.ymt

Extension: RAGE Metadata File

Developer: Rockstar Games

The .ymt file extension, short for RAGE Metadata File, plays a crucial role in Rockstar Games’ RAGE game engine. These files don’t contain visual data themselves, but instead act as crucial metadata containers for other game assets. Think of them as instruction manuals for the game engine, detailing how to load and use the actual 3D models, textures, and animations. A .ymt file might specify the location of a car model within a game world, its physical properties (like weight and handling), and which animation files (.yft) to use for doors opening or engine sounds. They are essentially organizational files, linking together various components to create a cohesive in-game object or environment. Without the corresponding .ymt file, the game engine wouldn’t know how to properly interpret and display the associated .ydr (model) or other related files.

Because .ymt files are integral to the RAGE engine, they are not designed to be opened and edited directly by end-users. They are binary files, meaning their contents are not human-readable. Attempting to open them with a standard text editor will result in gibberish. Specialized tools, often created by modding communities for specific Rockstar games, are necessary to view or modify their contents. These tools are often game-specific and may not be universally compatible. Therefore, unless you are a game developer or a dedicated modder with the appropriate software, you are unlikely to need to interact with a .ymt file directly. If you encounter one, it’s best to leave it untouched unless you are confident in your understanding of game file formats and the associated risks.