About .map files

[Luna]

.map files
Episodes made in 38A versions can be packed into a .map file.
This allows the creator to rename the characters in the character select screen and make sure all assets stay as they are with no way of changing them.
Up until 1.4.4, there was a feature that allowed to encrypt the music as well, 1.4.5 removed this feature and added the ability to enabled "Hash protection" to pack music files etc..
.map-packed episodes cannot be decrypted (or at least, there is no known way up until now), but they can be played just like a regular episode by putting them in the "worlds" folder.
There is no way to access the levels via the level editor or to change/copy any graphics from them, and nobody is able to change the levels anymore, including the original creator.
Encryption can be accessed in the world editor, select "file", "map packaging" and do your settings.
The folder for an encrypted episode normally consists of the .map file itself, the save files, a music folder or a "GameMusic.tea" file that contains all sounds as well as a .ini file that looks like this:

[World Config]
Version=68 - This is the version the episode is made for, in this case, it is 1.4.4.
Name=[Name] - The name that is displayed on the title screen.
Path=[Path].map - The episode's file path.
[Player Config]
Disable2PlayerGame=True - Wether 2 Player mode is disabled or not, in this case, it is.
DisablePlayerChanging=True - Whether the "Forced player" option is enabled, in this case, it is.
DisableMario=False - Whether playing as Mario is allowed in the episode.
DisableLuigi=True - Whether playing as Luigi is allowed in the episode.
DisablePeach=True - Whether playing as Peach is allowed in the episode.
DisableToad=True - Whether playing as Toad is allowed in the episode.
DisableLink=False - Whether playing as Link is allowed in the episode.
MarioName=Mario - Mario's name that is displayed in the character select.
LuigiName=Luigi - Luigi's name that is displayed in the character select.
PeachName=Peach - Peach's name that is displayed in the character select.
ToadName=Toad - Toad's name that is displayed in the character select.
LinkName=Link - Link's name that is displayed in the character select.

[ElectriKong]

The advantages are mainly that the players can't open and edit your courses.

That is not an advantage.

[Luna]

The advantages are mainly that the players can't open and edit your courses.

That is not an advantage.

I think it is because people can't cheat.

[Enjl]

The advantages are mainly that the players can't open and edit your courses.

That is not an advantage.

I think it is because people can't cheat.

In my opinion, if people want to cheat, let them. Your game might be too difficult for someone but they still want to continue. Disabling cheats makes it more likely that these players stop playing entirely.
Aside from that, there's value to be had in learning from other people's levels. Like when you see a cool setup and you go "oh dang I wanna see how that's set up in the editor", and then learn from it how to make cooler stuff.
Also, hiding stuff out-of-bounds has always been one of my favourite dev easter eggs. Of course I want people to play my levels legit, but some are bound to get curious and I like hiding little easter eggs for them.

[Archived]

Archived

[Luna]

[...]

[Enjl]

That just tells me that you didn't understand my previous post. Want me to reiterate?

[ShadowStarX]

In my opinion, if people want to cheat, let them. Your game might be too difficult for someone but they still want to continue. Disabling cheats makes it more likely that these players stop playing entirely.

This just reminded me of the quote:
"Don't make the player unable to cheat, make them not want to"

[aero]

Not really sure what the point of this thread is. You didn't actually explain the files, and just mentioned some qualities that would make one avoid them because of how pointless they are for a community focused on sharing and editing levels.

[chriserlarreglo2005]

Can someone tell me how to unpack .map files?

[Luna]

Finally updated this topic.

[KlickyMario321+]

I'm just saying once the process is done, it's done for. Like DerEric said, there is NO known way to reverse it, but for .elvl files, there is some kind of key that can decrypt the levels so you can edit them. But if those .elvl files are in a .map file and you suddenly decided to edit them, then you got a problem. Just letting you know.

[Luna]

I'm just saying once the process is done, it's done for. Like DerEric said, there is NO known way to reverse it, but for .elvl files, there is some kind of key that can decrypt the levels so you can edit them. But if those .elvl files are in a .map file and you suddenly decided to edit them, then you got a problem. Just letting you know.

Actually, 38A specifically stated there is no way to decrypt .map files.

[Hoeloe]

Actually, 38A specifically stated there is no way to decrypt .map files.

...Which is clearly a lie as if that were the case it would also be impossible to play them. Think about it - how can the game know what is inside the file if it can't decrypt the data it finds there? The problem is that 38A is closed source and no-one knows the packaging procedure, so reversing it manually is difficult, but not impossible.

You may also note that this thread's last post was from December 2019. This is a whole year old.

[Luna]

Actually, 38A specifically stated there is no way to decrypt .map files.

...Which is clearly a lie as if that were the case it would also be impossible to play them. Think about it - how can the game know what is inside the file if it can't decrypt the data it finds there? The problem is that 38A is closed source and no-one knows the packaging procedure, so reversing it manually is difficult, but not impossible.

Okay, you're probably right, I didn't consider this.