Starpoint Gemini 2 - Using and submitting mods

Interested in mods for Starpoint Gemini 2? The basics of both using and publishing mods are explained here.

Starpoint Gemini 2 is a WORK IN PROGRESS!

Just to make things absolutely clear, SG2 is in beta stage and as such is a Work in Progress. As the game progresses in development and more features are implemented and as more and more of the game is opened up for modding, the game file structure might go through slight changes which will be reflected and explained on the modding page.

The same goes for the game toolset AND Workshop integration! All these will be further enhanced and upgraded to make the experience of both using and creating mods better in every way.

We’ll make sure to post timely announcements on the modding site home section.

Thank you for the interest in modding SG2 and above all else, have fun!

What can I change in the game?

A short answer would be almost anything :).

But here’s the longer version too…
We’re keeping the game as open as possible and we’ll be opening it up even more as time passes.

• You want to change a simple description text? Sure. Open the text file with a simple Windows Notepad and you’re good to go.
  
  
• Want to add a new ship? Go right ahead. Import the model in the Material editor that comes with the game and assemble your vessel of ultimate destruction.
  
  
• You want to sink your teeth into new and never-before-seen grandiose quests? We have no objections. Check out the scripting tutorials for our own scripting language, download Notepad++ and our plugins for it and script to your heart’s desire.
  
  
• You don’t like Gemini, but you have your own universe envisioned in its entirety? We’ll give you the World editor so you can make the big bang happen all over again!
  
  ...
  
  Basically what the short answer says: you can do almost anything!
  

How to use a mod [Updated with v0.7011 - May 15, 2014]

Installing and activating mods is very easy. Only several steps are required:

• 1. Find a mod you’re interested in either via browser, Steam Client or the Mod Manager.
  
  
• 2.Subscribe to it via the Workshop either in your preferred browser or the Steam Client. Download should begin quickly.
  
  Alternatively, you can download the mod using the Mod Manager (located in the game root directory).
  
  
  • 2.a To start the Mod manager, right-click on Starpoint Gemini 2 in your Steam Client game's list.
    
  • 2.b Open Properties and switch to the LOCAL FILES tab
    
  • 2.c Click the Browse local files button. This will open the game root directory where you can find SPG2 Mod Manager.exe
  
  
• 3. The mod will automatically download to the game Mods folder (located in the game root directory).
  
  
• 4. Start the game and go into the Mods section, accessible through the game Main menu

• 5. Select the downloaded mod from the Mods list and click on the Install button
  
  
• 6. After the mod is successfully unpacked and installed, simply check the box beside the mod's name. Just to make sure everything works properly, PLEASE RESTART THE GAME. This wil also be upgraded further in upcoming updates, so the game will reinitialize automatically if needed.
  
  
• 7. The mod will be used in all further game sessions for as long as it is set as active

ALWAYS BACKUP YOUR SAVE FILES BEFORE USING ANY MOD BECAUSE ONCE YOU SAVE A GAME THAT USES A MOD, YOU CAN NO LONGER REVERT IT BACK TO DEFAULT!

If for some reason the game doesn't want to start after you've activated a mod and tried restarting the game, go to the Mods sub-folder of the game root directory and DELETE the ModList.mdb file. This will clear the list of active mods.

Modding Starpoint Gemini 2

Having the desire to create a mod is great and all, but it’s always good to get some info beforehand. We’ve created a webpage just for that purpose: for rookies thirsty for knowledge, but also for experienced modders interested in getting to know the game inside and out.

For detailed information on modding Starpoint Gemini 2, visit the MODDING WEBSITE[modding.starpointgemini.com].

Take your time to review the info on the modding page. It’s segmented into sections so you can concentrate on one (or some) of the aspects if you wish. The modding site is and likely will be a work in progress, so don’t be surprised if new sections pop up over time. Implementing features into the game also means we have to reflect those changes on the modding site.

…

You got a mod planned, but are missing something that’s hard-coded? Send us an E-mail ( [e-mail] ) or post on the forums and we’ll do what we can. A lot of members of our team have a strong background in modding and we can’t shake that off, nor would we ever want to. That does give us the perspective we need in regards to modding. The creativity that comes from a great community of players is something amazing. The least we can do is supply the tools and let you ladies and gentlemen go wild.

If you feel something isn’t explained well (or at all) on the modding site, let us know and we’ll get on it ASAP.

How to publish a mod

Interested in sharing your awesome content through the Steam Workshop? This section is for YOU!

• 1. Once you’re all done and happy with your mod, you’ve assembled all the necessary content and created the mod definition file (*.sgs) in the Mods folder, you can start up the SG2 Mod Manager. It is located in the install folder of Starpoint Gemini 2.
  
