Steam Versions - Revision history

AShugg: Corrected typo

2025-01-07T11:14:14Z

Corrected typo

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:14, 7 January 2025
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	<br>		<br>
	<br>		<br>
	This page may contain out-dated ~~infromation~~		This page may contain out-dated information
	<br>		<br>
	<br>		<br>

EsTeR: old info

2023-11-16T18:39:17Z

old info

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:39, 16 November 2023
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	== General Notes on Steam Distribution of XCom Series Games ==		== General Notes on Steam Distribution of XCom Series Games ==
			<br>
	~~Take Two's 2K division is the current owner of all the XCom series of games.~~		<br>
			This page may contain out-dated infromation
	~~2K have made the~~ games available via Valve's Steam service, at http://store.steampowered.com . (The exact link is currently on the main page of this UFOPaedia.)		<br>
			<br>
	~~The cost is $4.99 per game, or the entire collection of 5 games for $14.99.~~		<br>
			The games are available via Valve's Steam service, at http://store.steampowered.com . (The exact link is currently on the main page of this UFOPaedia.)

	In the Steam distribution, the XCom executables and game files are found in e.g. "C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\x-com terror from the deep\TFD" and "C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\xcom ufo defense\XCOM".		In the Steam distribution, the XCom executables and game files are found in e.g. "C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\x-com terror from the deep\TFD" and "C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\xcom ufo defense\XCOM".
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	TFTD is now also distributed on Steam as a DOSBox version, possibly the version identified as "TFTD Beta" which apparently includes some research tree bug fixes. Again, after copying all xcomutil files to the "TFD" (''sic'') sub-directory and running XCUSETUP, edit the '''autoexec''' section of '''dosbox.conf''' and replace "call terror.bat" with "call runxcom.bat".		TFTD is now also distributed on Steam as a DOSBox version, possibly the version identified as "TFTD Beta" which apparently includes some research tree bug fixes. Again, after copying all xcomutil files to the "TFD" (''sic'') sub-directory and running XCUSETUP, edit the '''autoexec''' section of '''dosbox.conf''' and replace "call terror.bat" with "call runxcom.bat".

	~~=== See Also ===~~

	~~[[XcomUtil]]~~


	~~[[Category:Enemy Unknown/UFO Defense]]~~
	~~[[Category:TFTD]]~~
	~~[[Category:Apocalypse]]~~

Hobbes: categorizing

2013-07-23T03:23:46Z

categorizing

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:23, 23 July 2013
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	[[XcomUtil]]		[[XcomUtil]]


			[[Category:Enemy Unknown/UFO Defense]]
			[[Category:TFTD]]
			[[Category:Apocalypse]]

NightChime: /* General Notes on Steam Distribution of XCom Series Games */ minor spelling/grammar

2009-01-21T01:33:05Z

General Notes on Steam Distribution of XCom Series Games: minor spelling/grammar

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:33, 21 January 2009
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	XCom 2: Terror From The Deep (TFTD) is also a DOS version, possibly the version sometimes called "TFTD Beta".		XCom 2: Terror From The Deep (TFTD) is also a DOS version, possibly the version sometimes called "TFTD Beta".

	Steam provides anti-cheat functionality to prevent modification of the games distributed via Steam. However this fortunately does not seem to be fully implemented for the XCom series. The game executables are patched to force them to chain to the Steam launcher first, and the Steam launcher chains to a file configured by Steam (in '''runme.dat'''). However the target file can be changed to point to a different target, or or the target file can be overwritten (e.g.by the contents of runxcom.bat).		Steam provides anti-cheat functionality to prevent modification of the games distributed via Steam. However this fortunately does not seem to be fully implemented for the XCom series. The game executables are patched to force them to chain to the Steam launcher first, and the Steam launcher chains to a file configured by Steam (in '''runme.dat'''). However the target file can be changed to point to a different target, or the target file can be overwritten (e.g.by the contents of runxcom.bat).

	The game data files themselves can be edited using standard tools such as XCOM Hack / TFTD Hack, and the command line version of XComUtil. The data file changes are then correctly picked up by the game.		The game data files themselves can be edited using standard tools such as XCOM Hack / TFTD Hack, and the command line version of XComUtil. The data file changes are then correctly picked up by the game.

	== XComUtil ==		== XComUtil ==

Spike: Revised due to new version of TFTD

2008-10-07T08:49:30Z

Revised due to new version of TFTD

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:49, 7 October 2008
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	Take Two's 2K division is the current owner of all the XCom series of games.		Take Two's 2K division is the current owner of all the XCom series of games.

