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Modding: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Double Swords.png|thumb|Through modding, a player wields two [[Energy Sword]]s at once, impossible in normal gameplay.]]
[[File:Double Swords.png|thumb|Through modding, a player wields two [[Energy Sword]]s at once, impossible in normal gameplay.]]


'''Modding''' is a way of changing the form and play of a game by manipulating its base coding. This can vary from changing colors of a character, to re-making a map or [[weapon]], such as in ''[[Halo 2]]''. Using the mods can significantly alter the processes of a game. As modding is often used for cheating, it is not allowed on [[Xbox Live]] and the use of a modded Xbox on Xbox Live will result in a terminated account. However, Halo: Custom Edition, an expansion of Halo PC, was created by Gearbox Software and it is a legal form of modding.
'''Modding''' is the act of altering aspects of a game by manipulating its program code and other resources. A number of things qualify as mods, ranging from palette swaps to the creation of entirely new maps. Some mods involve the alteration of game resources, while others run independently of a game and edit its working memory. Because modding is often used for cheating, it is not allowed on [[Xbox Live]] and the use of a modded Xbox on Xbox Live will result in a terminated account. However, modding can be done without penalty in [[Halo Custom Edition]], an expansion of [[Halo PC]].


An example of a Meta Tag modding program is [[Halo Map Tools]], or the more supported, advanced Eschaton.
Modding in the ''Halo'' series typically involves manipulation of a map's [[tags]].
Existing modding programs examples are: SparkEdit, or SwordEdit as the Mac equivalent is named, and DotHalo. DotHalo is viewed via winzip for certain computers.


==Ethics==
== By game ==
===Modding for Good===
=== Halo 1 ===
[[File:Flying Warthog.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A flying Warthog in Halo Custom Edition.]]
Halo Custom Edition, an expansion to Halo PC, allows users to load and play user-made maps. Because all of the game's assets are stored as "tags" in map files, virtually everything that isn't part of the core game engine can be altered by a mapmaker. This, as one might expect, includes core map geometry, AI scripts, map scripts, textures, weather and skybox effects, sounds, [[weapons]], and [[vehicles]]. This system, combined with the availability of programs that extract tags from official [[campaign]] maps, makes it possible for mapmakers to create custom single-player campaigns, complete with [[cutscenes]].<ref>[http://www.modacity.net/forums/showthread.php?22692-Lumoria-Episode-1-Released '''Modacity:''' Lumoria Episode 1 Released]</ref>


Some players who get bored of playing the same level over and over again can mod the game and do things like:
"Hacks" are technically another form of modding. Hacks generally take the form of third-party programs that a user activates after starting the game. They operate by [[Wikipedia:Cheating in video games|reading and editing the game's working memory]]. Hacks usable by clients include aimbots, sightjacking programs<ref>[http://www.modacity.net/forums/showthread.php?11261-App-Sightjacker-for-1.04-1.07-1.08-1.09-PC '''Modacity:''' [App] Sightjacker for 1.04/1.07/1.08/1.09 PC]</ref>, third-person point-of-view<ref>[http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=2645 '''Halomaps.org:''' Halo Third Person Fov]</ref> and flycam<ref>[http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=997 '''Halomaps.org:''' Halo FlyCam]</ref> utilities, [[HUD]]-disabling programs<ref>[http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=2910 '''Halomaps.org:''' Halo Screen Options]</ref>, texture modifications, name hacks<ref>[http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=3246 '''Halomaps.org:''' Player Name Hack]</ref>, and draw distance changers<ref>[http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=3478 '''Halomaps.org:''' Clipping Distance Changer]</ref>. [[Host]]s can use a wider variety of hacks without causing desynchronizations; these include dedicated server administration tools, weapon mods, hacks that can change individual players' properties on-the-fly<ref>[http://www.modacity.net/forums/showthread.php?22594-rec0-s-Server-App-for-Halo-CE-1.09 '''Modacity:''' rec0's Server App for Halo CE 1.09]</ref>, and even a tool that recreates ''[[Halo 3]]''<nowiki/>'s [[Infection]] mode.<ref name="igbrains">[http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=4314 '''Halomaps.org:''' IG-brainz V1.50]</ref>
*Turn allies into enemies
*Change the type of enemy (Grunts to Hunters, Elites to Prophets, etc.)
*Make new standard [[weapons]] (Enforcer [[Needler]], [[Scarab Gun]], Prophet Beam, etc.)
*Make enemy vehicles appear in different levels
*Increasing enemy forces
*And in some cases, making new maps


