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16925 Posts
SC2 Map Forum Guidelines
The TeamLiquid SC2 Map subforum is a place to post your own maps and get feedback, discuss mapmaking techniques, discuss mapmaking concepts and other related concepts, for both melee and custom maps.
All threads should be prefixed with their appropriate tag. Failure to comply with this standard will result in threads being closed.
In order to promote intelligent discussion and constructive criticism, please follow the guidelines outlined below:
Map threads (credit and thanks to CharlieMurphy for this section)
Map threads are a place for members of the community to release their maps, melee or custom, and receive helpful feedback from others. Map threads should be prefixed with an [M] tag in the thread title.
Please only open a map thread after spending time on the map; although we encourage you to ask for critiques on your maps, map threads which show maps with an obvious lack of effort will be closed.
Map threads should contain the following: - Title should be: ' [M] Blistering Sands 1.0 ' etc. Custom maps may have a [UMS] tag. ' [UMS] Aeon of Strife 2.1 ' etc.
- Top of OP a banner image (optional) , A nice opening image to catch the eye of the reader is always nice. The size should be something like 600x365 (not sure on max size here for TL without breaking the layout).
- Repeat the name of the map with the current version in bold. This will help people understand if they are looking at, or reading older map versions when you change things.
- Creation Details. Any personal details about the map; Why the name is what it is, How your little sister punched you in the balls when you were making the map, or How your power went out before you saved because your dog chewed the power cables and your room smells like burnt hair now.
- Map Pics. So we should start with a top down view as well as the in game angled viewpoints. In order to take screenshots in the map editor you need to go to: Data> Export Map Image. Here you can change the X and Y sizes for the resolution (usually something 1024 or higher should be good). Next you should change the camera angle, for a top view change it to 100.0, for a gameplay style view set it to 40.0. You can also click 'generate preview' on the right to see how it will look. Click OK and then your images should be saved either to desktop or the sc2 folder in my documents. These will be saved as .tga files, in order to upload them somewhere you need to have a program like Irfanview. Open the files with IV and hit Ctrl+S then Tab, J, J or Tab, J, Tab, J and then Enter. This will save them as Jpegs.
I recommend using http://imgur.com/ to upload the files as you can upload multiple images at once and then scroll through them as they are numbered. Copy the [img] blahblaj.jpg [ /img] tags. It is also a good idea (optional) to copy the top down picture to write on with mspaint. Where the mains are, circle any D(estructable)-rocks or hard to see locations, ramps, etc.
- Extra Detailed pics (optional but recommended). These pics should show beautiful detailed terrain/doodads, some wall/bldg placements, how a natural expansion looks with the chokes, how a certain map gimmick looks, key points, some test game battles with a friend, etc. It's probably a good idea to spoiler these images as they can create a very large op quickly. You will need to go to: View>Camera>Reset to Gameplay View or View>View Entire Map. Then when you have the view you like just hit print screen (will save to sc2 document folder labeled as Terrain###.jpg). Or you can play around with the free camera options and get some cool shots. Mouse wheel is what you use to control the camera zoom and in free camera you must hold down alt+mouse wheel to rotate. You don't need to recreate the entire map with pictures, but a few to really illustrate some elements of a map or to show some placements are nice.
- Map Specifications and Numbers. This area is an essential core of the map thread. It should have a list of specific details of the map (as the name implies). Under the Smiles & BBCode when you make a post there is a [ list] option which allows you to make a list of bullet pointed items. This will help to organize this part of the OP so it's easier on the eyes of the reader. Good things to put under each bullet point: Map size, number of players, Main locations (with clock numbering), number of bases, mineral count on each base, number of islands/gold bases/mineral only/etc, locations of XWTs (xel naga watch towers), Locations of LoSBs (line of sight blockers), locations of unpathable terrain, locations of D-Rocks, etc. etc.
Basically any and every detail of the map and especially stuff that is not easily distinguished in the map pictures.