	~~The~~ games ~~are~~ available via Valve's Steam service, at http://store.steampowered.com. (The exact link is currently on the main page of this UFOPaedia.)		2K have made the games available via Valve's Steam service, at http://store.steampowered.com . (The exact link is currently on the main page of this UFOPaedia.)

	The cost is $4.99 per game, or the entire collection of 5 games for $14.99.		The cost is $4.99 per game, or the entire collection of 5 games for $14.99.

	In the Steam distribution, the XCom executables and game files are found in e.g. "C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\x-com terror from the deep" and "C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\xcom ufo defense\XCOM".		In the Steam distribution, the XCom executables and game files are found in e.g. "C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\x-com terror from the deep\TFD" and "C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\xcom ufo defense\XCOM".

	XCom 1 (UFO Defense / Enemy Unknown) is the DOS 1.4 version, from strategycore.com.		XCom 1 (UFO Defense / Enemy Unknown) is the DOS 1.4 version, from strategycore.com.

	XCom 2 TFTD is the ~~Windows Collector's Edition (CE), aka Gold Edition~~.		XCom 2: Terror From The Deep (TFTD) is also a DOS version, possibly the version sometimes called "TFTD Beta".

	'''~~CORRECTION~~''' ~~Steam have now "updated" it~~ to the ~~DOS version sometimes called "TFTD Beta"~~.		Steam provides anti-cheat functionality to prevent modification of the games distributed via Steam. However this fortunately does not seem to be fully implemented for the XCom series. The game executables are patched to force them to chain to the Steam launcher first, and the Steam launcher chains to a file configured by Steam (in '''runme.dat'''). However the target file can be changed to point to a different target, or or the target file can be overwritten (e.g.by the contents of runxcom.bat).

	~~Steam provides anti-cheat functionality to prevent modification of the games distributed via Steam. However this fortunately does not seem to be implemented for the XCom series.~~ The game files can be edited using standard tools such as TFTD Hack and the command line version of XComUtil. The changes are then picked up ~~in the game.~~		The game data files themselves can be edited using standard tools such as XCOM Hack / TFTD Hack, and the command line version of XComUtil. The data file changes are then correctly picked up by the game.

	~~It is possible to execute the TFTD game directly, without using the Steam launcher,~~ by ~~running the "*... patched.exe" version. An error is thrown, but~~ the game ~~does start. This suggests it might be possible to use Seb76's loader, or XComUtil in RunXComW batch mode - maybe.~~

	~~The Steam distributions incorporate the "fanmade" F0dder loader~~.

	== XComUtil ==		== XComUtil ==
Line 26:		Line 22:


	XCom 1 works fine. Just edit dosbox.conf autoexec, after you install using xcusetup. ~~Slight visibility~~ problems if you use the inter-executable actions such as xcomutil messages or autocombat.		XCom 1 works fine. Just edit dosbox.conf autoexec, after you install using xcusetup. The only issue may be problems seeing messages or prompts from runxcom.bat if you opt to use the inter-executable actions such as xcomutil after-combat messages, or autocombat.

	TFTD is trickier. XCUSETUP must be modified in order to run. Xcusetup creates the split and patched binaries, but they don't get used. The game data files are modified. RUNXCOMW can't be used, meaning a lot of XComUtil's automatic continuing functions can't be used. The functions that only modify game files could be run manually from a command line. Some more investigation is needed to see how to use the "auto-equip before each battle" function of runxcomw, it's not very clear how that works.		TFTD is now pretty much as described for XCOM 1 (see below for full details).

	~~'''CORRECTION'''~~ now ~~Steam have changed to the DOS version, xcusetup installs fine and you can use all xcomutil functionality by modifying dosbox.conf,~~ as described for XCOM 1

	=== XCom 1 ===		=== XCom 1 ===


	Copy xcomutil files into the XCOM subdirectory of the "xcom ufo defense" installation directory. Open a command window in the XCOM subdirectory and run XCUSETUP. It should work normally.		Copy xcomutil files into the "XCOM" subdirectory of the "xcom ufo defense" installation directory. Open a command window in the XCOM subdirectory and run XCUSETUP. It should work normally.

	Then edit the '''autoexec''' section of '''dosbox.conf''', replacing:		Then edit the '''autoexec''' section of '''dosbox.conf''', replacing:
Line 47:		Line 41:
	Launching XCom 1 from Steam should now provide all the normal RunXCom features.		Launching XCom 1 from Steam should now provide all the normal RunXCom features.

