Combinding Effort?

Brandyfire_comBrandyfire_com Join Date: 2002-12-15 Member: 10886Members
Hey peeps,
Just wondering if maybee a few people would like to join together and maybee put together a map, I doesn't matter if you are new to mapping or not, well, at least know a little, I want to make one, but I don't think I would have the time to put into a full map. Maybee with 3 or 4 or even 10 people working on different sections (ready room,texturing, crates,etc.). I know I will never be as good as some of you mapping god's in this forum but I would be curious to see what a bunch of mapping nub's could turn up(ofcourse including myself in the nub part <!--emo&???--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/confused.gif' border='0' valign='absmiddle' alt='confused.gif'><!--endemo--> )
Anyway, If anyone is interested just let me know, this could be a good learning experience for all of us less fortunate mappers.
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Comments

  • MrBenMrBen ns_eclipse, ns_veil caretaker Join Date: 2002-11-14 Member: 8575Members
    10 people working on a map = mass confusion unless you have a very detailed plan, theme, style, ambience, locations, what needs to be there planned out for the individual areas, that would be possible, then just set it up so all entrances to a room or a corridor are the same so its easy to add the areas together.
  • Mr_HeadcrabMr_Headcrab Squee&#33;~ Join Date: 2002-11-20 Member: 9392Members, Constellation
    edited January 2003
    hmmm... suggestion for the map... <a href='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=4&t=16454&hl=ns_eden' target='_blank'>http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/in...6454&hl=ns_eden</a>


    ns_eden, one person does the village, one does the marine dropship, another the crashed ship and finally, the most experenced gets to do the forest

    Its a great idea, minus the Amish
  • Brandyfire_comBrandyfire_com Join Date: 2002-12-15 Member: 10886Members
    Yeah, you are right about the 10 people, that would be some mass confusion, I think more along the lines of 4 or 5, with maybee only 3 of the 5 actualy doing the mapping part, and the other 2 taking care of what sounds,models,textures or anything else you can come with.

    I read the ns_eden bit, I thought that was pretty cool, Now if a team of 5 can join forces, I think we could dish out a pretty descent map.
  • SkinnYSkinnY Join Date: 2002-11-07 Member: 7500Members
    i'm willing to try to make something... but i suck @ layout and i've tried using valve hammer editor and well... let's just say i'm no master... but if you'll give me a layout i'll try to make something pretty... <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' valign='absmiddle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • MrBenMrBen ns_eclipse, ns_veil caretaker Join Date: 2002-11-14 Member: 8575Members
    I'll throw in my 2 cents, i've been mapping for a year and map for DT. I've been planning to do an ns map for a while now just my other mapping commintments have been bogged down.

    If i see a well thought out plan, and idea for a map which i think is feasible and i see a few good people opting for it i'll be happy to help.

    Though i have no intention of jumping on a poorly thought out band wagoon with a few n00bs learning texture alignment.
  • kompokompo Join Date: 2002-11-07 Member: 7639Members
    how are you going the make the map sections to fit together when they're ready?
  • MrBenMrBen ns_eclipse, ns_veil caretaker Join Date: 2002-11-14 Member: 8575Members
    I'd suggest this. A universal door frame. It is made before hand and sent to the others, the dimensions should nto be changed.

    Doorframe, added to the end of corridor. Just a universal thing for us, like the arches in eclipse.

    That would make it really easy to add the areas together.
  • Brandyfire_comBrandyfire_com Join Date: 2002-12-15 Member: 10886Members
    Yes, definatley what Mr.Bean says, we need to make a universal dorrway,arch or what ever with no specific texture and use that to attatch different sections of the map.

    Now the big thing, are we gonna use the ns_eden vision to build upon or are we gonna come up with another scenerio, either is fine with me. Also before we start, we need to get all the textures from each person and put them all in one big .wad file. As far as the sounds go, we can do that sorta toward the end, the main thing is getting what type of map it is gonna be and then getting a rough draft of it.

    Another thing, when we start, lets just use this thread since it's already started to update each other so we don't clutter up the forums with seperate updates.

    Well, as soon as I get a list of 5 peeps, it's a go, count me as 1, so we need 4 others.
  • DoctorJuiceDoctorJuice Join Date: 2002-02-13 Member: 212Members, Constellation
    I think it may get a bit repeptive if EVERY room had the same looking doors in and out...
  • MrBenMrBen ns_eclipse, ns_veil caretaker Join Date: 2002-11-14 Member: 8575Members
    Its more of a case, okay someone does this, someone does that.

