Permission Request: Publishing a Simplified Chinese Localization on Steam Workshop

[edlenden]

Hi @Whizzer and the CleanSlate development team,I am currently working on a Simplified Chinese localization for CleanSlate.

CleanSlate substantially reorganizes CK2’s scripts, file structure, and localization keys, the existing Chinese localization cannot be used directly. To ensure proper support for Chinese names, titles, temple names, and localization functions, my localization patch includes some script files adapted from CleanSlate.

I have already received permission to use and adapt the translation resources created by the 52 Chinese Localization Team. I am now planning to publish the finished localization free of charge on the Crusader Kings II Steam Workshop.

The project will clearly credit the CleanSlate and CK2Plus development teams, link to the original CleanSlate project, and remain entirely non-commercial.

Before publishing, I would like to ask for your permission and confirm the following:

1. May the localization patch include CleanSlate script files modified solely for Chinese localization compatibility?
2. Should it be released only as a separate patch requiring CleanSlate?
3. Would I be permitted to distribute an all-in-one package containing both CleanSlate and the Chinese localization?
4. Is there a specific license or attribution format you would like me to use?

Chinese localization project:
https://paratranz.cn/projects/9069

Thank you for your work on CleanSlate and for your time.

From edlenden

[edlenden]

Hi @schwarherz, @Daevinius and @imposterzed. I have been unable to reach Whizzer through multiple channels, so I’m asking the currently active CleanSlate maintainers for permission to publish a non-commercial Simplified Chinese localization compatibility mod on the Steam Workshop.

[Daevinius]

Hi, I don't have the rights to grant that. But I don't think Whizzer is against it or imposes any obligations on using CleanSlate — besides, he is aware of the Chinese translation of CleanSlate. So I don't think any special permission is needed. It's a public resource that Whizzer himself recommends using for existing or new mods, and duplicating CleanSlate versions for an unofficial localization is usually necessary to remove unused official localizations from the files and adapt them to the new localization.

[edlenden]

Some CleanSlate files need to be selectively overridden because CK2 stores player-visible names outside the localization CSV files, including culture name pools, historical character and dynasty names, offmap China temple names, and some event-created character names.
This will remain a separate Chinese localization submod that requires CleanSlate. I will not redistribute the complete CleanSlate mod or publish an all-in-one package. Only the files necessary for Chinese localization and compatibility will be included.
Thank you again for helping clarify this.

[schwarherz]

So...I'm not sure what you're even asking for permission for? All you really need to do is include CleanSlate as a prerequisite in the .mod file and then you include the loc files you're changing as overrides. That's how modding works in Clausewitz engine games. You don't need permission because you really shouldn't need the whole mod. If you need the whole mod...you're probably doing it wrong and the answer would be no.

[schwarherz]

For reference, your .mod file should look something like this:

name = "YourMod"
path = "mod/YourMod"
dependencies = { "CleanSlate" }
picture = "YourPictureHere.jpg"

If you're overriding the ENTIRE localization folder I'd also include replace_path = "localisation" and/or replace_path = "localisation/customizable_localisation" in the file, but if you're just doing the files piecemeal you shouldn't need them.

[edlenden]

Get it.

I think my original question made the project sound broader than it actually is.

This will be a separate localization/compatibility submod, not an all-in-one redistribution of CleanSlate.

The reason I mentioned overriding some non-localization files is that CK2 stores a considerable amount of player-visible text outside the localization CSV files. Culture name pools, historical character and dynasty names, offmap China temple names, and some event-created character names are literal values inside selected common/, history/, and events/ files. They cannot be translated by overriding localization keys alone.

Simplified Chinese also requires a custom font and character-encoding layer, so these literal names must use the same encoding as the Chinese localization files. Where possible, I have converted literal event names into localization keys instead of keeping them hard-coded.

Therefore, the submod overrides only the specific files required for Chinese text and compatibility. It does not include the rest of CleanSlate, and users will still need to install and enable CleanSlate separately.

I won't redistributing the whole mod.

With that clarification, would you be comfortable with me publishing this Chinese localization submod on the Steam Workshop? The Workshop page will clearly state that CleanSlate is required, provide a link to the official CleanSlate download page, credit the CleanSlate team, and explain that this is an unofficial localization rather than an official CleanSlate release.

[schwarherz]

That's perfectly fine and is basically how CleanSlate is meant to be used anyway so you're good there. We only really have issues when the whole mod gets copied

[edlenden]

OK, thank you for confirming