Mods and hacks can be used to gain access to retail-only gametypes in the trial version of Halo PC. Programs exist that can convert retail-only maps into demo-compatible maps.
=== Halo 2 ===
[[File:Ascension Modded.png|thumb|The map [[Ascension (Level)|Ascension]], modded to look like an island.]]
[[File:Ascension Modded.png|thumb|The map [[Ascension (Level)|Ascension]], modded to look like an island.]]
Map Makers/Modders often make a map with a theme, such as a snowy version of a normal map, a night time version of a normal map, a SWAT type map, or anything you can imagine. Some mods add player models from a Campaign map to a Multiplayer Map, including [[Heretic]] [[Elites]], [[ODSTs]] etc. Sometimes people make mods just to see what kind of new and innovative things they can do such as "Active Scenery" which allows objects, like [[Pelican|Pelican Dropships]], to move around the map without AI or anyone controlling it. An example of Bungie made active scenery is the Train on [[Terminal (Level)|Terminal]] or the [[Monitor]], [[2401 Penitent Tangent]], on [[Backwash]].
It is possible to modify maps that are installed to the hard drive, such as [[Containment (Level)]] and [[Terminal (Level)]]. Because the ''[[Halo 2]]'' engine still uses the "tag" system from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', it is therefore possible to edit any resource or asset in the map. However, mods will not synchronize for all players unless the person using the modded map is host. (So if a client modded Containment to make [[Assault Rifle]]s fire [[Scorpion]] rounds, and then they joined a game hosted by a non-modder, only the client with the mod would see Scorpion rounds come out of their AR.)
 
Modding is in fact encouraged by [[Bungie]] and Halo PC's developer Gearbox if modding on the free Halo PC add-on [[Halo Custom Edition]].  These modders (or as they call themselves "map-makers"), do everything a multiplayer developer from Bungie would, and even will make single-player maps complete with cutscenes, voices, and plots.  Their creativity inspired Bungie to allow "Map-making" on Console versions of Halo under the guise of [[Forge]] (Abeit with many features removed, such as custom scenery, terrain, weapons, vehicles, textures, and bipeds).
 
Many popular maps available for Halo: Custom Edition are Yoyorast Island, which is basically a twisty racecourse, Extinction, a very large map set between a large UNSC ship resembling the Pillar of Autumn and a large crashed ship resembling a Covenant ship, and Coldsnap, another very large outdoors map that relies mainly on vehicular combat.
 
Modding is essential to machinima for things such as a chroma-key map, and many screenshot sites such as halouvre allow it.
 
It should be noted however, that modding can only occur on Halo Custom Edition, and not other Halo games, or Bungie will ban you.
<!-- With the uber banhammer of course! -->
 
===Halo PC Machinima===
Through modding, it is possible to make it easier and more practical to film machinima. Since certain applications (e.g., Eschaton) allow weapons to be tweaked, it is possible to remove the heads-up-display and give the weapon certain traits that make it more useful as a "camera" to film with. When effects such as lighting are boosted, the dramatic effect is also raised, especially when used on dark maps.
 
===Modding for Evil===
 
Modding can add [[weapons]], turn weapons that are single-wielded into [[dual-wield]]ed weapons, such as the [[Covenant]] [[Energy Sword]] or even [[Sniper Rifles]]. Also, mods can make a player jump incredible distances and in some cases, break the game or map barrier. These mods can be used for everyone's enjoyment.
 
