What is going to happen to FTB once the MOD-API is done?

[Vilicus]

After watching some information regarding the API, a lot of changes are happening to the base game that might effect the way launchers like FTB work. Jeb and Dinnerbone have both talked about a mod repository that all mods will be stored on, and the vanilla client will then allow you to view the mod repository and download/install directly. A server admin will then be able to install whatever mods they want and a client, no matter what is installed will then be able to connect to that server and the mods will download/install upon connection. Much the same way the systems work for Valve games. This pretty much removes the need for launchers like this.

I've mentioned this to friends, and their argument is that mod developers are going to opt out of using the API entirely because its just too much work to convert a mod. I can understand, but opting out would just mean their mods wouldn't be included in this new repository, thus making them. Not to mention... Vanilla is changing in 1.5 or 1.6 anyway which will pretty much break all existing mods for quite some time.

From what I understand, Vanilla will be henceforth be a mod itself attached to the server backend they implemented a couple patches ago. That's why they went through the effort of making single player games act like servers for preparation for this type of system. Mods will not work with Vanilla the same way they have in the past. In fact, the intention of the API is to have it so mods aren't changing the Vanilla code, but are creating new additions that get installed alongside instead of within.

 

[SilvasRuin]

People will still use mod packs because, unlike picking through a huge list of all mods, mod packs are (hopefully) intelligently put together and consist of mods that compliment each other, manage to keep out of each others' way, and create a more cohesive experience. A balance-tested and play-tested mod pack does the work for players, giving a fair bit of incentive to use them. Not to mention certain maps are designed with specific mod sets in mind and just won't work properly without using the appropriate pack. Mod packs will keep their niche.

 

[CrafterOfMines57]

You mean the API we've been promised since 1.8? Yeah, I don't think we have to worry about that anytime soon.

 

[Bellaabzug21]

The api isn't going to be released any time soon mate, a LOT of things need to be rewritten in order for the api to function properly. Earliest we're going to get any form of api will be 1.7.0 So no, I think modders will have plenty of time to figure something out.

 

[ollie299792458]

People will still use mod packs because, unlike picking through a huge list of all mods, mod packs are (hopefully) intelligently put together and consist of mods that compliment each other, manage to keep out of each others' way, and create a more cohesive experience. A balance-tested and play-tested mod pack does the work for players, giving a fair bit of incentive to use them. Not to mention certain maps are designed with specific mod sets in mind and just won't work properly without using the appropriate pack. Mod packs will keep their niche.

It is probably likely that when the mdo API is released mojang will realise that mod packs are a good idea and add some easy way of getting them.
Even if they dont it wont be a problem as you can make your own similar pack that is better for you.
As for maps, like servers the mods nessecary will automatically be installed.

 

[Jharakn]

I remember CPW talking in one of the direwolf20 videos a month or two back now that forge is slowly (very slowly) going to start moving to how the minecraft api will likely function from what they've heard from the mojang api guys. So I suspect by the time the api is genuinly on the horizon a lot of the big mods will have already have started the move in that direction.

Again like everyones else has said earlier in this thread though, modding API is still a loooong way away yet.

 

[DaveSW]

yeah, I suspect it will actually go fairly smoothly, as the mod authors do have constant contact with Grumm, one of the Mojang employees working on the api. They all test mods on Forgecraft together.

 

[Squidgen]

Well, having mod packs will hopefully prevent looking for a server with the 50+ mods you like to play with. And even if you do manage this horrid task, there is still a chance that the server's community will be comparable with buffalo crap.