Dylan LawrenceThe Art of Weapon Skinning
April 20th 2009 04:50
A reskinned firearm
This is focused on the computer gaming crowd, but for my console playing brethren feel free to read on, it may be what converts you. All computer games have their files (at least everything you see) stored on your hard drive. You can use these in a multitude of ways.
The first way, the malicious way, is to edit a file to give yourself a distinct advantage over someone else. An aim bot is an example of this. Using a games files it can create a specific protocol to kill people.
The second way is to fix a possible error without a complete reinstall. Sometimes a single file may be corrupt, instead of reinstalling your entire game, you can fix this single file. You can also save files like save games and custom configurations before you get a new computer.
The final way is to make your game more aesthetically pleasing. Anything you see if a model with a texture applied to it. Intrepid artists can access these files and change them. Thus, the art of skinning was born.
Skinning also has two forms. The aesthetic only side creates a great looking gun that offers no additional perks for the user. The borderline cheating side is creating a skin that gives a distinct advantage to the user. An example of this is adding an aim dot to a sniper rifle. This means that someone can no-scope much more accurately than a normal player.
Due to the malicious intent of some skin users many games now include a "pure" option. This allows a server to specify that only game skins can be used. Most games have a backup for these skins so it doesn't cause problems, but in some servers you may not be able to connect due to your changed skins.
Skinning a weapon (as in from a made skin, not making your own) is fairly easy. You download a file (most like a .zip or .rar file) and extract it to a file location. Many times the author of the skin will have organized the file so a simple extraction will install the skin flawlessly.
Skins can range from a simple recolor to a masterpiece of art with a custom model, custom textures, custom sounds, and custom animations. I myself look for the best possible looking model, animation is important, but sound isn't a necessity.
If you're looking for a good site for skins check out fpsbanana.
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