FAQ
From IGAEditorWiki
Frequently Asked Questions about the software.
What is this software?
igaeditor allows you to edit an IGA Worldwide advertising cache file (icontent.cache) in a simple, userfriendly manner. It does not block new ads from being downloaded, you will instead need to block them manually.
IGA Worldwide provide in-game advertising for a number of games including Battlefield 2142. The company, of course, does not endorse this software in any way.
This software is presently not targetting any other in-game advertising software, such as that supplied by Massive Incorporated. However, if there is interest and sufficient documentation, a tool may be made available in the future allowing you to edit their cache files, if it is possible.
Why was this software written?
This software was written to allow people who do not like the advertising in certain games to be able to easily change those ads.
What do I need to run it?
You need:
- Windows 2000 or later
- Microsoft .NET Runtime 2.0
This app is .NET! Can I run it in Mono?
Not yet. Mono's System.Windows.Forms implementation is incomplete. The backend systems have all been seperated from the interface now, and work can commence on a GTK# interface port.
What do I need to develop for this app?
One of the following:
- Microsoft Visual C# 2005 Express Edition (free)
- Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 (not free)
Presently, MonoDevelop can compile the base libraries (IGACommon, DDSReader) of igaeditor, but not the interface. There is a GTK# port being worked on, which will give you an interface to use that will run and compile natively with Mono.
All about adpacks
Adpacks are compressed files that contain DDS and BINK files, for insertion into a cache file. You can both import and export them from igaeditor. It is an ideal solution if you wish to distribute a stock set of images for your clan or website members.
Using the adpack format is preferred, rather than distributing your cache file.
To send someone your custom ads, you will need to use the "Export Adpack" option in the Application menu. You can then import them using "Import Adpack".
If you want to write software or are otherwise interested in the file format used, see Editor File Formats.
I blocked the ads, and they're still there!
Blocking the ads only prevents new ads from being downloaded. Existing ads will need to be deleted from your cache with igaeditor, or you will need to clean icontent.cache manually.
I get the error "invalid appid", and I can't edit the cache file!
This means that the cache file you're using isn't supported yet. You should report this to me. Instructions are given in the program as to what you need to include in your report.
I get the error "no appid found", and I can't open the cache file!
As of v0.1.4, you will be presented with a dialog allowing you to manually override the appid, if it is from a valid application. In the appid change dialog, you'll need to make sure you tick the box saying to save the changes if you want to make the change permanent.
What custom data can I insert? (or, How do I edit ads?)
See http://igaeditor.sourceforge.net/customdata.html
What are DDS files?
DDS stands for 'DirectDraw Surface'. It is used by graphics cards to render a texture to a surface. It is the image format that is used by IGA's software for the advertising.
As of version 0.1.4, igaeditor supports previewing of DDS images in the program, without the need for external software.
See the custom data tutorial for help on viewing, making and editing DDS files.
What are BIK files?
BIK files are BINK video. See the custom data tutorial for help on viewing, making and editing BINK video files. The file format is entirely different to AVI, however the RAD Video Tools allow you to easily transcode AVI and MOV files (including DivX, XviD, X.264, etc. if you have the appropriate codecs installed) to BINK format.
Bear in mind not all games support BINK video ads, and some games support them but not at all sizes. See Supported Games for a summary.
Don't put too many or too long video ads in your cache. They are very large compared to images, and you will notice major performance issues if you do, particularly on low-end hardware.
I purchased the game online using a download system like EA Downloader or Steam. Does this effect anything?
As far as we can tell, no. All advertising targetting is done by using geolocation software. For example, a user located in the United Kingdom will see different ads to someone located in France, and additionally, the French user will see French-language advertising rather than English. This is commonly in use by banner advertisers now, where you will see localised advertising, even if the web page is located in or targetted at users outside of your country.
Some countries may not see any advertising until a company enters a contract with IGA Worldwide so show ads to users in that country.
I pirated the game, or am using a cracked version. Does this effect anything?
It depends on which release of the game you have downloaded. Some releases may have had the advertising related systems left in tact, others may have deleted them, and others may have redirected them to use their own advertising services.
Pirated and cracked versions of the game are not officially supported by this software, however if the cache files are the same format it'll probably work.
Does this program work for video game console-based advertising?
Unless you have a way to move the cache files from the console's hard drive or memory cards to your computer, and the cache files are the same format as on the PC, then no.
No attempt has yet been made to support the advertising cache files on video game consoles.
I don't have a problem with in-game advertising.
Well, then don't use this software, and don't spam up forums or mailing lists about it, unless it's a thread/topic about wether you like the idea of the ads or not. You're free to use this software, and you're also free not to use it - nobody is forcing you.
This software is for people who don't want advertising in the game, or want to be able to modify it.
I'm a company, and I'd like to be able to advertise using this software.
Unfortunately, you can't - at least not in the same way that IGA Worldwide's system allow you to do. The only way you could do this is by distributing adpacks on a website, and have the user manually install the adpack, willingly. On a community adpack website, this may be against the policies of the website, and the adpack may be removed by the site's operator.
Using this software would be similar to how certain companies (car manufacturers, soft drink companies, etc.) distribute an "official screensaver" with various products that the company produces. It would only have a real impact with fans of the product.
The only other way to allow this to happen is by installing adware on a user's computer. In many countries, this is against the law.
