Demos and save files

[Verincia]

This is a rather odd request, but here is is. When you make a demo sometimes it is possible to make it so that the save files that you've developed in the demos can be transferable to the main game when it is time. Other times they are not transferable. How can you tell the difference? What does the game designer have to do to make the save transferable from Demo to actual game? This is of course assuming that the demo is just like the first portion of the game while the rest of the game will be forthcoming.

 

[Sailerius]

I had to do this so that save files are compatible between Vacant Sky Acts I-III. Here's the method I used:

In the demo, have the last time they save be on a blank map with nothing on it. In the full game, keep this exact map (the map ID should be the same) intact and the game should treat the save file like any other. Just be aware that changing scripts between the parts can cause issues.

 

[Drago del Fato]

Well easiest way to do this would be by a script, but I guess Sailerius's method also works. The main thing that you need to keep in mind is that all item's, character's, monster's, animation's, etc... IDs you need to keep on the same position as the IDs in the demo or you might end up in errors when loading a demo save file.

Why?

For example your character obtained Potion x5 in the demo. Well in your database ID of the potion is 025 for instance. And suddenly you decide to change potion's position to somewhere else. And when you load from the demo there are 2 possible outcomes: either it will have x5 of the item which ID is on that position or it will return an error.