Community Map Time!

schkorpioschkorpio I can mspaint Join Date: 2003-05-23 Member: 16635Members
edited October 2012 in Mapping
<div class="IPBDescription">everyone makes a room / hallway</div><!--coloro:#98FB98--><span style="color:#98FB98"><!--/coloro-->We all want to make an awesome ns2 map right? But the amount of time it takes to make a huge, high quality map is just insane - you're looking at at least 1 month of full time work doing it on your own!<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->

<!--coloro:#AFEEEE--><span style="color:#AFEEEE"><!--/coloro-->So let our powers combine! By splitting up the work between several of us we could push out a AAA quality map, as we can all concentrate on our individual map areas<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->

<img src="http://imageshack.us/a/img94/4544/promotop.png" border="0" class="linked-image" />

If anyone is interested in joining the team please PM me or reply to the thread! :) No experience necessary, just some passion to make something for your favourite game :)

Here is the current progress of the map - areas in red still require completion - we are nearly finished, but we need your help! :)


<img src="http://imageshack.us/a/img818/9361/2012102300007.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
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Comments

  • quazilinquazilin Join Date: 2002-11-25 Member: 9880Members, Contributor, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue
    Good luck, we started one back in NS1 and its still unfinished! =)
  • doclouloudocloulou Join Date: 2009-06-01 Member: 67606Members
    maybe an aircraft carrier map ?
  • YuukiYuuki Join Date: 2010-11-20 Member: 75079Members
    I always wanted to try this out. We discussed one at some point with some guys, but never really started it, we just had a layout.

    I think we should try something unambitious first, a simple <i>playable</i> boxy map. It is much more important to finish something simple first, than to try to do the ultimate map for a first trial and to never finish it.

    If we can finish a simple map, then we can talk about doing a second pass on the map, or make a new, more ambitious one.
  • alibialibi Join Date: 2009-11-20 Member: 69445Members
    edited June 2012
    <!--quoteo(post=1947168:date=Jun 28 2012, 11:57 AM:name=schkorpio)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (schkorpio @ Jun 28 2012, 11:57 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1947168"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--><!--coloro:#98FB98--><span style="color:#98FB98"><!--/coloro-->But the amount of time it takes to make a huge, high quality map is just insane - your'e looking at at least <b>6 months</b> of full time work doing it on your own!<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--><!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    FTFY :P

    Good idea, good luck! I wish I had time to volunteer.
  • MendaspMendasp I touch maps in inappropriate places Valencia, Spain Join Date: 2002-07-05 Member: 884Members, NS1 Playtester, Contributor, Constellation, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Gold, NS2 Map Tester, Reinforced - Shadow, WC 2013 - Shadow, Retired Community Developer
    <!--quoteo(post=1947203:date=Jun 28 2012, 08:20 AM:name=quazilin)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (quazilin @ Jun 28 2012, 08:20 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1947203"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Good luck, we started one back in NS1 and its still unfinished! =)<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Sava originated from that project! :D
  • Soylent_greenSoylent_green Join Date: 2002-12-20 Member: 11220Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    Herding cats.

    You should all get toghether and agree on one or more basic theme(s) that go well together and recur in most rooms. A small set of basic textures, geometry and models.

    You can't rigidly enforce it, then you get a very bland and generic map and the mappers feel like they have no creative input. You can't do without it, then you end up with this crazy carnival look where every room is a unique, one-off creation.

    You should get the layout done first. This has to be a cooperative effort, otherwise most people won't go along as they'll feel like they don't have any creative input(it's not their job, they're doing it for fun); paying special attention to the corridors and vents and their height differences as they are both the interfaces where different rooms meet and they provide most of the occlusion(knowing human nature, every mapper is going to soak up as many resources for their room as available).

    Corridors are not nearly as exciting to map as rooms, but they are rooms in their own right and they need a lot of attention.

    You're going to get some mappers who are ... unskilled. Dealing tactfully with what they produce is not easy. I think you want to do is be patient and tell them what's wrong. Give them time to iterate.

    You're going to end up with people dropping off the project or just leaving without even saying anything. You have to replace these people or shoulder their work.