	There may be issues if runxcom needs user input during the black screen between Battlescape and Geoscape. Just hit enter. If that doesn't work, hit ctrl-C. If you want to see what the prompt was, check xcomutil.log.		There may be issues if runxcom needs user input during the black screen between Battlescape and Geoscape. You will probably be unable to see any messages or prompts. Just hit enter. If that doesn't work, hit ctrl-C. If you want to see what the prompt was, check xcomutil.log.


	=== TFTD ===		=== TFTD ===

	~~'''CORRECTION''' This~~ is now ~~out of date~~, ~~see Summary section above.~~		TFTD is now also distributed on Steam as a DOSBox version, possibly the version identified as "TFTD Beta" which apparently includes some research tree bug fixes. Again, after copying all xcomutil files to the "TFD" (''sic'') sub-directory and running XCUSETUP, edit the '''autoexec''' section of '''dosbox.conf''' and replace "call terror.bat" with "call runxcom.bat".

	~~For~~ the ~~Steam~~ version of TFTD, ~~in order to get XCUSETUP to run at~~ all~~, it is necessary~~ to ~~comment out this line in xcusetup.bat:~~

	~~xcomutil ufoexe shp:cfg map:cfg wrt XcuSetup~~

	~~replacing it with~~

	~~xcomutil ufoexe shp:cfg wrt XcuSetup~~


	~~You can probably live without~~ the ~~changes that~~ "~~map:cfg~~" ~~makes.~~

	~~The Steam distribution already comes with a version of f0dder~~'~~s loader The Steam version comes with a patch.dll file. XCUSetup unconditionally deletes this file (thinking it is an earlier version of its own patch~~)~~. However it is binary identical to the file that XCUSetup installs, so no harm is done.~~


	~~XComUtil is able to create patched split executables (geoscape.exe~~ and ~~tactical.exe), but they are not launched by Steam. This also means that RUNXCOMW.BAT will not work. But~~ XCUSETUP will make changes to the games data files. Any mods that are based on game data files will work. Those mods which are based on changing the executables will not work. The automatic fixes which are performed before and after every battle by RUNXCOMW.BAT, ~~will not work.~~


	~~=== Workarounds ===~~

	~~Until there is a way to force Steam TFTD to use~~ the ~~split patched executables, and therefore to be able to use RunXComW.bat, to get more functionality out~~ of ~~XComUtil with TFTD Steam you need to run xcomutil commands manually~~. ~~For example~~


	~~XCOMUTIL GAME_1 REN:KILLS SRT WRT~~

	''~~(Add stat strings to aquanaut names for stats, rank~~ and ~~kills~~. ~~Sort aquanauts by rank order~~. ~~Write file)''~~

	This simulates runxcomw.bat's automatic appending of stat strings to aquanaut names, and sorting of aquanauts. You would then need to load saved game #1, to continue playing with the renamed and sorted aquanauts.		=== See Also ===

	See XComUtil.txt for a full description of the command line options, including a table of which options depend on modifying the executable. There is also a good description of the options in the UFOPaedia article on [[XcomUtil]].		[[XcomUtil]]

Spike: Steam TFTD version changed from Win CE to DOS, now works fine with XComUtil

2008-10-07T01:10:19Z

Steam TFTD version changed from Win CE to DOS, now works fine with XComUtil

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:10, 7 October 2008
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	XCom 2 TFTD is the Windows Collector's Edition (CE), aka Gold Edition.		XCom 2 TFTD is the Windows Collector's Edition (CE), aka Gold Edition.

			'''CORRECTION''' Steam have now "updated" it to the DOS version sometimes called "TFTD Beta".

	Steam provides anti-cheat functionality to prevent modification of the games distributed via Steam. However this fortunately does not seem to be implemented for the XCom series. The game files can be edited using standard tools such as TFTD Hack and the command line version of XComUtil. The changes are then picked up in the game.		Steam provides anti-cheat functionality to prevent modification of the games distributed via Steam. However this fortunately does not seem to be implemented for the XCom series. The game files can be edited using standard tools such as TFTD Hack and the command line version of XComUtil. The changes are then picked up in the game.
Line 27:		Line 29:

	TFTD is trickier. XCUSETUP must be modified in order to run. Xcusetup creates the split and patched binaries, but they don't get used. The game data files are modified. RUNXCOMW can't be used, meaning a lot of XComUtil's automatic continuing functions can't be used. The functions that only modify game files could be run manually from a command line. Some more investigation is needed to see how to use the "auto-equip before each battle" function of runxcomw, it's not very clear how that works.		TFTD is trickier. XCUSETUP must be modified in order to run. Xcusetup creates the split and patched binaries, but they don't get used. The game data files are modified. RUNXCOMW can't be used, meaning a lot of XComUtil's automatic continuing functions can't be used. The functions that only modify game files could be run manually from a command line. Some more investigation is needed to see how to use the "auto-equip before each battle" function of runxcomw, it's not very clear how that works.

