Is Virtual Combat Needed?
A note on complexity, did anyone consider that using the terms "Key Map" and "Mapped Keys" would make for a total nightmare when discussing configurations? How bout "Key Group" and "Mapped Keys"?
The way Pro Config is explained is if I want to make a more adaptable ISBoxer setup.
So let's start with an example used in the video and setup:
We got a key map named Combat Hotkeys...
Under that I have a fairly generic mapped key named "DPS Rotation".
This is where I would assign a hot key like G1 to tell one or more char to execute their DPS Rotation. (Makes sense so far)
The action for this is to let's say "Do DPS Rotation in Virtual Combat Key Map -> all" (Have everyone do the mapped key "DPS Rotation" under the Key Map "Virtual Combat")
So we go to the Virtual Combat Key Map and DPS Rotation doesn't do anything. It's a placeholder as it seems many refer to these types of Key Maps.
Next we pick a character under "Characters" and find that the Virtual Combat Key Map is redirected for this character to, for this example, a class specific Key Map (mine is EQ1_Warrior Key Map)
Great! Now I can go to EQ1_Warrior Key Map, and setup what actions each Warrior class will do when I press the G1 key to perform the "DPS Rotation".
It's setup this way for all the classes, and this is a great way to provide a flexible configuration for groups or classes of characters.
Let me boil this down to a summary:
I am using a G15 keyboard so G1 is just a key on it that is supported by ISBoxer. Don't get caught up on the key, it could be any key.
1. Basically we're saying that we are going to use G1 to perform the action DPS Rotation.
2. When G1 is pressed we will be redirected to the same action under a different Key Map "Virtual Combat" that does nothing.
(I want to add at step 2 there is NOTHING to indicate this Key Map is linked to any other part of the setup. It appears to be a dead end. Like a global variable and I have no idea what functions use it)
3. So now we are going to the character level and find out that the Virtual Combat Key Map is redirected to a user created "class" specific Key Map.
4. The class type Key Map has the same DPS Rotation Mapped Key where we finally define what is this class going to do when you press the G1 key.
Finally the question!
Why do I need to pass the action through a Virtual Key Map with the same action that does nothing but get mapped to another Key Map with the same action that finally does something?????
For example:
1. I could go to each Character, Virtual Mapped Keys tab, and setup Key Map "Combat Hotkeys" is now "EQ1_Warrior Key Map".
2. DPS Rotation under "Combat Hotkeys" would be just like the Key Map "Virtual Combat" having no actions.
3. DPS Rotation under "Combat Hotkeys" could just as easily be redirected to each class specific Key Map having the same Mapped Key "DPS Rotation" that has the actions to perform for that class.
4. Where is the need for the Key Map "Virtual Combat"????
The way I understand this part of Pro Config is I'm assuming we're just trying to create a setup to translate a key like G1 to perform one or more actions based on, in this case, the class of the associated character.
I don't see any additional options to be gained passing it to the Key Map "Virtual Combat" before going to the class specific Key Map.
Maybe something changed since I recently started using ISBoxer and "Virtual Combat" step is no longer necessary, or I would love some links to examples of why it's useful.