Beyond Kerman: Diversifying Your Kerbal Astronaut Corps with the Name Generator Mod

For longtime players of Kerbal Space Program (KSP), the ever-present "Kerman" surname can become a bit monotonous. While Jebediah, Bill, Bob, and Valentina are iconic, building a diverse space program with a wider range of Kerbal names adds depth and immersion. This is where the Name Generator mod steps in, breathing new life into your astronaut complex.

Tired of the Kerman Dynasty?

The Name Generator mod, created by severedsolo, addresses the desire for more variety in Kerbal names. This mod automatically assigns new first and last names to Kerbals generated by the game, offering a simple yet effective way to personalize your space program.

How Does It Work?

The mod uses name lists to generate unique Kerbal names. Here's a breakdown of the key features:

• Automatic Name Generation: Every new Kerbal the game creates will receive a randomly generated first name and surname.
• Vast Combinations: Originally containing names from the 1999 US Census data courtesy of deron.meranda.us, the mod offers a staggering 8,788,806 possible name combinations, ensuring a diverse astronaut roster.
• Customizable Name Lists: Don't want American names? No problem! You can easily edit the surnames.txt, male.txt, and female.txt files in the mod's folder to add your own names, allowing you to create Kerbals with names from any culture or origin.
• Kerman Surname Option: Want to keep the Kerman legacy alive? Simply edit the surnames.txt file, delete all existing names, and replace them with "Kerman" or any other surname you desire.
• Exclusion of Core Kerbals: The mod is designed to specifically avoid renaming Jebediah, Bill, Bob, and Valentina Kerman, preserving the identities of these legendary Kerbonauts.
• Support for Gender-Specific Surnames: The mod includes specific support for Russian names, allowing for gender-specific surnames. It can be easily adapted to other cultures with similar naming conventions.

Installation and Usage

1. Download the Name Generator mod from its release page.
2. Extract the downloaded archive into your Kerbal Space Program's GameData folder.
3. Launch the game and start a new or existing save.
4. New Kerbals generated in the Astronaut Complex will now have randomized names based on the lists provided.

Customizing the Name Generator: A Step-by-Step Guide

The real power of the Name Generator mod lies in its customizability. Here's how to tailor the name lists to your preferences:

1. Locate the Name Files: Navigate to the GameData folder within your Kerbal Space Program installation. Find the Name Generator mod folder, and inside you'll find text files: surnames.txt, male.txt, and female.txt. Russian name files will also be present if that option is enabled.
2. Edit with a Text Editor: Open these files with a plain text editor like Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac). Avoid using word processors like Microsoft Word, as they can introduce formatting that disrupts the mod.
3. Add or Remove Names: Each line in the text file represents a potential name. Add new names on separate lines, or delete existing ones to curate your desired list.
4. Save the Files: Save the modified text files. Ensure the encoding is set to Unicode (specifically UCS2-LE-BOM in Notepad++) to ensure proper display of characters, especially for non-English names.
5. Forbidden Names: Edit the forbiddenNames.txt file to prevent specific names from being used.

Compatibility and Considerations

• Game Version: While the mod was initially released for older versions of KSP, ensure you download a version compatible with your current game installation if available.
• Existing Saves: The mod should automatically rename applicants on first load.
• Potential Conflicts: As with any mod, there's a possibility of conflicts with other mods that alter Kerbal generation or naming conventions. Pay attention to any error messages or unexpected behavior in-game.

Beyond Immersion: Why Use a Name Generator?

While the Name Generator primarily enhances immersion, it also offers practical benefits:

• Roleplaying Opportunities: More diverse names open up more possibilities to create backstories for your Kerbals.
• Easy Identification: With unique names each Kerbal becomes more recognizable. This can be helpful for tracking mission progress and assigning specific roles.

Conclusion

The Name Generator mod is a simple yet effective way to add depth and personalization to your Kerbal Space Program experience. By offering a vast array of name combinations and complete customizability, you can finally break free from the Kerman family and build a truly unique and diverse astronaut corps. Download the mod, customize your name lists, and launch into a new era of Kerbal exploration! Want to further customize your Kerbal experience? Explore other mods like Kerbal Renamer or those focusing on character traits.