Neverwinter Nights 2: Neverwinter Citadel: Custom Content Clearinghouse

In response to his article about custom content creation for Neverwinter Nights 2, Papermonk has created a new site, a clearinghouse of sorts, called Neverwinter Citadel. Here's what he had to say:

Regarding my last article on Warcry, one of the responses was a one-stop source for NWN2 custom content work, design, etc.

And it's a good idea. It's something I've tossed around in my head, but never really made any conclusions about.

Obviously, the Bioware forums served us rather well for NWN; but didn't offer the flexibility to be a one stop shop - it wasn't a place where we could create our own groupings, host our files, or collaboratively work. But regardless, it was great. And I don't think for NWN2 it will be less.

However, one thing we suffered from as a community, for a very long time, was a lack of centralized resources for custom content. One dedicated place where members of our custom content community could work together or individually, secure their files, share their resources, create their own individual forums or projects. Basically, a home for custom content makers.

Now, I know, at this point it sounds very pies in the sky. And it is. It's an idea. But I think it's a good one. I think it is one that will benefit this communities custom content makers - helping them produce for this community as individuals or teams and making it as easy as possible to both find information and new people to learn.

But this is not a team. Not in the traditional sense. This is not a site like CODI or DLA where everyone is working towards one goal. It is a place where people can or cannot. Certainly, any large group will maintain their own site - but this will be a place of resources and camaraderie, information and networking.

Now, I've setup the core of a website. We have a forum and I can add much more very quickly - nicer forums, galleries, blogs, online project software and file CVS and whatever else we may need.

But this project falls on us to flesh it out. We have to decide, in these months before NWN2, what we need. What information, what organization, who needs to do what, etc. And this is where you all come in.

I wasn't planning on running a group this time around. I don't still. But I want to make sure we have a vital, healthy custom content community producing all its goodies for the rest of us and this is one way I think will facilitate it.

This is what I imagine:

• Specialized forums - texturing, modeling, prestige classes, etc. These would contain stickies with core information about the issues, links to tutorials, and tools. Otherwise just people working and asking questions or feedback.

  [li] Project software - the great thing about most open project online software is you are free to use as little or as much as you like. Perhaps you just need the CVS aspects, but perhaps you want help with setting up goals and milestones, a calendar or your own forums. This is all possible. The resources would be available on request.

  [li]Comprehensive Custom Content Information - like the custom content wiki or the Custom Content Guide by Eligio, a catalog of everything you may need to know. From 2da breakdowns to file formats.

  [li]Networking - are you a great texture artist, but lack modeling skills? Vice versa? Need some help with a model? Are you a module maker who desperately needs a rabbit for your game? Talk, discuss, and help each other out here.

  [li]Pimp your work - show it off, let people give you compliments and criticism. It is the only way to get better.

Neverwinter Citadel

So.... Go over there, register, start talking. Hell, talk here... Help me figure out the best way for this site to serve you and once we have it figured out - we'll launch it.

Most of you know me - I'm very capable of making this happen. I can create all the infrastructure in the world But no matter how hard I work, it will come to naught if the community isn't with me on it. And maybe it's not needed... but I think it is. Right now what I need is to see interest and ideas. Help me out and you can expect me to constantly work to help you.