![[WIP | Remake] Silkrust](https://www.elitepvpers.com/forum/iconimages/sro-coding-corner/wip-remake-silkrust_ltr.gif){kind=small}
we would like to officially announce the Silkrust Project. Silkrust is yet another remake of the game we all love and praise. However, we want to do things different than other remake projects.
Our First Devlog
Our Vision
Our goal is to establish a robust network for Silkroad private servers. The current landscape of private servers is quite diverse, and implementing modifications often requires a significant amount of effort. Our aim is to create a platform that simplifies the operation and customization of private servers, allowing for the introduction of new elements that were previously unfeasible.
For players, this endeavor not only includes the possibility of a potential graphical update but also opens doors to play on alternative platforms (such as Linux, macOS, or even through a web browser). Additionally, players will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in new and exciting in-game content.
The Current Silkroad Private Server Scene
The present realm of private servers is characterized by its diversity. Different versions of Silkroad (VSRO, ISRO-R, CSRO, etc.) are in use, each varying in content and features. As modifications require deep knowledge of the internals of the game (like asset formats, packet structures, etc.), just a few servers can actually add great custom content and features to it.
Common modifications encompass:
- Level Cap
- Altering content(revamped or new UI elements, maps, quests, etc.)
- Tweaking the database (events, new items, etc.)
- Introducing new features and logic
These modifications often require direct changes to the executables, DLL injections, or even the implementation of custom proxies. Such endeavors demand specific skills, particularly in C++, which only a fraction of server operators possess. Crafting custom 3D models has been an unattainable feat due to the lack of tools for converting to the Silkroad format. Moreover, formats can differ between Silkroad versions.
Client Development
To streamline modifications for server operators and to facilitate the inclusion of custom 3D models, a reimplementation of the client is necessary. Given the potential differences in asset formats and network packets across versions, plugins tailored to different versions will be essential.
Initially, our focus will be on recreating Silkroad for a specific version (VSRO). Other Silkroad versions can subsequently be integrated through plugin implementations.
The following objectives are set for the client development:
- Recreating Silkroad for a specific version (VSRO)
- Extending support to various Silkroad versions through a plugin system
- Enabling dynamic modding akin to practices in other games (e.g., Minecraft, Factorio, etc.)
- Customizable UI
- Customized 3D models
- Unique client functionalities
Additional Features
Potential additional features could include:
- Single Sign-On (SSO) / Global Identities
- (Automatic) migration of existing private servers to the private server network
This comprehensive vision envisions a transformative endeavor that not only simplifies the private server scene but also enhances player experiences and server operator capabilities.
The Team
Currently we are just 2 people working on it. We both have a professional software development background and are active in the industry.
Community
We would like to invite everybody, server owners and players, to join our endeavor and get engaged in the development process. We'd like to hear your questions, feedback and ideas and create a space where discussions can take place.
If you want to participate in the whole development journey or just follow it you can join our Discord server:
Acknowledgement
We want to thank everybody who shared information on the internals of the game, making this project even possible. Therefore special thanks go to @DaxterSoul; @JellyBitz; @florian0;. Of course, there are more names in the scene that did a great job of providing information on the game. However those mentioned previously made the effort to centralize and upkeep it in public repositories.
