Dialogue - Revision history

Silverfish: Added link to Dialogue Editor article at the end

2018-04-03T08:30:06Z

Added link to Dialogue Editor article at the end

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:30, 3 April 2018
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	==Creating and editing a dialogue==		==Creating and editing a dialogue==

	To begin, open up a level in the editor, or create a new one. Make sure you have spawned some characters you want to have in the dialogue.		To begin, open up a level in the editor, or create a new one. Make sure you have spawned some characters you want to have in the dialogue.

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	==Naming the dialogue==		==Naming the dialogue==

	Make sure you change the name from #name "Unnamed" to something more specific to that conversation. Like #name "Chat With Villagers" or something. You're going to the name later when triggering the dialogue.		Make sure you change the name from #name "Unnamed" to something more specific to that conversation. Like #name "Chat With Villagers" or something. You're going to the name later when triggering the dialogue.

	==Adding participants to the dialogue==		==Adding participants to the dialogue==

	Next, change the #participants 1 value from 1, to the number of characters in the conversation. Make sure you include the player's character, even if they aren't going to talk. Otherwise the player character can run around during the dialogue.		Next, change the #participants 1 value from 1, to the number of characters in the conversation. Make sure you include the player's character, even if they aren't going to talk. Otherwise the player character can run around during the dialogue.

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	==Adding lines to the dialogue==		==Adding lines to the dialogue==

	Now to customize the dialogue. Where it says say 1 "Name" "Type your dialogue here.", change the name and the text. Something like say 1 "Fritz" "Just going for a jaunt in the park". The number at the beginning refers to the participant number (the numbered box) that is linked to the character who is speaking.		Now to customize the dialogue. Where it says say 1 "Name" "Type your dialogue here.", change the name and the text. Something like say 1 "Fritz" "Just going for a jaunt in the park". The number at the beginning refers to the participant number (the numbered box) that is linked to the character who is speaking.

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	==Triggering the dialogue==		==Triggering the dialogue==

	Now we need to decide when the dialogue should start, let's use a trigger volume, meaning the dialogue will trigger when the player enters a specified area. To make that work, you need a Start Dialogue hotspot. There are other ways to trigger a dialogue using the new checkpoints system, but that's far more advanced, so let's just start with this.		Now we need to decide when the dialogue should start, let's use a trigger volume, meaning the dialogue will trigger when the player enters a specified area. To make that work, you need a Start Dialogue hotspot. There are other ways to trigger a dialogue using the new checkpoints system, but that's far more advanced, so let's just start with this.

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	==Camera work and character positions==		==Camera work and character positions==

	While editing the dialogue, there's a camera object that you can move around in the scene. You might not see that camera at first, since it spawns on top of the dialogue hotspot, and might be embedded in the ground. The camera can be spawned from the Load->Utility menu, as well. Don't be afraid to move any of those boxes around. It doesn't matter where you place the dialogue hotspot, so feel free to move it up and out of the way, so you can edit the per-line objects.		While editing the dialogue, there's a camera object that you can move around in the scene. You might not see that camera at first, since it spawns on top of the dialogue hotspot, and might be embedded in the ground. The camera can be spawned from the Load->Utility menu, as well. Don't be afraid to move any of those boxes around. It doesn't matter where you place the dialogue hotspot, so feel free to move it up and out of the way, so you can edit the per-line objects.

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	===Positioning Characters===		===Positioning Characters===

	The camera and character positions can be changed for each line of dialogue. Just click on the line you want to make changes to in the editor window, and then move the character and camera boxes around as desired. The character boxes can be found inside each character's spawn box by default. Note that the dialogue editor will update to add your changes, so removing the lines from the editor will revert the edits.		The camera and character positions can be changed for each line of dialogue. Just click on the line you want to make changes to in the editor window, and then move the character and camera boxes around as desired. The character boxes can be found inside each character's spawn box by default. Note that the dialogue editor will update to add your changes, so removing the lines from the editor will revert the edits.

	==Making it good==		==Making it good==
			This tutorial only goes through the very basics of making dialogues. For more information, read the [[Dialogue Editor]] article.

