Load a settings file that is old, edited by hand or full of wrong values

Players edit settings files, old versions leave odd values behind, and one empty field can turn the volume to zero or the fullscreen switch to on. This entry shows how to load only what you know, fix what is out of range, and tell the player what was changed.

Why this works

A settings file is a guess from the past, not a promise. Building the result from a description of what each setting may be, and treating the file only as a source of suggestions, means odd text, old leftovers and hand edits can never put the game in a state you did not plan.

When not to use it

Skip it when settings are stored on your own server and only your own game writes them, or when a player's file must be kept exactly as written, as in a mod folder. There, report the problem and leave the file untouched.

In the full entry

• What to build, step by step
• Starting values and the reason for each
• 2 common mistakes and the fix
• 43 lines of example code with 4 checks that pass
• How your AI shows you that it works

Say this to your AI

Use the Spielerando entry "Load a settings file that is old, edited by hand or full of wrong values" (read_entry settings-file-from-older-game) in my game. Build it step by step, and show me how you checked that it works.

Or skip this and connect the MCP: your AI then finds all of this by itself.Connect the MCP