Gamedev:Structure

What's an sd7/sdz file?

A mod is presented as an sd7 or sdz file. This is just a zip file of the individual files comprising the game.

You can unzip the sd7 or sdz file by renaming it to .zip, and using a zip tool to unzip it.

sd7 / sdz files are created using 7zip.

.sdd directories

You can avoid using the archives altogether by storing the whole mod directory structure in an .sdd directory. This is useful for game development because the changes you make are visible without any additional step.

On Linux one can also symlink the development directories from the Spring's mod directory:

 ln -s ~/projects/caspring/games/zk ~/.spring/games/zk.sdd

root of game folder

Modinfo.lua and can also contain Modoptions.lua and LuaAI.lua

anims\

image files for mouse cursors

bitmaps\

bitmaps\loadpictures

pictures that will be displayed when the game loads.

bitmaps\tracks

images that are used for the unit tracks

features\

.lua files that define features (wreckage and such) Subfolders are allowed.

gamedata\

Various files that control global things or setup graphic & sound resources.

icons\

images for unit symbols and radar icons

LuaRules\

various files to make Lua scripts work such as gadget handler

LuaRules\Gadgets

Lua gadgets: scripts that control the gameplay

LuaRules\Configs

config files read by Lua gadgets

LuaUI\

LuaUI\widgets

Lua widget: scripts that make up the user interface or do other unsynced things

objects3d\

3D files such as .3do or .3do to be used by features, units or weapons. Subfolders are allowed.

scripts\

animation scripts for units

sidepics\

Faction icons read by lobby etc.

sounds\

sound files

units\

.lua files that define the units. Subfolders are allowed.

unitpics\

unit preview pictures for buildmenu

unittextures\

Textures for the 3D files Textures for the 3D models. Subfolders are allowed.

weapons\

files that define weapons Subfolders are allowed.