For example, if the assault rifle is modded by the host of the game to shoot tank rounds or sniper bullets, all the players can shoot out is sniper bullets and tank rounds. However, if a joining person has a modded map that shoots out tank rounds, when he shoots, it will appear to him as he's shooting tank rounds, but it has no function - everyone else shoots normally, and everyone else takes normal damage. So in this way, you can't cheat, only do it for everyone's enjoyment. Modifying the game will only work if you are the host. That way people that modify their own maps only mess up their game play.
 
Modders are legitimate players and do not cheat. They discourage cheaters to be called modders, rather hackers.  


Other mods include:
=== Halo 3 ===
Console-based mods because very widely-available in ''[[Halo 3]]'', thanks to the development of the [[File Share]] and other ways of transferring user-created content. Though modding on the scale of Halo Custom Edition cannot be done without a devkit or a modded console, user-created Files can be altered using simple utilities to produce unusual effects.


*Changing a characters' programming
[[Bungie]] does not allow the uploading of modded map or game variants to one's File Share, nor do they allow the uploading of modded [[Film]]s, Film Clips, or screenshots. However, they do allow the uploading of un-modded Screenshots and Films showcasing modded map and game variants. After viewing a Film or Film Clip, the map and game variants from that Film are stored in a player's Recent Maps and Recent Gametypes; this allows players to share modded maps and gametypes by simply sharing un-modded Films of those gametypes on those maps.
*Playing as any character (Grunts, Elites, Hunters)
*Making enemies your allies
*Auto-Headshots
*Infinite Ammunition
*Super-Speed
*Making undrivable [[vehicles]] drivable (e.g. [[Pelicans]], [[Longswords]], [[Phantom]]s, etc)
*Extra Damage Delivered
*Damage Resistance
*Cloning yourself
*The creation of new [[Weapons]]
*The modification of weapons and vehicles (like combining two different vehicles to create a new one with both characteristics) in [[Halo 2]]
[[File:Flying Warthog.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A flying [[Warthog]] in [[Halo: CE]]]]
*The modification of [[maps]]
*The modification of weapon, vehicle, and player spawn points
*Automatic power weapons, like [[Sniper rifle]]s and [[Rocket launcher]]s
*Creation of energy barriers
*Creation of flying turrets
*Changing the physics on a map to make players lightweight or super-dense
*The introduction of AIs into maps
*Swapping weapon abilities and characteristics (example: [[Shotgun]] ammunition turns into a spray of wraith shots, [[Plasma pistols]] shooting [[Overshield]] power-ups).


Most of these maps are hard drive maps such as [[Containment (Level)]] or [[Terminal (Level)]]. It is possible to modify the maps on the Game Disk, but it is a very hard process and may break your DVD drive. The easier way is to copy the game to the [[Xbox]] hard drive, but you won't be able to play on [[Xbox LIVE]] with them.
==== Map variants ====
[[Map variants]], for example, can be created in [[Forge]] and then modded. Forgeable objects can be replaced with any non-terrain objects in a map. Through this method, a variety of development leftovers can be added to maps. These include partially-Forgeable objects from the [[Halo 3 Epsilon]] build ([[Deployable Lookout Tower]]s and [[Shade]]s), unused game objects (like [[Rocket Launcher]] ammo cases and [[Needler]] ammo pickups on [[Blackout (level)|Blackout]]), and unused map-specific objects (like a hologram of the [[Ark]] on [[Guardian (level)|Guardian]]). Some vehicles cannot be Forged onto a map, but can be modded onto the map; examples include [[Hornets]] and [[Banshees]] on [[Narrows (level)|Narrows]], and [[Warthogs]] on [[The Pit (level)|The Pit]]. Warthog turrets can be placed independently of a Warthog. Map-specific objects (like [[Sandtrap (level)|Sandtrap]]'s [[Elephant]]s and [[Guardian (level)|Guardian]]'s birds) can be created and moved using modding. Objective objects, such as [[Type 14 Magnetic/Anti-Tank Mine|bombs]], [[Halo 3 Skulls|skulls]] and [[flag]]s, can be modded onto a map, in which case they are available for use in all gametypes. Inactive bipeds ([[Spartan]]s, [[Elite]]s, and [[Monitor]]s) can also be placed on maps. Even large pieces of map scenery, such as the [[UNSC Aegis Fate]] on Sandtrap, can be modded, though such mods are only visible to the host.


