Modding:History

Modding for DoomRL was first introduced to the public in the form of a sandbox level, included in DoomRL 0.9.9.1 RC1. The sandbox had to be enabled through the command line. Running DoomRL in Sandbox mode prevented exotic and unique weapons from spawning and executed a custom Lua script. Within the confines of the sandbox modders could create a single level and define custom objects to use in that level. Once the player exited the level the game would end.

The original sandbox included a slightly modified version of the Arena as an example, and was meant to be an experiment for modders. They were encouraged to make suggestions and warned that the API was subject to change. Modders quickly found, broke, and worked around as many of the limitations as they could, but by the time DoomRL 0.9.9.2 was released the limits of the sandbox had been reached, and a slew of requests had been made.

DoomRL 0.9.9.2's sandbox mode met many of the community's demands at the expense of breaking almost every line of code written for 0.9.9.1. Modders were given access to the standard math library (some having previously made their own sine and cosine routines to compensate). One of the biggest changes involved the level generation code being moved from the pascal engine to the Lua scripts, introducing coordinate and area objects in the process.

DoomRL 0.9.9.3's changes were more modest, and focused more on additions and expansions than changes. Customizable monster AI was first added in this version and level manipulation was again improved. Most exotic and unique items were also re-enabled. 0.9.9.3 also marks the first multi-level mod, Inferno, privately released on IRC during this time period.

DoomRL 0.9.9.4 continues the trend of unobtrusive changes. AI has been expanded and level generation has been reworked once more. One significant change is the removal of the sandbox in favor of a module system. Th new system does not require the use of a command line and allows for custom badges, medals, and mortems.

DoomRL 0.9.9.5 has always been the expected final release date, which will open up total conversions--full DoomRL wad replacements.