I'm a map making uber noob, please help.

[Red Nailz]

With the impending release of HL2, I really wanna try and make some maps for it when it comes out. However, i've fealt this way about a few other games as well, and i've just never been able to do it. Patches, map packs (official and custom), game types, come out and I get involved with playing. So much so, that when I DO get around to trying to make a map, there is yet ANOTHER game that comes out and steals my attention yet again. I wanna try something new this time.

The subject is as clear a statement of my knowledge regarding map making as I can make. I know the game isn't even out yet, and I know that the ability to make maps most likely won't be available on the same day that the game is released, but i'd still like to "prep" as much as I can in advance. With that in mind, can someone direct me to a readme or site or "something" that will help me learn about what I need to know in order to make maps for HL2? Something like what software i'll need, or hardware requirements that are particular to map making (if any)?

I mean, what do I need to have, and what do I need to know, in order to make maps for HL2? Creativity will have to remain a "wait n see" type of thing, but anything else I can get a jump-start on i'd like to so that maybe THIS time I can actually make a map.

Thanks to everybody for your time and help.

Dremel

 

[IchI]

urrrrr. sure.....

well here is loads of links:

http://countermap.counter-strike.net/
http://collective.valve-erc.com/

Thats all u will need.

To map for hl1 obviasly hl2 isn't out yet

 

[TalRasha]

lets make some maps for HL1!
You need 1-5 years to get a pro in map mapping! (really!!) -- so you need lots of time...

 

[Dux]

Originally posted by TalRasha
lets make some maps for HL1!
You need 1-5 years to get a pro in map mapping! (really!!)

woohoo I'm pro.

 

[Hudson]

i on ocasion have a cool idea for a map and make it, on ocasion.

 

[TalRasha]

And you can only learn by doing it!!
Look at some other maps and thing about it (how they made this..)

 

[The Mullinator]

You can actually get learning how to make maps for HL2 already. The editor for HL2 is basically the exact same except it will have new added features. On top of that you will be able to import old HL1 maps youve made into HL2.

So start learning HL1 maps now and you will be able to continue your learning once HL2 is released.

 

[Red Nailz]

WOW! Looks like I got a shitload of reading to do. Also, I didn't know about the editor (Hammer? Hammer 2?) being kinda-sorta the same as far as HL1 vs HL2. Good thing I never threw out my HL CD, hehe. Thanks guys! :cheese:

 

[Dux]

If you really want to see how similar it is to the current version. Hrere are some screenshots.


http://www.planethalflife.com/screenshot.asp?src=/half-life2/screenshots/11.jpg

http://www.planethalflife.com/screenshot.asp?src=/half-life2/screenshots/12.jpg

 

[Papau]

I would not make maps for HL. It won't teach you anything useful except how to use a editor. HL2 uses BSP, VIS and RAD (just like Q3), Q3 texture formats and shaders, and patch mesh (just like Q3). You would find your time is much better spent learning to map for Q3 or a Q3 based game (MOHAA, RTCW, CoD). I spent several years mapping for HL and from a mapping standpoint, it's pretty outdated.

 

[Shinobi]

download a copy of XSI experience and get started, it'll be important for props etc..