The Deus Ex SDK is a map editor and development tool for Deus Ex. It enables the editing and creation of maps for Deus Ex and other development functionalities such as browsing the UnrealScript files of the game. "SDK" is an acronym for "software development kit." The SDK is a modified version of the Unreal Editor and was the editor that Ion Storm used to create the maps of the released game.[1]
Background[]
The SDK was released for free on September 22, 2000, together with the conversation editor.[2] According to developer interviews, Ion Storm did not originally plan to release development tools for the game, but changed their minds upon seeing the community's interest in such tools[3] and recognizing that the release of the tool would extend the lifetime of the game by facilitating the creation of mods.[1]
Since the release of the SDK, users have utilized the tool to create a number of third party mods. Additionally, the SDK has enabled the fanbase to research the game's internal data. For example, many passwords, logins, and, codes that cannot be found in-game can be discovered using the map editor.
Notes[]
- The SDK has a well known problem of freezing when viewing large maps in using the default mode of the lower-left perspective pane. A workaround is to set the viewing mode to wireframe (by selecting the "Map Persp" option in the "Mode" menu of the lower-left pane).
- The SDK requires patch v1.112fm. Digital distribution versions, including the Game of the Year Edition currently available on digital distribution services, are already patched.
External links[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 H. Smith and S. Martin (Aug 29 2000). "Harvey Smith & Scott Martin (Deus Ex SDK)" (archived). IGN Vault (interview). Archived 2000-10-18. Harvey Smith: "we hope that by putting the tools into the hands of players, the lifetime of Deus Ex will be extended....the advocates within the community, if they can provide such mods, can really do a lot to help a particular game...These are the exact tools we used to make DX, with the exception of some minor bug fixes."
- ↑ "Getting started with the Deus Ex SDK", Off Topic Productions
- ↑ "Deus Ex: Interview with Warren Spector," June 8, 2000. EIP Gaming. Archived version also available.