- Map Analyzer pictures. This is a really awesome tool recently created which shows length of pathing for air, ground, and cliff walkers. As well as tightness of paths/chokes, mineral counts of bases, as well as some other neat stuff. Here is the thread http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=132627
- Change log. Here you should list any changes you have made since you first posted the map. It might be a good idea to use the [ list ] function here as well. It's also a good idea to separate the changes by version with a date so people can scroll through the thread and match the date.
- Final comments. Any self suggestions or questions/concerns about the map: Balance, base layout, map size, number of players, pathing, etc. Any specific strategies you were thinking about being used or preventing. Basically any ideas you may have rolling around and want feedback on. Another good way to get feedback would be by using a poll . It's probably not a good idea to get carried away with these, but if there is some major change that people seem to be disagreeing on it might be a good idea to settle it out.
- Download. Should be at the bottom on it's own line of the post so people don't have to fish around the op to find it. If you choose not to have a download link at this time (map isn't complete or whatever reason) then please at least have a line telling people this. I recommended using http://www.mediafire.com/ to upload a map. It will also let you upload multiple things.
Always be civil in map threads. This applies to both mapmakers and commenters as well. Mapmakers: remember to take all advice and critique graciously. Reviewers: do not criticize a map outright; state explicitly why you think a certain map feature doesn't work, and offer suggestions on how it might be fixed.
If you choose to post multiple maps in one thread, please divide them up and make note of which map in each subsequent post. I am not really a fan of multiple maps in a single thread because it gets cluttered and confusing, but it's not looked down upon. So feel free, just make it legible.
Here are some examples of good map threads: (2) Soulfire (2) CloverField (4) Cairo 2428 (4) Argutaris (4) Ground Xero
Help threads
In addition to offering a place for users to showcase their maps, the forums are also a great place to get help for any mapmaking issues you may encounter. Help threads are encouraged for issues such as placing difficult terrain, trouble with a set of triggers, etc. These threads should be prefixed with an [H] tag.
Before making a help thread, please make a good-faith effort on whatever issues you may be having. This means trying to figure out difficult triggers/switches, or trying to place a terrain feature. When making a thread, make sure this is evident. Post any of your current work, so others know that you have at least tried to resolve the issue.
Threads asking simple questions such as "How do I place doodads?" do not deserve their own thread, and can instead be asked in the Simple Questions/Simple Answers thread, available here: http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=138854
Discussion threads
Discussion threads are for mapmaking theory, and are for theoretical discussion of certain map features. These threads should be prefixed with a [D] in the title.
Discussion threads by their very nature cover a wide breadth of issues. Threads must generate discussion to be considered a quality thread. For example, a thread asking "What is your favorite terrain?" with nothing but a poll will quickly be closed. Examples of valid threads would be theoretical discussions on map features such as varying resource counts and what effects they may have on the game, or a thread asking for UMS map suggestions. Pretty much anything goes, as long as the thread shows effort and generates some sort of discussion.
Guide threads
Guide threads are reserved for threads which give a tutorial on a specific subject. These subjects can range from terrain specific features, triggers and switches, or anything related to maps or Galaxy Editor. These threads should serve as a resource to the rest of the community. It would be greatly appreciated if they also contained relevant screenshots. Guide threads should be prefixed by a [G] tag.
Thank you for your cooperation!
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I disagree with the map download section. My reason for this is by allowing the public to download my maps (as in the .SC2MAP file) they can publish on their account blocking the names. I've ran into this problem in patch 15, and beta phase 2 with Fighting Spirit. Plagiarizing is also a legitimate possibility, however I have not seen nor heard of it so far.
As for single player maps or other things, I don't see this being a problem, however it's important that people are aware of the risks when allowing the general public direct access to their map outside of the game.
Also, if any new mapmakers are looking for a solid general template for posting a map thread, my format has proven effective (amongst many others of course)
See an example here
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16925 Posts
Ah, I intended for the map download to be for finished maps that have already been published. I probably should've been more clear. Do you think that's still an issue?
