gregCore

A .NET 6 MelonLoader mod framework for Data Center and similar Unity IL2CPP games.

Product Name

The official product name is gregCore. This is a multi-project .NET 6 framework designed for MelonLoader-based modding.

Project Purpose

This repository provides a modular modding framework for Unity-based games using MelonLoader. It includes hooks, patching systems, UI extensions, save handling, and core API services for building game modifications.

Target Users

• Mod developers building extensions for Data Center or compatible IL2CPP Unity games
• Contributors familiar with C#, MelonLoader, and Harmony patching
• AI agents assisting with mod development workflows

Major Capabilities

• Harmony-based runtime patching system
• UI overlay and widget management
• Save engine with versioning and migration support
• Multi-mod architecture with dependency resolution
• Wall rack and grid placement systems
• Custom shop and employee management APIs
• Logging and diagnostic infrastructure

Repository Layout

GameFramework/
├─ src/                    # Mod source code (multiple independent mods)
├─ framework/              # Shared hook definitions
├─ lib/                   # Reference assemblies and dependencies
├─ tests/                 # Unit and integration tests
├─ build/                 # Build scripts and artifacts
├─ docs/                  # Documentation
├─ .github/               # GitHub workflows and templates
└─ [root files]          # Solution, project, build config

Prerequisites

• .NET 6 SDK (net6.0)
• Visual Studio 2022+ or VS Code with C# extension
• MelonLoaderinstalled game (default: Data Center)
• Reference assemblies from target game (local paths required)

Quick Start

# Restore and build
./build.ps1

# Output goes to bin/Debug/net6.0/ or bin/Release/net6.0/
# Deploy DLL to your game's MelonLoader Mods folder

Build Instructions

Windows (PowerShell)

./build.ps1

Linux/macOS (Shell)

./build.sh

Options

• -Configuration Debug|Release - Build configuration
• -Clean - Clean before build

MelonLoader Deployment

Built DLLs (gregCore.dll) go into your game's Mods folder:

<Data Center>/Mods/gregCore.dll

Ensure reference DLLs (MelonLoader, Harmony, Il2CppInterop) are in the game's MelonLoader directory.

IL2CPP and AI-Assisted Modding

Important: When using AI for mod development against IL2CPP-based games, an IL2CPP unpack/decompilation workflow is strongly recommended.

AI-assisted modding works best when you have readable game references and type information. For practical reverse-engineering and inspection:

1. Decompile or unpack relevant game assemblies into a browsable C#-oriented reference project
2. Tools such as dnSpy or dotPeek may be useful in the inspection pipeline where applicable
3. Note that pure IL2CPP targets require additional metadata extraction steps beyond ordinary managed assembly inspection

A future dedicated helper tool from this project is planned to simplify the IL2CPP reference extraction process.

Contributing

See CONTRIBUTING.md for contribution guidelines.

Security

See SECURITY.md for vulnerability reporting.

Compatibility

• .NET 6.0 (net6.0)
• MelonLoader compatible games
• Unity 2020.3+ (IL2CPP backend)
• Platform: Windows x64 (primary)

License

See LICENSE file for details.