrospective Question: Would it still be possible for a mod to add in separate space sectors (e.g., Apha, Beta, Theta, Epsilon... Clownland)? And would it be possible to do it a way that maintains compatibility between biome mods? That is, without installing such mods requiring compatibility patches, universe wipes, or starting a new character? I mean, if they literally treat it as new areas of the map, and if mods are careful to add their stuff as new areas without changing the vanilla areas or stepping on the toes of similar mods...
You technically wouldn't need to. The new gate mechanism is just the same thing with a different coat of paint. Even though there are no "A" "b" "C" sectors. The planets are locked via biome code. So you can't land on planets without passing a special condition. So if you create a new biome it still can't be entered unless the player passes the special conditions for doing so.
Very interesting. Though, this really doesn't answer my questions. Even if it seems redundant, biome code or not, would it be possible for a mod to add new, separate sectors of space? Would the navigation screen or code even allow that? And does it look remotely possible for a mod to add new biome stuff without a universe wipe and/or all the compatibility issues that most players find so unpleasant? I suppose the only way to tell for sure is to delve into the code and actually try. But, I thought I would ask.
Unfortunately due to circumstances - I can't confirm about new sectors. I can only tell what the code says. As for universe wipe with new biomes - you may get a better asking by messaging satyr of Frackin Flora - he adds new biomes all the time. Technically you shouldn't need a universe wipe - but he would know more.
I'm pretty sure there are no functions even close to what you're requiring to do this. If there are I sure never saw them.
Well really matters when you joined the game. Early on we had different sectors. Which unlocked with ship upgrades. He simply wants access to that back. Though technically it should still be part of stable - though I haven't touched stable in ages.
I know what sectors are/were. I was just stating there aren't any functons for modders to be able to manipulate them. It's true I was only speaking of the nightly version though. Stable may have some... but I highly doubt that. I can't see them removing functions for modders, even if they weren't using those things themselves anymore.
Well in that case Celestial.config - used to contain the sector information You could add more sectors - the problem came with the GUI was static - so even though you could add more. It generally resulted in a cut off unless you modded the sector window it self. A mod which added more sectors would be Starscape http://community.playstarbound.com/...rscape-biomes-planets-sectors-and-stars.1046/ The code for sectors though is removed from nightly - so I doubt it is possible any longer. Though it never hurts to try, as there are still some rudimentary aspects still seen around - for example the unlock files still references sectors.
I guess when they removed the code for sectors, they were thinking about how to do progression and probably not considering the impact on mods like Starscape or Variety. So, it may or may not be possible to add sectors as such. But if it is possible, it may entail re-inserting some missing code and/or modding the nav window? Then again, I suppose mods could add new areas without the old method of putting them into separate sectors. Anyway, asking satyr about adding biomes and universe wipes sounds like a good idea.
Well my money is on it won't be possible. It would be vestigeal code and chances are likely if it hasn't been removed yet. It will be removed later on. So my money is on - not going to be possible. I suggest you stick to the planet locking code -as that is essentially proven to be the future progression system. There is also suppose to be instance planets - where it is a single planet which can be accessed only through a gate. Though I don't know much about it, nor do I believe it has yet to be added.
Isolated planets like that might be interesting. But I think it would be nice if they allowed a way to enter into small sectors of space via a gate, like a pocket universe. In one of the blogs or blog discussions I distinctly remember a mention about gates big enough to allow the player's ship through. At least, I seem to recall them considering this possibility (at the time).
