TwistedMexi
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Create-A-World Alpha v0.20 - The Long Awaited Update
🕑 Added 2024-10-07 20:05:02 +0000 UTCREAD ALL UPDATE INFO:
This is a major compatibility update for Create-A-World. Most of you are likely aware, but CAW has only been functional on saves prior to For Rent since For Rent released. Any new saves would not install correctly.
WHY SO LONG?
This was due to a change in the core game engine's behavior which wasn't compatible with CAW's install process. It took quite a while to track down the cause, then longer to find a viable workaround, and then finally a little longer to implement an automated version of that fix so old and new saves would be and remain compatible.
WHAT ABOUT US?
To those that were patient during this process, it is greatly appreciated. If you are reading this, you're obviously pledged currently, but all cancelled patrons who were pledged when CAW was broken will also be receiving a download link in their messages.
WHERE FROM HERE?
CAW resumes it's normal development process and schedule now. I expect there may be small bugs here and there from the changes in this version. If so, I'll be focusing on tidying those up ASAP. After that it is back to the Visual Effects implementation then the exporter tool.
WHAT CHANGED?
CAW updated to be compatible with both saves prior to and after "For Rent".
Upgrade tool implemented to automatically convert old CAW saves.
A save backup process was implemented which occurs before upgrades take place.
UI Files updated for current patch
Implemented TOOL's Draggable Window
Implemented Better BuildBuy's CC Report
Updated CAW and Organized Debug Catalog for new packs.
HOW DO I USE THE UPDATER?
Nothing has changed for a player except when running the CAW install wizard in-game, it will search for pre-For Rent CAW saves. This means the first install may take a little longer than it used to.
If it finds old CAW saves, it will prompt you to upgrade them. Let it do so, then install will complete per usual. Your original CAW saves will be backed up in a subfolder in your saves just in case something goes wrong with the upgrade process.
🚨🚨IMPORTANT:🚨🚨
If your TS4 game was freshly installed via EA Desktop, CAW will have trouble accessing some of your game files. This update includes an auto-fix that will work for most.
You may receive a Windows Security dialog that asks if you want "icacls.exe" to run. Allow it, this is just CAW attempting to fix your TS4 install permissions.
If this doesn't work for you, come to discord.twistedmexi.com and we'll help you fix them manually.
That's it! If you run into any issues while participating in the alpha, please be sure to report them asap on discord.twistedmexi.com
Thanks everyone!
==========PREVIOUS UPDATES==========
v0.19 "Chestnut Ridge" Updates:
Chestnut Ridge added to supported worlds.
WorldBuilder and Organized Debug catalog updated for Horse Ranch
v0.16 "San Sequoia" Updates:
San Sequoia added to supported worlds.
All template worlds now have their water loaded in properly.
The world selection screen will only show template worlds that are actually installed, meaning if you don't own a pack there will no longer be a phantom world icon.
Added an Advanced Options menu in WorldBuilder settings. Settings in this menu may be use at your own risk and may be changed/removed before official release.
Added a "WorldBuilder Unlock in Default Worlds" option to the Advanced Options menu. When turned on, the worldbuilder will be able to fully function in EA's default worlds, except for changing/deleting existing world objects. This is not an officially supported feature.
Fixed Rotate Around Center moving object levels to ground floor.
Fixed a bug with Rotate Around Center Undo/Redo rotating incorrectly.
Improved efficiency of Rotate Around Center.
CAW resources fixed for patch
v0.15 "Nice-To-Haves" Updates:
The buildbuy filters now have a select all for Styles, Colors, and each pack type.
The room catalog can now be expanded with the "1" key like other buildbuy categories.
Added an auto-fix for CAW installation on TS4's that were installed via EA Desktop.
The Pack Requirements tool has been fixed so that deleting objects while they were highlighted, and then undoing, will put the objects back at their original location. Previously they would restore to their highlighted elevation.
TOOL has been updated to fix visual glitches
In some cases the "No new worlds" text under Custom Worlds could be covered by other UI elements. This is now fixed.
Updated the game menu UI to fix visual issues and add support for guidance.
Updated World Selection UI to fix glitches with upper left buttons.
Fixed a bug that kept cheats set via the filters panel from persisting.
===================
v0.14 "Color Wheel Lighting" Updates:
Reminder that you can press your ? key in WorldBuilder mode for in-game help. Updated Help File.
Color Wheel Lighting Editor added. The original swatches are still available but the UI now has full control of the light color, giving players the same capability as EA when designing World Lighting.
Preset Tool now has a mode dropdown that allows you to use the tool on Light gizmos or Objects, and eventually VFX.
The Preset catalogs are unique to each mode.
The Preset tool no longer selects invisible light gizmos while trying to select objects.
Updated Undo, Redo, and clone operations to keep light color and intensity.
It is no longer necessary to close a certain mode (i.e. Preset) to open another. If you're in Lighting mode, just press P to swap to the preset tool automatically.
TOOL Mode Clone now works as expected.
