1. #1

    curios about how level creators build out their maps

    I've done maps for other games many years ago. Quake III Arena specifically, and the original Quake. So I'm going to make some maps for this game when i can. I'm working with HD right now in anticipation of Evo, but I was wondering if my process is the same as the pros use

    When i create a map/level I story board it on paper (of course in the end it never ends up that way). then I go in and build the obstacles and the route.

    After I've got the entire run complete I go back and start adding decorations, terrain, environment etc.

    I am curious is that is the standard way you build levels, or do you develop all the way through. meaning you build a couple jumps, then add the surrounding pieces, triggers, events etc then move on to the next obstacle.

    My thoughts are I might be compromising a map by building the whole thing out then coming back to add things. The problem I have is i build it out, then while adding ancillary items, events etc I find that i should have maybe done things differently, but since I've already mapped out the whole run it's way too much work to change things.
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  2. #2
    Happyflow's Avatar Senior Member
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    AW: curios about how level creators build out their maps

    I start thinking about the theme. As soon as I have decided I do the driving line. Afterwards I add the decorations.
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  3. #3
    RetiredRonin's Avatar Senior Community Manager
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    Re: curios about how level creators build out their maps

    I try to have a theme in mind before I start. If there is a certain obstacle or element I am basing the track on I will build it first. It can be really hard working backwards but it can be the best way to complete you goal.

    I also build one section (cp to cp) at a time and decorate as I go, saving after each section. Nothing worse than deleting 2 hours worth of work when you've run out of pieces.
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  4. #4

    Re: curios about how level creators build out their maps

    I usually just get an idea in mind that includes a couple cool decoration ideas. I never have an idea as to what the driving line looks like. I don't even draw it out. Theni build everything together as I go.
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  5. #5
    stiggyhead's Avatar Senior Member
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    Re: curios about how level creators build out their maps

    I always do tracks when i feel inspired by a certain theme and start building the first couple of obstacles and try to make the rest of the driving line and background evolve in the most natural way possible from the first part of the track.
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  6. #6

    Re: curios about how level creators build out their maps

    Originally Posted by ShiftySamurai
    I try to have a theme in mind before I start. If there is a certain obstacle or element I am basing the track on I will build it first. It can be really hard working backwards but it can be the best way to complete you goal.

    I also build one section (cp to cp) at a time and decorate as I go, saving after each section. Nothing worse than deleting 2 hours worth of work when you've run out of pieces.
    Wow, seriously I can't imagine working backwards through a map. that must be insane.


    Some great answers here. Glad you guys respond.
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  7. #7

    Re: curios about how level creators build out their maps

    Skumbag makes the entire template before making any drive line, that's the most interesting design technique I have seen.
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  8. #8

    Re: curios about how level creators build out their maps

    I usually pick a theme, build the first obstacle and make a start on the background. By this time I have a close approximation of what my object pallete is for the track.
    Once the first checkpoint is in I ride it over and over until I "feel" where and what the next obstacle will be.
    This helps me to create a flow in the track. From there on I just ride the previous checkpoint and see what I feel comes next naturally, adding the background to the next checkpoint.

    So in short, first obstacle -> background -> second obstacle -> background -> rinse/repeat/ = usually something pretty good.
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  9. #9

    Re: curios about how level creators build out their maps

    I start with one crappy obstacle, then add more crappy obstacles. Then, I add crappy background.
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  10. #10

    Re: curios about how level creators build out their maps

    Originally Posted by bobozilla
    I start with one crappy obstacle, then add more crappy obstacles. Then, I add crappy background.
    Haha! don't put yourself down mate, we all start somewhere... besides! building a track is like a piece of ART and ART is very subjective.. one rider might love it whilst another rider will hate it.

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