For so long I have wanted to add rich media to nwn and efu, primarily pictures or illustrations, but even possibly little movies, pictures, or even mini-games. We've always gotten by with using the forums to post images that are relevant to the setting, but it's never been ideal in my mind.
I was thinking about this a little more again and realized one thing would need to be covered before any more thought could go into a project like this. Most of my ideas swing on the ability to be able to alt-tab out of the game and then be able to get back in (when you are finished viewing or interacting with the special content) without crashing. I know some people can't do this...I know my old laptop can't. That's the reason for the poll.
Chances are this will also serve as a thread to discuss this idea's applications and worth, so I'll also mention a few ideas that have come and gone...
Purely for flavor. Walking around in the world, you might come to across a poster or some litter or a stange design. Then you could actually see this picture on a web browser. I would absolutely love for people to produce their own drawings IC'ly and submit them OOC'ly for this too.
Possibly for plot? You come across a strange code or unfamiliar markings. Actual pictures give us a lot more freedom instead of having to describe it in a description field. Maybe we could have a strange sound recorded that's unique to the area and serves a purpose that you might have to come across and identify again.
Quest related? A java-game block puzzle for opening a door perhaps. A set of dynamically generated images you piece together for a passcode. It definitely brings up the concern about being alt-tabbed in areas where monsters could spawn, but quest builders could possibly take that into consideration.
Another thing...would this break immersion? Would it enhance it? I can imagine arguments either way so I'm also interested in hearing what other people have to say.
Sky's the limit for all this, and it could be as simple or as complex as it is decided. This alt-tab problem might be a glaring issue though that puts a stop to it right away.
I would add: I play in window mode already and this would be great!
And: I play in window mode but I am not sure about this.
Windowed mode sir.
Windowed mode indeed. Windowed mode cripples my ability to take screenshots, but it allows me to multi-task, which is great because I can have IRC open on my second monitor while NWN'ing on my primary screen.
If you run in windowed mode pick one of the first three.
Funny you should mention this. I have been doing this for quite some time now, for the purpose of flavor. I planned to move on to a project that develops a closer bond between an image on a web browser and the IC world - in fact, I am doing this even as we speak (I had a meeting today in which the alt-tabbing was used pretty much in the way you're describing it here), with the last glyph I made for my current character's journal. I encourage everyone to use this resource, if it works for them and the people they're trying to reach.
That being said, I think that in no way this resource substitute a good IC description. Text is and will always be a huge part of online roleplaying. No graphic engine, no matter how powerful or flexible, will ever compare.
When i alt-tab, it's fine to access another application, but getting back to NWN is a pain: i usually loose control of the keyboard, or crash.
How do you "window mode"?
In nwn.ini:
[Display Options]
AllowWindowedMode=1
FullScreen=0
To add my own thoughts, I'd fully support something like this as long as it grants access to purely optional content, so as to avoid players who are unable/unwilling to do it suffer negative consequences.
I already sort of do this. When I send people letters that I want to discuss IG, I alt-tab and literally read it, then alt tab back in to discuss. It's simpler than what you're saying, but I think that if we do that already (and a whole lot of us do), then why not just take the next step and apply it to pictures, audio, and other sorts of media? I think this could produce some cool stuff.
Or, if done without restraint, this could lead to a lot of useless pictures, sounds, etc that slow down the in game interaction process. And I'm sure there's a host problems that we're just not forseeing.
And yea, Snoteye is right too.
Can NWN be modded to accomodate something like this? I'm a know-nothing when it comes to programming-- I mean an overhaul, not just your typical NWN scripting. Or perhaps a supplementary program that is used exclusively for EfU for the rapid sharing of small bits of media?
When I alt-tab out and back in, my framerate acts up. I have to alt-tab a second time to restore it. Somewhat bothersome, and in rare cases my mouse control gets locked out.
My graphics sometimes glitch when I alt-tab back. The whole screen flashing green or stuff like that.
Quote from: ScottyB;105967When I alt-tab out and back in, my framerate acts up. I have to alt-tab a second time to restore it. Somewhat bothersome, and in rare cases my mouse control gets locked out.
I had this until I updated my (nVidia) drivers from 9x.xx to 16x.xx.
Also, the game client cannot be modified in any way.
Dual Monitors sir.
A third party overlay which shimmies it's way into the openGL of the nWN window is possible. Examples; Xfire. By making a similar such program (Not easy, btw) one could have it interact with the server, completely eliminating the need for alt+tabbing altogether. by making an additional+optional Overlay.
Eh?
(I am not willing to make this. I do not know enough about OpenGL programming to comfortably do this.)
consider as well that a portion of the server may not be present to vote on this as well, placing mandatory alt-tab to gain insight IMO would lock people out of the experience and create an "elitism" for those that know about it and can use it vs. those that do not / can not.