    It's a complicated project. I'd rather go it alone when I get back into mapping for NS2(i.e. when the basic gameplay is no longer in flux, when the performance has improved and when the editor allows you to apply textures to adjacent faces with alignment so they flow continously onto the adjacent surface, like alt+rmb in hammer).
  • zombiehellmonkeyzombiehellmonkey Join Date: 2007-08-31 Member: 62093Members, Squad Five Blue
    Why not just do a speed-mapping contest instead? Best (grey-box) maps tested and selected after a deadline of a month, then worked on by the community by way of a creative commons license?
  • YuukiYuuki Join Date: 2010-11-20 Member: 75079Members
    Well, that's a bit of a different idea.

    The problem is that making a map alone takes forever, and chances the mapper gives up is pretty high. Getting several people to work on the same map is a simple solution to both problems.

    I agree it has many ways to fail, that's why we should start with something simple and try to learn from it.
  • tux77tux77 Join Date: 2012-05-20 Member: 152340Members
    I can do some room or hallway if you need me.

    I'm working on ns_origin remake for ns2 but i can help or you can help me by finishing this remake together :) .

    TuX
  • ScardyBobScardyBob ScardyBob Join Date: 2009-11-25 Member: 69528Forum Admins, Forum Moderators, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue, Reinforced - Shadow, WC 2013 - Shadow
    <!--quoteo(post=1947250:date=Jun 28 2012, 03:07 AM:name=Yuuki)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Yuuki @ Jun 28 2012, 03:07 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1947250"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->If we can finish a simple map, then we can talk about doing a second pass on the map, or make a new, more ambitious one.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Why not start with a simple 3 tech node in a triangular pattern map? Get three mappers to work on each tech node and a corresponding pathway. Would be both a simple and easy way to start.
  • BrawBraw Join Date: 2008-03-21 Member: 63920Members, Constellation
    Sounds like a great idea, I would definitly contribute. Could never finish a whole map on my own.
  • remiremi remedy [blu.knight] Join Date: 2003-11-18 Member: 23112Members, Super Administrators, Forum Admins, NS2 Developer, NS2 Playtester
    <!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->You're going to get some mappers who are ... unskilled. Dealing tactfully with what they produce is not easy. I think you want to do is be patient and tell them what's wrong. Give them time to iterate.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    :)

    I'd be interested, though my architectural imagination is limited so I would need some direction. I could do either a room or a hallway.

    Example of my work (WIP):
    <img src="https://dl.dropbox.com/u/98668/caged3.PNG" border="0" class="linked-image" />

    I have no delusions of my ability level and I want to take part in this so I can get better. I'd be perfectly fine with hearing harsh critique or having areas I worked on "painted over".

    <!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->You're going to end up with people dropping off the project or just leaving without even saying anything. You have to replace these people or shoulder their work.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Definitely also true, though a lot of that will have to do with momentum. If lots of people are involved and keep showing progress, people will be less likely to drop off than if the project doesn't seem to be going anywhere.
  • PersianImm0rtalPersianImm0rtal Join Date: 2010-12-02 Member: 75414Members, Constellation, NS2 Map Tester
    Make the map setting at the site of ruins of an ancient alien civilization. Think old stone structures, like de_dust/the pyramids or something like that. I think it would be cool and refreshing idea for NS2.
  • YuukiYuuki Join Date: 2010-11-20 Member: 75079Members
    I can try to make an area, here some crappy stuff I've made playing with the editor :

    <img src="http://i.imgur.com/xKQ1n.png" border="0" class="linked-image" />

    I also tried to do a layout :

    <img src="http://i.imgur.com/Kb9RB.png" border="0" class="linked-image" />
  • zombiehellmonkeyzombiehellmonkey Join Date: 2007-08-31 Member: 62093Members, Squad Five Blue
    You really need a highly skilled and experienced mapper like fmpone to help coordinate a project like this for quality control.
  • remiremi remedy [blu.knight] Join Date: 2003-11-18 Member: 23112Members, Super Administrators, Forum Admins, NS2 Developer, NS2 Playtester
    edited June 2012
    <!--quoteo(post=1947382:date=Jun 28 2012, 09:32 AM:name=PersianImm0rtal)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (PersianImm0rtal @ Jun 28 2012, 09:32 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1947382"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Make the map setting at the site of ruins of an ancient alien civilization. Think old stone structures, like de_dust/the pyramids or something like that. I think it would be cool and refreshing idea for NS2.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Or, we could make the setting be one of the Kaharaa's homeworld planets... (and still do exactly the type of thing you're talking about, but then it's also tied to the fiction of NS2)
  • zombiehellmonkeyzombiehellmonkey Join Date: 2007-08-31 Member: 62093Members, Squad Five Blue
    <!--quoteo(post=1947627:date=Jun 29 2012, 02:49 AM:name=Psyke)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Psyke @ Jun 29 2012, 02:49 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1947627"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Or, we could make the setting be one of the Kaharaa's homeworld planets... (and still do exactly the type of thing you're talking about, but then it's also tied to the fiction of NS2)<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    The Gorge is the builder, but he sucks.
  • JanosJanos Join Date: 2002-08-02 Member: 1050Members, Constellation, NS2 Playtester
    There's been talk of projects like this before, it's just getting mappers together that are roughly of the same skill, would have to communicate with one another quite often otherwise you might come out with some sections looking great while others may not be of the same quality or even the same style.

