Extract information from software

[oOoOo "Mantra" oOoOo]

Got an idea to create a fun website similar to AO's item database ( example: http://auno.org/ao/db.php?id=152068 ) for AfterWorld. if you examine the website you will quickly realize the database is not manually updated, it would be impossible for 1000's or 10.000's of items ingame.

I have the skills in PHP and SQL, but not in Windows programming.

1. Is this legal to extract item information from software? ( please note that I am not talking about reverse engineering the client )
2. Would some one with Windows programming experience create a software which extract data in XML or JSON ?
3. Is this already available?
4. Bad idea?


M

[Jarod "Brickwit" McBrickerton]

So far the devs have said that they don't want anybody using third-party software with the game client, but that could only be pertaining to software that affects gameplay. I don't remember anyone asking about software that can extract information from the screen, but there is already software that can pick OCR data from images and save it to a text file. That would require a lot of screen grabs though and certainly wouldn't be automatic.

It's too bad that the export functions for storages and inventory doesn't include item stats since it's already in XML format.

[Event "Janе" Horizon]

@Mantra

The Alpha in game warning stated: "WARNING: Any use of the external software which interfere game process (like clickers, macros, etc) is prohibited! Any avatar suspected with using such software will be banned.Feel free to report to support@afterworld.ru if you notice such avatars."

The intent of this is clearly is to prevent game automation.

What you are talking about is different - if I am reading your statement correctly, you are looking to circumvent the player discovery process (which is what the wiki is all about) by discovering a way to get the same information from within the game software.

I am unsure of what Dedicated Logic's response to that would be - however, I do not think the response will be a positive, supportive statement.

[kittykali "godslayer" deathslayer]

the idea is good, but is one big difference between Anarchy Online and AW. In AO funcom doesn't care if a player use the game resources in most optimal way. Instead in AW , the developers gains from people using items in a less than perfect way. Of course in time all the data will be discovered by dedicated players who will spend their awd to find that. it is not in devs best interest to let all people find the formula and stats so easily. And as you may find even players are not willing to share their discoveries. Except few ones who do share, but they are very few. Ask someone to tell you his/her UG mining spot and you will understund what i say.

[oOoOo "Mantra" oOoOo]

Not talking about extracting any game mechanics. I am talking about getting item's pictures, item's descriptions and any other info which would be useful for community.

example:

Code: [Select]

<items>
 <item>
  <picture>Grom_pathfinder.jpg</picture>
  <desc>Grom pathfinder</desc>
 </item>
</items>

[Event "Janе" Horizon]

Not talking about extracting any game mechanics. I am talking about getting item's pictures, item's descriptions and any other info which would be useful for community.

example:

Code: [Select]

<items>
 <item>
  <picture>Grom_pathfinder.jpg</picture>
  <desc>Grom pathfinder</desc>
 </item>
</items>

My mistake must have misread your post.
Screenshots & sharing self-discovered information is fine.
If you want to data mine and create a easier to use site ... you could start looking to mine the wiki:
http://wiki.afterworld.ru/wiki/Grom_Pathfinder