I spend my spare time trying to create a football game in VB.NET. I have a save game file saved using serialization which I am using to test code. This file contains all the elements of gameplay (stored plays, games, options, etc...) I create this file in the software itself using the code I created; I put a lot of work into this save game file and I would like to continue using it.

However, I discovered I need to add a couple member variables to the class from which the saved object is derived (object is called m_League, class is ClLeague). Any time I've altered ClLeague my old saved games don't load anymore because the new m_League object does not match the old m_League object. I have to start a new game and create m_League from scratch which wastes a lot of time.

This must pop up in with the professionals out there who write patches for software and need the users old saved files to continue working. Is there any trick to this situation or do I have to just accept it?

Thanks!