Custom Mapping tips

alehm

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I am by no means an accomplished mapper but I do have a couple of tips here for those wanting to do a map which does not include tutorials on how to use Hammer, but just the basics of making a good map.

Something new
Obviously, the first thing you want to have is an idea of the map you want to make (duh) but its not just the idea that counts, its also providing something unique in your map that others don't have.

There are going to be hordes of maps coming out for the next few years and if you want your map to be famed in the public eye longer than the time it takes to download a screenshot then you want something unique that others don't have.

Once you have your idea, and believe it is unique (note, unique does not mean complicated) then you are ready to begin making your map...

Gameplay- so simple, it's tricky

The lifeblood of any map is gameplay. Such a simple concept, but can really get lost in the exicitement of making your map. Many people (I am guilty of this myself) make a map exactly the way they wanted in terms of design and layout but that doesn't equate to getting a map with good gameplay.

Before releasing your map to the public be sure to have already play tested your map with friends. While playing it ask yourself, Is it fun? What works well? What doesn't work so well? What sucks? Then.. go back and change the parts of your map that don't work. Play test with your friends again and ask the same questions again.. (what is fun. what is not so fun) Repeat this step many times.

You may find your map changing in ways you hadn't anticipated, coming up with things you would have never "thought" of on your own. This is good. This is breaking yourself from any paradigmes and keeping you from becoming a "fat Elvis", thinking that just because you put out a map means it's good. :thumbs:

Think of it this way.. designing a unique map on your own and also letting gameplay dictate map creation are two sides to a single coin. Its a win win scenario when you include both ;)


The Devils in the Details

After play testing your map many times over and getting it just right, it is time to sexy it up with finishing touches. Make sure everything makes sense from the atmosphere to design itself. Architecture, enviroment, lighting, ect do not overlook any of these things. Also quality custome textures and sounds are always a big plus.

The principle of good gameplay may be simple, but the details are complicated. I could go for paragraphs on end discussing this, but I am going to leave it to your imagination and creativity.

If gameplay is the cake of your map, this is the icing. Dress it up and make it look like there is none better.



Luck

Following these steps your map will be above average which will give an advantage to other maps.... but there is no garuntee way of success. You need a little luck.

There is no tutorial on how to get luck.. sadly, in this world there are going to be so many others putting out great maps and with the publics fickle attention span and taste, there is no way to gauge how your product will be received.

But at least this should keep you from going into Hammer making a square room with a pool in the middle with a light in the middle of the room, taking a screen shot and posting on the forums and getting your feelings hurt when people make fun of it.

Anyway, look forward to user creations for many months to come. :farmer:
 
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