Distributing Maps

Introduction

This document outlines the necessary files that need to be distributed in order for other users to play custom created maps both single player and mult player. It also outlines how to create custom icons for multiplayer maps.

Multi Player Maps

Multiplayer Maps are located, and need to be placed into the \W40k\Data\Scenarios\MP folder.

Multiplayer maps are composed of various individual files. These files define what the map looks like. When you create a map and save it the following files are generated (we assume the map has been saved under the name “MyMap”):

• MyMap.sgb : This file contains the map data including height map data, marker data, path data and so forth.
• MyMap.tga : This is the underlying map texture, it is what you edit when you use the “Paint” tool in the mission editor.
• MyMap_icon.tga : This is the map icon that appears in game when the map is selected. Do not edit this file, as it will be overwritten. Please see instructions below on how to create a custom icon.
• MyMap_mm.tga : This is the minimap that will be used in game.

Additionally, if you have created a custom icon, you will also want to distribute it. This file name will be :

• MyMap_icon_custom.tga

To Create A Custom Icon

If you want to use a custom icon in game then you must create it. Do not overwrite the _icon.tga file. What you do is save the <MapName>_icon.tga file as a <MapName>_icon_custom.tga file. So for instance, following the example above, you save the MyMap_icon.tga as MyMap_icon_custom.tga file. You can then edit this file to suit your needs. The game will detect it and use it if it’s present. Custom icons can be used for such thing as identifying play starting points.
We will briefly go over a tutorial that will define the most basic mission creation, and the creation of such a custom icon..

Single Player

Single Player Maps are located, and need to be placed into the \W40k\Data\Scenarios\SP folder.

Distributing single player missions and campaigns is somewhat similar to distributing Multiplayer maps, however, you need to include several additional file:

• Campaign file: If you plan to have single player missions, you need to distribute a .camp file that is associated with the missions.
• Scar File: This will be called <MapName>.scar .
• Mission File: This will be called <MapName>.nis

Note that these are the basic files that need to be distributed, if your single player campaigns contains any other data that it uses, this data will also have to be distributed. Such data can include information such as

• Loading Screens: These are TGA files found in W40K\Data\Scenarios\SP\Loading whose name must match those of the mission files they’re associated with (ie. Assume MyMission is the map name, then MyMission.tga should be the loading screen name)
• Movies: These are located in W40K\Movies, their name must also match those of the mission itself.