    There needs to be a leader, someone who's concept is the map, who does a plan, has an idea of what everything should look like and the type of feel to it. There really does needs to be a lot of organisation to pull this off with so many people working on it otherwise you'll end up very rag tag.

    Now i'd be happy to through out a plan and i know what should be included in it but unfortunately my 2d skills a) suck b) not willing to take on such a burden.

    If people want to do this get a plan out, see who is interested.

    Eclipse as the same looking arch everywhere.
  • Brandyfire_comBrandyfire_com Join Date: 2002-12-15 Member: 10886Members
    I kunderstand what your saying about the doors/ archways being repeditive, but I thought that would be a good way to hook all areas together to ensure a perfect fit, I had all intensions of redoing them after everything was in place, they are just going to be for allignment, that's it.

    About the plan, if noone esle wants to do it, then I will make one up, it may not be the perfect drawn out plan, but I will do it the best I can and then you guys can add in what you think should be changed or whatnot, and as far as the story line, We can use the ns_eden bit if it's ok with Headcrab, unless someone else has something they want to use. I am gonna go ahead and start getting textures,sounds and stuff like that together so I will be able to add them to whoever is gonna do that part, But just let me kow about the storyline part s oI can get started on the layout.
  • MrBenMrBen ns_eclipse, ns_veil caretaker Join Date: 2002-11-14 Member: 8575Members
    Eden does not sound like a good idea. Forests aren't good ns.
  • ParasiteParasite Join Date: 2002-04-13 Member: 431Members
    edited January 2003
    Start up a "pass the map" contest.

    Ive seen this done on other sites with some really impressive results. But it needs to be organized and set up by someone with a decent understanding of NS Mapping. Could be really cool though.

    You would need 1 person to be in control of consistency, clean up and connecting areas. As well as enforcing the rules set forth at the beginning of the contest, and collecting the map testing it, and passing it onto the next mapper.
    (note: it really wouldnt work unless each mapper understood NS mapping guidelines and Basics of HL mapping)

    Decide on a map name (For directory structure, custom wad, mini-map etc)

    Decide on the # of func_resources the map is allowed (the clean up guy would remove/add res nodes as nescesary after the map is done)

    Acceptable R_speeds and poly counts would need to be decided.

    A very general and not-to-constraining theme would need to be decided(but still needs to leave room for creativity)

    Decide if any custom textures/sprites etc can be used and guidelines for them.

    A base texture set. 3 or so each of doors, walls, floors, lights, vent/grates, trims and a misc. category but be sure to include a hive for each nescesary category. "Special" textures (Null, hint etc) All from ns.wad. Also try to keep memory used for the base textures fairly low, allowing mappers to use a few custom textures.

    Limit new/custom texture memory per mapper.(the overall texture memory allotment should still fall below 4 mb)

    Limiting brushes per mapper is probably a good idea in the HL engine.

    Each mapper is constrained to 1 "area" (ie RR, Marine spawn, hive, large room, series of small rooms etc.) Max size of any one area would need to be decided up front.

    Each mapper would complete all aspects of his area (Particle effects, lighting, brushwork etc)

    Each mapper would have a limited time to complete his portion (1 week or so)

    Each area would need at least 3 access points for corridors to connect areas later.

    Each mappers portion should be grouped to itself so it can easily be moved by the clean up guy.

    Each mapper names his area with the area name entity (forgot what its called)

    After completing the area a mapper can write up a small report breifly describing his area, give any thoughts about how it should lay out in the overall map, elevation, how it can connect to other areas etc. Also, the mapper should list any sprites/textures he used (besides the base set) Any problems he encountered or may forsee. Any triggers and how they should work/look Also, any per-mapper limits he reached or did not use, this way they could be used by the next mapper if needed.
  • Brandyfire_comBrandyfire_com Join Date: 2002-12-15 Member: 10886Members
    Hey guys,
    Well, we have 2 people so far willing to chip in on the map, and we have someone that is gonna do some layouts of some ideas they had, I have seen some of the pics from previous projects he sent me, and they were pretty impressive, so all we need now is 1 maybee 2 more people to get started, especially if we want any kind of custom textures done.

