- Joined
- Feb 24, 2007
- Messages
- 1,098
Let's talk about the hiveworkshop's map section, shall we? Before I begin, don't assume I am complaining about the hive team or the way the map section is run. It's obvious that there is an overflow of maps, and it's really too much for a couple people to handle. They are trying to do everything "by the rules" and it's just too much.
No, my focus is more on the users. Not just the hive users, but any map creator in general. I recently went through my map archive and tested a lot of maps that I gathered from a combination of sources, including hive. In reality, there were about 6 to 8 maps that I found were perfected and that actually took time and hard work to play. There were only about 12 that 1 or a few people could even play, and the rest were just poor, and i mean POOR. Considering i have 1319 maps, this is really sad, and what's sadder is that I'm not the only one who has this problem. I can't even have a group of people come over to play LAN Warcraft because we spend half the time filtering through crappy maps.
To the good mapmakers (sorry to say, but most of you aren't one), thank you for providing the Warcraft community with great entertainment. I, as a mapmaker, know that a good map takes a lot of time to develop, and sometimes take weeks of work just to make some progress. In my opinion, all it takes to make a good map is some dedication and proper use of basic skills. I have made about 4-5 maps that wer, at one time, popular to play online. I've uploaded 3 of them and it's a shame they haven't been even glanced at because the mods are too busy filtering the mass of crap out of the maps section.
If you are someone who just want's their work/ideas to be seen and you are thinking of uploading one of thes "5 minute maps", take into consideration what's about to happen. First of all, your map is probably going to get tested by the mods and critiqued. If it is crappy enough, you might even make one of them mad and earn yourself some extreme criticism. then, the mass of people that this map infuriated are going to leave their opinions, which are not going to make you feel any better. If you're lucky, a mapmaker like you will play this map and tell you how"SUPER FREEAKENG AWESUM" your map is. For the most part, the question in everyone's mind will be, "Why did this person even bother?" And then, Rejection!
So here's some tips to consider before uploading a map:
I have been working on Warcraft since I was in 5th grade. Everything I know, I have taught myself. It's a long process to create a map, so if you can't handle it, stick to playing. The hive is full of tutorials, check them out forr more help. My goal is to at least motivate and make a difference in some of these mapmakers. Finally, if all else fails, you coud always post you're "good idea" in the Project depository (Project Depository - The Hive Workshop - A Warcraft III Modding Site) and maybe someone will pick up on it or help you with it.
I expect a response!
and to the mods, review my map! lol.
No, my focus is more on the users. Not just the hive users, but any map creator in general. I recently went through my map archive and tested a lot of maps that I gathered from a combination of sources, including hive. In reality, there were about 6 to 8 maps that I found were perfected and that actually took time and hard work to play. There were only about 12 that 1 or a few people could even play, and the rest were just poor, and i mean POOR. Considering i have 1319 maps, this is really sad, and what's sadder is that I'm not the only one who has this problem. I can't even have a group of people come over to play LAN Warcraft because we spend half the time filtering through crappy maps.
To the good mapmakers (sorry to say, but most of you aren't one), thank you for providing the Warcraft community with great entertainment. I, as a mapmaker, know that a good map takes a lot of time to develop, and sometimes take weeks of work just to make some progress. In my opinion, all it takes to make a good map is some dedication and proper use of basic skills. I have made about 4-5 maps that wer, at one time, popular to play online. I've uploaded 3 of them and it's a shame they haven't been even glanced at because the mods are too busy filtering the mass of crap out of the maps section.
If you are someone who just want's their work/ideas to be seen and you are thinking of uploading one of thes "5 minute maps", take into consideration what's about to happen. First of all, your map is probably going to get tested by the mods and critiqued. If it is crappy enough, you might even make one of them mad and earn yourself some extreme criticism. then, the mass of people that this map infuriated are going to leave their opinions, which are not going to make you feel any better. If you're lucky, a mapmaker like you will play this map and tell you how"SUPER FREEAKENG AWESUM" your map is. For the most part, the question in everyone's mind will be, "Why did this person even bother?" And then, Rejection!
