Dear Stormworkers,
The Asset Modding Major Update will release at 5pm UTC on the 20th November 2024.
Asset Modding
We are launching a new type of modding - the ability to mod game data files, art assets, sound effects, etc. We are open-sourcing loads of our game artwork to assist the modding community.
Some incredible mod creators have been creating these custom mods without tools or help for years. Their creations include new components, sound effects, in game locations, and more. The technical skill to reverse engineer how the game works and develop these mods is incredible, but without official workshop support, the up-take of their creations has been low.
The new major update will add workshop support, as well as multiplayer support, and a modding SDK including compilers and source artwork files.
What Mods Should We Expect?
This new update allows players to modify most game data files, 3d models, vehicle components, etc. However, it isn't possible to modify executable code for safety reasons.
New vehicle components can be created. These can be cosmetic modifications of existing components, although many properties can be modified in the component xml files to update behaviour.
New sound effects can be added, modifying the general sound of the game, or otherwise, creating new buzzer components, etc.
Islands can be modified, creating new locations and landscapes.
Multiplayer Support
When connecting to a multiplayer server, the required mods are automatically downloaded. There is no requirement to sync up mods before hand. Modded servers are clearly labelled with an icon, so you always have the option to play vanilla if you prefer.
Experimental Release
A preview of this new update is available now on the experimental branch (in Steam Betas). This allows creators to check out the tools, learn how the modding works, and play around with the SDK ahead of the big launch on 20th November.
There is also a modding guide available on the Geometa wiki.
With the launch of modding support, there are some sensible rules such as not infringing trademarks, as well as clarifying some legal stuff (you own the mods that you create) and we will update our terms of use in the next few days, and add them to the Steam App.
We are so excited to see what players will create. It is hard to know how many players will get into this type of modding, but we will be looking for feedback and we are open to expanding this further and listening to mod creators. If this is what players and creators want, then perhaps this is just the beginning of new mod support features in Stormworks!
Much love <3,
The Stormworks Developers
