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  • Subject: If Reach has Forge, include a map testing playlist/custom game finder.
Subject: If Reach has Forge, include a map testing playlist/custom game finder.
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  • Exalted Legendary Member

I am the hand of fate!

In Halo 3, testing new maps isn't exactly hard, but it could be simplified and expanded by creating a map test playlist. This playlist would feature user created maps that would first have to be approved by Shishka by means of Atlas, so it wouldn't be filled with sloppy maps that wouldn't have a chance of getting in either way. The playlist could be connected directly to B.net, so game films from it would be stored either in the Atlas group page, or in a new area. A new mode in theater could also be implemented where screenshots/films taken from the playlist could be channeled through theater onto B.net. From there, you could post them directly into (and ONLY into) the thread which discusses your map. This format would make testing easier, give players a chance to play more community maps without playing customs (even though there isn't going to be that much of a need, due to that CUSTOM GAMES FINDER you guys are implementing, right Bungie? Right? Winkety wink wink), and make the overall process of getting maps into MM.

On that note, the playlist should be exp-free, but it would be very cool to see another form of point system included, which would show how often you have tested. Also, it would be a good idea to include something along the lines of a more public system, so if someone in the game quits out, the game is paused while it searches for more people to join. Okay, that's about it, I will try to refine this thread heavily, but I'm going to be going away on Tuesday, and there are more important things I have to concern myself that with a feature that probably won't get implemented anyway :P. Please leave feedback, as I will take new ideas and put them into the OP. Also, shoot away at it-the post was very rushed, and I am sure a lot of it needs to be tweaked. Thanks for reading.



Edit:Okay, now I have time to make the idea more well though out and better presented.
The basic format would be this:

MM:
Ranked
Social
Play-Test

Under Play-Test, there would be a All option, and there would be a list of different gametypes, or possibly to simplify, just Slayer, and Objective. They would also need to be Team and FFA So, like this.

Play-Test-:
Team
-All
-Slayer
-Objective
FFA
-All
-Slayer
-Objective

While specific Objective gametypes may be possible is only a few are used (I.E, only Flag, Assault, King Variants, and Oddball are possible to search for). Shishka could then add a few when the need arises-if he wants Oddball maps, make a Odball playlists, etc. The maps that are added would be coupled with the gametypes their creator specifies. I.E, very few maps would be made for all. This is the area where it becomes inconvinient-and where a Custom Games finder might do a better job. Or, for example, within a Custom Game Finder, include a map test option, which would be possibly a better idea, as diversity would be possible in there.

Another possible setup would be in this format:

Playtest:
-Map
-Map
-Map

In this format, all maps that have been accepted through Atlas would be clickable options. Then, when you went into one, it would go to this:

[Name of Map}
[Map Description, includes author plus gametypes and number of people]
[List of open games being played on map with gametypes (Where you would choose either a game that hadn't been started, or a game on pause that needs another player).]
[Screenshots/Films of map]
[Feedback]
[Creat game on Map)

All of these options would lead into more options.

The first needs no description. The second and onward does. The second would include the minimum of people and maximum that could play on that map at one time in map testing, and the gametypes you could play on it. For the third, the list would work like this.

List:
-Team or FFA-Gametype-Map-Number of Players Possible-People in Game Currently-Time Left-Score at the Moment/End Score

Let's fill in some blanks hypothetically

-Team-Slayer-Verbatim-6-8 players-3-12:00-0/50

See? The fourth, screenshots and films, would be either clickable and able to be looked at, even though the films may have to be downloadable and not watchable. Even if they were both seeable, there would be a download option. Or, on integrated into Theater.

The fifth would be feedback organized into two categories-a full rating system, and small (or large) notes. I.E, one would have a format, the other wouldn't. The one with the format would probably be number based, with sentences able to be tacked on for good measure.