Updated Credits file for new Cafe Executive Patrons.
v0.11/v0.12 Lighting Editor Updates:
v0.11 is the long awaited "Lighting Update." When I first added this to the to-do a few months ago I imagined it being a "nice to have" side item. Unfortunately as I dug deeper into it, it turned out to be one of the most difficult tasks I've taken on for Create-A-World, if you can believe it. I've been staring at various lights, adjusting values, restarting the game, comparing the lights to EA's defaults some more, for months.
Part of the issue is that sometimes I would change values and the result wouldn't make sense based on my previous observations. As it turns out, EA seems to treat in-game lighting a little differently from the actual world lighting. So I've done my best to get them as accurate as possible, but you may notice slight intensity/shape changes once exported vs what you see in the worldbuilder. In particular, this occurs where there are lots of overlapping lights. Sometimes too many powerful lights in one area will actually cause lights to dim. I've worked on ways around it and haven't had any luck - seems this is just how the game engine handles the lighting.
I've tried to make this as user-friendly as possible, and the lighting mode catalog is split into two categories. You have a standard set of lights that include soft, regular, and hard lighting (how sharp the light edges are) that range from extra-small to extra-large. I'd like some feedback on this set of lights. Adjustments may be made to these depending on tester feedback.
Then you also have a huge selection of default lights that are needed to support loading EA's default world lighting.
You can find a manual on the Lighting Mode in-game by pressing your "?" key in worldbuilder mode.
This has been a mentally exhausting process, so I will be putting a video out on this mode in a few days and then I will be taking a week off. Development will resume after. Thanks everyone.🧡
Here's a video covering overall CAW install and usage
Here's a video demoing how to use the Pack Requirements Tool
IMPORTANT: Remember, NO BUILD CHEATS should be manually entered other than freebuild. All build cheats are controlled by the Filter Panel in worldbuilder or buildbuy from now on.
V0.11 Change Log:
Reminder that you can press your ? key in WorldBuilder mode for in-game help.
EA default lights have been removed from the templates. They can be loaded via the new light editor. (Accessed by pressing L in WorldBuilder mode)
Point Lights emit a uniform glow in all directions.
Spot Lights emit a glow in a specific direction. Rotation controls can be used to aim this.
Updated TOOL Integration
Updated files for Werewolves world and objects.
Fixed missing text field graphic in CAW wizard.
Updated Organized debug handling for non-delta folders. (Werewolves)
Fixed UI issues with scenarios panel and CAS werewolves paint controls.
Implemented Spotlight and Pointlight gizmo catalog.
Separated standard lights from EA World Default Lights for easier use.
Added color and intensity picker to the gizmos.
Fixed non-light mode objects getting manipulated by light mode controls.
Fixed light visibility sticking if you exit the lot without leaving worldbuilder.
Added loading dialog for light mode actions
Stopped on-lot lights from getting selected by light editor.
Made light catalog noCC by integrating into organized debug
Added loading dialog to Preset Tool when loading entire EA world.
Created a utility to generate user-friendly thumbnails for the lighting objects. Apparently buildbuy doesn't support custom thumbnails on swatches so only the main swatch has it.
Added Light Mode documentation to the Help widget.
Updated Credits file for new Cafe Executive Patrons.
Delete the entire "tmex-Create-A-World" folder first, then replace with the new one.
The mod files are different after running the in-game installer, so make sure you always delete your existing copy and place fresh copy of the mod.
=========ORIGINAL RELEASE TEXT=========
Hey everyone! The time is here. 😊Project Raven is no more, Create-A-World is officially here, and today is the first of many releases.
Before you run immediately to the download button, please do us both a favor and take a few minutes to read over my guidelines below, and the current concerns with CAW. This is an alpha, so bugs are to be expected. Please report them when you find them, preferably through my discord server.
What to expect currently:
You'll place the single mod folder directly into your Mods folder, as you usually do with my other mods. Do not modify or reorganize the files inside. Make sure script mods and mods are both enabled in your gameplay options. If they weren't, turn them on and restart.
You'll load a household and you should receive an installation wizard pop-up. Follow the steps and you'll restart the game once. After restarting, you should find your world selection screen has new sections.
While I typically do my best to avoid any major bugs, you should be using saves you don't care about since this is early alpha and I can't guarantee your saves will be fine. This is a large mod with lots of moving parts so better safe than sorry.
Each save also serves as your "work-in-progress". You can work on multiple template worlds but to use the same template for multiple worlds, you should start a new save.
You will load a household on a lot in the template world you'd like, and you should find an extra button in the top right, with a wrench and hammer in front of a globe. That is the worldbuilder mode. Click it to enter worldbuilder. Below is a quick cheatsheet on how to use worldbuilder, but I will be working on a quick video as well later today. Patrons will receive an e-mail when this post has been updated with the video.
Any worldbuilder work you do now will still be available for exporting as I roll out the next release. To save your work in the meantime, all you have to do is save the game.