All of these mods are used in [[Halo 2]] to give the "modder" a slight edge in gameplay. However, he/she can only use a lot of the mods if he/she has host of the game. Often, modders are in a party with a "bridger" or a "stand-byer." The bridger uses a program on the computer which interacts with other players' routers and xboxs to make a modder or anyone else host of the game. This is effective in the process of "leveling-up." This is when gamers join a modder's game to get their level boosted up because the modder is almost unstoppable. Stand-byers use many techniques to freeze other gamers games. This includes: Pressing the "stand-by" button on a modem, and slightly unplugging the Internet cable from their Xbox. When a stand-byer is successful, other gamers either get the dreaded "blue screen" or they get a similar black screen. Everyone but the stand-byer gets this. This allows the stand-byer to run around the map and kill all opponents. This is effective, but illegal, as are all mods.
==== Game variants ====
Gametype modifications allow changes to certain settings in gametypes. Most settings use enumerated values -- in other words, a finite list of choices -- preventing any significant mods from being made. It is possible, however, to enable Forging capability in any gametype. There are also some settings that are stored as integer values, for example:
*Respawn Time
*Flag/Bomb Return Time
*Sudden Death Time
*Captures per Round
*Flag/Bomb Reset Time


Any use of these mods is in violation with the Code of Conduct and will get your account banned from all matchmaking games. Modding for evil usually is highly detested by players.
Most other settings are enumerated, and the only values available are those usable in-game. The Primary and Secondary Weapons settings are exceptions; though enumerated, they support values that are not accessible in-game. When such values are assigned to these settings, the settings will appear to have blank values (when editing the gametype in-game). If the gametype settings specify a weapon that is not available in a map, the player will spawn with an Assault Rifle in place of that weapon. The list of usable weapon values is as follows:
*[[Battle Rifle]]
*[[Assault Rifle]]
*[[Plasma Pistol]]
*[[Spiker]]
*[[SMG]]
*[[Carbine]]
*[[Energy Sword]]
*[[Magnum]]
*[[Needler]]
*[[Plasma Rifle]]
*[[Rocket Launcher]]
*[[Shotgun]]
*[[Sniper Rifle]]
*[[Brute Shot]]
*[[Depleted Sword]]
*[[Beam Rifle]]
*[[Spartan Laser]]
*[[No weapon]]
*[[Gravity Hammer]]
*[[Mauler]]
*[[Flame Thrower]]
**''If the player drops this weapon and is not holding another, they will end up with no held weapon.''
*[[Missile Pod]]
**''If the player drops this weapon and is not holding another, they will end up with no held weapon.''


==Game Crashing==
Gametypes also have the .blf (Blam File Header/Blam Library Format) header, which stores information such as the Variant Name, Variant Author, and Variant Description. These fields may be edited to hold any value, including censored terms and control characters, and displayed in the menu. Control characters allow symbols and icons to be inserted into the map's description. An XML-like syntax allows colored text, the current date and time (updated in real-time), and the name of a viewer's gamertag to be inserted into the description. It can become difficult for any information about the file to be verified locally, including the original author.
PC modders should be aware of something called an [[Exception]] on both Halo PC and Halo 2 for Windows Vista. This occurs when something goes wrong with the mod, or when something done is uncalled for. For example, some mods require a Level restart, or the game will crash, leading to an Exception Error.


In Halo PC, Game crashing usually leads to a Window showing, "Gathering Exception Data" which means the game had crashed through an uncalled for mod, or a physic glitch. While in Halo 2 Vista, the game does not show the window. Instead, it will automatically close, which some claim is an exception.
==== Screenshots and Films ====
Programs allow the armor worn by players in Films to be changed. Any armor permutation may be substituted, including [[Recon]] and [[Bungie Armor]]. Screenshots can be replaced with any image.


