EPTo Do you think maps (should) "play a role in developing the game which cannot be overestimated"? What have you contributed?
Absolutely! Maps can help lead the design process and to balance some (not all) issues. I have contributed to making maps and organizing some of the map makers.
o Have you learned anything about SC2 / RTS games (etc) from what mapmakers ended up creating in WoL? Are you inspired?
Yes, I have learned quite a bit I think. I faltered towards the end of WoL in my inspiration. I am still looking to re-capture that.
o What makes a map bad/good? Can certain feature(s) be guaranteed to make a map bad/good, or should you take an artistic approach by having a cool idea or two and then balancing general (interconnected) principles in the execution said ideas?
Maps can be both good and bad. I think the best maps will tend to try and emphasize 1 or 2 specific aspects instead of being a mishmash. It is perfectly acceptable for maps to be favorable to one race in my opinion. Artistic expression is best left through the aesthetics design rather than the layout design.
o Are these the worst/most extreme/best WoL maps made so far? If not, which are? What if you could edit any just a little?
Subjective is subjective, will not answer right now.
o Are the current maps perfect? Are we satisfied with this? How much better can they get? What should mapmakers do next?
Hell no, of course not, they can get a LOT better I think, and mapmakers have several options lying before them but most importantly is creating connections with tournament organizers and educating the community w/o all of the racial bias that frequently dilutes the opinion of maps.