Quote from: Letsplayforfun;105955When i alt-tab, it's fine to access another application, but getting back to NWN is a pain: i usually loose control of the keyboard, or crash.
Ditto for me as well… (
I had a PC (Tanner Brown)
die because of this once.)
Quote from: The Beggar;106003consider as well that a portion of the server may not be present to vote on this as well, placing mandatory alt-tab to gain insight IMO would lock people out of the experience and create an "elitism" for those that know about it and can use it vs. those that do not / can not.
This is a very good point, I agree that this could be a problem...
Not that any of the people that play here would ever have "elitist" issue though.
:???: ;)
If it locks up, I find alt-tabbing out and back again fixes it.
Although it's enough to make me want to get a spare monitor, since I can get an old CRT one free :P.
If your screen glitches up, you need to alt-tab around to your NWN a second time to fix it.
Like from NWN glitchy screen around X many times directly back to NWN screen.
i think there should be some things you could alt tab for but it shouldn't really be mandatory like in a linear scripted dungeon puzzle or something
How many people have issues taking screenshots while in windowed mode?
I was curious as to whether or not this is a related issue to people glitching/crashing when trying to alt-tab while in full screen.
I can alt-tab out fine, but when I alt-tab back in, the screen gets broken up into chunks and mixed around like scattered puzzle pieces. But if I switch in from the the task manager, I can usually get it fixed after one or two tries.
Aside from the technical issue, I think this would be an interesting implementation. I'd prefer it more for flavor, however, than any necessity.
I've no trouble taking screenshots from windowed mode at all, and the only thing that's ever happened to me when I alt-tab out and in again (and only rarely) is one of my main quickslots being toggled. Again, it's a rare thing but it does happen.
Something that hasn't been brought up is what happens for those not on high speed connections.
I voted for option two. I like the idea, and already play in windowed mode. However, unless I get satellite, I can't get a high speed connection where I live.
I can alt tab to a degree, I do it often, I plant my char in a (hopefully) safe spot and alt-tab to check forums and letters, stuff like that. Though I HAVE been ganked once when I alt tabbed, and I lost a char to a perma, but I got over that fast
I can alt-tab, but it is somewhat unreliable. As long as I don't have IRC or anything else running in the background, I'm usually fine.
Quote from: Cruzel;105999A third party overlay which shimmies it's way into the openGL of the nWN window is possible. Examples; Xfire. By making a similar such program (Not easy, btw) one could have it interact with the server, completely eliminating the need for alt+tabbing altogether. by making an additional+optional Overlay.
Eh?
(I am not willing to make this. I do not know enough about OpenGL programming to comfortably do this.)
This is easily the best decision for something like thia IMO. It's a bit more work and somewhat toughter to do, but the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.
Pros; No Alt+Tabbing required, meaning with a semi-transparent interface, this can pop up IG using a hotkey like alt + P or something. This means you will always be able to see your PC and who is talking to them, if they are being attacked, and quickly close the interface to respond, without losing your work.
There is no issue with graphics glitches, since your PC is not being forced to redraw the openGL like it is when you alt+tab out of fullscreen mode.
Cons; It would require a download of a 3rd party program made by one of the EFU members, rather than being browser based. Some people don't like to download programs. There may be operating system issues too, unless the program is made with compatibility in mind.
Linking it up to the EFU system that would use it may be a bit of an issue.
--
Summary ; Bit more work this way, but so much better in the long run.
'fraid that when I alt-tab, minimize or what-have-you, it takes me at least thirty seconds to get back IG, normally more like a full minute. Windowed... we'll see.
I can Alt-tab, although if I do it too quick up and town, my graphic card gets messed up, guess it can't change so fast, and I've got to restart the computer.
I can't Alt-Tab at all I have to use the windows key not sure why. Only happens on NWN.
I alt-tab all the time and believe anything that adds flavour beyond what the game engine allows is Good Thing.
Alt-tabbing out to another, game-related, screen will hardly break immersion. There are plenty clunky NwN intrinsics that would do that already if players weren't capable of suspending disbelief a bit.
However, it might suck if it had to be done in an area where monsters spawn. >_>
I can Alt tab but half the time i can't do any thing once i do.
Thanksfully i should get a new PC by the end of this Fall:D
Windowed mode was how I use to do this, but bear in mind some of us cannot copy paste from NWN. (no I'm not currently playing so I dont count, but I will be soonish)
I am the student of engineering i dont have much knowledge about it but i know how to solve this problem, Simply open the resource window, or turn on the window mode.
Just try to open it in the window mode
I have a new windows version i think i should share this with you guys hope you will enjoy, that can also help while playing games you can shift on another tab easily.:D