To All MAP Makers. Combine all maps into one dl file

Totally in agreement.  I nominate Dirty Sanchez since he has seniority.

I nominate you.

I don't have a problem with that.  In all actuality we'll probably collaborate on setting something up so other mappers can submit their work into the compilation.

We should probably set something up community-wise to make a regular standardized map-pack release.  I have a friend who can even set us up with installer programs to get rid of the nasty install issues.

That would be cool I ahve a few interestign maps collecting dust.

Put the IRC PUG installer in it too )

I also offer my 8MB of maps

harpo

8 MB @_@

Each map is only like 50 KB.  How many maps do you have!?

only 48 in my map rar so far, but they range from 2.5k to 632k and the rar is only 114k

harpo

Okay, I was hoping we wouldn't have to open this bag of worms, but at this point there's serious consideration that our compilation could exceed 100 maps.  That's a lot of clutter in the GalaxyForge menu.  We may need to set some limits to keep our number of maps reasonable.

Might help to group them by player size. Per example, a map pack for 1vs1, 5vs5, 3vs3, 5man FFA, etc etc etc. That way people can download the type of map they like to play. Might reduce the number slightly, unless they download all the micro packs.

I for one have 78 maps in my GalaxyForge, so adding to the clutter wont be that bad for me. It just takes getting use to it.

carbon I have 84 in my galaxyforge, and another folder for converting from old mapversions that has 14 in it, and this is only my main internet machine

harpo

The whole reason we're pursuing this compilation is because there appears to be a community demand for a single comprehensive compilation.  I don't have a problem with lots of material, but if everyone were to dump their entire collection into the pool we could easily hit 200 maps.  Seeing as Sins only shipped with about 50 maps in total, that's somewhat excessive.

I was just offering a small suggestion to help those who dont want all the maps.

another suggestion is that the pack compiler choose the maps based upon fairness ie all player starts are similar, and also size number of gw's & stars as well as type

harpo

That much is true, but the underlying problem is still that if you download the whole compilation (as most people will), you'll have a huge amount of maps in your galaxyforge folder.

Thats a problem?  

You could do what we plan to do for Distant Stars. We will have a site that people can post their maps for others to download, but they have to be approved. A simple Galaxy Forge test to see the layout is all thats would be needed for these 'competetive grade' maps. I think most of yall are able to tell now that if a maps gonna work out by the layout.

Is this specifically to have one download for multiplayer online?  A limited number of maps can be an advantage if they are to be set maps rather than random, as with set maps players have to 'know the map'.  Perhaps after this time having a few more might be an improvement, if there are to be no new official maps. 

How about setting a strict limit on the number of maps, and also having a maximum number of maps per creator?  If there was a thread, and the provisional maps were posted before finalised, then we could also have a discussion about online map design theory?  I'd much prefer a community pack that added only a dozen or so good, proven MP maps to one that added two hundred, of extremely variable quality. 

That much is true, though I am loath to play policeman and arbitrator in the borderline cases. As well, this doesn't solve the problem of our more prolific mappers, who are churning out quality material very quickly.

I'm more with DesConnor on this one, producing a lean map lineup that's already been vetted by the community.  We could have one "super-pack" as well with the whole works, and then our "essentials" pack with the standard multiplayer stuff.

And how does the community vote on said maps?

That's what we have to work out, now isn't it?

LOL, yes. But I dont see how making a condenced map pack is going to work if the community has to download all the maps to try out first?

Maybe Im looking it the wrong way.

It's a very good point, actually.  I think we've gotta plan this out carefully so it's done right.

How about-

i) Have a list of map makers who want to contribute

ii) Ask each of them to nominate one or two of their favourite maps, possibly compromise to get a range of maps from 1v1 to 5v5  

iii) Produce a beta download, with a thread with screenshots of the maps

iv) Ask for the maps to be tested online, and for reports and replays, over a couple of months

v) Maps with 'votes' in the form of positive reports and replays posted are then included in the final.

vi) A final pack, with credits for both mapmakers and beta download testers with posted replays.