Any way we can play some of these custom maps in this beta? Im so tired of tram and rockdown. There ok maps but i wanna see some of these cool custom maps. Anyway someone can put them on a server?
Kouji_SanSr. Hινε UÏкεεÏεг - EUPT DeputyThe NetherlandsJoin Date: 2003-05-13Member: 16271Members, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue
edited March 2011
Isn't the first question though
"Hey anyone finished a map yet?"
Also we seem to have this thing about the lack of security on these maps. They are open source, and since most of us come from a closed source BSP mapping background what with goldSRC (HL1). We're reluctant to release them. Well that is the general feel I get from this part of the forums anyways :P
I could give you my greybox. That's subject to change and really crappy though! :P
EDIT:
I couldn't care less about the maps being open source. When I release mine I'm probably going to CTRL+W, so if you want to steal or change anything, you've got to make it from the ground up buddy. And then I'll keep my nice neat file, with no welded points :D
<!--quoteo(post=1838986:date=Mar 27 2011, 02:15 PM:name=Kouji_San)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kouji_San @ Mar 27 2011, 02:15 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1838986"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Isn't the first question though
"Hey anyone finished a map yet?"
Also we seem to have this thing about the lack of security on these maps. They are open source, and since most of us come from a closed source BSP mapping background what with goldSRC (HL1). We're reluctant to release them. Well that is the general feel I get from this part of the forums anyways :P<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
pSyk0mAnNerdish by NatureGermanyJoin Date: 2003-08-07Member: 19166Members, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Silver, NS2 Community Developer
<!--quoteo(post=1838988:date=Mar 27 2011, 09:32 PM:name=Thaldarin)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Thaldarin @ Mar 27 2011, 09:32 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1838988"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I couldn't care less about the maps being open source. When I release mine I'm probably going to CTRL+W, so if you want to steal or change anything, you've got to make it from the ground up buddy. And then I'll keep my nice neat file, with no welded points :D<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> If you weld everything at once, it'll probably take longer than compiling a hl1 map :p ..if spark doesn't crash first. At least I had already trouble welding only parts of my map at once.
MasterGgmfbstJoin Date: 2003-08-24Member: 20169Members, Squad Five Blue
<!--quoteo(post=1838988:date=Mar 27 2011, 09:32 PM:name=Thaldarin)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Thaldarin @ Mar 27 2011, 09:32 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1838988"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I couldn't care less about the maps being open source. When I release mine I'm probably going to CTRL+W, so if you want to steal or change anything, you've got to make it from the ground up buddy. And then I'll keep my nice neat file, with no welded points :D<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
You do know that it isn't really that problematic to copy ###### even if it is welded? It takes a while to copy face by face but anyways you wouldn't need to build it from the ground up. Not that I'm gonna steal your stuff, I'm just saying it isn't hard to do even if it's welded :/
I can kind of understand some peoples concerns over others blatantly copying their work and claiming it as their own but on the other hand a lot of good comes from open source, i think as long as people post their maps here with plenty of screen shots they shouldn't worry too much, if anyone was to copy large parts it will be quickly found out, but at the end of the day its not really a big deal is it?
You should be proud of the work you've done, if any bit of it ends up going towards another map and helps speeds up creation and quality then it can only be a good thing for the game in the long run.
I actually quite like the idea of people working on maps together as it means higher quality and faster release, don't let closed and limiting beliefs hold you back, more good comes from being open and sharing, there's no profits to be made here, you just have your nickname to receive credit, all that matters is what you know you've created.
Anyway i think what we really need is an automatic download system in place, they should try to get something up and running before release, the sooner the better.
<!--quoteo(post=1839048:date=Mar 28 2011, 12:57 PM:name=Kabelen)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kabelen @ Mar 28 2011, 12:57 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1839048"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->You do know that it isn't really that problematic to copy ###### even if it is welded? It takes a while to copy face by face but anyways you wouldn't need to build it from the ground up. Not that I'm gonna steal your stuff, I'm just saying it isn't hard to do even if it's welded :/<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Nope. Although do what I did, open up tram, ctrl+w, go to work, come home and see it all welded. It's a MASSIVE turn off, you won't want to copy and paste it because performance is understandably draining on the level file. To top it off, you then have to copy, paste, move it over to another file, re-align, re-texture, put your own props in, go get correct scales, re-align, re-scale.
It's not meant to be a sure fire "I don't want you touching". Looking at raw map files, you can learn a lot from, like how the entities work and how someone has created something to look more interesting, noticing spotlights, bevels, different angles etc.
It's not about stopping someone from looking or touching, but deterring them away from straight replication and the "ripping off" without making them work for it. I love the openness like in UT maps, it allows people to learn. However, there does need to be something like a keyword or a separate program which allows you to see all but not edit just to deter people from plagiarism.
I have seen a level stripper in the works, It proabably will strip out all the data that the Editor needs to load a level that the game does not need. Its probably some way down the line to being finnished and released, there would be no point in working on it now when aspects of the engine & game are under constant change.