On Xbox users, Wikipedia stated that there's something called, "Console Crashing" leading to something called, "The Green Screen of Death". If not, the game will freeze.
=== Halo: Reach ===
Players in ''Halo: Reach'' have been able to use offline mods to unlock armor pieces prematurely, "fly" [[UNSC Frigate]]s in [[Long Night of Solace (level)|Long Night of Solace]] (by "attaching" the Frigates to [[Sabre]]s), pilot [[Seraph]]s, and use a [[Bungie]]-exclusive font glyph (the Bungie logo) as a Service Tag.


on Halo 2 for Windows Vista a user by the name "gunmonkey80" had exploited a number of flaws that would crash Halo 2 for Windows Vista for everyone who was in the same party. Exploitations were the effect of HiredGun's failure to perfect the DirectX video renderer and a memory leak caused by buffer overloading.
== Bungie takes action ==
 
==Bungie Takes Action==
{{main|Halopedia:Bungie With Teeth}}
{{main|Halopedia:Bungie With Teeth}}
[[File:Suspended2.jpg|right|350px|thumb|The consequence of using mods online]]
[[File:Suspended2.jpg|right|350px|thumb|The consequence of using mods online]]
This has become such a widespread problem in the "Matchmaking" system that [[Bungie]] was forced to resolve the problem by releasing auto-updates which ban hackers from the system and terminate their accounts. Bungie has banned thousands of players and is working to clean up the rest, earning in the process the moniker 'Banhammer.' Several sites offer a list of cheaters and hackers.
This has become such a widespread problem in the [[Matchmaking]] system that [[Bungie]] was forced to resolve the problem by releasing auto-updates which ban hackers from the system and terminate their accounts. Bungie has banned thousands of players and is working to clean up the rest, earning in the process the moniker 'Banhammer.' Several sites offer a list of cheaters and hackers.