	Don't be afraid to mess around with the objects in the Dialogue Editor, or even to change, copy, paste the code around. Also make sure to open the existing game's levels in the editor to check out what other hidden features show up in dialogues.		Don't be afraid to mess around with the objects in the Dialogue Editor, or even to change, copy, paste the code around. Also make sure to open the existing game's levels in the editor to check out what other hidden features show up in dialogues.

Mng: Added to category: Modding, Overgrowth

2018-03-08T17:48:45Z

Added to category: Modding, Overgrowth

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:48, 8 March 2018
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	A popular YouTube channel on this topic is "each frame a painting". Check that out too.		A popular YouTube channel on this topic is "each frame a painting". Check that out too.

			[[Category: Overgrowth]]
			[[Category: Modding]]

Silverfish at 09:16, 1 February 2018

2018-02-01T09:16:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:16, 1 February 2018
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			'''TODO: Add some images'''

	Dialogues are used to create scenes with different camera angles, text and poses. They are commonly used to give context and progress the story in a level.		Dialogues are used to create scenes with different camera angles, text and poses. They are commonly used to give context and progress the story in a level.

Silverfish: /* Adding Animations */

2018-01-26T10:35:23Z

Adding Animations

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:35, 26 January 2018
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	To set up the camera for a given line of dialogue, click on the corresponding say line, then select the camera and position it where you want it. There is a preview window that lets you line up your shot perfectly. You can move and resize that window.		To set up the camera for a given line of dialogue, click on the corresponding say line, then select the camera and position it where you want it. There is a preview window that lets you line up your shot perfectly. You can move and resize that window.

	===~~Adding Animations~~===		===Positioning Characters===

	The camera and character positions can be changed for each line of dialogue. Just click on the line you want to make changes to in the editor window, and then move the character and camera boxes around as desired. The character boxes can be found inside each character's spawn box by default. Note that the dialogue editor will update to add your changes, so removing the lines from the editor will revert the edits.		The camera and character positions can be changed for each line of dialogue. Just click on the line you want to make changes to in the editor window, and then move the character and camera boxes around as desired. The character boxes can be found inside each character's spawn box by default. Note that the dialogue editor will update to add your changes, so removing the lines from the editor will revert the edits.

Silverfish: Quality pass

2018-01-26T10:34:26Z

Quality pass

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:34, 26 January 2018
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	Please note that this page is under construction		Dialogues are used to create scenes with different camera angles, text and poses. They are commonly used to give context and progress the story in a level.

			This is a step by step tutorial on how to create and trigger a basic dialogue. For more technical documentation of how dialogues work, such as all the commands you can use and how they work, read the [[Dialogue Editor]] article.

	==Creating and editing a dialogue==		==Creating and editing a dialogue==

	To begin, open up a level in the editor, or create a new one. ~~Spawn~~ some characters~~, and make sure they're all on~~ the ~~same team so they don't attack each other~~.		To begin, open up a level in the editor, or create a new one. Make sure you have spawned some characters you want to have in the dialogue.

	Then click Top Bar -> Dialogue -> New Dialogue. Your cursor should now have a plus. Click somewhere in the level to spawn the dialogue hotspot.		Then click Top Bar -> Dialogue -> New Dialogue. Your cursor should now have a plus. Click somewhere in the level to spawn the dialogue hotspot.
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	==Naming the dialogue==		==Naming the dialogue==

	Make sure you change the name from #name "Unnamed" to something more specific to that conversation. Like #name "Chat With Villagers" or something. ~~Remember this name, cause you~~'re going to ~~use it~~ later.		Make sure you change the name from #name "Unnamed" to something more specific to that conversation. Like #name "Chat With Villagers" or something. You're going to the name later when triggering the dialogue.

	==Adding participants to the dialogue==		==Adding participants to the dialogue==

	Next, change the #participants 1 value from 1, to the number of characters in the conversation. Make sure you include the player, even if they aren't going to talk. Otherwise the character can run around during the dialogue~~, and it can get confusing~~.		Next, change the #participants 1 value from 1, to the number of characters in the conversation. Make sure you include the player's character, even if they aren't going to talk. Otherwise the player character can run around during the dialogue.