			'''CORRECTION''' now Steam have changed to the DOS version, xcusetup installs fine and you can use all xcomutil functionality by modifying dosbox.conf, as described for XCOM 1

	=== XCom 1 ===		=== XCom 1 ===
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	=== TFTD ===		=== TFTD ===

			'''CORRECTION''' This is now out of date, see Summary section above.

	For the Steam version of TFTD, in order to get XCUSETUP to run at all, it is necessary to comment out this line in xcusetup.bat:		For the Steam version of TFTD, in order to get XCUSETUP to run at all, it is necessary to comment out this line in xcusetup.bat:

Spike: Fixing heading levels, clarifications, rewrite

2008-10-06T08:17:23Z

Fixing heading levels, clarifications, rewrite

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:17, 6 October 2008
Line 1:		Line 1:
	== Notes on Steam Distribution of XCom Series Games ==		== General Notes on Steam Distribution of XCom Series Games ==

	Take Two's 2K division is the current owner of all the XCom series of games.		Take Two's 2K division is the current owner of all the XCom series of games.

	The games are available via Valve's Steam service, at http://store.steampowered.com		The games are available via Valve's Steam service, at http://store.steampowered.com. (The exact link is currently on the main page of this UFOPaedia.)

	The cost is $4.99 per game, or the entire collection of 5 games for $14.99.		The cost is $4.99 per game, or the entire collection of 5 games for $14.99.

	In the Steam distribution, the XCom executables and game files are found in e.g. "C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\x-com terror from the deep".		In the Steam distribution, the XCom executables and game files are found in e.g. "C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\x-com terror from the deep" and "C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\xcom ufo defense\XCOM".

	~~The game files~~ (~~for TFTD at least~~) ~~can be edited using standard tools such as TFTD Hack and~~ the ~~command line~~ version ~~of XComUtil~~. ~~The changes are then picked up in the game~~.		XCom 1 (UFO Defense / Enemy Unknown) is the DOS 1.4 version, from strategycore.com.

	It is ~~possible to execute~~ the ~~game directly, without using the Steam launcher, by running the "*... patched.exe" version. An error is thrown, but the game does start. This suggests it might be possible to use Seb76~~'s ~~loader~~, ~~or XComUtil in batch mode - maybe~~.		XCom 2 TFTD is the Windows Collector's Edition (CE), aka Gold Edition.

	The ~~Steam distribution incorporates~~ the ~~"fanmade" F0dder loader~~.		Steam provides anti-cheat functionality to prevent modification of the games distributed via Steam. However this fortunately does not seem to be implemented for the XCom series. The game files can be edited using standard tools such as TFTD Hack and the command line version of XComUtil. The changes are then picked up in the game.

	~~===~~ XComUtil ~~===~~		It is possible to execute the TFTD game directly, without using the Steam launcher, by running the "*... patched.exe" version. An error is thrown, but the game does start. This suggests it might be possible to use Seb76's loader, or XComUtil in RunXComW batch mode - maybe.

	~~==== Summary ====~~		The Steam distributions incorporate the "fanmade" F0dder loader.

			== XComUtil ==

	~~XCom is OK. Just edit dosbox.conf autoexec, after you install using xcusetup. Slight visibility problems if you use inter-executable actions such as autocombat.~~		=== Summary ===

	TFTD is trickier. XCUSETUP must be modified in order to run. Xcusetup creates the split and patched binaries, but they don't get used. The game data files are modified. RUNXCOMW can't be used, meaning a lot of XComUtil's automatic continuing functions can't be used. The functions that only modify game files could be run manually from a command line. Some investigation needed to see how to use the auto-equip function, it's not very clear how that works.

	==== XCom 1 ====		XCom 1 works fine. Just edit dosbox.conf autoexec, after you install using xcusetup. Slight visibility problems if you use the inter-executable actions such as xcomutil messages or autocombat.

