What elements would you have in a map ranking system?

[michael]

So i'm making an altitude map website, where everyone will be able to upload maps. And i'll have an altitude server(s) that hosts the newest maps, highest ranked maps, stuff like that. I have been thinking of the ranking system, and here are my thoughts, i would appreciate other peoples comments on this.

So far i'm leaning toward a 5-star rating system with the following categories.

1. Fun - Is the map fun? Pretty self explanatory. If its not fun, then its not fun. To many tight passage ways, too much open space, etc are things i can think of that would make a map not fun.
2. Quality/Rules - Regardless of whether it is fun, does it follow the quality standard of the maps included with Altitude?
   • FFA - are the spawn points and power ups fair?
   • TBD - Is the map symmetrical? (TBD should be symmetrical, if its not, it had still better be VERY fair. I have played some poorly-made TBDs where there is an obvious advantage to one team just because of the map layout).
   • TBD - Is it possible to bomb the enemy base, but also possible to defend yours?
   • TBD - No neutral turret walls (sorry jeppew)
   • Both - Powerups spread out, not clustered. Powerup spawn timers within reason (no bombs that spawn in 3 seconds)
3. Graphics - Does the map look good? Colors, images, etc. Does the level have a good feel to it? Or does it look thrown together or lacking color entirely? Also part of this is whether the file size is under control. A really cool map thats 30 MB isn't fun for anyone (or my poor server )

Basically, people should rank the maps in such a way that a map that gets good ranks in all categories is one that people feel is of good enough quality that it could be included with the game.

What other factors do you think could influence the quality of a map?

[Maxzippoman]

TBD map must be original (not a edited clone)

[Triped]

Since you'll have all the maps, you should make map packs of the good maps. I'd especially appreciate a pack of maps that aren't obscene - would work pretty well with the "only verified content" child setting.

[gameguard]

hmm your no 3 second bomb got me thinking.

Maybe a fun concept could be fast spawning bombs or multiple bomb spawns? it would be cool if you could give the base much more hp and have some kind of bombing match lol. Kinda like the grenade map in counter strike.

[michael]

Originally Posted by Maxzippoman

TBD map must be original (not a edited clone)

Good point. Maybe Fun can be Fun/Originality. Since a map really isn't fun if its a just a rehash of something else.

Originally Posted by Triped

Since you'll have all the maps, you should make map packs of the good maps. I'd especially appreciate a pack of maps that aren't obscene - would work pretty well with the "only verified content" child setting.

Map packs are a good idea. Once the site is up and people upload their maps i'll look into that. Also, because i will own the website, i'm going to be making the rules, and no obscenity is going to be part of it. If someone wants to make a map like that, fine, but they can host it elsewhere.

[nesnl]

Just wanted to make a few comments on this whole thing and maybe throw out some ideas. I really like the idea as a whole because one of the issues facing a potential map maker is an outlet to get the map hosted and tested.

However, as someone who has made a few maps, there should definitely be a a difference between judging a map based on playability and the graphics. I know this point has been made in posts elsewhere in the forums, but it is almost better to design a map with basically no graphical work at all. This is because often times things need to be changed, sometimes small and sometimes big, but either way, the more intense the graphical work, the harder it becomes to change things without putting in more and more work.

Of course you end up running into a problem in that most people don't want to play a map that doesn't look good. So maybe the best way to approach this server is to encourage people to submit maps that are very basic in graphics to begin with so that people can judge their layouts first. That way people would understand that by using the server that they would be dealing with the 'beta' phases of maps and be less harsh to judge it based on anything but its playability first.

It would also be a great opportunity to get people to work together to make maps. Some people are better at making layouts but are horrible at graphics and vice versa. Having a website that you could post PSD files of layouts that were voted good could be a good outlet to then have artists submit possible artwork for those layouts.

Anyway, I look forward to seeing this server when it gets going.

[Triped]

What if somebody made a "beta map" server for maps in that between state? People who joined it would understand they should contribute feedback, try a lot of different things, etc.

Which reminds me, will servers be able to display welcome messages?

[michael]

Originally Posted by nesnl

Of course you end up running into a problem in that most people don't want to play a map that doesn't look good. So maybe the best way to approach this server is to encourage people to submit maps that are very basic in graphics to begin with so that people can judge their layouts first. ...

Originally Posted by nesnl

Having a website that you could post PSD files of layouts that were voted good could be a good outlet to then have artists submit possible artwork for those layouts.

Originally Posted by Triped

What if somebody made a "beta map" server for maps in that between state? People who joined it would understand they should contribute feedback, try a lot of different things, etc.

Hmm, That gives me an idea. Perhaps have seperate sections.

One section for map drafts, this would be the PSD files or whatever, where people can post and get feedback on whether it looks like a good idea, and possible someone can make it for them, or someone can simply get feedback before starting.

Second would be a beta area. This would be were maps are in progress, getting changed lots, etc.

Last would be the published or polished area. This is probably the area where the rating system I mentioned in the first post would be implemented. Drafts and beta would have slightly different areas/criteria.

The first altitude server i will have up will be more the beta type maps (so people can try their ideas.) Hopefully do more after things get going more.

Originally Posted by nesnl

Anyway, I look forward to seeing this server when it gets going.

Thanks

Originally Posted by Triped

Which reminds me, will servers be able to display welcome messages?

I imagine they will in the future.

[nesnl]

I just checked your server and noticed you were running an older version of ffa_mayhem. An updated version is available and is linked in my map making post.

Also, just in response to what you said above, I tried making a "Map Making Challenge" post. Basically it was an offer to anyone to post a potential layout for a map and then people would critique and vote on what was best and then my cousin (Redshift) and I (Maimer) would draw all the art for the layout and also cut it all up and make a map out of it. After a few weeks, only one person had posted a potential map and it was hard to drum up interest. I think in the end most people want to reserve their right to say things like "this map sucks" or "the art on this map is horrible" but the reality is they don't have any clue as to what a good map layout would be nor do they have any idea of how to make any art. So I am interested to see if you can actually get people interested in making maps and working together to get some quality ones out there.

-Maimer

[michael]

Originally Posted by nesnl

I just checked your server and noticed you were running an older version of ffa_mayhem. An updated version is available and is linked in my map making post.

Sorry. I mostly got the server up and running, added one map (just to understand how to do it manually through the xml file) and then haven't touched it in a while. I should probably turn it off until the site is actually ready.

Is there an easy way for me to tell what version of ffa_mayhem i have on my server short of actually playing it and noticing the things that were changed/fixed in newer versions?