Although there used to be several ways to mod, Xbox Live and Bungie have collaborated to rectify the programming mistakes and prevent the game from being modded as much. They are also reinforcing much stricter punishments for cheaters, such as instant bans and longer suspensions.
Although there used to be several ways to mod, Xbox Live and Bungie have collaborated to rectify the programming mistakes and prevent the game from being modded as much. They are also reinforcing much stricter punishments for cheaters, such as instant bans and longer suspensions.
==Demo Modding==
Modding maps in the Demo/Trial version of [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] is also possible, although there are a few differences:
*Limitations: by default, gametypes are [[Slayer]]/[[CTF]] only, and available levels are [[Silent Cartographer (Level)]] (SP)/[[Blood Gulch]] (MP) only.
The Demo '''does''' come with every gametype though. You can access them through modding.
*Editing: The differences in Demo maps are small, but leave the maps incompatible with other versions of Halo.
The header is scrambled, and the magic used in its monolithic structure has a difference of exactly 0xBAD0000 from the retail version.
There are applications which allow for the conversion of retail/CE maps to usable Demo maps, which expand the game to far more than the stock Silent Cartographer and Blood Gulch, but they are considered illegal and are therefore shunned by a portion of the modding community.
==Halo 3 Mods==
Like Halo 2, and Halo: Combat Evolved before it, Halo 3 has already gained some notable{{Citation needed}} mods, provided by community members unaffiliated with Bungie or Microsoft. Though not always used for cheating or providing one player or team an advantage, the use of modded content on Xbox Live in any regard is still considered illegal, and can result in a ban.
The biggest change with Halo 3 is the ability to share modded content via [[File Share]] making anybody without any modding experience able to play with or view the modded content.
=== Map mods ===
Currently, the only way to mod maps is to either have a dev kit which requires some files, or to hardmod your 360 and patch some files.{{Verify}} Map mods for Halo 3 are like Halo 2, allowing anything to be done to the map that is discovered at the moment, or that you can do in a hex editor or modding program.
===Map Variant mods===
Mods allow custom map variants to include removed material from the [[Halo 3 Epsilon]] build such as [[Deployable Lookout Tower]]s, [[Shade|Shade turrets]] and Vehicles like [[Hornets]] and [[Banshee]]s on [[Narrows]] and [[Warthogs]] on [[The Pit]]. Mods also allow objects that can't be [[forge]]d such as the [[Elephant]]s on [[Sandtrap]] to be duplicated. Additionally, they allow objective melee weapons such as [[Type 14 Magnetic/Anti-Tank Mine|bombs]], [[Halo 3 Skulls|skulls]] and [[flag]]s to be used without playing that gametype.
It is also possible to place object out of the map boundaries, but this less impressive because it can also be done using [[glitches]]. Modders can also add effects, such as a Holographic [[Ark]] on [[Guardian]] or other items. Some mods can also add Warthog Gauss Turrets to the map
Note: Modded content on a map will disappear when a new round in started or when the map variant is saved as a new variant, with a few exceptions.
===Gametype mods===
Gametype modifications allow changes to certain settings in gametypes. Bungie used enumerated values for Halo 3's Gametypes, so most of the settings are only the ones available from the beginning. There are some settings stored as integer values, for example:
#Respawn Time
#Return Time
#Sudden Death Time
#Captures per Round
#Reset Time
Most other values are accessed in a 'list' fashion, which removes much purpose from creating specialized modding tools to edit settings in the main menu. One exception to this is the Primary and Secondary weapons, which have entries enumerated that are not usually accessible to the player. Setting these values produces a blank text in the mainmenu, but a functional weapon ingame. If the current map does not have a selected weapon, the default ( Assault Rifle) is loaded. The list of weapons that can be specified are as follows:
#Battle Rifle
#Assault Rifle
#Plasma Pistol
#Spiker
#SMG
#Carbine
#Energy Sword
#Magnum
#Needler
#Plasma Rifle
#Rocket Launcher
#Shotgun
#Sniper Rifle
#Brute Shot
#Depleted Sword
#Beam Rifle
#Spartan Laser
#No Weapon
#Gravity Hammer
#Mauler
#Flame Thrower
#Missile Pod
Gametypes also have the .blf (Blam File Header/Blam Library Format) header, which stores information such as Variant Name, Variant Author, and Variant Description. These fields may be edited to anything, including censored terms, and displayed in the menu. It can become difficult for the original author or any information about the file to be verified locally.
===Video and Screenshot mods===
With the help of modding, player armor in Film Clip and Recorded Games can be changed to what ever the player wants, even [[Recon]] and [[Bungie Armor]]. It is possible to share modded map variants and game type variant without being banned through a modding trick: Recorded Games store the game type variant and the map variant information and you can extract these and videos of mods (not modded videos) on File Share will not get you banned.
With modding, it is also possible to replace Screenshots with other pictures such as pictures you take with your camera.
===Weapon Mods===
With modding, players can change what there weapons do and whether they're duel-wieldable or not. Modders can make (For example) [[Needlers]] shoot [[Fusion Coils]] and Confetti. Other mods are [[Plasma Cannons]] that shoot [[Plasma Grenades]] or [[Frags]]. Though some weapon mods don't make the weapon shoot something that isn't supposed to be shot. Some mods include making Turrets shoot the beam from a [[Sentinel Beam]]. But as said above, other Weapon Mods can make weapons duel-wieldable. Such as duel-wielding 2 Turrets, 2 Rocket Launchers, or even 2 Snipers. Also, some modders can mod so that their weapon shoots faster. Such as a [[Rocket Launcher]] firing at the speed of an [[Assault Rifle]].
== Softmods and Hardmods ==
Contrary to common belief, getting a chip installed in your Xbox is not the only way to have mods. Many popular mods are retrieved through what is called "soft" modding.
*Soft modding does not require a chip; it is done through a special file and an Action Replay.
*"Hard" mods are done by acquiring a special chip and installing it on to your Xbox.


