BF2S Forums Scout Update

Kptk92 wrote:

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t231 … outlol.jpg

ChillyWI, on the Steam Forums wrote:

How Valve selects custom maps... The Inside Scoop

So, I've had discussions with a number of mappers on how Valve selects custom maps. I actually know one of the custom maps that will be released (excluding Junction and Watchtower) based on conversations with the mapper. I won't share the name of it, since Valve asked the mapper to not share with more than a couple friends, but I will give insight into how Valve selects their custom maps. Note that this is all based on information I got a few weeks ago, and may not be 100% accurate anymore. It's still how they selected this current batch, though.

First of all, Valve has a custom map day each week for their staff. Staff are asked throughout the week to select any custom maps that stand out. While I didn't get more information on this, I'm guessing that maps need to be nearly completed (ie fully functional and fully textured). This means that with the Scout update maps like pl_frontier and pl_cashworks are likely to be excluded because they're still in development.

Second, Valve makes note of maps that play really well and keep tabs on any revisions. They continue to replay the maps over and over, looking for issues, until they're satisfied that the map is suitable for release.

Third, they contact the mapper. In the case that I'm familiar with, they told the mapper that they were interested, asked if he was interested in allowing it, and went from there. The mapper was told it was extremely hush-hush and that they'd castrate him if he leaked info. (I'm guessing he might have had to sign a NDA, but I'm not entirely sure)

Fourth, any entities in the map that were provided by other custom developers needed to be ok'd with those developers. This includes custom models, custom textures, etc. I know of one instance where a custom entity was bought from the person by Valve, which means that other mappers will get access to it when the update is released. This is smart for legal reasons and it's also smart because Valve helps out the custom mappers as well, since they don't have to package as much custom content which means their map sizes will stay smaller.

At this point I didn't hear anything about the selection process, but I assume Valve simply asks the developer for a final build (or compiles it themselves) and then packages it into the release, along with the other custom content. They would then make the nifty announcement page and then it's just a matter of waiting for the release.

What this means...
Maps that are included will have been out and finished for quite a while before the update. While there are some excellent maps that are close to being finished, they're still not 100% done and wouldn't be included by Valve. This includes some of the most popular custom maps, although those are the best candidates for being included in future releases.

An added note about the maps included... while junction is very small and close-quarters, it is still one of the better maps to play with very few people. Not all servers have 20+ on them all the time, and Junction provides a nice alternative to Gravel Pit for smaller crowds.

Watchtower can be a lot of fun unless you're playing against an elite sniper, but most games don't end up having excellent snipers. Overall it plays a lot different than existing arena maps, which is a good thing. Variety never hurt anyone.

Overall we're looking at 3 or more custom maps and 1 official Valve map. 4 new maps in an update, along with a new game mode and scout updates... I'd say this is one of the better releases.

Kptk92 wrote:

Anyone wanna hazard guesses as to what the Achievements are. They have the pictures and the titles, but no descriptions

Last edited by DoctaStrangelove (2009-02-19 14:14:01)

Last edited by DoctaStrangelove (2009-02-19 14:34:28)