http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Wc_update_entity So, basically I can load up an empires map in garry's mod, place all the props how I want them to be and then be on my way?
Only a few maps work in GMOD, and then you've got issues with the models and stuff (Empires specific entities etc). So I doubt it.
How about I set up the map for gmod, put all the shit where I want it to be, then remove gmod entities and just put empires ones? Part of the reason why I never finished any of my maps was because I wanted my maps to look like a disaster just happened and they all looked unrealistic and I was disappointed and quit. With this I can attempt again.
Have a try by all means, I just wouldn't be optimistic about it. There is a thread somewhere on these forums about loading up Empires maps in GMOD, as well as the models. I recommend doing a search for them and finding them, eth0 and owningone might have been the respective thread creators.
I honestly dont see why it wouldnt work just have 2 vis groups, 1 for gmod entities and 1 for empires entities, and switch between them as needed.
yeah uhhh the point of map_edit is to place the origins of physics objects directly on the ground so that they don't all have to fall when the map spawns.
in some ways I can imagine Gmod being easier to do some random stuff with I mean in the end if you want to drop a barrel on the ground so it looks right then turn it into a prop static, whatever it will be perfectly on the ground then. Specially if your more comfortable with gmod for instance, it might be quicker for you to prop spam your map with gmod shit than in hammer, in recent experience with even manticore I could see using gmod to put random shit in convenient.
This entity is for positioning physics props and adjusting things like pathways for npcs. Essentially, instead of placing waypoints in hammer and hoping they work you can run around and make sure the NPC could actually run to certain places before putting the node there. Also, you might be able to place cube map entities this way. Might be worth a try. But this seems to be limited to dynamic entities which you don't use in multiplayer.
It'd be even more awesome if it was multiplayer. I could grief Omneh whilst he maps by spawning explosive barrels everywhere.
It spawns the entity against a surface, so it wouldn't be good for placing cubemaps. I still really don't understand how this system is any better than hammer except for niche situations. Also I've seen this used and used it myself for special HL2DM maps, I don't see why it wouldn't already work for empires.
It's mostly useful for having the physics engine decide where your physics props should be. Spam them all over the place, start the map, map_edit, and voila, you have a ton of stupidly-placed soda cans all over the floor. Might also be useful for placing props floating in water or dealing with weapons and items that aren't as accommodating when it comes to placement.
That's true, but I constantly have problems with sizing and perspective in Hammer. I usually place spawn entities around the map to see how brushes/models compare to player heights, but its still hard to visualize. I could see how placing entities while running the map in gmod would be helpful.