    Good Luck though, be great to bounce ideas off one another as well as go to each other for help or inspiration.
  • remiremi remedy [blu.knight] Join Date: 2003-11-18 Member: 23112Members, Super Administrators, Forum Admins, NS2 Developer, NS2 Playtester
    <!--quoteo(post=1947999:date=Jun 30 2012, 06:33 AM:name=Janos)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Janos @ Jun 30 2012, 06:33 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1947999"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->There's been talk of projects like this before, it's just getting mappers together that are roughly of the same skill, would have to communicate with one another quite often otherwise you might come out with some sections looking great while others may not be of the same quality or even the same style.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    I think it would be an iterative process. No one mapper would have complete ownership over one area. If the style doesn't fit or the quality isn't good enough, another mapper would come in to fix it up or it would be trashed and remade.

    You don't need a great mapper directing this, nor do you need all the mappers working on it to be all-stars. The mappers will get better as they practice on it, and help improve each other's work. Through many iterations it could be a great map. The first trick is just coming up with a layout.
  • remiremi remedy [blu.knight] Join Date: 2003-11-18 Member: 23112Members, Super Administrators, Forum Admins, NS2 Developer, NS2 Playtester
    If you're interested in getting involved, send me a PM with your email and I will invite you to a basecamp project for this.
  • jstoiajstoia Join Date: 2009-12-15 Member: 69667Members
    I would love to make this happen. put me on.
  • remiremi remedy [blu.knight] Join Date: 2003-11-18 Member: 23112Members, Super Administrators, Forum Admins, NS2 Developer, NS2 Playtester
    Ok, I've sent PMs/invited everyone who already expressed interest in actually doing work on this.

    If anyone else wants to help out, send me a PM with your email address and I'll invite you to the basecamp project.

    If you are interested in this project but don't have the time to help out with the actual geo, do the same (and say so in the PM) and you can at least take part in our discussions and provide ideas!
  • schkorpioschkorpio I can mspaint Join Date: 2003-05-23 Member: 16635Members
    cool thanks Psyke :)

    Ill will update the initial post soon
  • goblingoblin Join Date: 2004-09-05 Member: 31412Members
    want to help too :)
  • 3del!3del! Join Date: 2009-05-11 Member: 67386Members
    edited July 2012
    For some reason i can't send you a pm psyke. I'd like to participate. pm me your e-mail and i'll send you one. Had about 200 hours with the editor and could contribute a hallway or room.
  • remiremi remedy [blu.knight] Join Date: 2003-11-18 Member: 23112Members, Super Administrators, Forum Admins, NS2 Developer, NS2 Playtester
    edited July 2012
    Everyone should be invited. We are talking theme+layout in the basecamp right now. :)

    Here's a teaser of some of the reference material we're currently looking at:
    <img src="http://static.inky.ws/image/2310/image.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
  • TheGrayGooTheGrayGoo Join Date: 2012-06-21 Member: 153528Members
    Would like to join, Don't have any show-able work at the moment but I understand the spark editor and am working on a speedball map '5-10 min game map'
  • schkorpioschkorpio I can mspaint Join Date: 2003-05-23 Member: 16635Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1949246:date=Jul 6 2012, 06:33 AM:name=TheGrayGoo)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (TheGrayGoo @ Jul 6 2012, 06:33 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1949246"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Would like to join, Don't have any show-able work at the moment but I understand the spark editor and am working on a speedball map '5-10 min game map'<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    awesome

    send Psyke a PM, and he will invite you to our basecamp project site.
  • schkorpioschkorpio I can mspaint Join Date: 2003-05-23 Member: 16635Members
    edited July 2012
  • Trainee.gerTrainee.ger Join Date: 2011-05-22 Member: 100097Members
    updates on this? how is it going? :)
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