The sixth would be a area where you could start your own game on the map rather than find one. The options would be limited based on the map. For instance-you can only play a select amount of gametypes, the score for each would be determined, the player size would be determined, and the only thing with any real changability would be the starting weapons, which I can't comment on now because I am unsure of the weapons that will be in the game.

This would be the basic format. From there, you could go to a section in theater, or have the option in theater, to upload a picture, film, or peice of feedback to your B.net account, from where you could add it to threads only in the Atlas (or new) Forum. That's pretty much it. New thoughts?



Feedback:

Posted by: Kealan 02
That could be a BRILLIANT idea. You play a game on a randomly chosen map with a gametype chosen by the creator when it is submitted, then at the end you rate it. All rating are collected in, and if rated High enough Bungie may add to other Playlists. Make the time limit quite short (5 mins) and a 25 kill limit so if it turns out to be a terrible map they won't waste to much time. If the map gets a 0-1 star rating the creator will be blocked from submitting new maps for a limited amount of time. This way more people can get there maps publicised and added playlists. I'm not sure about pausing the game if someone leaves, but If there was a counter for how many maps you voted on they could have a system similar to Newgrounds. The more submissions you vote on, the more effect your vote has on that's submissions overall score. The more maps you test, the more your rating is worth.


Posted by: TW InKoGnIto
I think a custom games finder would be cool.

You could specifically choose what you wanted to search for:

Map
Gametype
etc.

But good idea Mava.


[Edited on 07.26.2009 4:53 PM PDT]

  • 07.26.2009 1:38 PM PDT
Subject: Providing Halo Reach has Forge, include a map testing playlist.

I think a custom games finder would be cool.

You could specifically choose what you wanted to search for:

Map
Gametype
etc.

But good idea Mava.

  • 07.26.2009 1:47 PM PDT

My Maps
Industrial
Tunnel V4
Flogisten : Accidentally Deleted, I hate myself...
Ramped Death : 97% Complete, Awaiting Testing
Osteharcan : Accidentally Deleted, I hate myself...

That could be a BRILLIANT idea. You play a game on a randomly chosen map with a gametype chosen by the creator when it is submitted, then at the end you rate it. All rating are collected in, and if rated High enough Bungie may add to other Playlists. Make the time limit quite short (5 mins) and a 25 kill limit so if it turns out to be a terrible map they won't waste to much time. If the map gets a 0-1 star rating the creator will be blocked from submitting new maps for a limited amount of time. This way more people can get there maps publicised and added playlists. I'm not sure about pausing the game if someone leaves, but If there was a counter for how many maps you voted on they could have a system similar to Newgrounds. The more submissions you vote on, the more effect your vote has on that's submissions overall score. The more maps you test, the more your rating is worth.

[Edited on 07.26.2009 1:54 PM PDT]

  • 07.26.2009 1:49 PM PDT

Die, just die

Yep, my thoughts exactly

  • 07.26.2009 2:27 PM PDT
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Legends never die.

(RESERVED POST)

  • 07.26.2009 3:08 PM PDT
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  • Exalted Legendary Member

I am the hand of fate!

OP updated to be more precise. Thanks for the comments, I'll add some into the OP soon.

  • 07.26.2009 4:45 PM PDT
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  • Exalted Legendary Member

I am the hand of fate!

Anyone else?

  • 07.27.2009 12:38 PM PDT
Subject: If Reach has Forge, include a map testing playlist/custom game finder.
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I completely agree, the only time i used forge was to do stupid things when i played with friends and not create anything, because whats the point of making a gametype and level that no one gets to play anyways? I want to be able to publish what I create so people can easily join in by searching for a custom game I created... This doesnt mean get rid of matchmaking, but if you have to go on the forums and beg people to try your map out there is almost no point in it! Another thing would be cool if you liked a map someone made, you can add the developer of that map to your "favorites" and every time they publish a new creation you can be asked if you want to download it as soon as its availible over XBL.

  • 07.27.2009 12:47 PM PDT