( this announcement was revealed to donators a week ago )
In the beginning of Custom Zombies there were only map downloads.
Soon EXE map installers were introduced to make it easier for novices to install and get maps running on their PC.
Then our UGX Map Manager offered a medium where high quality maps could all be found in one installer which had updating/patching features built into it.
Unfortunately it still wasn't perfect - still - people had issues, mostly because they couldn't read. :troll:
BUT this shouldn't be the end of the map management revolution.
So today I would like to announce the official replacement for the UGX Map Manager:
The UGX Launcher patent pending^^
So what is exactly so new? - Everything!
Obviously the concept of downloading, installing and launching maps has carried on into the UGX Launcher =D
So you may ask, why you should get excited as well? Let me introduce some major features.
But please note: The application is still in progress and in an early alpha version!
Not all features are implemented / polished yet!
UGX Mods Forum Account authentication (with offline mode)
We need to identify you! - No we don't work with the NSA - We need you to login in order for us to display information in the program related to who you are on the forum ( just keep reading )
Also it will prevent download spamming. - Only a registered user should have access to our free service!
[When there are too many downloads or failed login attempts, we will hook in a captcha code now as well!]
Settings
You can set max overall download speed, proxy settings and the download / server location (US/EU).
Participate in newer Beta builds of the manager, change your WaW install folder location and many more preferences TBA.
Multiple ( up to max three ) simultaneous map downloads (think like Steam).
Sortable download list.
Recover paused & cancelled downloads. - No need to begin at zero again ;)
New refreshed GUI with custom theme support.
Don't like the current theme? Just create a new one.
( I will provide wiki + default theme *.psd when it's in a stable version! )
Map list with customizable filters and sort options. Of course it has a search as well.
Find the map you would like to play!
Custom groups for maps (even for maps which aren't listed)
Manage the maps how you like it.
Map information!
Each map has it's own "page" in the Launcher, which is an evolved version of the information that the current UGX Map Manager provides for each map.
Give your personal rating about a map and see if other users think the same about the map.
Read the description or the changelog(s) from the mapper.
Not sure if it's a box map? Screenshots and YouTube videos are integrated and ready to be watched.
Still not sure? Read what the official UGX Custom Map Reviewers say about it and how well it scored.
Screenshots: ( As already mentioned, it's Work In Progress )
Also, the map names used in screenshots are for debugging purpose ONLY! - they are samples.
Map list
(https://www.ugx-mods.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fl2TrUsw.png&hash=d8f626f7b78ae0ab102bf31c8d0745b7f78ae650)
Map single view #1
(https://www.ugx-mods.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FKxJ6RjZ.png&hash=eb1b3c681feb4ca17b7a06e33a134f92ac7dbb3c)
Map single view #2
(https://www.ugx-mods.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FpTGAwFU.png&hash=cc0572d7982cc585e25c3b43c19d96bb4e1a6486)
Map downloads & download manager
(https://www.ugx-mods.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FFyV3S2Y.png&hash=310cdae7321d4b7c25d1c7fec0bcc7b5163a5c7f)
Settings
(https://www.ugx-mods.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FEx2Yzlv.gif&hash=dff4c982d42b36cc5bea29aa749ce690a21f38b3)
Development plan
There is A LOT to do. - The project scope is really big and I focus currently on functionality rather on a good looking User Interface.
I'm not an 2D Artist, so all you see is the best I can do in the least time as possible.
But don't worry, it will look better <3
So, basic features first. As soon as they are all stable and it works, UI and other parts will
see frequent updates and improvements. ;)
I'll also support officially custom themes later^^
Advanced features:
Those features are combined with a a lot of work. They could work - but I can't promise anything.
They are planned but mentioned here extra because they are something special!
UGX Chat integration
The new chat will be ready to be used through the UGX Launcher as well!
UGX Play
Imagine it as an online lobby for zombies! Finding people to play with was never that easy before. Boot CoDWaW straight into your friends' custom zombies lobby!
UGX Stats
Stats tracking for maps, with leaderboards, online stats view and of course Achievements with rewards which will be viewable on your UGX Forum Profile <3
UGX In-Game
Experience all benefits while In-Game ;)
Excited? - Do you want to try it out?
I try to get a stable version done as fast as possible.
We hope we can deliver the first public alpha version of the UGX Launcher with the UGX Mod v1.1 donor beta
--> every donator gets access to the UGX Launcher beta as well! <3 <3
And of course, when there are bugs - both - the UGX Launcher and UGX Mod supports updating ;)
We hope - when the Launcher is stable - it will be easier for everyone to play and enjoy custom zombies.
To make this happen we need your help! Give feedback, report bugs, let us know what you like and don't like.
I try to make frequent updates and report back, hopefully every week about the progress and some screenshots where it makes sense. ( for donators only! )
FAQ:
Q: Will UGX Stats influence the UGX Mod Customization
A: Probably, if stats reading and writing will work
So that's about it, I hope you like it as much as I do and now ready - set - go and start typing on your keyboard ;)