[Resource] Steam Workshop altternative - GRO Repository

[SLAwww]

Guys at serioussite just made an application that allows you to automatically download custom content for your classic Serious Sam games. Check it out!

Current features:

• Supports Serious Sam Classic: TFE/TSE
• Download maps
• Download player skins
• Download and automatically install mods and tools
• Already present content is highlighted
• Filtering, search and sorting of content
• Each included material has a brief description and a screenshot
• No Steam required
• A simplified addition of user content to the downloads database (with premoderation)
• English language support
• An ability to submit english descriptions for new and existing items (with premoderation)

Features expected in the next major release:

• Serious Sam 2 support
• Support for downloading custom weapon models
• Comments and raitings

Although English translation is not stated as a planned feature for now, there is a high possibility that authors might release the sources soon. In this case, the translation can be done very easily.
Developers team:
thecre - server
art-serious, Heming_Hitrowski - client
Freeknik, Cofein, Heming_Hitrowski, Urban_Human, art-serious, Ar2R-devil-PiNKy - content mannagement
Freeknik, Cofein, SeriousAlexej, Ar2R-devil-PiNKy - testing

Download it now (version 0.5, December 11, 2015): http://st-games.ucoz.net/Materials/Gro_Rep_Last.zip

[PikaCommando]

Does it automatically install updates to mods? (eg; Serious Sam Origins 1.0 to 1.1 as soon as you upload it)

Also what's the point of an English translation if the authors only write their mod descriptions in Russian?

[David184]

I hope that those mods gets translated to English cos i don't understand Russian language :/

[Louva-Deus]

Any update on this?

[SLAwww]

The program was updated with another version of .NET framework lately, which allows it to run on more systems. There were several bug fixes and small improvements as far as I know, but nothing fundamental. The link in the first post is valid and points to the latest version.

[Louva-Deus]

I asked them once but they never responded.. but I can offer file hosting space for this. I really need to evaluate the software too... so I know how much I should promote this as a primary feature on S!.

[SLAwww]

Well unfortunately the software might not get updates too often, because it's a hobbyists' project. But IIRC they said it will go open source as soon as the source code is polished. Either way it's already a great tool for Serious Sam fans and I'm sure it will get even better.

[Discy]

So when will the source code be released exactly? Most of us can't use it because it's in Russian, and it sounds like a really useful tool...

[Louva-Deus]

If they aren't able to put it out soon maybe they should release the source on github and then we can take a crack at it as well.

[Discy]

Maybe you could show them what for and make a carbon copy of the program in English, except much better and shinier.

[Louva-Deus]

Right

[Captain_Russia]

Alright, now we're talking!
a direct way to get gro's from the workshop, pity it's only for classics at the moment, but hey, no more classic steam workshop exclusives!

I looking for SS3 and english support, dem Russians know what's right.

[Louva-Deus]

This doesn't download from any workshop. It's designed to be an alternative to the workshop for the classic games that don't have it in the first place.

[Captain_Russia]

what what?
god D*mnit

well, there still looks like there's some cool stuff uploaded there though

[SLAwww]

Good news, there's an update featuring English language support (available through settings) and an ability to submit your own materials directly via the program. The link is in the first post.

[PikaCommando]

Here's a screenshot of the English version in case if anyone is wondering






Also, shouldn't it be Submit Material?

[Louva-Deus]

Sources?

[Captain_Russia]

It would seem they've been uploaded workshop stuff here too, cool

[Zeo]

Why all the best stuff for every game releases when it's over than 10 years old Those guys did an awesome job there. Happy to hear there's english version aswell.

[Louva-Deus]

We are planning it in a way that more languages can be added in the future.

[SLAwww]

By the way, the server already supports multiple languages, we just need to find someone enthusiastic enough to write descriptions for all materials in English.

[PikaCommando]

Gee, if only there's a lifeless guy around here who has nothing else to do but to wait for SSO.



By the way, I keep getting a blank screen now

[Louva-Deus]

Originally Posted by SLAwww

By the way, the server already supports multiple languages, we just need to find someone enthusiastic enough to write descriptions for all materials in English.

I made some suggestions to the team that would make it a little easier and make more sense.

[Captain_Russia]

Yup, you can give the team my regards on how this, is a great addition to the SS franchise. (Compared to the buggy workshop system)

[SLAwww]

There is an update to version 0.5. The program now supports longer descriptions, and you can submit english translations for new and existing descriptions.

[DrTr1gger]

I wanted to ask if there's going to be some kind of reporting system?
Seriously! doesn't allow (theoretically) to upload any stolen/copyrighted files so no problems there but in the GRO Repository I've seen some mods that use copyrighted materials.
Actually I've seen one mod that is like 90% models and music from other games.

And while this is not priority by any means I believe that there should be some way to control these files.

[SLAwww]

Game development companies are much less strict about that nowadays. In many cases, it is okay to use assets from other games in your map/mod/addon, as long as it is free and non-commercial. Look at this: http://gamebanana.com/wikis?page=porting_whitelist

[DrTr1gger]

Looks like Bethesda is in grey area - look out with that TES music.
Just kidding
Ok so I guess that problem is solved

But anyway some kind of rating system would be nice as a future addition