== Sources ==
== Sources ==
''Note'': There is no "True Source" for modding as it is done at a players demand. However, it may be witnessed in the following games.
''Note'': There is no "true source" for modding as it is done at a players demand. However, it may be witnessed in the following games.
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: PC]]''
*''[[Halo: PC]]''
Line 180: Line 98:
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HptMIgQN_k&mode=related&search Why We Mod] - A collection of creative mods displayed in a music video.
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HptMIgQN_k&mode=related&search Why We Mod] - A collection of creative mods displayed in a music video.
*http://www.macgamingmods.com - A Modding Website Dedicated to Mac users.
*http://www.macgamingmods.com - A Modding Website Dedicated to Mac users.
== References ==
<references/>
[[Category:Terms and Phrases]]
[[Category:Terms and Phrases]]

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File:Double Swords.png
Through modding, a player wields two Energy Swords at once, impossible in normal gameplay.

Modding is the act of altering aspects of a game by manipulating its program code and other resources. A number of things qualify as mods, ranging from palette swaps to the creation of entirely new maps. Some mods involve the alteration of game resources, while others run independently of a game and edit its working memory. Because modding is often used for cheating, it is not allowed on Xbox Live and the use of a modded Xbox on Xbox Live will result in a terminated account. However, modding can be done without penalty in Halo Custom Edition, an expansion of Halo PC.

Modding in the Halo series typically involves manipulation of a map's tags.

By game

Halo 1

A flying Warthog in Halo Custom Edition.

Halo Custom Edition, an expansion to Halo PC, allows users to load and play user-made maps. Because all of the game's assets are stored as "tags" in map files, virtually everything that isn't part of the core game engine can be altered by a mapmaker. This, as one might expect, includes core map geometry, AI scripts, map scripts, textures, weather and skybox effects, sounds, weapons, and vehicles. This system, combined with the availability of programs that extract tags from official campaign maps, makes it possible for mapmakers to create custom single-player campaigns, complete with cutscenes.[1]

"Hacks" are technically another form of modding. Hacks generally take the form of third-party programs that a user activates after starting the game. They operate by reading and editing the game's working memory. Hacks usable by clients include aimbots, sightjacking programs[2], third-person point-of-view[3] and flycam[4] utilities, HUD-disabling programs[5], texture modifications, name hacks[6], and draw distance changers[7]. Hosts can use a wider variety of hacks without causing desynchronizations; these include dedicated server administration tools, weapon mods, hacks that can change individual players' properties on-the-fly[8], and even a tool that recreates Halo 3's Infection mode.[9]

Mods and hacks can be used to gain access to retail-only gametypes in the trial version of Halo PC. Programs exist that can convert retail-only maps into demo-compatible maps.

Halo 2

Halo 2 multiplayer map Ascension modded to look like an island.
The map Ascension, modded to look like an island.

It is possible to modify maps that are installed to the hard drive, such as Containment (Level) and Terminal (Level). Because the Halo 2 engine still uses the "tag" system from Halo: Combat Evolved, it is therefore possible to edit any resource or asset in the map. However, mods will not synchronize for all players unless the person using the modded map is host. (So if a client modded Containment to make Assault Rifles fire Scorpion rounds, and then they joined a game hosted by a non-modder, only the client with the mod would see Scorpion rounds come out of their AR.)

Halo 3

Console-based mods because very widely-available in Halo 3, thanks to the development of the File Share and other ways of transferring user-created content. Though modding on the scale of Halo Custom Edition cannot be done without a devkit or a modded console, user-created Files can be altered using simple utilities to produce unusual effects.

Bungie does not allow the uploading of modded map or game variants to one's File Share, nor do they allow the uploading of modded Films, Film Clips, or screenshots. However, they do allow the uploading of un-modded Screenshots and Films showcasing modded map and game variants. After viewing a Film or Film Clip, the map and game variants from that Film are stored in a player's Recent Maps and Recent Gametypes; this allows players to share modded maps and gametypes by simply sharing un-modded Films of those gametypes on those maps.