    I don't know about you, but I am kinda excited to get started on it, with 3 people, that means we can spend more time on detail of each area without the burden of dishing out a full map on your on. So, whoever wants to help let me know. as soon as i get 1 more person we will start.
  • ChromeAngelChromeAngel Join Date: 2002-01-24 Member: 14Members, NS1 Playtester, Contributor
    Kinda tempted to try my hand at project managing this doodad. I've got a map planned out in Hammer (ns_mercury) , that really needs alot of work doing (ceilings and any kind of details). I can advise, guide, orchestrate mapping and hack about some textures. Only problem is i've got to get AtomicMass released first so I can properly focus my attention on this project.
  • Brandyfire_comBrandyfire_com Join Date: 2002-12-15 Member: 10886Members
    Ok, kool, would love to have your advice or whatever else you would like to contribute it. Make sure I get a copy of your map when you finish it so I can add it to my NS maps section on my site <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' valign='absmiddle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo--> .

    I'm cold, just got thru eating a big glass of snow ice cream {{{ <!--emo&:0--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wow.gif' border='0' valign='absmiddle' alt='wow.gif'><!--endemo--> }}}
  • CrAcKbRoCkCrAcKbRoCk Join Date: 2002-11-22 Member: 9619Members
    Personally, I would like to see more collaberation between different trades(eg: level designers, modeler, texture artist, etc).
    It would be great to have a site where everyone could meet and then the needs/wants could be posted. Plus, you could have a "porfollio" page for each person, kinda like a membership listing..
    Then people could meet up and use that site as a central location to collaberate their efforts. If I had the time and know how I would do this in a heart beat..but oh well. Anyone up for the challenge?
  • DriftwoodDriftwood Join Date: 2002-11-11 Member: 8245Members
    <img src='http://www.saunalahti.fi/~soilek/jouni/ns_thales.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image'>

    The reason that is there is that I have no other use for it. I did download Hammer, but being an utter noob in mapping I decided that right now I don't have the time to learn even the basics, far less the higher level of mapping NS would require. However, I did want to do <u>something</u> creative, so I made a layout, just for my own pleasure. I knew from the start, that I would never even try to map it.

    But, then I spot this thread and think what the hell. I have no use for it and if <u>any</u> of you guys can do something with it, it's better than it just sitting on my hard drive. I have no illusions of it being very creative layout - it's not. It is however, somewhat solid layout that sticks to the basics - not a bad thing alltogether.

    I named it ns_thales by a greek philosopher whose name was the first thing I saw as I looked at my desk while thinking of a name. But it's not bad really, since Hera is a goddess of greek mythology. Who knows, maybe future humans like to name their ground facilites by greek history. In my head, the map is 50% nice and clean and 50% gritty and industrial. If someone is actually interested, I can tell more stuff I had in mind while creating the layout, but for now I leave it here.

    I understand if no one wants to touch it, it's all fine by me. The layout has done its purpose for me by giving me the joy of creating something. Everything that follows, is just a bonus. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' valign='absmiddle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • Brandyfire_comBrandyfire_com Join Date: 2002-12-15 Member: 10886Members
    First off, I think your layout looks great Drift, if we don't use it now and it is still available after we see how this project turns out, I would love to be able to use it in the next one.

    So far there are only 2 of us that are going to be working on the map, I was hoping for 3, but I guess we are just gonna go ahead and start with the 2 of us, If you want to be the 3rd person, contact me at brandyfire@brandyfire.com or just leave a post on this thread. We will try and keep this thread updated with pics of how progress is going, and by all means, please feel free to put in your 2 cents about, if it's a crapy looking map, then plz say so.
  • DriftwoodDriftwood Join Date: 2002-11-11 Member: 8245Members
    <!--QuoteBegin--Brandyfire.com+Jan 26 2003, 11:56 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Brandyfire.com @ Jan 26 2003, 11:56 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->First off, I think your layout looks great Drift, if we don't use it now and it is still available after we see how this project turns out, I would love to be able to use it in the next one.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Thanks, and like I said, the layout is here exactly for this reason. I myself have no claim to it and I'm more than happy to let you work something out of it if you wish to do so. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' valign='absmiddle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • Faded_TigerFaded_Tiger Join Date: 2003-01-25 Member: 12713Members
    Okay call me crazy but why not have rooms, hives etc made as prefabs, very basic textures, very basic exits i.e. no corridors or linkways. Get as many prefabs made by as many people as you can and then have one or two people texture them, add the corridors (possibly also premade prefabs) and have a truely universal map. Okay it may be too much to get everything you need prefabed but at least it would allow more people to have a smaller part in a grand design. e.g. "I built this corridor" or "Wow my spawn turned out good." Just an idea.. Maybe have a prefab download page of rooms etc so people with little mapping experience could make their own maps easier. How many time have you heard "I've got a great idea for a map but can't use hammer very well." How about that for an idea, low poly rooms (I always bust out on polys) available to download? I know it may mean loads of maps all looking similar but it would mean the layout of the map made the gameplay.