<!--quoteo(post=1839052:date=Mar 28 2011, 09:12 AM:name=Magneto)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Magneto @ Mar 28 2011, 09:12 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1839052"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I can kind of understand some peoples concerns over others blatantly copying their work and claiming it as their own but on the other hand a lot of good comes from open source, i think as long as people post their maps here with plenty of screen shots they shouldn't worry too much, if anyone was to copy large parts it will be quickly found out, but at the end of the day its not really a big deal is it?
You should be proud of the work you've done, if any bit of it ends up going towards another map and helps speeds up creation and quality then it can only be a good thing for the game in the long run.
I actually quite like the idea of people working on maps together as it means higher quality and faster release, don't let closed and limiting beliefs hold you back, more good comes from being open and sharing, there's no profits to be made here, you just have your nickname to receive credit, all that matters is what you know you've created.
Anyway i think what we really need is an automatic download system in place, they should try to get something up and running before release, the sooner the better.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
i agree. people could steal my map, but do they have 90+ backup saves that show the level at different stages of completion? doubt it. i think you're right, the community will know what's what.
i like the idea of working on a map with someone else too, there are many times when i hit a road block and would welcome someone coming in and seeing things differently. i'm not ready to start a new map until i've finished skyfalls, but if anyone would be interested in working on a level together, let me know. we could split up days of the week to work on the same file, set up automatic backups, etc.
ScardyBobScardyBobJoin Date: 2009-11-25Member: 69528Forum Admins, Forum Moderators, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue, Reinforced - Shadow, WC 2013 - Shadow
I was playing SN Wolf's map ns2_clandestine on a server this weekend: <a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/index.php?showtopic=112258" target="_blank">http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/in...howtopic=112258</a>
The biggest problem I see right now with custom maps is that you don't automatically download the map when you try to join the server (like in HL2 mods). You have to find and physically install the map contents to the correct NS2 folder to get it to work. That both discourages servers to host custom maps and for players to install them.
<!--quoteo(post=1839068:date=Mar 28 2011, 01:53 PM:name=ScardyBob)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ScardyBob @ Mar 28 2011, 01:53 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1839068"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I was playing SN Wolf's map ns2_clandestine on a server this weekend: <a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/index.php?showtopic=112258" target="_blank">http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/in...howtopic=112258</a>
The biggest problem I see right now with custom maps is that you don't automatically download the map when you try to join the server (like in HL2 mods). You have to find and physically install the map contents to the correct NS2 folder to get it to work. That both discourages servers to host custom maps and for players to install them.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
that'll change when server admins get the ability to votemap and changemap on demand.
ScardyBobScardyBobJoin Date: 2009-11-25Member: 69528Forum Admins, Forum Moderators, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue, Reinforced - Shadow, WC 2013 - Shadow
<!--quoteo(post=1839070:date=Mar 28 2011, 10:57 AM:name=Tig)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tig @ Mar 28 2011, 10:57 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1839070"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->that'll change when server admins get the ability to votemap and changemap on demand.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Not really. The issue is that when I try to join a server with a custom map it gives me a 'don't have the map' error rather than downloading the map, HL2 style.
I'm sure a .level check / auto download URL thingy will be in there, this function has been around since i can remember ..........rainbow six raven shield....80's-ish....damn i'm old.
It would be increasingly simple to create a mod to do this: Check for the presence of the .level when clicking the connect-button, if it isn't there, establish a seperate TCP-connection to the server, and have it transfer the map and checksum). But musing aside, I'm betting UWE'll put it in before 1.0.
ScardyBobScardyBobJoin Date: 2009-11-25Member: 69528Forum Admins, Forum Moderators, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue, Reinforced - Shadow, WC 2013 - Shadow
<!--quoteo(post=1839159:date=Mar 29 2011, 07:25 AM:name=player)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (player @ Mar 29 2011, 07:25 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1839159"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->It would be increasingly simple to create a mod to do this: Check for the presence of the .level when clicking the connect-button, if it isn't there, establish a seperate TCP-connection to the server, and have it transfer the map and checksum). But musing aside, I'm betting UWE'll put it in before 1.0.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Me too, but it isn't there right now so its hard to get people to join a server with a custom map. Also, I'd like to have the ability to designate a separate server dedicated to uploading maps to clients. That is a pretty common feature of HL2 mods that would greatly increase the download speed of the map/reduce drag on the server.
Looking at it from the Dev perspective I would think this is intentionally not implemented yet as people would be confused in respect of creating bug reports that don't pertain to UWE's content.
It would be a nice option to have at the moment but not feasible in respect to bug reporting and balance as the game content comes together.
ScardyBobScardyBobJoin Date: 2009-11-25Member: 69528Forum Admins, Forum Moderators, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue, Reinforced - Shadow, WC 2013 - Shadow
<!--quoteo(post=1839196:date=Mar 29 2011, 01:50 PM:name=SN.Wolf)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (SN.Wolf @ Mar 29 2011, 01:50 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1839196"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Looking at it from the Dev perspective I would think this is intentionally not implemented yet as people would be confused in respect of creating bug reports that don't pertain to UWE's content.
