A question for mappers

(tempy) #1

I was wondering how most of you get started on your maps, for example do you draw it out? etc

(blushing_bride) #2

ask in the mapping forum you’ll get lots more response but i suspect the anwser from most will be yes to sketching first to a greater or lesser extent

edit am i going mad im sure this was’nt here

(Ifurita) #3

I write mine up in Powerpoint, annotated with icons and a listing of objectives for feedback

(Gringo Starr) #4

Granted I’ve only made a couple maps, but I usually sketch out just a high level drawing first. Like a top down. I love making terrain, so getting started isn’t the hard part for me…it’s finishing! :slight_smile:

(Mean Mr. Mustard) #5

First, I like to come up with a theme (usually history based). My v2_factory map is based on a real v2 factory in that was constructed in Watten, France. I did some research on the web to find building layouts etc. I then planned the flow of the map: what are the objectives, are there vehicles (if so where do they go), etc. I did this all in ‘list form’ - sort of like a word flow chart to see how the ‘action’ would flow.

Once I had most of that worked out (what I wanted in the map), then I did a series of rough sketches of the layout, refining each. Then and only then didI start the terrain.

Also, once Ii decided on the objectives, I did a series of little test maps to make sure I could do things like: a moving truck, a dual-stage constructible bridge, etc.

(neotic) #6

I just start laying brushes. But, sometimes especially with complex architecture I will sketch. Honestly the theme controls my layouts more than anything; and I don’t foresee those too well without having started laying brushes… so I just jump right in.

(MadJack) #7

I can’t sketch. Even if my life depended on it. I’m a bit like Mr Mustard so I usually find a theme and I’ll scour the net to find over pictures of the subject and if I’m lucky (like I was with Eben Emael) I’ll find an overview picture of a diorama abou the area givign me a lot as to the general layout. Unfortunately, sometimes, there isn’t much available as what the interior looked like except for general description and the occasional photos from tourists etc. At that point I’ll improvise.

I always try to keep a checklist of things I want in the map, the flow, the constructibles (as close as possible to the real thing) and the “big picture” of the theme. From there I put brushes trying to stick to the original plan. It’s not always possible though… :slight_smile:

(chavo_one) #8
  1. pick a theme
  2. scour the net for source material
  3. grab some graph paper and draw, think, and redraw the layout for a week or two.
  4. During this revising of the layout, I think of what I want the game experience to be. What are my objectives? Where will the spawns be located? How many routes to a given area are there? What are the chokepoints? Is the layout too large or too small? There are tons of questions to ask yourself here.
  5. Once I’m secure with my layout, I start having months of fun in radiant. As I build, I’m never afraid to rethink ideas. Sometimes the greatest idea on paper doesn’t translate once you start building.
(Ifurita) #9

Totally agree with step 4. I try my best to imagine how the game will flow, from the time the attackers spawn, pushing thru chokepoints, flowing around a tough defense, to final accomplishment of objective

(MadJack) #10

Someone correct me if I’m wrong but all maps, however big or small, objectives, terrain or no terrain, competitive or pub rely on one thing at 90%. And it’s choke points. Badly thought of or mismanaged choke points will break a map or on the other hand, make it an awesome map.

If you can nicely balanced the choke points you have a great start. It doesn’t mean that choke points will ensure the map to be played by all players. Very bad ideas/themes, poorly planned VIS, too much/not enough detailing are maps killers but I’d be willing to bet that an average map with great choke points will be successes.

(seven_dc) #11

I always follow my intuation and just open radiant and layout brushes after that I usually think what should the objective be… I have created 3 maps by this method but they aren’t very good. The next one I shall use ifuritas method. using powerpoint to layout my map.

****ing tube

(=DaRk=CrAzY-NuTTeR) #12

I come up with a theme, open radiant or easygen and start :slight_smile:

(Schaffer) #13

I got ideas but I get a sore head when I use GTK. Maybe I should stop hitting myself. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh. What the hell am I doing? I’m not a mapper :frowning:

But in terms of recording my ideas, I start by sketching out on paper (including terrain layout and routes). When I think this is at a descent level and workable, I then redraw this in PowerPoint and add lost of callout style notes, just like Infurita

And I am totally in agreance in doing historical and location based research. Mihgt be slightly biased towards the other guys who suggested this in the above posts :slight_smile:

(blushing_bride) #14

I also start off with a theme, such as a building then i plan a map around this on paper then i start building in radiant. so far nothing has ever gone to plan. for example i had an idea about mulitple waterpumps and built alot of map around it before i realised that it was not going to workl due to level four medics being able to stay underwater for longer than a fish. :banghead: