Hello, time for the first Nomads dev diary in 2020!
This ones important. We will be going through the future of the mod. This will be covering what we are going to do, and also a bit about you. Read on.
Let us know your thoughts on the Nomads Development Discord
Nomads in 2020
So, last dev diary we posted this graph:
Nomads was the most active faf project in 2019, so we got that covered. However, we shouldnt take this for granted, since by default projects become less active over time. Taking the FA repo as an example, its been decreasing in activity for 4 consecutive years now. This is a very real issue, and Nomads is in danger as much as any other project.
To make things a little more salient though, heres some other news: I’m ([e]Exotic_Retard) going to have less time this year to work on Nomads due to real life. All else constant, Nomads will see less development as a result, because im the primary developer right now. I wont be leaving entirely and I will definitely be around to make sure things run smoothly, but I also wont be able to singlehandedly boost Nomads to the number one spot anymore.
In order to prevent the same thing from happening to Nomads as is happening to FA, we need you.
Yes, you specificially, not just some generic person. Mods dont make themselves, and its YOU who can change the future of Nomads. If you want to see Nomads as active, or even more active this year, then YOU have to help out with the mod too. Check the next section for how you can do that.
What Nomads needs
Here is a list of things that this mod needs doing. Its arranged in order of priority, but you will notice two things – every skill is required, and everyone can contribute.
1.Making new models in any software
2.Cleaning, UV unwrapping, finishing models in Blender
3.Texturing models in substance painter
4.Drawing concept art
5.Working on ingame effects
6.Making 2D UI and graphics
7.Writing stories and dialogues
8.Writing Lua code for the mod
9.Inviting people who can help to the Nomads discord
10.Making new ingame sounds
11.Testing the dev version of the mod and the missions
12.Playing Nomads and sharing your feedback with the devs
You will notice that knowing how to code is only important for points 4 and 8, and that all the most important bits are for generally creative people, not programmers. If this is you, get in touch.
Likewise, you will notice that 12 is just playing the mod, and telling us about it. Anyone can do that
To be clear, there is enough work for everyone to go around. In 2019, we have replaced 10 unit models, which leaves us with about 90 Unit models to go. We also need to work on 5/6 missions in the Nomads campaign, two of which havent been started at all yet. If you are thinking that nomads has just a little bit left, it doesnt. If this mod is left for too long, it might never be done. Making it slowly isnt an option for this reason. Me having less time in 2020 can happen to anyone on the team, and will eventually happen to everyone. The mod needs to be finished when it does.
And now we have a stream of images that various team members have made. If you think you can make something like that, get in touch. Also enjoy the eye candy.
And thats it for now! If you want to see top secret stuff, join the discord server where you can chat to the devs, ask questions, spy on the process and get all the exclusive goodies and more! Also feel free to leave feedback either on the forum thread or in the discord. Remember, feedback is very important!
We always say we are looking for more contributors, so now you know that when we ask, we are being serious. So join today! Whether thats code, 2d art, models, music or anything else, do get in touch! We also provide all the resources and guidance needed, so don’t worry if you think you are missing any skills, we will be glad to see you!