I understand not every player has the time to learn how to build their own mod, even though it's simple enough for me to understand and do. So, I would like to release a basic mod that people could use to play .vpk distributions simply by dropping them in the addons folder. I have a completely working one that I have been using to play all kinds of custom maps, not just .vpks. Before I upload it, I thought I should ask for others suggestions, comments, questions and advice.

Let's start with my questions:
- Where should I upload it? I was thinking Other Files, since it isn't actually a map.- I plan to release it with at least one working .vpk file already in it. Would it be presumptive of me to include a map already uploaded here, even if it isn't mine?- It works for split-screen coop, too, but does anyone have experience with using .vpks for remote coop?

1. Sure, go for the other files.
2. If you do that, make sure to ask for the permission of whoever's map you're using.
3. No, but I would assume that both players need the VPKs installed properly, whether it be through the mod or through extraction.

1. Other Files
2. I would add a map,but ask the author first
3. I did play .vpk coopmaps via internet before dlc 1, I haven't tested a coop map via a mod though, If you want you can add me on steam and try it: Steam Username Lpfreaky90

Wow... a huge workaround for playing a custom map with custom content, isn't it?

I would urge people to pack their custom stuff into the bsp file instead of continuing with .vpk's. It can be done by many GUIs like pakrat or packbsp, but it is not so much difficult using directly the BSPZip.exe application (located into portal2/bin folder)

Here is a very good tutorial by naitookami, at the pre-Authoring tools times (using Alien Swarm SDK for mapping):
http://forums.thinking.withportals.com/mapping-help/bspzip-for-portal-2-t2396.html

And here is another which is really similar by Damagepy:
http://forums.thinking.withportals.com/mapping-help/include-pack-things-into-a-bsp-my-way-t2761.html

Anyway, about your questions:

1. In Other files
2. Of course an already existing map altogether with a readme.txt file explaining how to include the .vpk files into an addons folder and how to run them would be good. Ask any mapper before including his map into the basic-mod, I'm sure he won't deny your petition anyway...
3. My experience using VPKs in coop mode is pre-DLC, so... just try

http://forums.thinking.withportals.com/downloads.php?view=detail&df_id=1512

And I am still waiting for in-game level portal

I've just replied to the ticket to ask for a status on it, and see if we can get some idea when this could get fixed.

I'll keep you updated as soon as I get any kind of reply.

Rob.

"We do not offer technical support for development tools or user made content."

And just pointed me to the forums.

Robdon wrote:
Ah well, just got an answer from Support...

"We do not offer technical support for development tools or user made content."

And just pointed me to the forums.

Well thats a bugger. They made the tools, they should look after them. They should also stop bloody breaking things!

Robdon wrote:
Ah well, just got an answer from Support...

"We do not offer technical support for development tools or user made content."

And just pointed me to the forums.

I knew that would happen, they always do. Technically it is not for a development tool or user made content which you need help with. THEIR vpk system is broken to install the user made content.