	After that, double click on the small numbered ~~box~~ above the dialogue hotspot. Then hold Alt while you click on a character's spawn box. This makes a line between the two, and binds that character to that dialogue. You have to do this for all characters who will talk, and the player.		After that, double click on one of the small numbered boxes above the dialogue hotspot. Then hold Alt while you click on a character's spawn box. This makes a line between the two, and binds that character to that participant slot in the dialogue. You have to do this for all characters who will talk, and the player.

	==Adding lines to the dialogue==		==Adding lines to the dialogue==
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	==Triggering the dialogue==		==Triggering the dialogue==

	~~To start~~ the dialogue, the ~~character needs to walk to somewhere in~~ the ~~level~~. To make that work, you need a Start Dialogue hotspot. There are other ways to trigger a dialogue using the new checkpoints system, but that's far more advanced, so let's just start with this.		Now we need to decide when the dialogue should start, let's use a trigger volume, meaning the dialogue will trigger when the player enters a specified area. To make that work, you need a Start Dialogue hotspot. There are other ways to trigger a dialogue using the new checkpoints system, but that's far more advanced, so let's just start with this.

	Click Top Bar -> Load -> and type Start Dialogue. Click that item, and click in the level to spawn it.		Click Top Bar -> Load -> and type Start Dialogue. Click that item, and click in the level to spawn it.
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	==Camera work and character positions==		==Camera work and character positions==

	While editing the dialogue, there's a camera object that you can move around in the scene. You might not see that camera at first, since it spawns on top of the dialogue hotspot, and might be embedded in the ground. The camera can be spawned from the Load->Utility menu, as well. Don't be afraid to move any of those boxes around. It doesn't matter where you place the dialogue hotspot, so feel free to move it up and out of the way, so you can edit the per-line objects.		While editing the dialogue, there's a camera object that you can move around in the scene. You might not see that camera at first, since it spawns on top of the dialogue hotspot, and might be embedded in the ground. The camera can be spawned from the Load->Utility menu, as well. Don't be afraid to move any of those boxes around. It doesn't matter where you place the dialogue hotspot, so feel free to move it up and out of the way, so you can edit the per-line objects.

	To set up the camera for a given line of dialogue, click on the corresponding say line, then select the camera and position it where you want it. There is a preview window that lets you line up your shot perfectly. You can move and resize that window.		To set up the camera for a given line of dialogue, click on the corresponding say line, then select the camera and position it where you want it. There is a preview window that lets you line up your shot perfectly. You can move and resize that window.

	===Adding Animations===		===Adding Animations===
	~~You can also move characters to different positions for each line, make them look around, etc, via boxes that can somehow be manipulated.~~

	The camera and character positions can be changed for each line of dialogue~~, so make sure you set everything up perfectly for each line~~. Just click on ~~each different~~ line in the editor window, and then move the ~~animation~~ and camera boxes around ~~for~~ that ~~line of~~ the dialogue ~~as desired~~.		The camera and character positions can be changed for each line of dialogue. Just click on the line you want to make changes to in the editor window, and then move the character and camera boxes around as desired. The character boxes can be found inside each character's spawn box by default. Note that the dialogue editor will update to add your changes, so removing the lines from the editor will revert the edits.

	==Making it good==		==Making it good==
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	Don't be afraid to mess around with the objects in the Dialogue Editor, or even to change, copy, paste the code around. Also make sure to open the existing game's levels in the editor to check out what other hidden features show up in dialogues.		Don't be afraid to mess around with the objects in the Dialogue Editor, or even to change, copy, paste the code around. Also make sure to open the existing game's levels in the editor to check out what other hidden features show up in dialogues.

