I think it's not a good idea to start a project without allknowledging all of ScumEdit's (StarCraft 2's Map Editor's name) possibilities. Though we currently have several Q&A, regarding SE's posibilities, it's a question upon how those features will be implemented into Battle.Net (not only your simple LAN madness). I think that this project has just too many expecatations from SC2's Map Editor. I would say that the pool of ideas is simply sinking the boat.
But if you're really into it, then the preparation (lore, quests, heroes, concept art, etc.) is a good choice. It would be your personal guarantee that you know what you're actually seeking to complete when you get the Editor into your hands.
It's obvious that Battle.Net's limitations for StarCraft 2 ums maps can be a real setback for this project. Some sort of Achille's Heel.
We are fully aware that Adaptation is an ambitious project. Before I continue I should mention here that most of what we plan to implement is currently possible with WorldEdit, according to our developers (of which I am not one). There's a few things that we anticipate ScumEdit will be capable of, but if it turns out they are not possible then we will have to modify or cut some aspects of the game. As to why we are starting so early, I'll explain as best I can.
As you can see, Adaptation plans to be a
huge project. It not only implements lengthy gameplay, numerous characters, and myriads of classes and items, but also an intricate plot and storyline. Given that we are simply a group of volunteer fans spread across the world, with various schedules and other activities that demand our attention, we realize that the most important part of creating a good game -
planning - will take a very long time. Ideally we will have the entire game planned out, from map layout and terrain; to character, class, and item names; to the details of the plot and story, including class-specific quests; to the details of the mechanics;
before SC2 is even released. That way, the actual development phase will go as quickly as possible and we will be able to release Adaptation very soon after SC2 hits the shelves.
Of course, we understand that perfect planning is highly unlikely, if not impossible, so we are prepared to make changes during the development phase, just like Blizzard is doing. There will be a lot of balancing, debugging, and testing going on that will inevitably reveal necessary changes. These can be minimized, however, through proper and thorough planning.
Right now we are actually still very much in the
pre-planning stage, brainstorming what we would like to include. Not everything you see on our forum right now is guaranteed to be in the release, and some things will be saved for expansions after initial release.
We are recruiting (not hiring, since nobody's getting paid) members that wish to help in this brainstorming and planning phase of this immense project. We don't really have any work for, say, a cinematographer right now. That will come when we have ScumEdit in our hands. However, many other positions are open and waiting to be filled by committed, passionate fans who will be focused on developing a
quality mod (if we can call it a mod) for our beloved StarCraft II. The Adaptation team is dedicated to delivering a superior game to the community. We will not release Adaptation with broken mechanics, cheesy components, imbalanced gameplay, or inferior graphics. We eagerly anticipate meeting those who will step up to the task at hand and lend their talents to our already superb team!
Welcome, to Adaptation!