Valve Map Batch Compile Tool for Source Created 16 years ago2008-10-15 20:49:51 UTC by DocRock

qUiCkSiLvEr has released a new batch compile tool for Source Maps. It is a very easy to use batch compiler - take it from me, I have been hesitant to use a batch compiler because I never understood how to work them, but this one is very user-friendly. Some of the unique features to this compiler are: Mappers can now watch the map compile. You can watch a screen work through the various stages of compile, and not have to worry when (or if) your map will ever get done compiling. Another nice feature is the numerous screens to set your own compile parameters, and there are so many more options to choose from.

Another great thing about this tool: you can right click on anything, and it will give you an explanation of what it all means and does. Built-in tutorials

I can't say enough good things about this compiler and I HIGHLY recommend it to all mappers, beginner to advanced.

You can download it from qUiCkSiLvEr's site here:
http://qsextreme.com/vbct/

Here are some screenshots:

Thanks for the link and pics, I'm going to try this out right away.

[edit]
Yeah this thing rocks, compiling in hammer used almost every resource my pc has, now I am free to do whatever I want and still compile maps.

Also, it seems that it compiles faster.

Edit: I was going to point out the Compilator, but then I looked and it doesn't support Source. My mistake.

Edit2: Judging from the screens, this program needs a lot of work visually.

It sure does.

EDIT: And so does his website.

Edit: I was going to point out the Compilator, but then I looked and it doesn't support Source. My mistake.

Edit2: Judging from the screens, this program needs a lot of work visually.

It sure does.

Its not as pretty as the compilator. D:

That is the one of the worst websites I've ever seen in my life.

I just took a look at it, and I'm thinking I'm going to agree with Penguinboy.

I highly doubt the website will improve or decrease the programs helpfulness.

Have you guys even looked at the vmex site or pakrat site?

http://www.geocities.com/cofrdrbob/vmex.html
http://www.geocities.com/cofrdrbob/pakrat.html

Who cares what it looks like... the tools still do what they advertise.

I was going to point out the Compilator, but then I looked and it doesn't support Source. My mistake.

The current version that is available to the public (version 1.0.2) doesn't support Source, but version 1.0.4 which is very close to release DOES support Source.

The only problem is that it doesn't seem to support Orange Box map compiling. You'll get missing materials (only materials used in the current map) and vbsp seems to crash. The same thing happens with Nem's Batch Compiler (1). I don't know why its not working. Guess it has something to do with the changes in the engine/folder structure when the OB was released.

I will check this compiler out and learn from it. If this compiler can compile OB maps without the missing materials errors and without vbsp crashing, then maybe i can figure out how to make my Compilator compile OB maps without problems by looking at this compiler.

(1) Someone please confirm this. This is important to me! The future of Nod the Compilator depends on it!

Ugliest interface ever.
Gb2compilator.

You can completely customize the main panel color and text color or even load a custom background image to the main panel, I have some samples in the zip.

Just look in the advanced options > load/remove panel background images.

Thanks for posting this here Doc.

Something tells me, you're the creator?

It's not meant to be nice, program have a lot of options and I'm sure it's very useful

Hello everyone!

Yes MuzzleFlash, this tool is my creation.

I appreciate feedback and suggestions, but my main concern is functionality and compatibility.

So...

Your compiler can compile maps for Orange Box games/mods (i haven't tried it yet)?

Any idea why compiling with Nem's Batch Compiler fails (missing materials, vbsp crash)?

Im writing a front end compiler as well, but i can't seem to compile OB maps with it, just like Nem's BC. Compiling maps for Ep1 engine based games works fine, though.

VBCT can compile maps for all Stock Source games EP1 and OB as well as most if not all custom mods based on either of those two engines. I'm still testing the latest custom mods that were just released on Steam, but I don't expect any surprises at the moment.

Although I've looked at Nem's tool I can't tell you why it doesn't work with the OB mods. Nem might need to update it to support some of the recent engine changes.

Then, what are those changes that made OB compiling with your compiler to work?

I didn't put in any changes to make it work, I designed the tool from scratch to work with the current SDK so I have no idea what Nem did differently, especially so since I've never seen his code or run his tool to see how it behaves (or mis-behaves).

I would suggest contacting Nem to see if he will update his tool.

I would suggest contacting Nem to see if he will update his tool.

I don't think he cares. He doesn't even reply on his own freakin forum!

Ah, sorry that Nem isn't responding.

Here we go, I made a TWHL background for VBCT (nice orange gradient):