Graphics ~ GDL

Graphical Description Language

The Graphical Description Language (GDL) system in Chiventure allows for game developers to customize aspects of how the game is graphically. This file is seperate from the WDL (World Description Language) file, but follows a similar JSON format for ease of use.

Format

Each file will begin with a "Display_Dimensions" and "Camera" object to define the width and height of the pop-up screens and camera view that will display information. Each proceeding object must concern one of the following player characteristics: CLASS, EFFECTS, INVENTORY, MOVES, SKILLS, STATS.

Unspecified objects will have built-in default settings. Support currently exists only for STATS and INVENTORY customizations

Objects

Inventory:

Display of players current inventory (with images and names). The game supports the following customization of the inventory:

• Row
• Column
• Color

Statistics:

The game supports the following customization for statistics:

• On-screen statistics:
  • Corner: which corner of the screen they will be listed
    • These are limited to: Top Left, Top Right, Bottom Left, Bottom Right
  • Names and Order: The titles of the statistics as they appear on screen
    • These are limited to statistics specified in the WDL file
    • The vertical order in which statistics will be represented
  • Mode: How the statistic will be reported
    • Options include: numerical, geometrical, or graphical as specified by an image

Input Box (wishlist item):

Display of text input box. The game will support the following customization of the input box (height, width, color).

Class (wishlist item):

Display of moves available to user and how the author can customize it is subject to a future endeavor

Effects (wishlist item):

Display of effects available to user and how the author can customize it is subject to future design and implementation.

Moves (wishlist item):

Display of moves available to user and how the author can customize it is subject to future design and implementation

Skills (wishlist item):

Display of skills available to user and how the author can customize it is subject to future design and implementation.

Map (wishlist item):

Display of map to user and how the author can customize it is subject to future design and implementation.

Sample

{
    "Display_Dimensions":
        {
            "width": 800,
            "height": 500
        }
    "Camera":
        {
            "width": 400,
            "height": 250
        }
    "Inventory":
        {
            "rows": 3,
            "columns": 4,
            "color": Red
        }
    "Map":
        {
            "Corner": "Top Left",
        }
    "Statistics":
        {
            "Corner": "Top Right",
            "Names": [
                    "Health": 1,
                    "xp": 2
                ]
            "Mode": [
                  "Graphical"
                  "Numerical"
                ]
        }
}