Torchlight II and Grim Dawn Modding Interview
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For Torchlight 2, "Runic will be releasing the same tools with which we made the game, including TorchEd 2.0 and our 3D Studio max exporters," says Russell. What can players expect to do with those? "TorchEd 2.0 is the in-house tool used to build our levels, skills, UI [user interface], quests, particles, items, monsters, and effects. We also use it to manage game statistics and balance." She continues, "The 3D Studio exporters will allow people to import their own models and animations." Worried that this all might be a little over your head? Fear not! TorchEd 2.0 will use "a visual logic system that requires no programming experience."Really looking forward to both games.
Similarly, Bruno says, "We haven't established any limits on what we want modders to be able to do," and "we've greatly improved some of the modding tools over what was offered with Titan Quest."
For example, players didn't have access to the exporter for Titan Quest, and thus, they experienced much difficulty when adding new models and animations to the game. In Grim Dawn, Bruno says, "I expect we'll probably release that to the public this time." He adds, "New gameplay systems -- like factions -- and the significantly more robust quest and conversation editors should provide a lot more power for modders to generate unique settings and experiences."
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Having developer-provided tools and explicit support for multiplayer mods makes a big difference, but all that can be for naught if downloading, installing, and mixing all this user-generated content is too arduous. That's where Firaxis took off with the idea of the mod manager (e.g., the fan-built TorchLeech for Torchlight) and implemented an in-game browser for Civilization 5. Would either Grim Dawn or Torchlight provide such functionality?
Russell says that Runic has no plans for a browser; however, the company will support community mod managers where possible. "Torchlight will be showing you a list of mods that you have installed as well as the mods that other players are using." She adds, "We will attempt to streamline the process of acquiring, enabling, and disabling mods as needed and making the process of joining games requiring mods as simple as possible."
Indie studio Crate just doesn't have the spare resources to add the feature to Grim Dawn (pictured right); although, Bruno says, "Players will still be able to install, uninstall, and mix mods; it just won't be as slick as having a polished mod manager." He adds, "It might be something we can work in down the road if things go well for us."
