UZDoom Gameplay Enhancements: Configuration Options

by ADMIN 52 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into a discussion about enhancing the configuration options for gameplay features in UZDoom. This is super important for both players and modders, so let's get into it!

The Current State of Affairs

Currently, UZDoom, like its predecessor GZDoom, handles gameplay enhancements—such as jumping, crouching, and freelook—with a set of states that can be a bit confusing. We've got three settings:

  • Default: This means the feature is on, unless the MAPINFO specifically turns it off.
  • On: This setting forces the feature to be on, completely ignoring MAPINFO.
  • Off: This forces the feature off, also ignoring MAPINFO.

The big issue here is that the "Default" setting's behavior isn't intuitive. A modder who wants to enable a feature like jumping via MAPINFO might find that their setting is ignored if a player has set it to "Off". On the flip side, players can't easily disable a feature unless they're playing a mod that explicitly requires it. This can lead to a frustrating experience for both creators and players. It’s essential to have a system that respects both player preferences and mod requirements, and the current setup doesn’t quite hit the mark.

The Problem with Default

The core problem lies in the "Default" state and how it interacts with MAPINFO. If a player sets jumping to “Off,” the MAPINFO setting becomes ineffective, preventing modders from ensuring that certain gameplay mechanics are available. This creates a significant hurdle for modders who want to create specific gameplay experiences. Imagine designing a level that requires jumping to solve puzzles, only to find that players who have jumping set to “Off” in their configurations can't progress. This inconsistency undermines the modder’s vision and can lead to player frustration.

Player vs. Modder Control

Another aspect of the current system that needs addressing is the balance between player control and modder control. Players should have the freedom to customize their gameplay experience, but not at the expense of breaking carefully designed mods. The current “On” and “Off” settings, which completely disregard MAPINFO, skew this balance too far in the player’s favor, potentially overriding critical gameplay elements that modders have implemented. A better system would allow players to express their preferences without negating the mod’s intended mechanics.

Real-World Scenarios

To illustrate the issue further, consider a scenario where a player enjoys the freedom of freelook in most gameplay situations but wants to experience a mod that’s designed around classic, restricted viewing. With the current system, the player would need to manually change their freelook setting every time they switch between the mod and regular gameplay, which is cumbersome. A more flexible system would allow the player’s default preferences to be respected in most cases, while also allowing mods to temporarily override those preferences when necessary.

A Better Approach: Proposed Configuration States

So, how can we make this better? I propose a new set of states that offer more flexibility and clarity. Let's replace the current system with these:

  • On: This setting will respect MAPINFO, using the MAPINFO value as a fallback. If MAPINFO enables jumping, jumping will be on; if MAPINFO disables it, jumping will be off. This is the setting for players who want their preferences to align with the mod's design.
  • Off: Similar to “On,” this will also respect MAPINFO. If MAPINFO specifies a setting, that setting will be used; if not, the feature will be off. This ensures that mods can disable features when needed.
  • Force on: This setting will always enable the feature, regardless of MAPINFO. This is for players who always want a feature enabled, no matter what.
  • Force off: Conversely, this setting will always disable the feature, ignoring MAPINFO. This gives players the option to completely turn off a feature if they dislike it.

How the New States Improve Gameplay

These new states aim to strike a better balance between player preference and modder intent. The “On” and “Off” states, which respect MAPINFO, ensure that modders can control essential gameplay mechanics without being overridden by player settings. This is particularly important for mods that introduce new mechanics or require specific player abilities.

Flexibility for Players

The “Force on” and “Force off” states still provide players with the ability to customize their experience. Players who always want a specific feature enabled or disabled can do so, but they’ll also be aware that these settings might affect their experience in certain mods. This added transparency is crucial for a better understanding of how settings impact gameplay.

Clarity for Modders

For modders, these changes offer a clearer path for implementing gameplay enhancements. Knowing that the “On” and “Off” states respect MAPINFO allows modders to reliably control features like jumping or crouching within their mods. This reliability is a significant improvement over the current system, where MAPINFO settings can be easily overridden.

Practical Examples

Let's consider a few practical examples to illustrate how these new states would work. Imagine a mod that introduces a new weapon that requires the player to crouch in order to use it effectively. With the current system, if a player has crouching set to “Off,” they might not be able to use the weapon as intended. With the proposed system, the mod could use MAPINFO to ensure that crouching is enabled, providing a smoother and more consistent experience.

Benefits of the Proposed System

This new system offers several key advantages:

  1. Respect for MAPINFO: The "On" and "Off" states ensure that MAPINFO settings are honored, giving modders the control they need.
  2. Player Choice: "Force on" and "Force off" still allow players to customize their experience, but with a better understanding of the potential impact.
  3. Clarity: The new states are more intuitive and easier to understand than the current "Default" setting.
  4. Consistency: Gameplay will be more consistent, as mods can rely on features being enabled or disabled as intended.

Enhancing the Modding Community

By giving modders more reliable control over gameplay features, this system encourages creativity and innovation within the modding community. Modders can confidently design experiences that rely on specific mechanics, knowing that players will be able to engage with those mechanics as intended. This can lead to a wider variety of mods, each offering unique and compelling gameplay.

Improving Player Experience

For players, the new system offers a more consistent and predictable experience. They can trust that their settings will generally be respected, while also knowing that mods may occasionally override those settings for specific reasons. This balance between player preference and modder intent is crucial for a positive gaming experience.

Future-Proofing UZDoom

Implementing these changes isn't just about fixing current issues; it's also about future-proofing UZDoom for new mods and gameplay enhancements. As the community continues to create innovative content, having a robust and flexible configuration system will be essential for ensuring that new features can be seamlessly integrated into the game.

Conclusion: Let's Make UZDoom Even Better!

So, what do you guys think? This change could really improve the UZDoom experience for everyone. It gives modders more control while still respecting player preferences. Let's discuss this and see if we can make it happen! By working together, we can make UZDoom an even more amazing platform for both creating and enjoying Doom mods.

I’m really looking forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas on this. Let’s collaborate to enhance UZDoom and make it the best it can be!