Loading scenario with missing GRF files problem

[tdunn7]

I tried to load the scenario - NSW Australia. It was obvious - straight away that this scenario required one or more GRF Files in place that were missing in my setup. However, it also failed to tell me what GRF files I needed.

Now, I could spend the next 1 to 2 weeks experimenting (in my spare time) with GRF file to find out what's missing! But, I think that it would be better to make a requirement that any scenario should have - as a minimum - a full list of the required GRF files. It would certainly save me a lot of trouble!

I would like to see some guidelines put in place to ensure that scenarious are at least playable! How about it people? Let's make an effort to help people play your scenario and not just tell everyone how bloody marvelous it is!!!!

All required GRF or whatever needed to play the scenario to be supplied as part of a 'REQUIRED' document that tells the user what he/she needs in place to play this scenario!

This shouldn't be time consuming work to create. The simpler the better! But better than nothing at all.

Let's get the ball rolling on this! Please!

[Rubidium]

What about the following suggestion:
- a 'NewGRF settings' option in the menu under the wrench.
- a green dot when you have the NewGRF and a red one when you don't have it. Possibly a blue one when you've got another version.
- the missing NewGRFs show the filename of the NewGRF and the (unique) GRF ID and their MD5 sum
- a button at the bottom of the window that can be used to check whether the NewGRFs that are missing are known in the content downloading system?

What do you think?

[cmoiromain]

It's quite mean making fun of new players, especially when they request very politely.

Tdunn, for your information, what Rubidium has just discribed is what is actually implemented in the game. Once the scenario is loaded, and the game gives you the error message, open the newgrf settings window (click and hold the settings button in the top menu to find it). There you will see, as Rubidium described, the needed Grfs for the scenario.

[Ammler]

I think, it is quite a honor, when the lead developer takes his free time to answer also simple user questions. Rubidium makes a great job not just with coding.

tdunn7, We have a collection of newgrfs packed in a pack we distribute from our site (signature). Beside for joining a running game, it makes also possible you can still load all our archive games 3 years back. Maybe it helps as base to load the scenarios, of course, there aren't any "new" newgrfs there anymore, as they can be downloaded from Bananas.

Greets
Ammler