	For dialogue work in general, there's also a bunch of tutorials on the internet and YouTube about cinema, camera work, and photography. All of these topics can give you useful information that will apply to making dialogues in games. I suggest you check out (~~google~~!) topics like -		For dialogue work in general, there's also a bunch of tutorials on the internet and YouTube about cinema, camera work, and photography. All of these topics can give you useful information that will apply to making dialogues in games. I suggest you check out (Internet search!) topics like -

	The rule of thirds		The rule of thirds
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	This list of techniques goes on forever, so I suggest getting lost on ~~google~~ for a while, watching videos, etc.		This list of techniques goes on forever, so I suggest getting lost on searching the Internet for a while, watching videos, etc.

	A popular YouTube channel on this topic is "each frame a painting". Check that out too.		A popular YouTube channel on this topic is "each frame a painting". Check that out too.

Xagor-the-ninja: /* Camera work and character positions */ Formatting/small mod

2018-01-14T06:09:18Z

Camera work and character positions: Formatting/small mod

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:09, 13 January 2018
Line 49:		Line 49:
	==Camera work and character positions==		==Camera work and character positions==

	While editing the dialogue, there's a camera object that you can move around in the scene. You might not see that camera at first, ~~cause~~ it spawns on top of the dialogue hotspot, and might be embedded in the ground. Don't be afraid to move any of those boxes around. It doesn't matter where you place the dialogue hotspot, so feel free to move it up and out of the way, so you can edit the per-line objects.		While editing the dialogue, there's a camera object that you can move around in the scene. You might not see that camera at first, since it spawns on top of the dialogue hotspot, and might be embedded in the ground. The camera can be spawned from the Load->Utility menu, as well. Don't be afraid to move any of those boxes around. It doesn't matter where you place the dialogue hotspot, so feel free to move it up and out of the way, so you can edit the per-line objects.

	To set up the camera for a given line of dialogue, click on the corresponding say line, then select the camera and position it where you want it. There is a preview window that lets you line up your shot perfectly. You can move and resize that window.		To set up the camera for a given line of dialogue, click on the corresponding say line, then select the camera and position it where you want it. There is a preview window that lets you line up your shot perfectly. You can move and resize that window.

	You can also move characters to different positions for each line, make them look around, etc.		===Adding Animations===
			You can also move characters to different positions for each line, make them look around, etc, via boxes that can somehow be manipulated.

	The camera and character positions can be changed for each line of dialogue, so make sure you set everything up perfectly for each line. Just click on each different line and move ~~their~~ boxes around.		The camera and character positions can be changed for each line of dialogue, so make sure you set everything up perfectly for each line. Just click on each different line in the editor window, and then move the animation and camera boxes around for that line of the dialogue as desired.

	==Making it good==		==Making it good==

Xagor-the-ninja: Minor formatting structure

2018-01-14T06:04:26Z

Minor formatting structure

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:04, 13 January 2018
Line 1:		Line 1:
	Please note that this page is under construction		Please note that this page is under construction

	Creating and editing a dialogue:		==Creating and editing a dialogue==

	To begin, open up a level in the editor, or create a new one. Spawn some characters, and make sure they're all on the same team so they don't attack each other.		To begin, open up a level in the editor, or create a new one. Spawn some characters, and make sure they're all on the same team so they don't attack each other.
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	Double click on the new dialogue hotspot to select it, and click Top Bar -> Dialogue -> Edit Selected. Now you're in the dialogue editor.		Double click on the new dialogue hotspot to select it, and click Top Bar -> Dialogue -> Edit Selected. Now you're in the dialogue editor.

	Naming the dialogue:		==Naming the dialogue==

	Make sure you change the name from #name "Unnamed" to something more specific to that conversation. Like #name "Chat With Villagers" or something. Remember this name, cause you're going to use it later.		Make sure you change the name from #name "Unnamed" to something more specific to that conversation. Like #name "Chat With Villagers" or something. Remember this name, cause you're going to use it later.

