How to make mods/plugins

[GirthQuake]

I've been interested in making new car bodies and possibly some fixtures so i downloaded the UE4 engine, and editor. and have downloaded the Automation SDK tools.

At this moment i haven't been able to make anything because when i open the Automationgame.Unproject. it loads the automation load icon, and loads fine up to 45% where it freezes, and doesn't progress any further and stays at 45% infinitely no matter how much time is given.

I was wondering if anyone knows how to properly set everything up in order to make plugins for automation, and if so if you can throw in some simple basic tips for making bodies and such.

[accent]

The first time loading it can take a very long time and it does usually seem to freeze at exactly 45% but it shouldn't be stuck there infinitely. You might have a very slow hard drive or not enough memory or something. For me the first time loading it took maybe 10 minutes.

If you do get it to load eventually, there is a modding wiki at https://automation.gamepedia.com/Modding but some of it might be outdated or not have enough information. You can also join the official discord chat to ask questions. It's easier to answer specific questions there than to give any kind of generic advice here.

[GirthQuake]

I appreciate the response!
I mean, i wouldn't think my PC is slow, although i did build it 4 years ago almost now.

It's got a I5-4690k, GTX-970, and 16gb of ram with a 1TB hard drive.
Maybe the age is getting to it, idk
There are some programs now that i can't really run anymore at a high grade sadly.
I can't even run Ultra or high on BF5 which is a bummer. I get 144fps on it, but it stutters so bad to where it's unplayable most of the time and i've heard it's because my CPU can't handle it which is unfortunate.

But perhaps you're right
I'll try again tomorrow on my day off and see what happens, maybe i do need to upgrade soon.

[GirthQuake]

Any tips or advice on making Car bodies though?
do's and don'ts?
And more efficient ways to do things or whats your favorite way to do it.

The only "experiance" i have with 3D design or if you can call it that. is using the hammer editor for source games, and i think i've been able to make "Acceptable" maps with it while trying to keep it FPS friendly.

[accent]

Originally posted by Orgasmic Larry:

It's got a I5-4690k, GTX-970, and 16gb of ram with a 1TB hard drive.

That's exactly the same as I have so it can't be that. :/

The best advice I can think of on the 3d side of things is get Blender and find some beginner tutorials for it before trying to mod Automation, and don't start with car bodies, they're difficult. Start with simple fixtures like grilles to get the hang of it. Making maps for Source engine games will help you make photo scenes for Automation, because it's just like building a level for any other game, but not really helpful for body or fixture mods.

[GirthQuake]

I gave it some time and the automation project loaded up so far so good.
Just needed like 10-15 minutes

[accent]

Oh nice. And seriously join the official discord, there's a modding channel and most of the modders are active there and will gladly help you, you can often also get the developers of the game themselves to help with modding.

[GirthQuake]

I'll consider that
I greatly appreciate your support!