Tutorial:Sims 3 XML Tuning Modding

From SimsWiki
Revision as of 08:09, 27 June 2009 by HystericalParoxysm (Talk | contribs)

(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)
Jump to: navigation, search

Contents

Introduction

This tutorial will explain the basic steps to creating an XML tuning mod. Unlike Sims 2, many things are stored in XML rather than in BHAVs, making simple mods much more accessible to savvy users and requiring less specialized modding knowledge.

XML tuning mods will let you change a variety of things - from how fast the Sims' bladders fill, to what time the curfew for kids is - as well as the autonomy settings for all the interactions. The XML files are inside .package files, but once you get them out, you can easily modify them to your liking. Individual players can mod their own games, avoiding conflicts and clashes that can arise by downloading a variety of mods made by others.


Difficulty Level

If you are a halfway decent computer user, enjoy poking around at things and figuring out what they do, and are capable of reading written English, you can do this. XML tuning mods are pretty darn simple. If you have problems with installing existing mods, copy-pasting, or tying your shoes, this may be too difficult for you.


Credits

Huge thanks to Inge Jones for the first version of this tutorial. I have blatantly ripped off a lot of her wording and overall idea, just trying to make this a little more user-friendly with pics and stuff. Thanks, Inge!


You Will Need:

  • The basic modding framework file, d3dx9_31.dll. If you have installed Delphy's Helper Monkey then you already have it. If you prefer a more manual install, you can get it from Pescado at MATY. You will need this file if you want to use your own mods, or mods made by others.

Make sure you have the above all installed and working before continuing.


The Tutorial

Here's how it's done! Let's get started. All images in this tutorial can be clicked for larger versions!


Run S3PE

XMLTuning01.jpg
S3PE can be started by going to Start - All Programs - S3PE - S3PE.


Open GameplayData.package

XMLTuning02.jpg
In S3PE, File - Open.

Browse to \Program Files\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin\Gameplay\

There should be one file inside, GameplayData.package. Select it and click Open.

Give S3PE a minute to chew on the data and display it.


Display Resource Names & Sort

XMLTuning03.jpg
Click the "Display Resource Names" checkbox in S3PE. This will show the names in the Name column so you can see what's what.

Then click the "Sort" checkbox. This will allow you to sort the headings.

Expand the Name column and click on its header to sort the resources by name. You'll see a big list of stuff with all kinds of different names covering lots of aspects of the game.


Select & View

XMLTuning04.jpg
Scroll down the list till you find something that looks interesting. Select the item in the list and then click on the "Value" button.


Examine

XMLTuning05.jpg
You'll get a grey window with text in it. This is the contents of the XML resource you selected. Depending on the resource, this may be extremely simple (as shown in the screenshot at right) or it may be quite complicated and confusing.

Look for lines that say something like: <!--(minutes, GPE Default 8) Amount of time Adult/Elder Sim spends Smashing DollHouse before collapse.-->

That <!-- --> tag indicates a comment. Anything contained within it is ignored by the game. These comments can be a big help in figuring out what does what, and what you should change for the desired effect.

Even if there are no comments, you can still usually figure out some of what it does, just by looking at the names. Most of the names and values are pretty self-explanatory.

Personal tools
Namespaces

Variants
Actions
Navigation
game select
Toolbox