	Adding participants to the dialogue:		==Adding participants to the dialogue==

	Next, change the #participants 1 value from 1, to the number of characters in the conversation. Make sure you include the player, even if they aren't going to talk. Otherwise the character can run around during the dialogue, and it can get confusing.		Next, change the #participants 1 value from 1, to the number of characters in the conversation. Make sure you include the player, even if they aren't going to talk. Otherwise the character can run around during the dialogue, and it can get confusing.
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	After that, double click on the small numbered box above the dialogue hotspot. Then hold Alt while you click on a character's spawn box. This makes a line between the two, and binds that character to that dialogue. You have to do this for all characters who will talk, and the player.		After that, double click on the small numbered box above the dialogue hotspot. Then hold Alt while you click on a character's spawn box. This makes a line between the two, and binds that character to that dialogue. You have to do this for all characters who will talk, and the player.

	Adding lines to the dialogue:		==Adding lines to the dialogue==

	Now to customize the dialogue. Where it says say 1 "Name" "Type your dialogue here.", change the name and the text. Something like say 1 "Fritz" "Just going for a jaunt in the park". The number at the beginning refers to the participant number (the numbered box) that is linked to the character who is speaking.		Now to customize the dialogue. Where it says say 1 "Name" "Type your dialogue here.", change the name and the text. Something like say 1 "Fritz" "Just going for a jaunt in the park". The number at the beginning refers to the participant number (the numbered box) that is linked to the character who is speaking.
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	You can preview what your dialogue does at any time by clicking Dialogue Editor -> Menu Bar -> Edit -> Preview.		You can preview what your dialogue does at any time by clicking Dialogue Editor -> Menu Bar -> Edit -> Preview.

	Triggering the dialogue:		==Triggering the dialogue==

	To start the dialogue, the character needs to walk to somewhere in the level. To make that work, you need a Start Dialogue hotspot. There are other ways to trigger a dialogue using the new checkpoints system, but that's far more advanced, so let's just start with this.		To start the dialogue, the character needs to walk to somewhere in the level. To make that work, you need a Start Dialogue hotspot. There are other ways to trigger a dialogue using the new checkpoints system, but that's far more advanced, so let's just start with this.
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	If you don't want to see the big green dialogue bubble while playing the game, uncheck Visible in game.		If you don't want to see the big green dialogue bubble while playing the game, uncheck Visible in game.

	Camera work and character positions:		==Camera work and character positions==

	While editing the dialogue, there's a camera object that you can move around in the scene. You might not see that camera at first, cause it spawns on top of the dialogue hotspot, and might be embedded in the ground. Don't be afraid to move any of those boxes around. It doesn't matter where you place the dialogue hotspot, so feel free to move it up and out of the way, so you can edit the per-line objects.		While editing the dialogue, there's a camera object that you can move around in the scene. You might not see that camera at first, cause it spawns on top of the dialogue hotspot, and might be embedded in the ground. Don't be afraid to move any of those boxes around. It doesn't matter where you place the dialogue hotspot, so feel free to move it up and out of the way, so you can edit the per-line objects.
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	The camera and character positions can be changed for each line of dialogue, so make sure you set everything up perfectly for each line. Just click on each different line and move their boxes around.		The camera and character positions can be changed for each line of dialogue, so make sure you set everything up perfectly for each line. Just click on each different line and move their boxes around.

	Making it good:		==Making it good==

	Don't be afraid to mess around with the objects in the Dialogue Editor, or even to change, copy, paste the code around. Also make sure to open the existing game's levels in the editor to check out what other hidden features show up in dialogues.		Don't be afraid to mess around with the objects in the Dialogue Editor, or even to change, copy, paste the code around. Also make sure to open the existing game's levels in the editor to check out what other hidden features show up in dialogues.

Xagor-the-ninja: Added Dialogue instruction page - source: Kavika @ https://steamcommunity.com/app/25000/discussions/0/1456202492183524181/

2018-01-14T05:34:15Z

Added Dialogue instruction page - source: Kavika @ https://steamcommunity.com/app/25000/discussions/0/1456202492183524181/

New page

**Please note that this page is under construction**

Creating and editing a dialogue:

To begin, open up a level in the editor, or create a new one. Spawn some characters, and make sure they're all on the same team so they don't attack each other.

