how are game files read?

[cilchr]

PLEASE HELP


when i am browsing inside a game cd,i am unable to read certain files which have no extensions.
I have to use "something" to open them,they can opened by notepad,but notepad cannot read the fonts in which they are written in,when i try to play the files under the folder "animation", media player cannot read the file format.

There are few notepad files in it,but i dont know what language it is in.

example :-


<UnitShot> (name)
name_Sound <soundscheme>
name_StartBurstSound <soundscheme>
name_EndBurstSound <soundscheme>
<end UnitShot>

<AckType> one of
stop
move
attack_unit
attack_ground
unload
goin
pickup
pricep
attack_move
reload
lay_mine
get_mine
fixmost
rotate
build1
build2
build3
build4
<end AckType>


[unit]
idleSnd_Idle <soundscheme>
idleSnd_Move <soundscheme>
DieSound <soundscheme>
SaySelect int <soundscheme>
SayAck int <AckType> <soundscheme>

[big]
[bigmov]

[ezd]
MoveSmokeSound <soundscheme>

[small]
[smallmov]

[pretank]
<UnitShot>(shot1) - ïóøêà
<UnitShot>(shot2) - ïóëåìåò

[tank]
[tank2]
[samo]

[furg]

[gruz]
idleSnd_Reload <soundscheme>
idleSnd_BuildEz <soundscheme>
idleSnd_FixMost <soundscheme>




1) What is the language of the above code.
2)how can i try to read the files(using what software or language?)
3)how can i play the animations(is it encrypted?)
4)Is it legal to do all this?

[Joe Forster/STA]

This is a data/configuration file in some custom format. If you want to use it, you'll have to reverse-engineer it (find out its syntax: what means what) and code the appropriate software. I'm not sure if reverse-engineering is allowed but read the EULA and see your country's local laws, too (which override anything in any contract, including EULA's, if they allow you something).

[Brenhein]

Those files are for MODers (modification) that edit the game code to make it better or add stuff to it without having to make the game all over again. Game developers usually make those files for this purpose.Editing this file should only be done if you are 100% sure of what you are doing. Make sure you back up the file before you edit!(THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT)
Answering your questions:
1. There appears to be no specific language but the developer's.This means that the game is the only thing that understands it.
2.Notepad is all you need. If you want to mod a game, try googeling your game name + version + "MOD tutorial"
3. All animations are enbeded IBN THE GAME and require no resources outside of the executable.
4. It is 100% legal to do this - especially if the game has the file at all!

[pikachu5501]

Brenhein:

You just saying anything to get attention, do you? i do that too sometime but at least, i try to research about information i give before throwing informations around.


2.Notepad is all you need. If you want to mod a game, try googeling your game name + version + "MOD tutorial"

not likely all the software data will open with notepad. That's mostly the developper choices to decide how he want's to access his files. Someone would have better chances with an hex editor and hexadecimal converter tool also.


4. It is 100% legal to do this - especially if the game has the file at all!
Nah, In my book, a "data" file is a part of the software and if it is not specified that the user can "edit" any file as part of a normal use of the software , it still considered as revesing engineery and could void you warranty/support or get you to the electric chair.