Multiple non-conflicting mods

[Marshall]

Whilst I understand Renegade's point about convincing authors to switch systems, I think the effort would be worth it.

I've also recently been working on the whole 'final alert 2 integration' problem, and how to manage multiple mods with that.

I have already started working on a new program that would scan all subfolders for a liblist.gam file (much like in Half-Life 1), which lists the details of a mod.
The subfolder would also contain all the appropriate mod files too, including a Taunts folder if applicable (containing new/replacement taunts), and mod documentation (if any).

Now, people can create installers for this subfolder however they see fit, and the Mod Manager program takes care of the rest.
The Mod Install-Maker I am working on will be geared to this new system and will provide a gui for creating executable installers with ease.
Anyone willing to create and distribute an xmlf file are most likely willing to support this new system.

Now, the Mod Manager program itself will list all Mods and (here's the clever part) also list Plugins (like the TX, YR map packs, Assault maps, Rock Patch, etc) and FA2YR Mods.
When the user selects one of the above, it's details are displayed along with a 'View Manual' button and a 'Launch Mod / Install Plugin / Uninstall Plugin' button as appropriate.

On Launching a Mod, residual modfiles can be temporarily moved to a backup folder, the Mod files moved into the RA2 folder, the game launched, and when the game finishes, remove the mod and restore the original files. This will allow seamless integration with existing methods.

Attached is an example image of the program I am working on. Please note that this was knocked up quite quickly in order to test the liblist.gam scanning, it does not neccessarily reflect the final interface.

PS. This also has the potential to be extended to include an internet lookup for up-to-date versions of installed mods.