So here's some tips to consider before uploading a map:
- First and foremost, does this map belong to you? If not, get permission.
- Take it easy on the doodads. Every doodad has an environment, so make sure you have picked the right doodd for the job.
- Cinematic doodads are rarely necessary, so use them in moderation. Flaming rivers never have looked cool.
- Keep your terrain based around a certain theme. Don't have lava coming onto ice caps and then poison stopping the lava flow.
- After considering the step above, use varied terrain. When you use dirt, add rough dirt with it to make it more interesting.
- Use a small brush size. Really, the only use for the large brush tools should be water or trees, with some exceptions.
- Don't have extreme terrain, It takes an experienced mapmaker to use the raise/lower tool correctly, so keep it simple or stick to the cliffs.
- Don't overuse the cliff tool. If you try making a mountain by stacking cliff over cliff over cliff... Just stop there. Seriously.
- Ramps. Be sure they are at least two blocks wide, and be sure they don't look like something from Dr. Suess.
- Noise tool. Don't.
- Units should also be used in consideration. Keep in mind that most people don't play warcraft on a computer that cn support starting with every players' unit cap maxed.
- If you create custom units, make sure they are unique. Don't copy/paste a footman and change it's model file to a penguin, just because you like penguins in your map.
- Be sure you have the ability to spell and describe things properly. Change your tooltips for custom units/abilities.
- Be sure the button position for units are in the proper location, and also be sure to use and indicate hotkeys. It's a pretty simple process.
- Have a good balance of spells for heroes. An offensive, a defensive, and an aura should cut it.
- Don't overload your favorite hero with spells. It's stupid, and very hard to understand.
- Make sure there's a point to your map. That always spices up the gameplay.
-There will be more to come.
- Take it easy on the doodads. Every doodad has an environment, so make sure you have picked the right doodd for the job.
- Cinematic doodads are rarely necessary, so use them in moderation. Flaming rivers never have looked cool.
- Keep your terrain based around a certain theme. Don't have lava coming onto ice caps and then poison stopping the lava flow.
- After considering the step above, use varied terrain. When you use dirt, add rough dirt with it to make it more interesting.
- Use a small brush size. Really, the only use for the large brush tools should be water or trees, with some exceptions.
- Don't have extreme terrain, It takes an experienced mapmaker to use the raise/lower tool correctly, so keep it simple or stick to the cliffs.
- Don't overuse the cliff tool. If you try making a mountain by stacking cliff over cliff over cliff... Just stop there. Seriously.
- Ramps. Be sure they are at least two blocks wide, and be sure they don't look like something from Dr. Suess.
- Noise tool. Don't.
- Units should also be used in consideration. Keep in mind that most people don't play warcraft on a computer that cn support starting with every players' unit cap maxed.
- If you create custom units, make sure they are unique. Don't copy/paste a footman and change it's model file to a penguin, just because you like penguins in your map.
- Be sure you have the ability to spell and describe things properly. Change your tooltips for custom units/abilities.
- Be sure the button position for units are in the proper location, and also be sure to use and indicate hotkeys. It's a pretty simple process.
- Have a good balance of spells for heroes. An offensive, a defensive, and an aura should cut it.
- Don't overload your favorite hero with spells. It's stupid, and very hard to understand.
- Make sure there's a point to your map. That always spices up the gameplay.
-There will be more to come.
I have been working on Warcraft since I was in 5th grade. Everything I know, I have taught myself. It's a long process to create a map, so if you can't handle it, stick to playing. The hive is full of tutorials, check them out forr more help. My goal is to at least motivate and make a difference in some of these mapmakers. Finally, if all else fails, you coud always post you're "good idea" in the Project depository (Project Depository - The Hive Workshop - A Warcraft III Modding Site) and maybe someone will pick up on it or help you with it.
I expect a response!
and to the mods, review my map! lol.
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