Treffer: ACT of MOD.

This article features the computer game Civilization IV that will be released by Firaxis Games in 2005. The computer game supports a tiered approach to user modification. There are also basic entry points to modifying the game, ranging from novice to expert skill level: The WorldBuilder; XML; Python; and GameCore DDL SDK. The WorldBuilder is an in-game map editor tool that lets users customize the terrain and place units, cities, buildings, resources, and other objects. All the relevant game variables, text, asset paths, and rules are located in standard XML files which can easily be modified using an XML or text editor. Meanwhile, all high-level game functionality of the game has been exposed to Python. Scripts can be written to generate maps, modify the interface, trigger game events, override Al, and so forth. The core game and Al core will be provided as an SDK, which builds a DDL that the application loads at runtime. The disadvantage of using a DDL is the additional setup and maintenance overhead that it entails. Moreover, the company managed to include a number of code interfaces in Civilization IV, such as: standard public/private interfaces; an exported DDL interface; an exposed Python interface; a server application interface; and an exposed application interface. INSET: Civilization Globe View.