Frequently asked questions
Answers to questions we get, or expect to.
What is Kolto Labs?
An independent group building tools for KotOR I and II. Our main project is Kolto Tank: KotOR in your browser, with mods, a debugger and TAS tools. It's in development. Released so far are the kq query tool and the kotor-formats libraries, on GitHub under github.com/kolto-labs.
What is Kolto Tank?
Our main project. It's KotOR I and II in your browser, with a library of mods and extensions, a full debugger and TAS tools. It's in development and not open to the public yet. The goal is one place for modders to publish and for players to run mods, with updates that don't need a reinstall.
Is this legal?
Yes. We build interoperable tools for games people already own. Our repositories contain no game assets and no copyrighted game code, and our tools need your own legally obtained copy of the games to do anything.
Are you affiliated with Lucasfilm, Disney, BioWare, Obsidian, Aspyr or Saber?
No. Kolto Labs is an independent, non-commercial community project, and none of those companies endorse or sponsor it. We have no information about any official Star Wars game, including the announced remake. Our work targets the original games.
Where do I get the games?
Buy them. Both games are sold on current PC storefronts, and your old discs work too. We don't help with, link to or answer questions about pirated copies.
Can I play KOTOR in the browser today?
Not yet. Kolto Tank is in development. The "Play in your browser" button goes to a page that explains what to expect, and it will open the game once there is something to open.
Where does the game come from?
From you. Kolto Tank doesn't include the game. You'll link a copy you own from Steam, GOG or Amazon, which is the way we recommend, or upload your own game files. Both are planned and neither is open yet.
Will it run on my phone, tablet or TV?
That's planned. Kolto Tank is built for the browser, and we want it on phones, tablets and TVs. None of those work yet.
Which versions of the games do your tools support?
Depends on the tool. kq and the format libraries read the games' data files, so they work with any install that has the standard layout. Kolto Tank and Hyperstim aren't out yet.
When is Hyperstim coming out?
When it's done. It's in development and built by volunteers. Watch the roadmap.
Is Hyperstim a new engine, a remake or an emulator?
No. It's built for the original games.
How do I install kq?
kq is a command-line tool, separate from Kolto Tank. Run the installer for your system.
# macOS / Linux
curl -LsSf https://github.com/kolto-labs/kq/releases/download/v0.3.0/install.sh | KQ_REPO=kolto-labs/kq sh
# Windows
powershell -ExecutionPolicy ByPass -c "Set-Item Env:KQ_REPO kolto-labs/kq; irm https://github.com/kolto-labs/kq/releases/download/v0.3.0/install.ps1 | iex"
Or build it with Cargo:
cargo install --git https://github.com/kolto-labs/kq --locked
Plain cargo install kq won't work, because the kq name on crates.io belongs to an unrelated tool.
Does kq replace KotOR Tool, TSLPatcher or the other editors and patchers?
No. kq is a command-line query tool: it lists, resolves, prints, searches and diffs. It doesn't edit archives, compile scripts or install mods. Use it for investigating and analyzing the game's files and content.
Can I use your libraries in my own tool or mod?
Yes. kq and kotor-formats are MIT, so you can use them almost anywhere; keep the license notice.
Do you use decompiled game code?
Not in the libraries or tools. Details are in our reverse-engineering policy.
Why Rust?
Parsing files from strangers' mods is exactly where memory safety pays off, and Rust gives us single static binaries, good cross-platform tooling and fast tests.
Will Hyperstim or Adrenal trip my antivirus?
Possibly. Antivirus scanners are wary of game add-ons.
Is there a Discord or forum?
Basically nowhere. This is a fan project that adheres to the aesthetic of my own personal nostalgia from the 2000s era.
Do you take donations?
We aren't set up to. The most useful thing you can give us is a bug report with steps to reproduce it.
How can I help?
Spread the word and link us. Our home is github.com/kolto-labs.
Why is it called Kolto Labs?
Kolto is the healing medium in KotOR, the stuff harvested on Manaan. That's basically what these projects do to an old engine: patch it, heal it, extend it. So I named it after kolto, and the rest followed the theme: Hyperstim, Adrenal, Kolto Tank, and release channels named after medpacs.