It would be a nice option to have at the moment but not feasible in respect to bug reporting and balance as the game content comes together.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
True, but its a deal breaker for custom maps. If they want community maps (with the intention of making the best one(s) official NS2 maps) then this really needs to be in the beta.
Comments
"Hey anyone finished a map yet?"
Also we seem to have this thing about the lack of security on these maps. They are open source, and since most of us come from a closed source BSP mapping background what with goldSRC (HL1). We're reluctant to release them. Well that is the general feel I get from this part of the forums anyways :P
EDIT:
I couldn't care less about the maps being open source. When I release mine I'm probably going to CTRL+W, so if you want to steal or change anything, you've got to make it from the ground up buddy. And then I'll keep my nice neat file, with no welded points :D
"Hey anyone finished a map yet?"
Also we seem to have this thing about the lack of security on these maps. They are open source, and since most of us come from a closed source BSP mapping background what with goldSRC (HL1). We're reluctant to release them. Well that is the general feel I get from this part of the forums anyways :P<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Dang... <a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/index.php?showtopic=109609" target="_blank">http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/in...howtopic=109609</a>
that map looks sick! i really really like this game and man i just wanna play some of these sick maps.
If you weld everything at once, it'll probably take longer than compiling a hl1 map :p
..if spark doesn't crash first.
At least I had already trouble welding only parts of my map at once.
<a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/index.php?showtopic=112125" target="_blank">http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/in...howtopic=112125</a>
You do know that it isn't really that problematic to copy ###### even if it is welded? It takes a while to copy face by face but anyways you wouldn't need to build it from the ground up. Not that I'm gonna steal your stuff, I'm just saying it isn't hard to do even if it's welded :/
You should be proud of the work you've done, if any bit of it ends up going towards another map and helps speeds up creation and quality then it can only be a good thing for the game in the long run.
I actually quite like the idea of people working on maps together as it means higher quality and faster release, don't let closed and limiting beliefs hold you back, more good comes from being open and sharing, there's no profits to be made here, you just have your nickname to receive credit, all that matters is what you know you've created.
Anyway i think what we really need is an automatic download system in place, they should try to get something up and running before release, the sooner the better.
Nope. Although do what I did, open up tram, ctrl+w, go to work, come home and see it all welded. It's a MASSIVE turn off, you won't want to copy and paste it because performance is understandably draining on the level file. To top it off, you then have to copy, paste, move it over to another file, re-align, re-texture, put your own props in, go get correct scales, re-align, re-scale.
It's not meant to be a sure fire "I don't want you touching". Looking at raw map files, you can learn a lot from, like how the entities work and how someone has created something to look more interesting, noticing spotlights, bevels, different angles etc.
It's not about stopping someone from looking or touching, but deterring them away from straight replication and the "ripping off" without making them work for it. I love the openness like in UT maps, it allows people to learn. However, there does need to be something like a keyword or a separate program which allows you to see all but not edit just to deter people from plagiarism.
Its probably some way down the line to being finnished and released, there would be no point in working on it now when aspects of the engine & game are under constant change.
You should be proud of the work you've done, if any bit of it ends up going towards another map and helps speeds up creation and quality then it can only be a good thing for the game in the long run.
I actually quite like the idea of people working on maps together as it means higher quality and faster release, don't let closed and limiting beliefs hold you back, more good comes from being open and sharing, there's no profits to be made here, you just have your nickname to receive credit, all that matters is what you know you've created.
Anyway i think what we really need is an automatic download system in place, they should try to get something up and running before release, the sooner the better.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
i agree. people could steal my map, but do they have 90+ backup saves that show the level at different stages of completion? doubt it. i think you're right, the community will know what's what.
i like the idea of working on a map with someone else too, there are many times when i hit a road block and would welcome someone coming in and seeing things differently. i'm not ready to start a new map until i've finished skyfalls, but if anyone would be interested in working on a level together, let me know. we could split up days of the week to work on the same file, set up automatic backups, etc.
The biggest problem I see right now with custom maps is that you don't automatically download the map when you try to join the server (like in HL2 mods). You have to find and physically install the map contents to the correct NS2 folder to get it to work. That both discourages servers to host custom maps and for players to install them.
The biggest problem I see right now with custom maps is that you don't automatically download the map when you try to join the server (like in HL2 mods). You have to find and physically install the map contents to the correct NS2 folder to get it to work. That both discourages servers to host custom maps and for players to install them.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
that'll change when server admins get the ability to votemap and changemap on demand.
Not really. The issue is that when I try to join a server with a custom map it gives me a 'don't have the map' error rather than downloading the map, HL2 style.
Me too, but it isn't there right now so its hard to get people to join a server with a custom map. Also, I'd like to have the ability to designate a separate server dedicated to uploading maps to clients. That is a pretty common feature of HL2 mods that would greatly increase the download speed of the map/reduce drag on the server.
It would be a nice option to have at the moment but not feasible in respect to bug reporting and balance as the game content comes together.
It would be a nice option to have at the moment but not feasible in respect to bug reporting and balance as the game content comes together.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
True, but its a deal breaker for custom maps. If they want community maps (with the intention of making the best one(s) official NS2 maps) then this really needs to be in the beta.