    I know there is a lot of things wrong with this idea and I am sure many will post and list them but it may be worth thinking about and shaping to a workable solution.

    Faded Tiger
    (persistant but poor mapper)
  • FamFam Diaper-Wearing Dog On A Ball Join Date: 2002-02-17 Member: 222Members, NS1 Playtester, Contributor
    <!--QuoteBegin--CrAcKbRoCk+Jan 24 2003, 12:10 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (CrAcKbRoCk @ Jan 24 2003, 12:10 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Personally, I would like to see more collaberation between different trades(eg: level designers, modeler, texture artist, etc).
    It would be great to have a site where everyone could meet and then the needs/wants could be posted. Plus, you could have a "porfollio" page for each person, kinda like a membership listing..
    Then people could meet up and use that site as a central location to collaberate their efforts. If I had the time and know how I would do this in a heart beat..but oh well. Anyone up for the challenge?<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    <a href='http://nsworld.ns-central.co.uk/Services.php' target='_blank'>http://nsworld.ns-central.co.uk/Services.php</a>
  • MrBenMrBen ns_eclipse, ns_veil caretaker Join Date: 2002-11-14 Member: 8575Members
    Umm, lets figure a few outs. How many people in total. Will that be the layout we use. And who decides who gets on and who doesn't. I guess that would be brandyfire actually as he is the guy whos idea it was.

    So should we just post a few screens and you can pick out who ya want or what?
  • RED_NEDRED_NED Join Date: 2002-08-10 Member: 1131Members
    lol this sounds crfazy in a fun kinda way.
    i'd be up for a bit of ns mappage i suppose (been mapping for about 4 years or so)

    whoevers in charge wanna contact me through email?

    everreddyneddy@hotmail.com (i use MSN too btw)
  • LonixLonix Join Date: 2003-01-27 Member: 12811Members
    hhmm wouldnt mind giving a co-op effort into making a ns map sounds....interesting......ill give it a try <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • MrBenMrBen ns_eclipse, ns_veil caretaker Join Date: 2002-11-14 Member: 8575Members
    Okay, so now what? We still need to figure out a plan, a style, how many people, and who does what.
  • Brandyfire_comBrandyfire_com Join Date: 2002-12-15 Member: 10886Members
    Ok, heres an update to what's going on, So far we almost have a set layout of the map, we are just working out minor details of it, I also contacted a few people that were interested in putting their skills to work, so hopefully I will hear from them soon. Also, we are working on some guidlines to follow so we all stay on the right track. As soon as I know more I will let ya know. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • Brandyfire_comBrandyfire_com Join Date: 2002-12-15 Member: 10886Members
    edited January 2003
    Ok, I set us up a channel in Mirc in case any of us needs help on something, the channel is <span style='color:red'> #nsmapproject</span> , I figure this will be the easiest way to stay informed, if you do not have Mirc, you can get it here <span style='color:purple'>www.mirc.com </span>. This channel is not just for the guys on the project, but anyone who wants to check the status/progress of the map or if you think you may have some tips to offer or just want to shoot the bull, all are welcome. <span style='color:yellow'>Ohh, this channel is on Gamesnet east server </span>
  • Brandyfire_comBrandyfire_com Join Date: 2002-12-15 Member: 10886Members
    There will be a meeting for all involved in this project This Saturday at 9:00 a.m. eastern time in Mirc channel <span style='color:red'> #nsmapproject</span>, there we are going to be going over the layout, lighting, textures and will assign each mapper there section. Please try and make it if you can, the sooner we all agree on everything, the faster we can start the map, See you guys there, later.
  • DeathToll_DavidDeathToll_David Join Date: 2002-11-09 Member: 7902Members
    Man it's like you were reading my freaking mind. I was litterally coming here to post the EXACT SAME KIND OF POST!!!

    The reason is I have this bad **** marine start (doesnt need to be a marine start of course) and just have yet to do anything with it.

    Think I can get invovled with this and add this to the map? It would be a shame to have it wasted.

    <img src='http://www.hlbumpercars.com/ns_distress8.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image'>

    <img src='http://www.hlbumpercars.com/ns_distress7.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image'>

    <img src='http://www.hlbumpercars.com/ns_distress10.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image'>
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