Same Assets Across Multiple Maps?

[Shaeam]

What's the easiest way to use the same assets across different maps? For example; if I were to create a game-type and wanted to have different maps around the same concept?

Is there a way that's easier and more compatible than just copying and pasting object data? Or is that literally the only method?

 

[Arrr]

Not too sure, but maybe exporting all object data(object editor->files->export all object data) and reimporting it in another map could work

 

[Eagle XI]

Use jngp with war3package.

 

[Chaosy]

http://www.hiveworkshop.com/forums/general-mapping-tutorials-278/custom-mpq-246641/
http://www.hiveworkshop.com/forums/...r-bypassing-8mb-file-size-limitations-253288/

You can use either of these methods for transfering models, textures and such.

For object editor stuff you can open the map with an MPQ editor and extract > import the object data. I am not sure which file contain what data though so you'll need to google that.

 

[HaaG]

What exactly are you trying to do? Is the map multiplayer? What kind of map is it? You can just delete terrain and other useless stuff(maybe some triggers) and make another version but keep all other data and with a save/load system people can switch between versions.

 

[Shaeam]

What exactly are you trying to do? Is the map multiplayer? What kind of map is it? You can just delete terrain and other useless stuff(maybe some triggers) and make another version but keep all other data and with a save/load system people can switch between versions.

Thoughts of a multi-map type Hero game. With different game modes and such per different map. Yes, the map is multiplayer.

 

[kingkwong]

You could make all your triggers into almost like a system which can be run whenever wherever regardless of the actual map. Make all of the object data.

Once you have one map that you are happy with, you can just copy and paste the whole file. Whenever you want a new map just create a new copy of the template and just adjust the terrain. Maybe just adjust starting locations and such and you have a new map. However when you want to add more data and stuff you will have to copy and paste again or just adjust the template and re-create the terrain.

 

[Dr Super Good]

Campaigns already have that functionality by importing and declaring stuff at the campaign level which makes it available in all sub-maps.

If you want a multiplayer map series then you will need some sort of external download which places all the assets into external folders in the WC3 install directory (aka the bypass 8 MB map limit approach). Players will need to "install" these assets before they can play the map, which greatly affects playability as online join and download will not work. Object data and triggers will still need to be duplicated for each map, however you can mirror them across maps quite easily and they are considerably smaller than assets.

Do be aware that any "series" of maps is quite an undertaking. There is a reason most map makers only ever release 1-2 maps in their entire WC3 careers. Making maps takes a lot of time that even finishing one map is often more work than most people mappers can manage. I would strongly advise designing/perfecting 1 map for a start, and consider expanding later once you have a "formula" worked out for your map series. If you are really fixated on a map series from the get go then I strongly advise recruiting a sizable team that you have close contact with and working on multiple maps at the same time in parallel.