Outline:
A specific file type would be used for expansions such as survival mode, CTF MP, and any others.
Suggested names: .MCX, .MCE
Using a standard file type for expansions would allow easy packaging of purchased expansions, and possibly player-created expansions, much in the way that .mclevel made hard editing maps easier.
The .MCX file would contain an index of new block types, possible physics addons, and may serve as a patch for specific elements of the unmodified game. These files could require to be approved before Minecraft.jar would successfully boot them, allowing Notch to keep people from implementing hacks or other unwanted features through these files.
Example:
If I were to add a sci-fi themed .MCX file to my expansions folder, and have MC boot it, it would boot with new block types instead of replacing old ones as terrain.png changes do. The game may contain new physics for a sci-fi themed liquid or emitter, such as a laser, or light absorber. To load the maps saved from that game, the person loading would have to have the proper .MCX’s booted, although the map would ideally allow them to have additional .MCX’s booted that were not used in the initial creation of the map.
Perhaps it could just be used for the game mode specific tiles to a certain map.
Yes, that would be ideal as well. So flag tiles, for CTF, and the data related to mobs, for survival, etc. could be kept in their relative .MCE files so that mc wouldn't have to load them everytime.
A specific file type would be used for expansions such as survival mode, CTF MP, and any others.
Suggested names: .MCX, .MCE
Using a standard file type for expansions would allow easy packaging of purchased expansions, and possibly player-created expansions, much in the way that .mclevel made hard editing maps easier.
The .MCX file would contain an index of new block types, possible physics addons, and may serve as a patch for specific elements of the unmodified game. These files could require to be approved before Minecraft.jar would successfully boot them, allowing Notch to keep people from implementing hacks or other unwanted features through these files.
Example:
If I were to add a sci-fi themed .MCX file to my expansions folder, and have MC boot it, it would boot with new block types instead of replacing old ones as terrain.png changes do. The game may contain new physics for a sci-fi themed liquid or emitter, such as a laser, or light absorber. To load the maps saved from that game, the person loading would have to have the proper .MCX’s booted, although the map would ideally allow them to have additional .MCX’s booted that were not used in the initial creation of the map.
I already sent this to Notch ;P
Yes, that would be ideal as well. So flag tiles, for CTF, and the data related to mobs, for survival, etc. could be kept in their relative .MCE files so that mc wouldn't have to load them everytime.