Please check out https://github.com/OpenSimTools/AMS2CM/ for a fully functional solution with downloadable releases.
As of the time of writing (April 15, 2023) the linked tool only works via command line (Windowes PowerShell), but the maintainer is planning to add a graphical user interface.
Automobilista 2 (AMS2) is an amazing simulation game, but installing mods is "a somewhat cumbersome process" even according to the game developers Reiza Studios. Given that there is no roadmap for native modding support in AMS2, this project strives to make mod installation and maintenance easier for everybody, taking inspiration from Content Manager for Assetto Corsa.
If I want to install any mod, I first need to download a .7z archive containing basic game data (bootfiles) and use JonesSoft Generic Mod Enabler (JSGME) to install them (see tutorial).
I wish the files could be downloaded or generated automatically.
If I want to install a car or track mod, I need to copy files to specific locations and copy-paste content to specific locations in two config files (vehiclelist.lst, driveline.rg).
I wish I could simply select a mod archive file for installation with a few clicks.
After AMS2 received a version update via Steam, I need to wait for updated bootfiles to become available, download and install them (see a), and then re-install all mods manually (see b).
I wish installed mods would be restored after an AMS2 version update.
- The application has a simple graphical user interface
- I can select a mod file from my hard drive (.7z only) to install a car mod (pain point b)
- creation/download of bootfiles (pain point a)
- mod recovery after AMS2 update (pain point c)
- installation of car mods with complex README.md content (where content cannot be parsed easily)
- installation mod packs with multiple cars
- installation of track mods
A car mod can be in one of the following states:
- error, red: mod data is incomplete or cannot be parsed
- available, yellow: mod is available for installation, but not included in bootfiles yet
- installed, green: mod is included in bootfiles, but may require syncing via JSGME
A single bootfiles version/directory can be in one of the following states:
- error, red: data is incomplete, cannot be parsed or is outdated
- installed, green: bootfiles can be used with local AMS2 installation
- Mod installation tutorial by speedonerd
- AMS2 Bootfiles by Project Cars Modding Team
- PCarsTools, a tool for creating bootfiles from an existing AMS2 installation
- JSGME docs (PDF, see section Command line parameters, p.17)
- workaround for Win11 filesystem access
- use 7z.exe from given path, replace hardcoded path
- add workaround for common mods: allow "AMS2 files" or similar
- handle unsupported mods in list: list them with note
- add splash screen
- validate settings schema on read
- get images from /MODS/Lamborghini SCV12 v1.4.5.2/GUI/vehicleimages/vehicleimages_lamborghini_scv12
- replace lstat->stat (?)
- rename "config" -> "resources"