What to expect over the next few days:
I will be rapidly rolling out additional features, mixed in with any necessary bug fixes based on your feedback as alpha participants. Please be sure to let me know of any issues. If there's any showstopping bugs, I'll be working later tonight to get those fixed ASAP.
After the extra tools and exporter have all been rolled out, I will be releasing a proper gameplay trailer covering everything in detail. Start building now and when the update hits, you can grab it and export it to the world file to share.
The UI is currently in English but my translation team will be working on the languages shortly. The download will be updated as languages become available.
Again, if you have any problems or questions about CAW, please reach out on my discord server. It's the easiest way to reach me and for me to track any bugs.
Concerns
1. Workflows might not be the best. The players know what works for building better than I do. If something is a hassle or counter-intuitive, it may be changed as we go.
2. Gameplay - Keep in mind the template worlds aren't meant for gameplay, they're meant for building. Once I've enabled the exporter you'll be able to package it as a world for playing in.
3. Compatibility is non-priority at the moment. I can't guarantee compatibility with any other mods for now so if you're having issues, try with only CAW installed.
4. Apartment worlds are complex, and that's a focus for later on in the alpha. For now I would be very weary when attempting to build near apartments. I'd recommend trying out regular worlds for now.
5. Turn on Organized Debug in the Better BuildBuy filter panel for the best experience. I'm not sure how I want to handle BBB integration in conjuction with the CAW objects, but this doesn't feel smooth to me so I will likely be changing this in later releases.
6. Uninstalling - if you need to uninstall the mod and delete it, some files may be left behind. If this happens, running an origin game repair will get your game back to default.
7. MAC users - I did what I could to avoid any platform specific bugs, but I don't have a Mac to test with, so please do let me know asap if you're unable to load up the template worlds and WorldBuilder.
8. "Woah, that's a big download!" - Yes it's kind of hefty, but the majority of it are files that are only loaded and used on demand, the actual mod being loaded into your game is much much smaller (about 50mb in total). No worries.
How to use WorldBuilder:
Again, I know these might seem confusing when written so there will be a video very soon. I had intended to have the video already but had more meetings today than I had bargained for. Check back for it.
You can select an object from the buildbuy catalog and then click anywhere in the world to place it instantly. There are special dropdowns for CAW objects, but you can switch to regular buildbuy filters as well. The toolbar at the top has a double square icon. If that's highlighted, group selection is on and you'll be able to click multiple objects at once.
For adjustments, you can use WASD on your keyboard.
W,A,S,D = Moves object incrementally
E = Elevates object
Q = De-elevates object
R = Switch to rotation (WASD and EQ control the 3 axes of rotation).
O = Perimeter Tool
P = Preset Tool
C = Clone object
- = Scale Down
+ = Scale Up
0 = Resets Scale (or rotation in Rotate mode)
Shift = Hold for Smaller increments
Ctrl = Hold for Larger increments
DEL = Deletes activated objects
Space = deselect all activated objects
The Preset Tool can be used to select an area on the ground, and fill it with objects from the original world. This is useful if you only want to modify parts of the world.
Preset Tool Usage:
Press P to activate the Preset Tool.
Click the ground around objects to draw a complete boundary.
Press space to toggle objects active inside the boundary.
Select Save Preset, enter a brief, descriptive name and save.
Click Open Preset Catalog, you can search by name, browse, or manage your presets.
You have two ways to load a preset:
1. you can draw a closed boundary, then select a preset from the catalog. This will load only objects from the preset that fit within that boundary,
2. You can click the ground so that you have a single Preset marker (vertical white), then select the preset. This will load the preset in it's entirety, centered where your marker was.
Note: You can hold your keys down and the object will move smoothly. Just keep in mind if your computer is older, it might not be able to move that quickly. In that case you should use single presses.
Mod Conflicts
TOOL, Better BuildBuy, Expandable BuildBuy, and Buildcam are already built into CAW. Do not install them separately.
Direct Control
Clean UI
No Pause Frame
All Worlds Are Residential
Copy Worlds
Expandable Catalog
BuildCam
Edit Lights In Build Mode
TOOL
Better BuildBuy
Installation
1. If you had CAW before, be sure to delete the existing CAW folder from Mods before. Your work will still be there once CAW is reinstalled.
2. Open the zip below (do not unzip, just click to open it)
3. There will be a "tmex-Create-A-World" folder inside.
4. Drag that folder to your mods folder (no subfolders!) and that's it.
5. Make sure mods and 👉Script👈 mods are on in game.
Load an existing household in game to complete installation.
🚨If you have trouble, try without any other mods in.
Thanks everyone! Stay tuned for updates. 🧡
DOWNLOAD REMOVED AS IT IS OLD.
FIND THE LATEST HERE
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Comments
Crucible Gaming
The entire tool is broken right now?
Holly_Future
no, its broken. We have to wait for the new fix
Holly_Future
Hi :) will CAW also be available with a German translation when you have completed the translations?
Duffey
Hey there! Is this compatible with the recent update from 10/22/24? Your work is awesome by the way!! :)