			TFTD is trickier. XCUSETUP must be modified in order to run. Xcusetup creates the split and patched binaries, but they don't get used. The game data files are modified. RUNXCOMW can't be used, meaning a lot of XComUtil's automatic continuing functions can't be used. The functions that only modify game files could be run manually from a command line. Some more investigation is needed to see how to use the "auto-equip before each battle" function of runxcomw, it's not very clear how that works.

			=== XCom 1 ===


Line 42:		Line 46:


	==== TFTD ====		=== TFTD ===

	For the Steam version of TFTD, in order to get XCUSETUP to run at all, it is necessary to comment out this line in xcusetup.bat:		For the Steam version of TFTD, in order to get XCUSETUP to run at all, it is necessary to comment out this line in xcusetup.bat:
Line 61:		Line 65:


	==== Workarounds ====		=== Workarounds ===

	Until there is a way to force Steam TFTD to use the split patched executables, and therefore to be able to use RunXComW.bat, to get more functionality out of XComUtil with TFTD Steam you need to run xcomutil commands manually. For example		Until there is a way to force Steam TFTD to use the split patched executables, and therefore to be able to use RunXComW.bat, to get more functionality out of XComUtil with TFTD Steam you need to run xcomutil commands manually. For example

Spike: /* XComUtil */ how to get it working

2008-10-06T00:38:44Z

XComUtil: how to get it working

@@ Line 17: / Line 17: @@
 === XComUtil ===
-Installing XComUtil with the Steam version of TFTD seems to break the installation. In order to get XCUSETUP to run at all, it is necessary to comment out this line in xcusetup.bat:
+==== Summary ====
   xcomutil ufoexe shp:cfg map:cfg wrt XcuSetup
-This line changes the XCom craft, to allow fighter craft to carry troops, among other things, and is perhaps one of the less popular aspects of XComUtil, so that's no great loss.
+replacing it with
-However although it runs, the Steam executables fail to run after XCUSetup. Probably if XCUSetup.bat was modified to only change data files, and not executable files, it would work ok. Obviously the full functionality of XCU would not be obtained.
+This simulates runxcomw.bat's automatic appending of stat strings to aquanaut names, and sorting of aquanauts. You would then need to load saved game #1, to continue playing with the renamed and sorted aquanauts.
-It's likely the same issues apply to XCom-1, Enemy Unknown, as well as to TFTD.
+See XComUtil.txt for a full description of the command line options, including a table of which options depend on modifying the executable. There is also a good description of the options in the UFOPaedia article on [[XcomUtil]].

Spike: XComUtil seems to break Steam versions when patching the executable files

2008-10-04T22:03:38Z

XComUtil seems to break Steam versions when patching the executable files

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:03, 4 October 2008
Line 14:		Line 14:

	The Steam distribution incorporates the "fanmade" F0dder loader.		The Steam distribution incorporates the "fanmade" F0dder loader.

			=== XComUtil ===

			Installing XComUtil with the Steam version of TFTD seems to break the installation. In order to get XCUSETUP to run at all, it is necessary to comment out this line in xcusetup.bat:

			xcomutil ufoexe shp:cfg map:cfg wrt XcuSetup

			This line changes the XCom craft, to allow fighter craft to carry troops, among other things, and is perhaps one of the less popular aspects of XComUtil, so that's no great loss.

			However although it runs, the Steam executables fail to run after XCUSetup. Probably if XCUSetup.bat was modified to only change data files, and not executable files, it would work ok. Obviously the full functionality of XCU would not be obtained.

			It's likely the same issues apply to XCom-1, Enemy Unknown, as well as to TFTD.

Spike: Creating new page for info and talk about Steam distributions

2008-10-02T19:19:53Z

Creating new page for info and talk about Steam distributions

New page

== Notes on Steam Distribution of XCom Series Games ==

Take Two's 2K division is the current owner of all the XCom series of games.

The games are available via Valve's Steam service, at http://store.steampowered.com

The cost is $4.99 per game, or the entire collection of 5 games for $14.99.

In the Steam distribution, the XCom executables and game files are found in e.g. "C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\x-com terror from the deep".

The game files (for TFTD at least) can be edited using standard tools such as TFTD Hack and the command line version of XComUtil. The changes are then picked up in the game.

It is possible to execute the game directly, without using the Steam launcher, by running the "*... patched.exe" version. An error is thrown, but the game does start. This suggests it might be possible to use Seb76's loader, or XComUtil in batch mode - maybe.

The Steam distribution incorporates the "fanmade" F0dder loader.