  
• 2. Click on the Select SPG2 mod button on the Publish tab

• 3. Select the mod definition file (*.sgs). This file already contains ALL the info the mod manager needs to pack it up into *.sgm (SG Mod) file
  
  
• 4. When that’s done, take your time to check the appropriate tags
  
  
• 5. Click on the Publish button to publish it to the Workshop. You can review and change some info through the Workshop page on Steam
  
  
• 6. Let everybody know you’ve got your Mod up and running so they can enjoy and rate it :)

Frequently asked questions

• I’ve got some problems running a mod. Where can I look for help?

  We cannot guarantee we’ll test each and every mod and the best person to talk to is the one who created the content. Please contact the esteemed creator of the mod in question.
  
  

• I can’t publish a mod. What now?

  That is strange, but it can happen. Contact us directly ( [e-mail] ) and we’ll continue from there.
  
  

• I want to change my mod tags. Where can I do that?

  You can access your mods through the Workshop and use the Update tags button on the right side of the page.
  
  

• Can I put a price on my mod and earn a buck?

  In short NO. Let’s all be friendly and endorse the freedom of information, shall we ;) ? We know you’ve put a LOT of time, energy and effort into creating the mod, but we’re keeping SG2 modding free of charge. May seem harsh, but at least you know in advance.
  
  

• Can I use the standard game materials that come with the game in my mod?

  Absolutely!
  
  

• Can I release my mod through some other platform or is only Steam Workshop allowed?

  No objections here. We really like Steam Workshop, but we won’t force anyone to use it.
  
  

• I’ve got an amazing idea for a feature I’d like to see and use in my mod. Who can I talk to about it?

  Feel free to post your suggestions on the discussion board, or our own forum[www.starpointgemini.com]. We’ll be happy to hear what you have to say!
  
  

• The game says my mod is in conflict with some other mod. What’s the deal?

  SG2 allows more than 1 mod to be active at the same time. The game checks if two or more mods are overriding the same default file. If that is the case, the game will let you know two or more mods are in conflict. You can set mod priority in the Mods section in-game, and it might work out, but it might also cause problems and even crash the game. It depends on what is conflicted. Check the conflicted mods to see what the issue is. And if you cannot resolve it, feel free to contact us and we’ll have a look.
  
  

• My mod is massive and I cannot publish it as a single file. How can I work around that?

  We realize Steam Workshop has a limitation in file size of a single mod. The standard workaround is to dismantle your mod into several parts, publish them to the Workshop and create a collection to encompass all needed mod files. We’ll integrate the workaround into the SG2 Mod Manager at a later date.
  
  

• I want to donate all my worldly possessions to LGM Games. How can I do that?

  While we appreciate the gesture, it is not necessary :). You bought our game and we love you for it. That is more than enough for us and we can only thank YOU for it.
  
  

• After installing and activating a mod, my game isn’t working anymore. What can I do?

  For starters we’d suggest running the Verify Game Files procedure from your Steam client. If that doesn’t help, run the game and send us the game log.txt file located in the game root directory.
  
  

• Where can I find out more about modding SG2?

  Why on the modding website[modding.starpointgemini.com] :)

Disclaimer

Little Green Men Games is NOT responsible for third-party content and cannot be held accountable for any potential damages resulting in using that content.

Thank you for taking the time to read this guide. We wish you happy modding and that your creativity reaches new heights!

Safe travels captains!

[halafradrimx]

Do you have to create new save files for it to work?

[[HYST]DSWBeef]

WHen I "search the Workshop" no modfs pop up. It just sits there searching for mods.

[Monolith]

problem is indeed fixed, thanks much

[76561198042008923]

@Chimera
No problem. Depending on traffic, it can take a bit of time for the Mod Manager to get all mod info from Steam servers. This will be avoided by implementing the "Subscribe" properly ;).

[Chimera]

Oh, the mod list just showed up, my bad!

Sorry for the impatience...

[Chimera]

I dont know if i'm doing it right, but i cant dowload any mods via the modmanager, when i click on the "browse all mods" button, nothing happens.

[76561198042008923]

I've pushed a tiny update just now. The Mod Manager should work properly. It was a careless mistake on my part. I apologize!

[Monolith]

same problem here too, running as admin not helping either

[FelHeart]

Same as Koen for me lol I tried thattoo and it still wont work

[Koeniggggsenisseggsegnignigsegig]

I'm getting the same error as Jide Aurelius but I cannot fix it with running as Admin, installed the game via steam its in default steam folder, restarted steam etc but still not working.