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On July 27 2010 13:36 Empyrean wrote: Ah, I intended for the map download to be for finished maps that have already been published. I probably should've been more clear. Do you think that's still an issue? Even when they're published, speaking specifically for me of course I only intend on letting a select few people actually play with any of my maps in the editor (namely the iCCup mapmaking team, and anyone who's publish the map for me as I definitely will run out of slots) again just to make sure that none of my work is plagiarized.
Others may choose to allow people to play with their maps, and that's entirely up to them. I just want to make sure they understand the risks as having someone else take credit for your hard work is not something I think anyone really wants
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16925 Posts
That's a good point, I suppose.
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16925 Posts
Oh thanks, I'll add that to the OP.
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Once more people get custom maps made, can you make them have a different tag than [Maps] or [M]? That way it would be quick to distinguish between them. Could be easy as [CMap] or [UMS].
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On July 29 2010 16:28 Alventenie wrote: Once more people get custom maps made, can you make them have a different tag than [Maps] or [M]? That way it would be quick to distinguish between them. Could be easy as [CMap] or [UMS].
You mean like [Melee] and [UMS]? So far almost every map I've seen posted here (and before the map subforum) has been a melee map.
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On July 31 2010 05:09 dimfish wrote:Show nested quote +On July 29 2010 16:28 Alventenie wrote: Once more people get custom maps made, can you make them have a different tag than [Maps] or [M]? That way it would be quick to distinguish between them. Could be easy as [CMap] or [UMS]. You mean like [Melee] and [UMS]? So far almost every map I've seen posted here (and before the map subforum) has been a melee map. IMO melee maps can stay with the standard [Map], but for customs as they deserve a different look on them should be something like [UMS].
Just IMO
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On July 31 2010 05:09 dimfish wrote:Show nested quote +On July 29 2010 16:28 Alventenie wrote: Once more people get custom maps made, can you make them have a different tag than [Maps] or [M]? That way it would be quick to distinguish between them. Could be easy as [CMap] or [UMS]. You mean like [Melee] and [UMS]? So far almost every map I've seen posted here (and before the map subforum) has been a melee map.
I'm sure eventually people will link to custom maps once people make them. Normally they take longer to finish because its not just make bases, terrain, and then tweak map to balance. Some take a long time from customizing triggers -> camera -> in game cut scene/voice stuff. In the coming months it would probably be something to look at once a solid base for the UMS map makers are around making good ums maps that last.
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Cool it is good to clarify precisely what this sub-forum is for. I remember requesting to put that map symmetry thread in here and not knowing if it was a good idea or not.
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Melbourne5338 Posts
Can we make people clarify if they are posting a melee/comp map or a custom/ums map. They all have such creative names and I get confused.
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16925 Posts
This was a point in the past, but no one was posting custom maps so I never really bothered with it.
I suppose since the vast majority of maps are melee, the "default" map status could be melee...if someone's posting a custom map, they should probably put some variant of "custom" in the beginning of the thread title. Thoughts?
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Regarding the 'download' section - the mechanics of map distribution have changed in SC2, and you no longer have to download the map file externally, then host the game on Battle.net, and have people join/download from you.
When someone wishes to publish a map on SC2, we publish directly to Battle.net (usually as a 'Locked') map. At this point it uploads the SC2Map directly to battle.net, which then becomes available as a map for everyone on that realm.
If you wish to play someone's custom map, simply go to Multiplayer, click on 'Versus AI'. Your SC2 client will then download the entire map list from Battle.net, and you can then sort through and find the map in question.
It does not even need to be in the popular games list, i.e. all maps ever published as Public are available for 'Versus AI' play. Once you've downloaded the map and gotten into the lobby, you can exit it and create a real game with real people.
I personally have not made any of my SC2Map files available for public download, as prodiG has pointed out, someone can simply change the name and upload the map as their own.
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Don't be afraid to post, tl is lurker HEAVEN + Show Spoiler +!
