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 Contribute to the Official Map Database

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Cool Coyote
The Guardian


Posts: 219
Join date: 2009-05-16
Location: Slovenia (Central Europe)

PostSubject: Contribute to the Official Map Database   17.04.10 13:36




Contribute to the Official Map Database



- SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT -



Maps are separated from the game file since the last major version update. They are now sorted in two categories - quick play maps (can be played in both quick play and custom games) and custom maps (can only be played in custom games). Since it is now easier to handle map database, it will be possible to update it more frequently.

I know that we have very talented map makers out there. If you have the enthusiasm for map making, then you're encouraged to go for it. If your creations will have potential, then they might appear on official B.o.B map list in the game, where they will be available to everybody.

What should be commonly considered when making a map? Most important criteria by which maps will be rated are playability, balance and aesthetics. Good playability is the single most important feature of good quality maps, while balance and visual appeal are also prerequisitions for official maps. Below is a little help to get you started in the right direction.

  • When it comes to official maps, realistic appearance matters.
  • One of the key playability factors is pace. Map dimensions (vertical and horizontal size) in proportion to key strategic areas should provide smooth gameplay.
  • Area access should not be restricted in a way which would have significant impact on progress of gameplay (e.g. pathway inaccessible to knights in Brotherhood Battle).
  • All sides must have as equal chances as possible, without significant advantages to any of the players. This includes layout of strategically important objects, such as gold mines, statues, orbs, flags, C&H panels, fortresses etc.
  • All strategically important objects should be placed within the visible map area. Players should always know why they're receiving gold, why they can recruit or purchase upgrades and abilities.
  • Forced alliances are generally not desired (e.g. placing blue orb in vicinity of yellow fortress on 4 player map). In battles without real teams, such conditions will push players in unwanted and unreliable temporary treaties.
  • Unless they represent innovative design and unique - while still user friendly - gameplay, maps should be as universal as possible and should therefore cover more gameplay types.

If you take all this in consideration when making maps, you will also make selection of suitable maps significantly easier.

Once you are satisfied with your maps, please send their codes to the e-mail address:


bob_maps@yahoo.co.uk


The alternative is to post map codes under corresponding threads, either on The Battle Brothers or on XGenStudios Forums:


B.o.B Community Maps / B.o.B Community Maps


There are no deadlines. When codes will be received, each of the maps will be checked in all available gameplay types. Maps which do not meet the criteria will be filtered out, while suitable maps will be forwarded to creators as possible additions to the existing map database.

Occasionally, minor adjustments in design are required for map to be acceptable as official. It is therefore recommended to also include a statement on whether author does or does not agree to the implementation of any necessary changes. In such cases, all credit for the map still goes to the original author.

Please note that exclusion of statement will be regarded as if author does not allow adjustments.




Last edited by Cool Coyote on 09.02.11 14:46; edited 7 times in total
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Cool Coyote
The Guardian


Posts: 219
Join date: 2009-05-16
Location: Slovenia (Central Europe)

PostSubject: Re: Contribute to the Official Map Database   18.11.10 20:35




- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -




HEADERS RESTRICTION

There is a limit to the map names that the database can handle -
full header (e.g. "Map_Title@Author's_Name.#####")
cannot exceed 32 characters.



EDITOR BASICS

For basic information about editor and map making,
read Andrew Cockerham's article:

Map Making Basics




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