Custom Game Creation Workflow
Tabletop Simulator is a powerful platform for bringing your own game ideas to life. The process begins with the 'Create' option from the main menu. Here, you can start with a blank table or load a pre-existing game from the Workshop as a template. The core of custom game creation lies in importing and arranging assets. You can import 3D models, textures, and images to represent your game pieces, boards, and cards. For cards, the 'Cards' object allows you to create decks with custom backs and faces. Simply drag and drop your image files into the appropriate slots.
Once your assets are in place, you'll want to define their behavior. This is where scripting comes into play. Using Lua scripting, you can automate game rules, trigger events, and create custom UI elements. For example, you can script a dice roller to automatically add up results, or create a system that automatically draws cards when a player performs a specific action. The 'Scripting' editor, accessible from the 'Games' menu, is where you'll write and manage your code. It's highly recommended to start with simple scripts and gradually build complexity as you become more familiar with the scripting API.
Saving your work is crucial. Use the 'Save & Load' feature in the 'Games' menu to store your table state. This allows you to return to your project later or share it with others. To share your completed game with the wider Tabletop Simulator community, you can upload it to the Steam Workshop. This process involves packaging your custom assets and scripts into a single mod that others can easily subscribe to and play. The Workshop is also an excellent resource for finding inspiration and learning from other creators.