Modding Firm Images

This guide explains how to modify the firm image of an existing firm type or add a new firm image for a new firm type you defined in your Capitalism Lab mod.

Example: Changing the Department Store Image

We’ll use the example of changing the department store’s firm image to the automobile outlet’s firm image to illustrate the process:

1. Accessing the Firm Images Folder:

  • Navigate to your mod kit’s image folder: \MOD_kit\Images\Firm_Images
  • By default, this folder only contains a batch file (PACK.BAT) for compiling the images.

2. Locating Existing Firm Images:

  • Open the Capitalism Lab game’s firm image folder: \\image\FirmImage\FIRM\
  • This folder contains images representing each firm type.

3. Understanding Firm Image File Names:

  • Image file names follow this format: <Firm Build Code><sequential number of the image>
    • Firm Build Code: A unique code representing the firm type (e.g., “DEPARTME” for Department Store).
    • Sequential Number: Indicates the image’s order for that firm type (1-9). You can add up to 9 images for each firm building. The game will automatically assign them to different companies, so that the image of the department store owned by one company may appear different than one owned by a different company.
      Example: Company A’s department stores will all use image #1, and company B’s department stores will all use image #2.

4. Image Size Requirement:

  • All firm images must be 250×250 pixels in size. If your image is not this size, you’ll need to resize it using an image editing software before proceeding.

5. Copying and Renaming the Desired Image:

  • In our example, we want to use the automobile outlet image (AUTO1.PNG) for the department store.
  • Copy AUTO1.PNG from the game’s FIRM folder to your mod’s \MOD_kit\Images\Firm_Images folder.
  • Rename the copied AUTO1.PNG to DEPARTME1.PNG. This associates the automobile outlet image with the department store.

6. Compiling the Images:

  • Run the batch file PACK.BAT located in your mod’s \MOD_kit\Images\Firm_Images folder.
  • This compiles the images into a resource file used by the game.

7. Building the Mod:

  • Go to your main mod folder (\MOD_kit\) and run PACK.BAT.
  • This creates the final mod resource file containing all your modifications.

8. Loading and Testing:

  • Load your mod in Capitalism Lab.
  • You should now see the department stores displaying the automobile outlet image.

Adding New Firm Images:

  • Follow the same process for adding new firm images.
  • Ensure the new image file name uses the correct Firm Build Code for your new firm type and a sequential number.

By following these steps, you can customize the appearance of firms in Capitalism Lab to enhance your modding experience and create unique visual styles for your mods.