BSL:BFW Scripting Language

Bungie Scripting Language (or BSL) is what Oni scripts are written in. It's a programming language akin to C with some shell-script features as well, although it is far more limited in scope than a "real" programming language, as it was designed only to move events forward in the game, not to build programs.

What Are Scripts?

Scripts are the files that dictate the in-game processes in Oni, which include level logic, environment effects, as well as cutscenes. They are the *.bsl files inside the folder ...Oni/GameDataFolder/IMGD/. By editing scripts, you can alter how the game plays.

Editing Scripts

Scripts can be edited with and word-processing program, such as NotePad. They can be edited simply by typing inside the file. Script files can be generated by creating a *.txt document, then changing the extension from "txt" to "bsl". To learn BSL by example, you can read the .bsl files in Oni and draw connections to the events in the game that were produced by those scripts. For a primer in writing BSL, see the Tutorials section below. For a thorough course in BSL, see the Knowledge Database below.

Scripted Mods

Scripted Mods are great examples of what can be accomplished by editing scripts. They edit the *.bsl files to create interesting, and often amusing results. They can change everything from the fog, to how the characters and level interact. However, they cannot add characters or change the level layout, only its contents, as they are handled by the Binaries. Information on OBD: Oni Binary Data . They are great examples of what can be achieved simply by typing into a file. The possibilities are simply endless.

Probably the best specimens of Scripted Mods are the Oni Team Arena scripts. Based on an idea for multiplayer Oni, and inspired by Unreal Tournament, they augment Oni's hand-to-hand combat and gunplay integration with a scoring system much like Unreal Tournament's DeathMatch. More information about this exciting project can be found at the page listed above.

All other scripted mods are basically anything you can imagine. From free-for-all arenas to objective based missions and enhancements of the original level, they spice up the games original levels and provide a more exciting experience to those who have finished the game. They keep the game alive, outside of its original levels.

Downloads of OTA Mods are available at the Oni Team Arena page.

Downloads for other scripted mods mave been gathered here: Script Download Page and here.

Tutorials

For the practical minds who don't care (too much) about the theory:

• Wanna make minor (yet cool-looking) changes to the original level logic?
• Wanna script a "patch" that's effective in every level but doesn't affect the original logic?
• Wanna create completely new level logic from scratch? Here you are.

Knowledge Database

• Statements
• Variables
• Functions
• Operators
• Data types
• Inventory management

Documentation that describes the locations that BSL scripts reside in:

• IGMD folder
• global folder

Syntax Overview

BSL syntax overview table

BSL separators ; , # " { } ( ) Click on a separator for details

BSL operators + - = ! and or eq ne < > <= >= Click on an operator for details

BSL keywords at float if repeat string bool for int return using else fork iterate schedule var every func over sleep void Click on a keyword for details