CONTAGION: More Than Just a Survival Map

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CONTAGION
A Zombie Survival Map

What is Contagion?
Contagion is a unique survival map with a zombie theme. The countryside has become infected by a virus that transforms people into mindless, flesh-hungry horrors. The players act as survivors and attempt to stay alive until a military rescue arrives.

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What makes Contagion different from other survival maps?
Contagion draws its game-play style from two different genres: Survival maps and Zombie maps. In a survival map, players construct defenses and try to survive a constant tide of increasingly difficult foes. In a zombie map, players assume the role of an exterminator and kill zombies on the map while attempting to fulfill some set of goals.

Contagion takes many mechanics from both these kinds of maps, as well as from outside influences.

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How does Contagion work?
In Contagion, you have control over a single unit, and that unit can both defend itself by attacking zombies and build structures to help survive. However, there are many more elements to the game-play that simply killing and building.


Exploration
The first element is exploration. In order to survive, each player must spend time exploring the map. When exploring the map, the player must look for four things: weapons, materials, food and gear.

• Weapons - Provide the player with more powerful firepower. As enemies become stronger, the player must find stronger weapons.
• Materials - Materials are necessary for building structures and defenses.
• Food - Food is critical for survival. Each player slowly uses up food constantly; when a player is out of food, they risk starving.
• Gear - Other useful tools and items that can help the player survive.

Periodically, these items spawn on the map in semi-random locations. The locations are chosen based on certain characteristics. For example, weapons might appear near abandoned military positions or gun stores, food might appear in houses, grocery stores, or in woods, etc. Items are not guaranteed to spawn in any location, however.


Scavenging
Scavenging doesn't just mean that the player has to find resources on the map. The player can also choose to scavenge from other players. For example, destroying another player's structures provides you with half the materials used to make the structure. You can even steal items from other players.


Death is Just the Beginning
When a player dies in Contagion, they are not done playing yet. After a short period of time, the become a zombie themselves, and can attempt to thwart the surviving players. When a player becomes a zombie, they will slowly grow stronger as the game progresses. If you are killed as a zombie, you will respawn after a short period of time to foil the other players once again.


To Share or Not to Share
Though players are encouraged to cooperate and play together, there are advantages and disadvantages to grouping together in one spot. Though the increase in firepower is helpful, supplies will be a scarce commodity. Players may soon find that they need to split up in order to find weapons, food, and materials. Not to mention, when many players are in the same location, it tends to draw unwanted attention...


Variety and Game Dynamism
Contagion is designed to offer a unique experience every time it is played. Not only are supplies and enemies randomly created and players start in random locations, but the map will also feature a variety of modes and difficulties, providing plenty of replay value.

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How Can I Help?
Now for the recruitment phase. I am looking for a small team to help me complete this project. I hope to release a working version within a few months. As such, the map will not be extremely flashy, but will contain enough features to provide the right experience.


Wanted:
Jass/GUI Triggerer - Jass experience is helpful, but not entirely necessary. (Please, no vJass)
2D Artist - Icons, skins, etc.
3D Artist - Models, animations, etc.
Testers - Those listed above are included as testers. Will help test features of the game, as well as provide ideas for improvements.

• Send applications to me via private message.
• Please note that all positions are not necessary, but any help in those areas is appreciated. For the sake of keeping a small development team, if you can fulfill more than one role, both may be assigned.
• All applicants should provide samples of their work when applying.
• Feel free to ask any questions you may have on the project or a position in this thread.