Read the original posts in any thread you are interested in through and through and think before frantically typing frenetically, reading everyone's post on the thread might seem useless, but it never is.
Be precise and honest when you ask something, even if some people love to "shroud" their questions and/or answers with abbreviations or other fanciness... don't substantiate this trend on tl, just ask for more precisions via post or pm.
Remember blizz has capped to 10 + Show Spoiler +(in practice, it's 8 if you're a "regular" tester or publisher and can get down to 2 if you are maxing the Ko cap + Show Spoiler +(sorry, to lazy to go check for the exact stats on Ko) ) the number of publishable maps.. so MAPMAKERS NEED HELP IN POSTING THEM!
Get/give one hug everyday, at least!
There are a whole bunch of threads that you'd probably enjoy reading already there on the older pages (the search function would seem useful if you like bigbrother to tell you what's what, otherwise go look for stuff by combing ancient history, using said function being an excellent start), this is of course if you are "into mapmaking" (possibly you wouldn't be reading this otherwise), Barrin has made this very useful thread regrouping many a mapmaker thread ... with varying subjective interests.
tl forums allow for links that can be used and misused (linking the threads or stuff you are referencing is priceless for one) when posting. However a poster should never feel (or be made to feel) "inferior" because he did not know about something (like the use of said tl functionalities or the very thing he is asking for), its the posters' choice to help you or not to get to where you are going.... the more incentive you give people, the more likely you'll get what you were after (possibly hanging on against an ocean of questionable posts (the more you let on, the more people can take advantage of that))... which is after all the case anywhere on the worldwide web.
Forum etiquette on any "forum" is subjective to: prior history, gender, private pet peeves and what have you... so much so that many a forum is dubbed "trollheaven" or other... tl has strict mods (funny: + Show Spoiler +mod: moderators / mod: modified maps ) and pet peeves, this should not deter YOU from posting. Try it once a year at least+ Show Spoiler + (plus remember, banned people can still lurk, so from a lurker's point of view it's a no lose situation) .
Sc2 players that scout and appreciate the forum should advertise it on the other sc2 forums (a simple "go on the forum" link is effective and very helpful all around. The maps need invested players and more of them if any map pool nonsense is to ever emerge healthy. Thank you poster, yes YOU, if you are feeling that you..'ve "been there done that!", and are still out there stressing the "map making tester factor" to all the players out there! A link in their original post for "people exited to play your maps" and ready to do so when online, is a must for mapmakers advertising. Players should be much more involved in posting such threads. Barrin's thread is one that let's mapmakers ask for help with testing / refining their maps.
Barrin has also generously offered mac users his services to counter the "no map analyzer on the granny" issue for mapmakers who wish to display them for their maps in their threads.
Don't be afraid to just "bump" an old thread, if you're genuinely trying to say something to further discussions... + Show Spoiler +example: I regularly (once a week or less) bump sc2bw, cause it's the bomb! and hence I feel MavercK (the author of the mod) should never have to bump himself (not like he needs it since he gets bumped from genuine interest from loads of people but you get the general concept)
When genuinely thanking another human being, one should always have the courtesy to do it with verve and style + Show Spoiler +(actually naming who you are thanking helps I hear) .
In closing: share!
This post is done entirely for the purpose of more people actually reading what came before in this (or indeed any) thread.+ Show Spoiler +particularly before posting
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16925 Posts
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If I want to create a thread for an UMS that I did not create and am not associated with (except as a player), is that allowed?
I want to create one for Marine Arena to discuss strategies.
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On February 02 2011 18:07 Yurie wrote: If I want to create a thread for an UMS that I did not create and am not associated with (except as a player), is that allowed?
I want to create one for Marine Arena to discuss strategies.
I think if you titled it "[D] Marine Arena - Strategies" and give the author credit, explain what you just explained here, then yeah its all right. I'd be flattered if players of a UMS map I made wanted to create strategy discussion threads about it.
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