Then click Top Bar -> Dialogue -> New Dialogue. Your cursor should now have a plus. Click somewhere in the level to spawn the dialogue hotspot.

Double click on the new dialogue hotspot to select it, and click Top Bar -> Dialogue -> Edit Selected. Now you're in the dialogue editor.

Naming the dialogue:

Make sure you change the name from #name "Unnamed" to something more specific to that conversation. Like #name "Chat With Villagers" or something. Remember this name, cause you're going to use it later.

Adding participants to the dialogue:

Next, change the #participants 1 value from 1, to the number of characters in the conversation. Make sure you include the player, even if they aren't going to talk. Otherwise the character can run around during the dialogue, and it can get confusing.

After that, double click on the small numbered box above the dialogue hotspot. Then hold Alt while you click on a character's spawn box. This makes a line between the two, and binds that character to that dialogue. You have to do this for all characters who will talk, and the player.

Adding lines to the dialogue:

Now to customize the dialogue. Where it says say 1 "Name" "Type your dialogue here.", change the name and the text. Something like say 1 "Fritz" "Just going for a jaunt in the park". The number at the beginning refers to the participant number (the numbered box) that is linked to the character who is speaking.

You can add more say lines. Remember to set the right participant number and the right name for each. They can even change names in the middle of the conversation, for example if they've just been introduced to you. You could start by calling them "Green Rabbit", and later change them to "Jonathan".

You can preview what your dialogue does at any time by clicking Dialogue Editor -> Menu Bar -> Edit -> Preview.

Triggering the dialogue:

To start the dialogue, the character needs to walk to somewhere in the level. To make that work, you need a Start Dialogue hotspot. There are other ways to trigger a dialogue using the new checkpoints system, but that's far more advanced, so let's just start with this.

Click Top Bar -> Load -> and type Start Dialogue. Click that item, and click in the level to spawn it.

Then double click on the new Start Dialogue hotspot to select it. Click Top Bar -> Windows -> Selected in order to open its properties.

From here, click the arrow to expand the start_dialogue.xml object, and click the arrow to expand Script Params.

On the line where it says Dialogue, double click in the box next to it, where it says Default text. Change the text here to the name you set for the dialogue (Chat With Villagers, in the example at the beginning of this tutorial, or whatever you chose to name it).

Now make sure to move this trigger and resize it to the shape you want. When the player walks inside this trigger, the dialogue will start. Note that it will only do this once, so you must hit the L key to reset the level if you want to trigger the dialogue again.

Other properties in the Script params:

If you want to have to click to activate the dialogue, instead of just having to walk inside the hotspot, then uncheck Automatic.

If you don't want to see the big green dialogue bubble while playing the game, uncheck Visible in game.

Camera work and character positions:

While editing the dialogue, there's a camera object that you can move around in the scene. You might not see that camera at first, cause it spawns on top of the dialogue hotspot, and might be embedded in the ground. Don't be afraid to move any of those boxes around. It doesn't matter where you place the dialogue hotspot, so feel free to move it up and out of the way, so you can edit the per-line objects.

To set up the camera for a given line of dialogue, click on the corresponding say line, then select the camera and position it where you want it. There is a preview window that lets you line up your shot perfectly. You can move and resize that window.

You can also move characters to different positions for each line, make them look around, etc.

The camera and character positions can be changed for each line of dialogue, so make sure you set everything up perfectly for each line. Just click on each different line and move their boxes around.

Making it good:

Don't be afraid to mess around with the objects in the Dialogue Editor, or even to change, copy, paste the code around. Also make sure to open the existing game's levels in the editor to check out what other hidden features show up in dialogues.

For dialogue work in general, there's also a bunch of tutorials on the internet and YouTube about cinema, camera work, and photography. All of these topics can give you useful information that will apply to making dialogues in games. I suggest you check out (google!) topics like -

The rule of thirds
180 degree rule
30 degree rule
Over the shoulder shot

This list of techniques goes on forever, so I suggest getting lost on google for a while, watching videos, etc.

A popular YouTube channel on this topic is "each frame a painting". Check that out too.