Firstly, I recently learned that modding is frowned upon in discussions here, so let’s not continue them so much. A better place for “modding” discussions would be at Mac Gaming Mods - Index page.
No self-respecting modder I know would hack the game (that is, modify the executable or application) unless it was to improve it (because they did not have access to the game’s source code already, but their intentions were legitimate), to add a functionality to it that would be shared among other community members and published with changes for all to see. Among the Halo communities, there is far more legitimate modding (and for those unfamiliar with the term, to “mod” is to modify the map file(s) in the game, not to modify the game’s executable or application file; a “mod” is just a different version of a map file, just like Halo Custom Edition players build new map files – it’s the same concept, either changing it or building it anew) and far more creative ideas being shared on how to improve this game than there are those who would modify the game itself for whatever reason.
That’s why it seems that people who don’t know the difference between modding maps (“modding”) and modding the executable or its memory values (“hacking” or “cheating”) just lump all of it into the same bandwagon and call it all “hacking”. But intentions differ between those who want to add features to the game or make it more fun and those who want to abuse the game engine to do harm.
I think the best way to get things rolling would be to either release the source code to everyone and have a single legitimate web site such as a wiki like HDM or an area on this 343i site to publish legitimate modified versions of the game whose code has been checked by reputable modders or others in the community; or to have the source code kept secret as it is now and to have a suggestion-feedback system or forum area where people can make suggestions for the game. Of course, each comes with its flaws, which I’m sure anyone can see. There are also other convenient methods of implementation.
Feel free to continue this discussion elsewhere, like macgamingmods.com, but any of these topics about the source code would of course require working in most part with Gearbox, MacSoft and 343i. As far as contacts, for PC/Gearbox, try Roger Wolfson. For MacSoft, call Destineer by phone, and for 343i, this is the place.
Don’t release the source code unless you want creative players to contribute to the development of this game’s epic by doing code work on Halo 1. Enough creative players already seek how to make mods, so by simply allowing the modding communities to grow and working with them, you would allow the game to do well as it is. But the Halo 1 engine is a work of art and can be used to expand the epic of Halo in new, non-commercial directions. Consider the movie Star Wars and then consider the Star Wars franchise which resulted. Halo games also have books, and creative folks playing this game can already be creative within the limitations of the game engine. But many people (such as myself) want to take this game engine and enhance it so that it can be worked into something much nicer.
Alright, alright, so here’s a great analogy for you. Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary is basically a mish-mash of different versions of the game engine but uses Halo 1’s storyline and content, remade to the abilities of that bastardized engine. Now wouldn’t it be so much nicer to include with Halo: Anniversary a contest where all the most popular multiplayer maps would be commercially released with the game? (This sounds like it’s already been done!) Or wouldn’t it be awesome if map-makers and modders could demo and sell their maps and mods through Xbox Live for $1? Wouldn’t it be great to have other unaffiliated but experienced developers freely contribute to the development of the game engine and seek to take it into unclaimed territory in gaming history? How much more of an Anniversary edition that would be, to pay homage to all the developers and modders who have single-handedly made this game thrive behind-the-scenes, working within the game’s artful engine with the sole compensation of seeing their imagined environments played. The people of whom I speak do not even all have access to the Halo Editing Kit.
On the other hand, we have found that there is more creativity among certain communities than among others. Along these lines, I think it would be best to not release the source code but to work directly with communities which provide the best ideas and creative content. Communication of ideas is what I’m talking about, because the less access you have, the more dreaming you do. But only those who can look at the game’s code or reverse-engineer the .map files to figure out how they work will know how to proceed with their ideas. So it’s got to be based upon the creativity and efforts that the developers already see. They need to go community-exploring and ask around. How else to ascertain who is really interested in the game?