Map variants

Map variants, for example, can be created in Forge and then modded. Forgeable objects can be replaced with any non-terrain objects in a map. Through this method, a variety of development leftovers can be added to maps. These include partially-Forgeable objects from the Halo 3 Epsilon build (Deployable Lookout Towers and Shades), unused game objects (like Rocket Launcher ammo cases and Needler ammo pickups on Blackout), and unused map-specific objects (like a hologram of the Ark on Guardian). Some vehicles cannot be Forged onto a map, but can be modded onto the map; examples include Hornets and Banshees on Narrows, and Warthogs on The Pit. Warthog turrets can be placed independently of a Warthog. Map-specific objects (like Sandtrap's Elephants and Guardian's birds) can be created and moved using modding. Objective objects, such as bombs, skulls and flags, can be modded onto a map, in which case they are available for use in all gametypes. Inactive bipeds (Spartans, Elites, and Monitors) can also be placed on maps. Even large pieces of map scenery, such as the UNSC Aegis Fate on Sandtrap, can be modded, though such mods are only visible to the host.

Game variants

Gametype modifications allow changes to certain settings in gametypes. Most settings use enumerated values -- in other words, a finite list of choices -- preventing any significant mods from being made. It is possible, however, to enable Forging capability in any gametype. There are also some settings that are stored as integer values, for example:

  • Respawn Time
  • Flag/Bomb Return Time
  • Sudden Death Time
  • Captures per Round
  • Flag/Bomb Reset Time

Most other settings are enumerated, and the only values available are those usable in-game. The Primary and Secondary Weapons settings are exceptions; though enumerated, they support values that are not accessible in-game. When such values are assigned to these settings, the settings will appear to have blank values (when editing the gametype in-game). If the gametype settings specify a weapon that is not available in a map, the player will spawn with an Assault Rifle in place of that weapon. The list of usable weapon values is as follows:

Gametypes also have the .blf (Blam File Header/Blam Library Format) header, which stores information such as the Variant Name, Variant Author, and Variant Description. These fields may be edited to hold any value, including censored terms and control characters, and displayed in the menu. Control characters allow symbols and icons to be inserted into the map's description. An XML-like syntax allows colored text, the current date and time (updated in real-time), and the name of a viewer's gamertag to be inserted into the description. It can become difficult for any information about the file to be verified locally, including the original author.

Screenshots and Films

Programs allow the armor worn by players in Films to be changed. Any armor permutation may be substituted, including Recon and Bungie Armor. Screenshots can be replaced with any image.

Halo: Reach

Players in Halo: Reach have been able to use offline mods to unlock armor pieces prematurely, "fly" UNSC Frigates in Long Night of Solace (by "attaching" the Frigates to Sabres), pilot Seraphs, and use a Bungie-exclusive font glyph (the Bungie logo) as a Service Tag.

Bungie takes action

Main article: Halopedia:Bungie With Teeth
File:Suspended2.jpg
The consequence of using mods online

This has become such a widespread problem in the Matchmaking system that Bungie was forced to resolve the problem by releasing auto-updates which ban hackers from the system and terminate their accounts. Bungie has banned thousands of players and is working to clean up the rest, earning in the process the moniker 'Banhammer.' Several sites offer a list of cheaters and hackers.

Although there used to be several ways to mod, Xbox Live and Bungie have collaborated to rectify the programming mistakes and prevent the game from being modded as much. They are also reinforcing much stricter punishments for cheaters, such as instant bans and longer suspensions.

Sources

Note: There is no "true source" for modding as it is done at a players demand. However, it may be witnessed in the following games.

External links

References

  1. ^ Modacity: Lumoria Episode 1 Released
  2. ^ Modacity: [App Sightjacker for 1.04/1.07/1.08/1.09 PC]
  3. ^ Halomaps.org: Halo Third Person Fov
  4. ^ Halomaps.org: Halo FlyCam
  5. ^ Halomaps.org: Halo Screen Options
  6. ^ Halomaps.org: Player Name Hack
  7. ^ Halomaps.org: Clipping Distance Changer
  8. ^ Modacity: rec0's Server App for Halo CE 1.09
  9. ^ Halomaps.org: IG-brainz V1.50
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