Progress Report: Items, Modding, and More

ITEMS

The last week or so has been almost entirely devoted to finishing the game's new item system. The work has certainly paid off, and SCRUMLORDS' campaign update will launch with a whopping 100 items, each with their own unique artwork. These items should help make each run feel more unique and encourage players to try new strategies and max different skills.

MODDING?

One of the biggest issues in the original Unity build of SCRUMLORDS was the fact that the items (such as player headgear and projectiles) were written in the game's source code. For those who don't know (like me at the time), writing items and their stats into a game's source code makes it difficult to add new ones in subsequent updates without breaking the game for some people. As such, I went searching for answers.

In the new build of SCRUMLORDS, items and their stats are written into a JSON file. When SCRUMLORDS starts up, it reads that JSON file and creates a list of each item as well as all relevant information pertaining to those items. Here's a practical example:

Every item in the game has a numerical "id" (1-100). You'll see that each item also has a name, description, stat effects, a true/false switch for unique items, and a file path which leads to an image.

The cool thing about JSON files is that they can be edited in basic programs like Notepad. This rework opens the door for modding, if that tickles your fancy. Below is an unfinished entry in items.JSON which shows a list of all the stats and statmodis (stat modifiers in %):

If there is any interest in modding or adding items to the game, feel free to let us know in one of the game's discussion pages which should be opened shortly. I would be happy to answer questions and, if the interest is there, work on a guide for modding SCRUMLORDS.

SEE YA LATER

I gotta get back to work, but you'll be hearing back soon! Until then, take care Scrumlords.

-Joe